Why Vienna is the (2nd) Best City in the World to Live

A cool look at contemporary Vienna, beyond the clichés. This is a tour designed for locals, to persuade them why this city is so special.

Ranked #1 worldwide for liveability by Mercer Consulting, every year from 2010-23, but now in second place behind Zürich, Vienna is the fastest-growing capital city in the EU. How has the administration managed to combine fast growth and high-quality living? We’ll discuss the concept of a Smart City, and attractive local features like Danube-swimming, cheap tasty eats and social housing politics.

How is the city creatively responding to the challenges of modern life? What remains of the Red Vienna socialist project from the 1920s?

Why do so few Viennese believe that they live in the best city in the world? Perhaps because the messages the city sends out are still mostly from the 19th Century? The criteria used to measure this new science of liveability include: culture, media freedom, weather, housing prices, air quality, wi-fi speed, connectedness to other cities, infrastructure, education system, economic stability, freedom, crime rates, parks, healthcare, architecture, mobility, food scene, architecture and beauty, ideas, networks, location, green space and social innovation, plus social housing. and food. Which Viennese do not care about these things? And yet they dismiss the ranking as a measure for rich expats. If you do not recognise or value what you have, you may well lose it.

This is a critical and intelligent new look at a place which has changed more than many visitors and locals realise. But the Austrian capital has retained its cosiness and now specialises in finding innovative new uses for beautiful, old buildings. Let's celebrate a big city that still respects its citizens, and makes life easy.

'This is the best, and most original, and most-visited, walk Whoosh offers - and one of the first in the world which offers an insight into the complex and abstract idea of liveability, in an entertaining and useful walk through the new Vienna', says walk leader Eugene Quinn.

We specially welcome singles on the walk, since our events are lively and interactive, and the provocations presented mean the group quickly engages in debate among strangers.

Urban Explorer: Eugene Quinn +43 680 1254 354
Personalised walk: The walk is also available for private groups, conferences, visiting journalists and individuals.

No reservation is possible. Just be there on time on the day. Fully accessible for all. We walk in every weather. End is in Mariahilf, Lehargasse.