The Most Liveable City in the World

In a research released today, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) selected Vienna as the world’s most livable city for a second time.

The declaration comes after Vienna was ranked #1 in the Quality of Life Survey 2023 by Monocle for the first time. This award reinforces Vienna’s remarkable attributes, which make it the perfect city to live, work, and travel. Vienna continues to enchant residents and visitors alike with its unmatched attractiveness and extensive historical legacy.

“All great things start in cities – and only a city that is liveable for its inhabitants can also be an attractive city for tourists. Vienna shines again in the recent quality of life surveys in 2023. Its imperial architecture, stunning landscapes, rich culture, and commitment to sustainable urban development earn Vienna this well-deserved recognition. With exceptional infrastructure and equally excellent health care, education and safety measures, Vienna is the epitome of an ideal home – and destination for travelers,” said Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board.

Both annual surveys take into account a range of factors, including stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, among others. Vienna’s allure extends far beyond its liveability factors, making it an attractive destination for tourists.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Vienna World’s Fair, an event that put Vienna on the world map as a global metropolis city.

In 1873, the Vienna World’s Fair opened and the foundations put in place for the event continue to benefit the city even now. A boom in new hotels, cafes and restaurants in 1873 started city tourism as we know it, and included some of Vienna’s most iconic hotels and coffee houses, including the Hotel Imperial, Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna and Café Landtmann.

Developments at the time also included the inauguration of the first Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline which has been decisive for the high quality of life the city offers to this day.

Renowned for its wine growing traditions, Vienna boasts idyllic vineyards that dot the landscape. Visitors can revel in the exquisite taste of locally produced wines, immersing themselves in a fusion of history and viticulture. The city’s coffee house culture has also become an emblem of the city’s identity. These traditional establishments offer a warm and inviting atmosphere, where locals and visitors can enjoy a cup of rich, aromatic coffee while engaging in lively conversations or simply indulging in some well-deserved relaxation. Vienna’s coffee houses have become a significant part of the city’s social fabric and like Viennese Heuriger wine tavern culture, traditional Viennese coffeehouse culture now appears on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural assets.

The city’s rich cultural offering is another major draw. The city boasts an abundance of inspiring architecture, from imperial palaces to grand opera houses. The Viennese commitment to the arts is evident in its numerous museums, galleries, and music venues, which host world-class exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year.

Vienna’s reclamation of the title of the most liveable city underscores the city’s commitment to excellence and reinforces its status as a premier tourist destination. With its exquisite wine growing, vibrant coffee house culture, and remarkable cultural offerings, Vienna promises an unforgettable experience for all who set foot in this remarkable city.