Vienna - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
We met people through German class, through dogs, and through scuba diving. There are lots of clubs and organizations but I'm not in any of them. Usually, when we socialize, it's over food or drinks. - Sep 2022
I joined a few running/hiking groups when I arrived and met lots of local friends that way. I think the UN does a ski group as well. - Sep 2021
Vienna Babies Club - you will meet other international english-speaking mom's who have kids your age. They coordinate activities and play dates. - Feb 2019
InterNations provides a good way to meet people from all over the world in Vienna. Lots of different groups with a wide range of activities. - Jul 2018
Social media has made being able to connect with locals and fellow expats easy. There seems to be a group for everyone. - Nov 2017
Dog walking. Children's activities. Hiking. Charity work. Church. - Jun 2016
Heuriger (wine taverns), beer gardens, tons of good restaurants, Christmas markets (stand around a table merrily drinking gluwein), the Opera, Viennese Balls, lots of musical performances, theater (some in English), English language theaters. - Mar 2015
Go to a wine tavern (heuriger) in nice weather with friends -- like a big picnic in the vineyards. Go to Long Night of the Museums, when city museums are open 'til 1:00 a.m. Go to free filmed concerts, both classical and jazz, at the Rathaus (city hall) in summer and to the Christmas markets in Nov-Dec. Go on the New Year's Champagne Trail on New Year's Eve. Go to concerts and the opera. Hit the excellent (if not very varied) restaurants. - Jul 2014
Um...it's Vienna. The list is endless. - Mar 2014
You name it, it's here! Do not miss the Viennese Ball season or a night at the Opera! - Aug 2013
The embassy community is quite fragmented. It's not the kind of place you can expect to know everyone. People are off doing their own things. But that's OK, it's just different. - May 2013
As much or as little as you want. - Jan 2013
Lots to do (see above). However, I found the sense of community very lacking in Vienna compared to other posts. Perhaps it's because this is Western Europe, so people think it should be easy to acclimate. - Aug 2011
Exists, but it's quiet. This is not a party city. It shuts down early and it's not rowdy. - Aug 2011
Vast. The ball season is a treat --- over 600 formal balls in a 2-month period. - Aug 2009
Opera, theater, wine drinking, movies, etc. - Aug 2009
Varied. Like most of Europe, small pubs abound. There are clubs and bars for the younger crowd, as well as the more mature (like myself). If you are in town for any length of time, take dance classes, as you are in a dance capitol. They can often be very reasonably priced and a lot of fun. I found a 10-week course at one of the top dance schools teaching most of the primary ballroom forms. - Jul 2009
Home, out, whatever. There are clubs, restaurants, opera, theater, etc. - Apr 2008
Moderate. - Jan 2008
