Public Transport

Vienna has a very well-developed public transport system. Weiner Linien operates five underground lines, 28 tram and 85 bus lines, of which 24 are night lines. Weiner Linien currently has a vehicle fleet that consists of over 500 tram cars and almost 500 buses. The subway system is still being developed and extended and suburban rail lines extend some way into the countryside.  

Vienna’s public transport is part of the eastern region transport association. This is split up into eight zones and Vienna accounts for one entire zone or core zone.

The flexibility and convenience of Vienna’s public transport system is shown by its popularity; 53% of Viennese people use public transport to get to and from their workplace

Overall

Score of 10/10 because Vienna’s public transport system is remarkable and this is shown in its accessibility and the vast majority of the Viennese’s that use it to commute to and from work. 

References:

http://www.wien.gv.at/english/transportation-urbanplanning/public-transport/

http://www.wien.info/en/travel-info/to-and-around/public-transport

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_in_Vienna#Public_transportation

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g190454-s303/Vienna:Austria:Public.Transportation.html

Culture and Recreation

Vienna Town Hall

Vienna is brimming with rich culture, amazing architecture and awesome restaurants.

Ball season, Donauinselfest, Film Festival am Rathausplatz and Vienna city marathon are just a few events that bring this beautiful city to life.

With buildings that span back to the mid 1700’s, Vienna is home to some of the most breathtaking architecture. The influence of art deco or 'Jugendstil' as it is called in Vienna is seen not only in the traditional buildings, but also in many tube stations. More modern structures are also very present in Vienna’s architecture.

The sidewalks are overflowing with cafes and parks, inviting you to take a break, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The various samples of the cities culture such as their literature, theatre and classical music are just a few things that add to the rich culture of this beaming city.

Food and drink are another alluring area to Vienna, offering excellent dining options located near to the best locations.  

Gloriette

Botanic Gardens (Palmenhaus Schönbrunn)

The Secession Museum

Overall
Score of 10/10 because there is no fault that can be found in Vienna’s culture and recreation. The magnificent design of its architecture is truly breathtaking.

References:

http://www.aboutvienna.org/architecture_in_vienna.php

http://www.europe-cities.com/en/600/austria/vienna/culture/

Hygiene and Health

General Hospital of Vienna

Once occupation is taken up (in Austria), they are instantly covered by insurance. This cover extends to pensioners, university students and school students. Since 2005, all occupants have an e-card which holds all of the details of their healthcare and is used to verify their cover. These cards are automatically sent to you via mail by your health insurance institution.

You can be either fully covered by the private pay or the public program, however supplementary private insurance is also available for a more comfortable visit to the hospital. This comfort can include a private room, private doctor and flexible visiting hours.

Service charges of 10 Euro are due every year, and are collected by the employer. Every employer is responsible for the registration of the employee to the relevant social insurance office. Certain people, such as those insured with to social security institution for Trade and Industry, do not have to pay the service charge.

Railway employees, self-employed persons, civil servants and farmers must contribute (a deductible 20% charge in each case) to medical payments.

All insured people pay deductibles for healing appliances, aids or dentures and pharmaceutical drugs.

All services are mainly given by the contracting parties, such as therapists or hospitals, or specialized institutions like spas and day clinics. These are all operated by the social insurance institutions.

Upside: Great cover over most medical requirements.

Downside: Using the public system means you will be waiting awhile for appointments.

Hygiene in Vienna is considered by most people to be of a high standard. .

Overall

Score of 9/10 because the healthcare system seems to be very beneficial for all occupants. Hygiene is of a great standard.

References:

http://www.wien.gv.at/english/health-socialservices/insurance/institutions.html

http://www.aaro.org/aaro-around-the-world/246

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100905003020AAAH2eL

http://www.datamonitor.com/store/Product/personal_hygiene_in_austria_industry_and_country_analysis?productid=CEAF09CC-1F81-44EA-9FDC-0C961BEE60A3

http://www.internations.org/vienna-expats/guide/living-in-vienna-15447/health-care-in-vienna-3

Education

University of Vienna

Vienna has been a university town since 1365 with obligatory elementary schooling set in place since the days of Maria Theresa.

With a world-famous standard of research, Vienna boasts of multilingual primary schools and private schools for the whole entire community.

Schools offer not only Austrian curriculum, but also American, British, French and many others.

With 9 public universities, and six private, Vienna is definitely considered a major university city, encouraging all students to reach their full potential. These Universities all offer multiple diverse courses, nurturing all talents and abilities.

Overall

Score of 10/10 because no faults could be found about their education system. They offer lots of different courses and schools, making sure that all talents are recognised and used.

References:

http://www.virtualvienna.net/living/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-vienna

Safety and Crime

Vienna is described as one of the safest capital cities in Europe, but let’s take a closer look at the safety measures and rates present in Vienna.

Good: They offer special parking spots for women in many car park garages allowing females the security of mind when travelling by car alone.

Because of Vienna’s large population, you will find it very hard to be alone in the city. Some would say that it is crowded, but as far as safety goes, this is a massive advantage as it provides safety in numbers.

Safety in numbers

Bad: Pick Pockets are rampant; therefore you must be careful where you place your belongings. Main target areas: Trams, Trams and crowded areas such as amusement parks.  

Crime is becoming more rampant, although it is still at a very good level.

Overall

Score of 8/10 because although crime is 

becoming more of an issue, at this point it is still very good for a city of its population and popularity. The large population keeps you feeling safe as the night gets on, making it a safe city for travellers and residents to live.

References:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g190454-s206/Vienna:Austria:Health.And.Safety.html

http://www.aboutvienna.org/living_in_vienna/quality_of_life.php

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/clean-safe-and-a-little-bit-dull-the-worlds-most-liveable-cities-1675823.html

http://www.nationmaster.com/country/au-austria/cri-crime

http://op-expat.com/2010/06/safety-in-vienna/

About Vienna

Vienna Map

Austria’s capital city, Vienna is described to be one of the most liveable cities in the world, with a population of around 1.731 million. It is the political, cultural and economic centre, and also the largest city, in Austria.

Vienna attained its cultural diversity after the industrial era. It was originally a small Celtic colony, becoming a Roman city in the late 15^th century. During this time, Vienna’s primary use was securing the main Roman Empire. Later in that era, it became the “Holy Roman” Empire’s capital city in which music, scientific debates and fine arts were plentiful. Later, after the Battle of Vienna, Ottoman culture infiltrated their city. Through history, Vienna has always remained a powerful capital city; of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the first Austrian Republic.

Vienna Skyline

Vienna is a prime example of how to incorporate both the old and the new to create beauty. Its streets are filled with breathtaking architecture, amazing culture and friendly people; it truly is a European Paradise. 

References:

http://travel.mapsofworld.com/vienna/information.html
http://www.letsgo.com/europe/austria/vienna