5 of my Best Experiences in Vienna (so far)

By: Chiara Moretti 

As an American student in my early 20s studying abroad in Vienna through IES Abroad, I have already packed a lot into just two months here. Between classes, my internship, and trying to make the most of living in Europe, I have had so many moments that have made this experience exciting, meaningful, and honestly a little surreal at times. Here are five of my favorite experiences so far:

Museums 

One of my favorite things about Vienna is how easy it is to spend an afternoon surrounded by art, history, and beautiful architecture. There are so many museums here that it almost feels impossible to run out of places to visit.

So far, my top two have been the Belvedere and the Albertina, but I have also loved visiting other art museums, palaces, and libraries around the city. What I have enjoyed most is not just the artwork itself, but also the design of the spaces and exhibitions.

And one thing I have learned very quickly: never skip the youth or student discount.

Taking Classes in Vienna 

I am, after all, here to study abroad, and taking classes has been a much more interesting part of the experience than I expected. While I am doing a third-party program rather than going through the more “traditional” university route, I have still found a lot of value in the academic side of being here.

My classes through IES Abroad have given me experiences I definitely would not have had back home.

I have gone from learning German completely from scratch in my beginner language class, to visiting Microsoft for my Strategic Management course, to participating in a field trip where I experienced being blind for my Culture of Immigration class. Even though lectures and exams are still part of the deal, my classes here have made my study abroad experience feel much more immersive.

Sprechen Sie Success 

Another meaningful part of my time in Vienna has been interning at NIWA. Through this internship, I have had the opportunity to work alongside a team of inspiring professional women in the nonprofit sector, which has been both rewarding and eye-opening.

One of my favorite moments so far was helping with the annual Sprechen Sie Success event, where I assisted with set-up, check-in, and served coffee (until we ran out!). What stood out to me most, though, was meeting international migrant women in Vienna and hearing more about their stories, both professionally and personally.

It has been one of the most valuable parts of my time here and has pushed me outside of my American bubble in the best way.

Traveling

One of the biggest perks of living in Vienna is how central it is, which makes traveling to other places in Europe feel much more accessible than I ever imagined. Being here has allowed me to travel more than I ever have before, and that has easily been one of the most exciting parts of studying abroad.

Some of my favorite travel memories so far include wandering around Copenhagen on a beautiful but rainy day, seeing the Acropolis in Greece, and hiking in Prague to see a mediocre (but fun) tower.

Each place has felt completely different from the next, which is part of what has made traveling so memorable. I already know I am going to miss spontaneous weekend and day trips once this chapter ends.

Hot Girl Walks 

One of my favorite and most unexpectedly rewarding parts of living in Vienna has been simply walking around the city with no real destination in mind. Whether I am walking through Stephansplatz, passing by Hundertwasserhaus, wandering through MuseumsQuartier, or exploring residential areas like Yppengasse, I always end up discovering something new.

It has also been one of the easiest ways to explore Vienna for free while getting some fresh air and exercise.

More than anything, these walks have helped me feel more connected to the city and more comfortable in it. At this point, I would honestly recommend a Vienna “hot girl walk” to just about anyone.