A Guide to Vienna: My First Month
By Teodora Risteska Daskalovski, 06.11.2025
Moving to another country with no prior experience of living alone is definitely scary, yet it also is an exciting experience. I moved to Vienna at the end of August, after a summer full of lasts – last hangouts with my high school friends, last meals at my favorite restaurants and last visits to the lake – of course last for the summer, until I return back home for the break. Now that I am here however, a wave of news has hit me – new public transport, new restaurants, new bars, new friends, and most importantly a new home. However difficult this transition has been, I have had my fair share of ups and downs while I navigate this Vienna lifestyle, which I would like to share with any new students who may share my struggle.
My first two weeks of living in Vienna were filled with Ikea and Action visits to gather the basics – bedsheets, plates and utensils etc. Yet, I also explored Vienna, visiting all of the tourist attractions. More than three visits to Schobrunn was one too many and the days spent on Mariahilfer Straße helped me learn the names of the shops by heart. On the other hand, Setagaya park was a calm afternoon with a book in hand and the sound of birds chirping. Regardless, the many Vienna cafes definitely made it difficult to stay within my budget. A lavender blueberry matcha from Superfood Deli was a definite repeat, while the Bao Bar 1070 had the tastiest bao buns I’ve had thus far. Other than that, Amerlingbeisl had a lovely atmosphere and the greatest mushroom risotto, the building itself full of rastenija and if you’re already in the 7th district might as well visit the multiple thrift stores which offer a variety of both practical and fashionable items.
In terms of partying I was a little bit disappointed by Vienna, in comparison to other European capitals, especially ones in South-Eastern Europe, where I am from. Thus far, I have had the best experience at a “You and Me” party at Enzo Pizzeria, however I want to believe that there are more great spots that I am yet to uncover, not only for partying but also cultural exchange, food and so much more. The Spitzerstands are also always a hit, which means there is a huge crowd, and if that’s not your idea of a fun time I would avoid them, however they can be really fun with friends or alone! La CAÑA had a good party if you are into Latin music (which is definitely really good).
On the studious side I have been to cafe Caspar for hours of Microeconomics homework, and the place was both laptop friendly and not that loud which made it the ideal atmosphere for working while also being able to grab a drink or food with a study buddy. On top of that, while I myself am yet to visit one of the many libraries (except the CEU Library) that Vienna offers, some of my friends have and they have loved the Uni Wien library as well as the National Library, so they are also worthy to be checked out as study spots.
If you would rather be surrounded by nature, except for Setagayapark, Vienna also has to offer Blumengärten Hirschstetten, University of Vienna Botanical Garden, Pötzleinsdorfer Schlosspark, and I’m sure many more. I am yet to personally visit these places but they are on my to visit list, thus if anyone needs a buddy I am here!
I would like to end by noting that I am in no way an expert of Vienna and I agree that there are so many different and maybe even better places to visit than those listed here, but these are the places that I’ve stumbled upon. As the weeks go by, I have realized that settling does not happen overnight and that sometimes you will feel lonely and scared of this new surrounding. I have found that going out exploring and making routines (such as going to your favorite (and cheapest) grocery store, taking a walk in a nearby park or going to the gym) are one of the ways to combat the Sunday scaries which eventually do come. Vienna may not feel like home yet but I sure hope it will soon.
