While London dazzles with its West End theatres, expansive parks, and efficient Tube, its relentless pace and sky-high costs are driving some Brits to seek a better life abroad. One such individual, who left the UK capital for Vienna a decade ago, explains why the Austrian city offers a profoundly different and more welcoming experience.
The Viennese Grump: A Misunderstood Charm
Expat and travel writer Becki Enright is on a mission to debunk Vienna's reputation for being grumpy. She attributes this stereotype to a local phenomenon known as 'Wiener Grant' – a unique blend of humour and irony that can come across as blunt to outsiders.
"It can be hard to grasp and come across as blunt if you don't quite get it," Becki told The Express. However, she was quick to clarify that this surface-level gruffness is misleading. "The general sense of friendliness comes from how clean, accessible, safe and culturally rich the city is."
A City Crowned for its Welcome
This positive assessment is now backed by hard data. Vienna has just been crowned the most welcoming city in Europe by the prestigious readers of CNTraveller. The survey, which gathered the views of half a million people, praised the city's down-to-earth customs, chatty locals, and abundance of green spaces.
Indeed, nature is never far away in the Austrian capital. The city is home to an impressive 1,000 parks, with almost half of its urban area covered in flourishing greenery. This provides a tranquil backdrop for picnics and outdoor relaxation, a stark contrast to the often frantic pace of London.
Quality of Life That Stands Out
For Becki, the comparison between cities is clear. "Every city has its highlights, so it's hard to compare. But Vienna's quality of life is a stand-out factor," she stated.
She highlighted several key advantages that make daily life more enjoyable and less stressful than in the UK capital:
- Rents are typically cheaper, with an emphasis on outdoor living and nature that's right on your doorstep.
- The city boasts great infrastructure and an affordable public transport system.
- The local cuisine is based on farm-fresh and locally harvested ingredients, supporting regional producers.
- The arts and music are a way of life; you are never short of cultural events to attend.
This high quality of life is currently on full display with the opening of the Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz, Vienna's main Christmas market. Set in front of the City Hall, the market features more than 145 stalls and is one of the largest in Europe, drawing millions of visitors annually.
