Spotlight on Vienna, Austria

What’s it really like to spend a full month in Vienna—not as a tourist rushing between landmarks, but as a local with your own apartment, a built-in community, and a friendly expert on the ground?

In our Spotlight on Vienna, Austria webinar, The Good Life Abroad founder Andrew Motiwalla was joined by Marcus (our Vienna Community Manager) and program alumna Katherine Riley (Sept–Oct 2025 cohort) for a warm, practical, and insight-packed conversation about life in Austria’s elegant capital. The session explored everything from housing and neighborhood life to weekly community events, day-to-day logistics, and why Vienna is such a compelling destination for adults 55+ who want a deeper travel experience.

Why Vienna Works So Well for a Longer Stay

Vienna has the kind of “easy livability” that makes a month feel natural. Katherine described the city as “civilized”—a place where culture is accessible, the streets are beautiful, and daily life feels manageable and inspiring. She also shared how surprisingly simple it is to get around, thanks to Vienna’s exceptional public transportation system.

Marcus added another layer: Vienna’s unique blend of imperial grandeur and modern everyday life—from historic architecture and museums to cozy coffee houses, parks, and neighborhood gems that you’d never notice on a quick visit.

The takeaway: Vienna rewards travelers who want to slow down, settle in, and live at a local pace—without sacrificing cultural richness.

What a Month with The Good Life Abroad Looks Like in Vienna

Andrew walked attendees through the core structure of The Good Life Abroad experience:

• Your own modern apartment (a real apartment—kitchen included, not a hotel room)

• A cohort-based community (everyone arrives and begins together)

• A dedicated local Community Manager (Marcus) to help you get oriented, stay connected, and discover the city

• A weekly rhythm that creates connection—without over-scheduling

This “structured freedom” is the sweet spot: you have curated moments to connect, and plenty of open days to explore independently.

(That balance is a hallmark across the Spotlight webinar series format.)

The Vienna Apartment Experience: Comfortable, Central, and Designed for Real Living

A big part of feeling “at home” abroad is housing you can actually live in. In the webinar, the team discussed what to expect from Vienna apartments: modern, thoughtfully designed spaces with practical amenities for a month-long stay.

Katherine also offered helpful perspective for first-time apartment-stayers in Europe:

• Apartments can feel more compact than many North American homes (because you’re truly living in a city)

• Kitchens are functional, but not built for “Costco lifestyle” cooking

• Grocery shopping is often more frequent and lighter (because you’re walking, not driving)

It’s an adjustment—but one many travelers come to love.

Community & Weekly Programming: The Rhythm That Makes the Month Fly

Andrew outlined the weekly cadence that anchors the month:

• Tuesday Lunch Club (a TGLA tradition across destinations)

• A Wednesday cultural activity

• A Thursday happy hour

• Open days on Friday–Monday (plus weekends) for independent exploring

Marcus then shared examples of Vienna programming that previous cohorts loved, including:

• A schnitzel cooking class

• A private wine tasting

• A Viennese waltz lesson

• Outings to the Vienna Woods

• Visits to Schönbrunn Gardens and the Prater (home of the historic Ferris wheel)

Katherine highlighted how special it was to do experiences she likely wouldn’t have arranged on her own—especially thanks to Marcus’s local connections and planning.

The Community Manager Difference: Guidance Without a “Tour” Feel

The webinar made one thing crystal clear: Marcus is not a concierge, and the program is not a tour—but you’re also not left to figure everything out alone.

Marcus supports travelers by:

• Leading an early orientation (public transit, groceries, cultural norms, safety)

• Offering WhatsApp support during the work week

• Meeting one-on-one to learn what you want from your month—and suggesting options that fit your interests

• Organizing optional community events that bring people together naturally

This is what makes the experience feel personal: it’s not a generic “top 10 list”—it’s support from someone who knows the city and gets to know you.

Real Talk: What to Know Before You Go

Katherine shared practical expectations that help guests have the best experience:

Walking & mobility

• Even with great public transit, there’s still walking—often 3–5 miles/day when fully exploring.

• Some stations and older areas can involve stairs or longer routes to elevators.

Tech readiness

• Apps matter: WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Google Translate make the experience smoother (and the learning curve is quick).

Planning ahead

• Vienna has high-demand cultural events (like opera, concerts, and certain performances). Booking early can be wise—especially for bucket-list experiences.

These aren’t downsides—they’re simply the realities of living like a local in a European city.

Vienna in a Sentence

At the end of the webinar, Andrew summed up something that resonates with many travelers: The Good Life Abroad is a “blank canvas.” Vienna becomes what you want it to be—museum days and concerts, coffee-house mornings, neighborhood wandering, day trips by train, or simply living in a beautiful city at a slower pace.

And if Katherine’s story is any indication, a month in Vienna often isn’t “once and done.” It’s the kind of place that calls you back.

✨ Want to explore what’s included in the full Vienna experience?
Discover Vienna to view housing details, community support, and upcoming availability.

Interested in future webinars and destinations?
Request a Brochure to stay in the loop on new sessions, openings, and program updates.