Discover a variety of leisure activities and experiences that make student life more enjoyable, from music and theatre to sports, outdoor activities, cinema and eating out.

Vienna is home to world-class museums and hidden gems alike. Masterpieces by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele are among the highlights. More information can be found at Museums in Vienna - vienna.info.

Free entry tip: 

  • Wien Museum, located next to TU Wien, offers free permanent exhibitions about Vienna and its history.
  • Many museums in Vienna have free entry on the first Sunday of each month or special discount days.
  • The ORF “Lange Nacht der Museen” allows you to visit many museums in one night with a single ticket, including special programs and late opening hours (first Saturday of October).
  • The “Lange Nacht der Forschung” offers exciting insights into current research projects and gives visitors the opportunity to experience science and innovation firsthand.
  • Students and people under 27 often receive reduced admission. Always ask and bring your student ID.

Vienna is globally known as the capital of classical music. Concerts and opera are an essential part of the city’s identity. Renowned composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Strauss II, and Franz Schubert lived and worked in Vienna, shaping the city’s rich musical heritage. As a fun fact, Johann Strauss II also studied at TU Wien. 

At the Vienna State Opera, students can attend performances at very affordable prices: 

  • Standing tickets from approx. €13–18 (or €4–5 with a “StehplatzPLUS” card)
  • U27 tickets for around €20
  • Discounted remaining tickets shortly before performances

Vienna is one of Europe’s leading theatre cities. From classical drama to modern productions, you will find a rich program at venues such as the Burgtheater, Theater in der Josefstadt and Volksoper Vienna. 

Tip: Many theatres offer discounted tickets or last-minute deals (“Restkarten”), making high-quality performances affordable.

Vienna’s cinema scene ranges from international blockbusters to independent films in original language. The following venues are especially popular among students looking for diverse and authentic film experiences and often screen movies in original language.

Vienna offers excellent opportunities to enjoy nature. 

Cycling is very popular, especially along the Danube and through Vienna’s many parks. The WienMobil bikes are Vienna’s official bike-sharing service, providing a sustainable and flexible way to get around the city. Bicycles are available 24/7 across all 23 districts, making spontaneous trips easy.

The city also maintains 14 well-marked hiking trails (“Stadtwanderwege”), all accessible by public transport. 

Popular spots include: Kahlenberg, Leopoldsberg, Bisamberg and Prater.

Staying active during your studies is easy in Vienna, especially at TU Wien. The university and the student union (HTU) offer a wide and affordable range of sports programs for all levels, whether you are a beginner or more advanced. 

The USI sports courses in Vienna are a popular way for students to stay active alongside their studies. The program offers a wide range of activities such as fitness, yoga, dance, tennis, climbing, and team sports. One of the main advantages is the affordable prices and the variety of courses for both beginners and advanced participants. Since many courses fill up quickly, it is recommended to register online as soon as enrollment opens. 

The official TU Wien sports program focuses on health, fitness, and balance alongside academic life. You can choose from activities such as: 

  • Fitness classes (e.g. strength training, HIIT, yoga, pilates)
  • Endurance sports like running or cycling
  • Relaxation and mindfulness courses 

In addition, the HTU (student union) organizes a broad variety of sports courses and group activities, which are often very affordable and designed for students. These include: 

  • Team sports like football, volleyball, and basketball
  • Individual sports such as climbing, martial arts, or dance
  • Outdoor and seasonal activities (e.g. skiing trips, hiking excursions) 

Many courses take place in university sports facilities or partner venues across Vienna, so you can easily fit them into your daily schedule. 

Tip: Popular courses fill up quickly, so register early to secure your spot.

Austrian cuisine is deeply rooted in a rich tradition of Wirtshaus culture, shaped by regional heritage, seasonal ingredients, and a strong sense of comfort and hospitality. In Vienna, this culinary identity is especially visible in the blend of classic taverns, traditional restaurants, and a growing modern food scene. 

Dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, goulash, and Tafelspitz represent the hearty, down-to-earth side of Austrian cooking, while desserts like Apfelstrudel, Kaiserschmarrn, and Sachertorte highlight the country’s long-standing pastry and coffeehouse tradition. 

At the same time, Vienna offers a wide range of affordable and casual dining options, making it easy to enjoy good food even during busy days or short breaks. 

In Austria, many restaurants offer a “Mittagsmenü” (lunch menu) on weekdays, usually around lunchtime. It is a fixed daily menu that often includes soup and a main dish at a lower price than regular à la carte meals. The Mittagsmenü is especially popular among students and office workers because it is an affordable and convenient option for a warm lunch. 

Student-friendly spots: 

  • TU Wien Mensa 

    The student cafeteria at TU Wien is a popular place for students to have lunch, study, and meet friends between classes. It offers a variety of affordable meals, including vegetarian and vegan options, making it a convenient choice for everyday student life. 

  • Der Wiener Deewan
    A popular Pakistani buffet with a unique pay-as-you-wish concept. You can enjoy a variety of curries, rice, bread, and desserts and pay what you can afford.
  • Café Gagarin
    A collectively run café offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. It also follows a flexible pricing model and serves as a social and cultural meeting space.
  • VinziRast Mittendrin
    A social initiative restaurant combining good food with a meaningful concept. Affordable menus with vegetarian and vegan options are available.
  • Buchecker & Sohn
    Traditional Austrian cuisine near TU Wien, with affordable lunch menus (around €10). Cash is required unless your bill exceeds a certain amount.

Practical tips:

Tipping in Austria is generally modest and seen as a polite gesture rather than an obligation. For small purchases such as coffee, drinks, or snacks, people usually round up the bill. In bars, it is also common to leave a small extra amount depending on the service. In restaurants and local eateries, tipping is typically around 10 percent of the bill. Rounding up the total amount is also very common, and around 10 percent is generally considered appropriate for good service. When paying, the tip is usually stated directly at the time of payment rather than left on the table.

Cash is still widely used in Austria. Many smaller cafés, bars, and rural places may not accept cards, so carrying some cash is useful.