Vienna is the capital of Austria with a population of around 1,7 Mio. and counts twenty-three districts. Including its outskirts, its population is 2,4 Mio., being one of the ten largest capitals in Europe. The city is an international centre for conferences, and hosts one of four sites of the UN, the OPEC, the OSCE, and the IAEO. Vienna is currently considered as the metropole in the world with the highest standard of living (Mercer – study 2010). As a city with a long history, which can be experienced with the large variety of historical and modern architecture, Vienna developed an intensive cultural life – museums, theatre, opera, and concerts. There are several parks within city, and recreation areas along the Danube Canal, the Danube river, and all around the city. In less than half an hour by public transport one may reach the outskirts of the city with its forests (the Wienerwald), and its vineyards, and vine tasting restaurants (the Heurigen). Along the Danube, and the old Danube spaces (22nd district), one may find lovely recreation areas with possibilities for swimming, sailing, rowing, and for entertainment. Moreover, one may enjoy the variety of food from many regions of the world at several open markets, like the Naschmarkt (between 4th and 6th district), the Brunnenmarket (16th district), or the Karmelitermarkt (2nd district).
For nightlife, special areas developed during the last twenty years, close to Schwedenplatz (1st district), along the Danube canal with the famous Flex, at Yppenplatz (16th district), or the bars along the Stadtbahnbögen (8th and 9th district). The MQ (1st district) is not only a large museum area for Jugendstil and contemporary art, but also a leisure zone for youth: they may enjoy the wide courtyard, or attend particular events as for instance the DJ-lines in the Leopold Museum. The nearby Passage and Volksgarten are other appreciated places for networking, dancing, and entertaining.
The city owns a well developed public transport system: tramways, buses, and undergrounds. There are nightline buses, and from Friday to Sunday the underground is operating throughout the night. For those who wish it more personally, the city offers an extended network of bicycle ways, a bit more than 1.100 km at present, and a "Citybike system": one may easily rent a bike for an hour or so at one of the 60 self-service-terminals with touch-screens operating at any time.