How to Make Friends in Vienna – The Ultimate Newcomer’s Guide

Vienna – elegant, historic, and ranked among the world’s most livable cities. Yet for many newcomers, especially expats, Erasmus students, and young professionals, making friends in Vienna can feel like a slow dance through a grand ballroom: charming but formal.

Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Austrians, like their Swiss neighbors, may seem reserved at first. But once you understand the rhythm of Vienna’s social life, you’ll find a world of opportunities to meet new people in Vienna and build meaningful friendships.

Here’s your ultimate guide to finding your social groove in Austria’s beautiful capital.

1. Join a Hobby Group – Find Your Circle

In Vienna, people often socialize around structured activities or shared passions. Whether you’re into hiking, cooking, photography, or even philosophy – there’s a group for that.

👉 Try these:

• Hiking in the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) – popular on weekends, especially via Meetup or Alpenverein
• Wiener Kochsalon – cooking classes that often turn into social dinners
• Photography or art meetups – join via Meetup or local creative spaces
  

💡 Tip: Austrians are more comfortable bonding over shared experiences than small talk — shared hobbies are a great shortcut to friendship.

2. Attend Viennese Balls, Festivals & Cultural Events

Want to connect while experiencing true Austrian culture? The city’s social calendar is full of balls, street festivals, concerts, and seasonal markets – all of which offer natural opportunities to meet people.

🎭 Must-dos:

• Vienna Opera Ball (or other public balls – there are many!)
• Donauinselfest – Europe’s largest free open-air music festival
• Christmas Markets – Glühwein is a social lubricant
• Summer Film Festival at Rathausplatz – go early, mingle freely

3. Explore Vienna’s Expat Communities

Vienna is home to the UN, dozens of embassies, and a growing international workforce. That means there’s a thriving Vienna expat group scene just waiting for you.

🌍 Great places to start:

• Internations Vienna – regular themed events and mixers
• Vienna Expats (Facebook) – large, helpful community
• City Mates – app with curated local meetups to help you connect offline
• Erasmus Student Network (ESN) – great if you’re studying or under 30

4. Use Social Apps (That Aren’t Just for Dating)

Skip the awkwardness of traditional dating apps and opt for friendship-first platforms. These are designed to connect you with others who are also new (or simply open) to meeting people in Vienna.

📱 Best apps for making friends in Vienna:

• City Mates – focused on real-life social events in your city
• Bumble BFF – one-on-one friend matching
• Meetup – tons of interest-based groups, including English-speaking ones
• Spontacts – activities for everything from badminton to bar hopping

5. Visit Coffeehouses & Take It Slow

The Viennese Kaffeehauskultur is more than just a cliché — it’s a genuine social institution. Locals linger for hours, often over deep conversations, books, or casual games of chess.

☕ Try:

• Café Sperl, Café Jelinek, or Café Prückel – authentic, warm, and very “Vienna”
• Attend reading groups or open mic nights at local cafés
• Board game cafés like Café Benno for social, casual evenings
  

💡 Cultural tip: Austrians may not engage instantly — but consistency matters. Become a regular, and you’ll soon be part of the furniture.

6. Understand the Culture – A Little Goes a Long Way

Austrian social culture values privacy, punctuality, and subtlety. You won’t often be met with loud excitement – but that doesn’t mean people aren’t open to new friendships.

🇦🇹 Keep in mind:

• A warm smile and a polite “Grüß Gott” go a long way
• Don’t take initial formality personally – trust builds slowly, then deeply
• Punctuality and modesty are appreciated
• Direct invitations are often expected – don’t wait for spontaneous hangouts

Final Thoughts: Vienna Rewards Patience

If you’re trying to make friends in Vienna, remember: it’s a city where tradition meets global energy. At first, it may seem distant — but stay open, keep showing up, and lean into what the city does best: structured, intentional, and meaningful connection.

Whether you’re attending a rooftop film screening, waltzing at a winter ball, or sipping coffee in the 7th district — Vienna has room for you. You just have to take the first step.

👉 Join City Mates and discover the best local events to meet people in Vienna