Population: 1.843 million
At first glance, Vienna is the quintessential Central European city, with a medieval core, countless coffee shops and a river that cuts it in two. And while there’s no denying that these elements can be found in pretty much every capital in the region, there is no city quite like Vienna.
For starters, the Austrian capital was also the center of the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and, during multiple periods, the Hapsburg Empire. The latter left two palaces that can still be visited, the Schonbrunn and the Hofburg Palaces. These are two of the city’s main attractions, along with Stephansplatz and the Vienna State Opera.
The city is also distinct in the importance of its cafes. Not only was cafe culture practically invented here, but important intellectual movements like modernism were created in the city’s coffee houses, a culture that’s so important it’s recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Lest you think the city is only great for visiting, let us be the first to state that it is also the most livable city in the world. High-income equality, an extensive bike path network, numerous green spaces in and around it, safety, low air pollution and efficient public transportation combine to make it an amazing place to settle down.