My story

MY STORY

In June 2011, what was intended as a three-month summer holiday to attend a German language course in Vienna became a pivotal moment in my life. I was already fluent in English and Italian and saw German as a new linguistic challenge worth pursuing.

How 3 months turned out to be 12 years

Those initial three months stretched into an astonishing twelve years, as I found myself captivated by the city’s allure and a desire to pursue my dreams like never before. Leaving behind my job, family, and friends in Greece, I embraced the unknown in Vienna, seeking new horizons and personal growth.

While the decision may have seemed unconventional at first, I remained steadfast in my belief that this path was meant for me, despite the inevitable challenges and obstacles along the way. I embraced the city’s inspiration and embarked on a journey of self-discovery, fueled by a desire for new experiences and artistic exploration.

Fast forward to May 2023, and I proudly declare that I am still rooted in Vienna, my home for over a decade. The comfort zone I left behind in Greece may have been tempting, but I recognised that true growth and transformation lie beyond its boundaries.

A comfort zone is a beautiful place! But nothing ever grows here!

 THE SPIRIT OF TVG

The Viennese Girl blog is a blog about all the things I love: travel and photography, breathtaking experiences and feelings.

TVG readers are people who seek and appreciate beautiful things in life, and more specifically, strong and independent females who stand on their own feet and are capable of achieving great things. They visualise and create their own lives, and not necessarily live a life that is predesigned for them.

Choosing to live the life you love requires you to take risks, the risk to step into an unknown territory. Breaking out of the status quo can be intimidating because it requires you to carve your own path, instead of following the plan that’s been laid out for you…but despite it all, if you still choose to follow that spark of curiosity and lead with your heart, I truly believe you will be rewarded with a life that’s full of purpose and the freedom to create the most beautiful story that is uniquely yours. – quote by Malama Life on Youtube. 

MY VISION

Considering the fact that technology nowadays lessens the distance between us, this blog represents the idea of bringing me closer to like-minded people all over the world and sharing my perspectives with them.

This blog opens a door to the world, and celebrates new beginnings, changes and challenges — all the small and big things that bring joy to life. My vision is to keep it interesting, inspiring and to bring value to others’ lives by creating unique content. Content that you cannot find in other websites.

I want to dedicate my blog to travel, photography and personal growth. Because travel and photography helped me to find my mission in life and grow on a personal level.

Join me on this journey of discovery, as we uncover new horizons together. Be a part of this Viennese community! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and do not hesitate to say hello.

PRESS/COLLABORATIONS

Since TVG went online, it has been featured both in print and online in prestigious magazines, newspapers and websites such as BBC NEWS and Condé Nast Traveller.

I have had the honor of collaborating in various projects with brands I love, such as CHANEL, Tiffany & Co, Dolce & Gabbana, Swarovski, FENDI, L’Oréal Vichy, Samsung Austria, Sezane Paris, Nespresso, Sacher hotels, Austrian Airlines, Air France and others.

WORK WITH ME

There are are many ways we can work together. Feel free to send me your email with your project and explain how can I help you to achieve your goals. I will reach out to you within 24 hours.

If you’re planning a trip to Vienna and seeking a professional photographer to capture the essence of your visit, you’ve come to the right place. Would you like to have unique and stunning photos from your time in Vienna? Let me help you preserve the magic of your holiday with a Vienna Photo Session.

No matter the purpose of your visit to Vienna—whether it’s a romantic honeymoon, a memorable family vacation, a fun-filled girls’ trip, or even a soul-searching solo adventure — I am dedicated to providing you with an inspiring gallery of extraordinary photos that perfectly capture the essence and spirit of your journey.

If you want to book me for any other kind of collaboration related to my work, feel free to contact me per email at silia@theviennesegirl.com. I will get back to you as soon as possible!

In the meantime, please have a look at my Portfolio.

SUPPORT MY WORK

If you enjoy my content and you’d like to support this channel, so that I will be able to continue offering my travel stories and travel tips for free, you can buy me a ‘virtual’ coffee here.

Alternatively, please consider using the below AFFILIATE LINKS from Booking & Amazon. 

If you make a booking with BOOKING.COM or a purchase on AMAZON.COM, I earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for using my affiliate links! 

All pictures on The Viennese Girl are taken by Silia, unless stated otherwise and are protected by copyright. Always request permission before using images from The Viennese Girl blog.

50 Comments on My story

  1. Ankit Bhandari
    January 6, 2014 at 3:27 pm (11 years ago)

    Hello. It is amazing to see someone has taken bold steps to live life on their own terms 🙂 Wish you all the luck in the world and in this journey! I have moved from India to UAE, and don’t know where next. But hope to see more of this world. Best wishes! Keep writing!

    Reply
  2. Kenny Kim
    January 30, 2014 at 3:10 am (11 years ago)

    Good blog!! Share with my experience in Jeju island, South Korea

    Reply
  3. Tierra Telder
    April 13, 2014 at 2:21 pm (11 years ago)

    Hi, you´re one of the few people I could find who blog from Austria! I live in Austria too (and, like you, wasn´t born here) and want to start up a blog myself. Could you maybe give me some pointers?

    Reply
  4. donna
    May 23, 2014 at 12:35 pm (11 years ago)

    moto carino qui
    con i miei tempi ci sono arrivata 🙂

    Reply
  5. Mahshid
    May 27, 2014 at 8:12 pm (11 years ago)

    …you have created a lovely blog here

    Reply
  6. Edward
    September 17, 2014 at 7:55 am (11 years ago)

    Hi Silia!

    I’ve come here following your like on my Instagram… and I must admit, I am stunned by your blog!
    I love Vienna, visiting there mostly for business, but not only.
    What you’ve done here is absolutely fabulous. I’ll be visiting and following!

    Sincerely,
    Edward

    Reply
  8. Jayshen
    November 9, 2014 at 10:52 am (10 years ago)

    Hello there, do you know anything about Vienna university music course? I currently live in Malaysia and 17 years old. How to get in the university? What is the lowest requirement ??

    Reply
    • the viennese girl
      November 9, 2014 at 9:51 pm (10 years ago)

      Dear Jaysen, I don’t study music, therefore I am not the right person to answer your question and I wouldn’t like to give you a wrong information. You’d better write an email to the university. Please check here the website of the University http://www.mdw.ac.at/ Hope that helps and wish you good luck! Silia

      Reply
  9. Paolo
    November 9, 2014 at 9:13 pm (10 years ago)

    Silia, i’m a fanatic reader of your blog. It gives me a window to another lifestyle, makes me dream and makes me try to enjoy more everyday life, see everything with a different light and live. Looking forward every day for your post, thank you for making this corner of the internet so beautiful. Keep up the great work

    Reply
  10. ioanna
    November 9, 2014 at 11:02 pm (10 years ago)

    When I feel depressed, stressed or I am just in bad mood I just type http://theviennesegirl.com/. There are always funny and optimistic posts to read and sooo many beautiful fotos. I tried it often before my summer holidays and it really made my day!

    Reply
  11. Denise Jardim
    February 1, 2015 at 9:33 pm (10 years ago)

    Hello Silia, I just moved to Vienna and loved your blog and tips!
    Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
    Xx
    Denise

    Reply
  12. manon nico
    February 14, 2015 at 3:50 pm (10 years ago)

    hey. you have a really nice blog. I just started with my one and it is still under construction. maybe you will have a look… would be happy to stay in touch, maybe you have some good help for me as I am new in blogging …
    http://www.conceptblogvienne.com

    Xoxo

    manon

    Reply
  13. Vivianne Chen
    February 20, 2015 at 9:59 am (10 years ago)

    You are very brave, dear girl. Although we’re strangers, I feel really touched by your words and photos. Keep up the good work. You’re inspirational. xx

    Reply
    • the viennese girl
      February 20, 2015 at 6:39 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you Vivianne for those kind words.

      Reply
  14. Olivia Wells
    April 1, 2015 at 11:42 am (10 years ago)

    I love love looooooove your blog! I’m planning a trip to Vienna (second time there) in May, so I’ll be reading your whole blog hehe We have similar interests, I also love discovering new cozy places here in Barcelona or in Hong Kong where I lived for several years. Your pictures are absolutely stunning, may I please know which camera and lens you use? Thanks a lot. Olivia.
    http://www.oliviaschoiceblog.com

    Reply
    • the viennese girl
      April 1, 2015 at 3:23 pm (10 years ago)

      Hello Olivia, Thank you for the kind feedback. My camera is Canon Eos 700D! The lense I use is 50mm 1.4. Enjoy your trip in Vienna and don’t forget to check all the vienna infos on the “Dear Vienna” category!! kisses..

      Reply
  15. Daria Ananyeva
    April 11, 2015 at 9:42 am (10 years ago)

    Hey:) sorry for that question, but i trink that its interesting for all your followers: where Do you get money for all your trips, luxury cafes, living in famous hotels etc?:)

    Reply
  16. Delight me!
    April 23, 2015 at 2:46 pm (10 years ago)

    Your photos are incredible. Vienna is a beautiful city, but though your lens it looks even more amazing. Keep up the good work! You make me miss the city so much. Greetings from Sweden.

    Reply
  17. shahid
    April 24, 2015 at 12:45 pm (10 years ago)

    i love your blog its very good.. I am just entered in Vienna, its a very beautiful city from every angle, it was my dream to stay in Vienna but today its come true. This city is very historical and amazing places here. Very cooperative society, no doubt you are doing brilliant job. I m student here

    Reply
  18. 40+
    April 30, 2015 at 4:52 pm (10 years ago)

    I like your pictures a lot and follow your blog and your instagram account. Thank you for all the inspiration.
    Andrea

    Reply
  19. Xandre Verkes-VdBerg
    August 27, 2015 at 5:21 pm (10 years ago)

    Silia! I LOVE your blog! Oh my goodness, you sound like the luckiest person on earth to be living in a city like Vienna! I’ve only been there once, but I would love to go there again and show my husband! We are South African living in Canada! Also missing friends and family!! Check out my (very new blog) http:hooplahappiness.com ! I just did a post with some of our very old Vienna photos!! Can’t wait to follow your posts and stories! Xandré 🙂

    Reply
  20. John A.
    December 5, 2015 at 11:45 am (9 years ago)

    Dear Silia, you have an incredibly clean and beautiful website. May I ask, what publishing platform do you use for your website? WordPress?

    Reply
    • the viennese girl
      December 6, 2015 at 9:11 pm (9 years ago)

      Hello John, thank you very much. Yes, this is wordpress.org.
      Then I bought a template and then a friend of mine did some changes on the template, so this is the result….

      Reply
  21. Franto Hruz
    December 20, 2015 at 6:13 am (9 years ago)

    Hi Silia,
    what’s so impressive about your WP Blog is not only how nice it all looks, and all the help you get from your friends, but also how you have it all tied together with Twitter, Instagram, etc. … it looks like FB is not quite as hot for quality traffic anymore, eh?
    I am so glad to have made the discovery of “Das Wiener Madl” or should it be “A Greek Girl in Wien” … ahahaha 🙂
    Best of luck and kind regards,
    Franz von Jedlesee – http://about.me/hruz

    Reply
  22. Susan
    December 20, 2015 at 6:07 pm (9 years ago)

    hi silia, I noticed the “dear vienna” catgory on your page! I couldn’t help but think about the Owl City song with the same title. Have you listened to it? I’m not too sure if it’s really related to your case, but I just thought that the similarity was interesting. 🙂 lovely pics btw!!

    Reply
    • the viennese girl
      December 20, 2015 at 8:22 pm (9 years ago)

      Oh God, I didn’t know that a song like this exist….I checked it on Youtube after you told me….

      Reply
  23. Maria Sipka
    May 30, 2016 at 10:44 pm (9 years ago)

    Loved stumbling across your site Silia. I’m in Vienna for a couple of nights and actually staying at the Bristol which you recently profiled. You have incredible talent and truly inspire anybody with our gorgeous photos and view into your world.

    Reply
    • the viennese girl
      May 30, 2016 at 10:52 pm (9 years ago)

      Hello Maria, thank you for your kind feedback. Enjoy Vienna and if you have any question, feel free to write me an email. kisses

      Reply
  24. phashionbug
    August 28, 2016 at 12:54 pm (9 years ago)

    Such an incredible blog you have, stunning pictures, So happy I have landed on your blog. I must visit Vienna soon, have heard such great things about the city and its architecture. I have only been to Innsbruck so far and that was indeed an awesome experience.
    Hugs from Zürich
    Saabri
    http://www.phashionbug.com

    Reply
  25. Ma Scha
    March 25, 2017 at 1:00 pm (8 years ago)

    Toller Blog! Du postest auf Instagram seit einiger Zeit Paris Fotos, gibts es dazu auch einen Blog?

    Reply
  26. Katya M
    June 14, 2017 at 3:18 pm (8 years ago)

    Hi ! What is your camera and lenses?

    Reply
    • the viennese girl
      June 14, 2017 at 9:35 pm (8 years ago)

      Hi Katya, my camera is CANON EOS 6D, 50mm 1.4

      Reply
      • Katya M
        June 18, 2017 at 2:56 pm (8 years ago)

        Thank you so much!:)

        Reply
  27. Nectarios Chionis
    June 19, 2017 at 5:17 am (8 years ago)

    Hello TVG! I love your pictures and you must know that I am your biggest fan! So ,keep us in suspense with new pics . Wish you best of luck😀😀😀

    Reply
  28. Justina
    August 4, 2017 at 8:06 am (8 years ago)

    Hello!

    First of all I would like to say that your blog and photography is amazing and very inspiring. Im moving to Vienna for one semester of abroad studies and would like to work as well, as I read that some girls were working, however, my German language is A1, very simple, are there any opportunities to work in english? I’m also a photographer, blogger and love to creae content, mamybe some job in this area?

    It would be so helpful and mean a lot, thanks in advance!
    Best,
    Justina.

    Reply
    • the viennese girl
      August 4, 2017 at 9:02 am (8 years ago)

      Hello Justina, thank you for your kind message. Unfortunately I am not able to help you finding a job. However, I wish you all the best in your new life in Vienna, kisses!

      Reply
  30. David Hall
    November 5, 2017 at 2:41 am (7 years ago)

    Hi Silia, I spent a great deal of time tonight on your blog and it was worth every second. I’ve become a huge fan! You stories and photography are beautiful. You are such an inspiration. I have lots to learn. Would love to know if you are the primary photographer and what camera you use?

    Reply
    • the viennese girl
      November 5, 2017 at 3:33 pm (7 years ago)

      Hello David! I am glad you like my work and you can find some inspiration in here! My camera is Canon Eos 6D, full format camera, lenses 50mm 1.4. I take all the photos, except of those I am in the photo. I always give credits to the photographer. Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my work!

      Reply
      • David Hall
        November 5, 2017 at 10:20 pm (7 years ago)

        Silia, I think you just sold me on the 50 MM prime lens. The kit lenses that come with most cameras just don’t stack up to a prime lens. Thanks so much for the insight!

        Reply
        • the viennese girl
          November 5, 2017 at 10:28 pm (7 years ago)

          But remember that a great photographer can take great photos, no matter what lenses or camera use : )

          Reply

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