Heart-stopping panoramas and historic amusement parks.
Massive Gothic cathedrals and countless hiking trails.
Opulent, Baroque palaces and quirky, organic buildings.
You can explore them all in the neighborhoods of the Austrian capital.
If you’ve been wondering where to stay in Vienna, your quest is over. In this guide, you’ll find the 9 best areas to stay in Vienna with a detailed breakdown of the attractions and vibe of each of the districts.
We’ve also included our recommendations for the best accommodations in the city.
Apart from the historic neighborhoods, several emerging, hip areas with lush parks and contemporary architecture are also great options to stay in Vienna.
Let’s find out which location suits you best!
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1. Innere Stadt – the Best Area to Stay in Vienna for First-Timers
Note: Vienna’s neighborhoods have names and numbers. For your convenience, we’ve included both. As expected, the Innere Stadt is the 1st District.
The central Inner City, as the name of Vienna’s Old Town translates, is a large area enclosed by the impressive Ringstrasse.
Stay in Innere Stadt if you want to be close to Vienna’s top attractions:
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) – the Medieval Gothic temple is the most iconic landmark of the city. Explore the interior and the views from the tower before discovering what treasures the museum and the catacombs hide.
- The City Hall (Rathaus) – nowadays, the 19th-century, neo-Gothic municipal building hosts balls, markets, and various events. The majestic structure was built with approximately 30 million bricks.
- The Hofburg Palace – the former home of the Habsburg dynasty is an opulent Baroque palace, which currently houses several museums.
- World Museum Vienna (Weltmuseum Wien) – the magnificent ethnographic museum displays 40,000+ objects from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Museum of Natural History Vienna – the impressive, 19th-century museum exhibits a huge specimen collection, featuring anything from dinosaur skeletons to meteorites.
- Globe Museum of the Austrian National Library – one of the coolest and most unusual things to do in Vienna is visiting the only globe museum in the world. You’ll find the collection of over 250 historic globes and astronomical tools in a 17th-century Baroque palace.
- Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) – you can explore the world-famous opera house during a performance of a major production, during one of the annual balls, or on a multilingual guided tour.
Apart from the abundance of historic sights, Vienna’s Inner City prides itself on some of the best restaurants and cafés you’ll ever experience. You’ll find many of the top spots in the pedestrianized Kärntner Strasse and Graben.
Love coffee? One of the tastiest facts about Vienna is that its traditional cafés are on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list. Probably the most popular one is Café Sacher Wien. It is the birthplace of the heavenly Sacher cake.
Our recommendations: (click on the hotel name to book)
The exceptional Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof in the heart of Vienna’s historic center will seduce you with large, comfortable rooms and an exclusive SPA area. If you’d prefer to stay across from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, choose Pension Sacher. The cozy apartments offer great amenities and spectacular views.
2. Leopoldstadt – the Best Area to Stay in Vienna for Families with Children
The Austrian capital’s 2nd District – Leopoldstadt – is adjacent to the city center. The Danube Canal separates the two neighborhoods.
You should choose to stay in the area if you’re visiting Vienna with kids and/or want to be close to these attractions:
- The Prater – the enormous, green space is open around the clock. Among it, you’ll find the historic amusement park Wurstelprater. It is home to the iconic Riesenrad. The most famous Ferris wheel in the world offers unparalleled panoramas of the park and the city.
- Augarten – if the Prater hasn’t satiated your thirst for exploring parks, visit this Baroque garden. It features one royal palace, five children’s playgrounds, and several sporting facilities. It also hosts cultural events. The imposing Flak Towers are within the park, too. The two WWII bunkers currently house the horrifying Torture Museum and the charming aquarium House of the Sea.
- Karmelitermarkt – the farmers’ market with kosher food stalls is the hub of the Jewish neighborhood’s hip scene. You can buy organic products, ranging from greens and cheese to eggs and fish. Alternatively, sit in one of the numerous little cafés and enjoy Vienna’s culinary escapades.
Along the Danube Canal, you’ll also find trendy beach bars. They are especially popular in summer. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, you might want to skip dining out in this area as prices are quite steep.
Our recommendations: (click on the hotel name to book)
Hampton by Hilton Vienna Messe offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. The affordable rooms feature funky, modern designs, while the restaurant serves a superb breakfast. If you prefer to have more amenities at your disposal, choose the condo-hotel Zoku Vienna. The spacious apartments have fully equipped kitchens and sitting areas. The modern, bright spaces and the rooftop terrace with fantastic views of the Prater will further make for a brilliant stay.
3. Landstraße – the Best Vienna Area for Art and Luxury Aficionados
Do you want to be within a walking distance of the Belvedere Palace and the Hundertwasser House on your trip to Vienna? Then, stay in the 3rd District, also known as Landstraße.
The posh area houses embassies in elegant palaces, French-style gardens, and world-class galleries.
In the upper Belvedere Palace, you can admire a huge collection of works from the Middle Ages to today. It includes Klimt’s iconic painting The Kiss. When you’re done admiring art, take a stroll through the fantastic Belvedere Garden. Enjoy the stunning fountains and the gorgeous statues, sit on the benches, and photograph the palaces.
After the Belvedere tour, check out the unusual Hundertwasserhaus. The colorful apartment building with organic lines carries the name of its architect. The nearby Art House Vienna (Kunst Haus Wien) exhibits more of the works of the eccentric artist.
Another visit-worthy attraction in the neighborhood is the Museum of Military History (Heeresgeschichtliches Museum). The former city arsenal building houses a large collection of Austrian military actions, dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.
If that’s not your cup of tea, how about a collection of endangered species of exotic and native plants? The Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna is where you can admire them. The groves and meadows of the garden are the natural habitats for wild animals as well.
And for your shopping cravings, visit the stylish The Mall Wien Mitte. The massive arcade, built over a major transport hub, contains upscale retail stores and an impressive food court.
Our recommendations: (click on the hotel name to book)
The 4* Hotel Spiess & Spiess on a quiet back alley offers superb comfort. After a long day of exploration, retreat to your bright, chic room or enjoy the SPA. Alternatively, a stay at the cozy apartment Pleasant 2BR will give a feel of the true Viennese life. The 2-bedroom flat with a kitchen and a dining area is perfect for long visits.
4. Wieden – the Best District of Vienna for Partying
The lively 4th District – Wieden – is where you should stay in Vienna if you’d rather go out at night than do sightseeing.
The neighborhood revolves around the impressive Baroque church Karlskirche. It overlooks Karlsplatz, a popular hangout location among students from the nearby Technical University of Vienna. The square regularly hosts all sorts of events – from Christmas markets to open-air cinema screenings.
In the 4th District, you’ll also find the largest Viennese market, Naschmarkt. It represents the perfect melting pot of cultures. 100+ market stalls, as well as restaurants and bars, occupy the area between the Chain Bridge and Karlsplatz. They offer fresh food and culinary creations from all over the globe. Fruits, vegetables, spices, fish, meat, cheese, and other delicacies from different countries and regions of the world await to seduce you.
Another cool area to explore is the campus around the Technical University of Vienna. It accommodates many galleries, bookstores, and local designers’ shops. Don’t miss rubbing shoulders with the hip, young crowd in the quirky bars, cafés, and eateries, too.
Our recommendations: (click on the hotel name to book)
The gigantic apartments at Karl Suites Palais Wessely offer attractive accommodations with garden views and patios. Every unit features a dining and seating area with a cable flat-screen TV. The Elegant Apartment Naschmarkt is another spacious lodging option. Its unusual design and modern amenities are greatly incorporated into the lovely historic building.
5. Neubau – the Best Area in Vienna for Museum Lovers
Neubau, the 7th District of Vienna, is another young and hip neighborhood. It’s great for shopping, entertainment, and museum visits.
The area orbits around the quirky MuseumsQuartier. The restored Baroque buildings coexist in harmony with modern structures. You’ll find Vienna’s finest museums, galleries, and event halls inside them. Among the ones we recommend checking out are:
- Architekturzentrum Wien: The Austrian Museum of Architecture.
- Kunsthalle Wien: A gallery for international contemporary art.
- mumok: The largest gallery of modern and contemporary art in Central Europe.
- ZOOM Kindermuseum: A children’s science museum featuring exhibitions, workshops, and a multimedia lab.
- Tanzquartier Wien: One of the most influential venues for contemporary dance and performance in Europe.
Apart from museums and galleries, you can find local designer shops and hip eateries scattered throughout the neighborhood. Countless student pubs with a great vibe await to satiate your party cravings in the traditional for the area Biedermeier-style buildings.
Our recommendations: (click on the hotel name to book)
The exceptional five-star Hotel Sans Souci Wien and its spacious, elegant rooms offer the perfect ending to a long day of roaming the streets of Vienna. For a regal treat, you’ll have an indoor swimming pool and a SPA at your disposal. If you’re looking for more privacy, choose the Square7 Apartment. The enormous 969-sq.-ft. (90-sq.-m) accommodation incorporates different design eras in a lovely fusion. You won’t be short of any amenities or great city views if you decide to stay in it.
6. Josefstadt – the Best Vienna Neighborhood for Culture Vultures
Josefstadt, also known as the 8th District of Vienna, is a trendy residential neighborhood. The concentration of theaters and music halls, as well as the affordable dining options, make it great for tourists.
If enjoying a theatrical performance is your idea of a splendid evening, check the program at these great locales in the area:
- Theater in der Josefstadt – Beethoven and Wagner have conducted in this historic venue from the 18th century. Nowadays, you can choose from a whopping selection of 700+ performances per season.
- Vienna’s English Theatre – the oldest and most famous English-language theater in continental Europe, founded in 1963. Anthony Quinn, Grace Kelly, and Judi Dench are only a few of the great actors who have performed on its stage.
- Pygmalion Theater Wien – a small venue where audience and actors come extremely close together. In fact, you might even become part of the performance.
For music concerts and partying, you should visit the locales in the Stadtbahnbögen. In the historic steam train depots, nowadays, you can find some of the best clubs and venues of Vienna’s nightlife. Get lost in the captivating live music at the Rhiz, Chelsea, or °COCO° before heading to your accommodation.
If shopping and dining are more your preference, then check the Josefstädter Straße. Quirky, fun shops and chill, affordable diners await your visit.
Our recommendations: (click on the hotel name to book)
The cozy rooms at Hotel Graf Stadion will enchant you with their eye-catching design, which perfectly matches the historic Biedermeier-style building of the eco-friendly establishment. If you’d rather stay in a larger, modern accommodation, then Roter Hof Apartment is for you. The bright unit occupies 807 sq. ft. (75 m2) and features great amenities.
7. Hietzing – the Best Area to Stay in Vienna for Nature and Luxury Lovers
The 13th District of Vienna, called Hietzing, will enchant you with its historic villas and lush parks.
The wealthy neighborhood is home to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. It served as the Habsburg dynasty’s summer residence.
Nowadays, it seduces tourists with its opulent Baroque interior, Rococo ceremonial halls, and manicured gardens, which even feature a maze and a zoo. The palace has 1,441 rooms, and the best part is you can even stay at one of them!
Another fascinating attraction you should explore in the district is Lainzer Tiergarten. The wildlife park is a preserve that occupies an impressive 9.6 sq. mi (24.50 km²) area. 80% of them are woodlands.
In 1561, Emperor Ferdinand I created the park as his private hunting grounds. Today, you can see wild boars and deer crossing your path, and marvel at woodpeckers, salamanders, and bats during your hike.
Our recommendations: (click on the hotel name to book)
If you want to splurge, why not feel like royalty for a night at the Schloß Schönbrunn Grand Suite? Staying at the 2-bedroom apartment in the east wing of the imperial palace is an unmatched experience. At your disposal, you’ll have a drawing-room, a living room, a kitchenette, and two modern bathrooms. However, if that doesn’t suit your budget, don’t worry. Hotel Viktoria Schönbrunn is equally welcoming and much more affordable. Located in a 19th-century historic building, its comfy rooms are tastefully decorated. The lovely staff and the hearty breakfast will make sure you get a royal treatment here as well.
8. Alsergrund – the Best Vienna Neighborhood for Elegant Architecture
Stylish buildings from the second half of the 19th century await your architecture-thirsty eyes in Vienna’s 9th District, Alsergrund. They trace its broad streets and contribute to the neighborhood’s unique vibe.
Among the most notable spots in the area are:
- The Freud Museum – the former home of Sigmund Freud currently displays the largest psychoanalysis library in Europe.
- Altes AKH – the 17th-century former hospital is now a university campus. Its courtyards invite you for a drink in the beer garden, a snack in one of the pubs, or a souvenir from one of the seasonal markets.
- Votivkirche – this tall neo-Gothic church dates from 1879. The Emperor built it after surviving an assassination. It features a museum and a surrounding park.
- The Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art (Volkskunde Museum)– housed in an intricate 18th-century palace, the museum shows 300,000+ ethnological art pieces from Austria and Europe.
- Strudlhofstiege – the limestone Art Nouveau staircase, surrounded by greenery, even features two fountains. It leads to the Palais Strudlhof, which has been turned into a posh hotel.
Overall, the 9th District is lively, fun, and packed with chill coffee shops, international restaurants, and cool pubs. It is also a great option for those traveling on a tight budget.
Our recommendations: (click on the hotel name to book)
Looking for a posh interior? Check the 4-star Hotel Pension Baron am Schottentor. The best thing about these modern rooms in a historic building is that they come at a bargain rate. Another excellent deal is the 377-sq.-ft. (35-sq.-m) VIPs Apartment. The open-space accommodation features all necessary facilities and has a great location.
9. Donaustadt – the Best Area to Stay in Vienna for Outdoor Activities and Skyscrapers
Donaustadt, the 22nd Vienna District, is a huge residential neighborhood. It is also a popular hub for outdoor recreation activities.
The long, narrow Danube Island attracts both picnicking families and enthusiastic cyclists. The calm waters of the Danube appeal to swimmers and sailors.
You can swim, sunbathe, or engage in water sports at one of the public beach areas. Please observe the dress code, as some of the beaches allow nudists only.
The wetland reserve Lobau allures hikers with endless trails. In the so-called “Vienna Jungle”, you can experience unspoiled nature in intimate proximity.
On the other end of the spectrum, Donaustadt offers amazing skyscraper vistas. For sweeping panoramic views of Vienna, check out the Danube Tower. The tallest Austrian landmark packs bars, restaurants, and observation decks at 492 ft. (150 m) above ground.
Our recommendations: (click on the hotel name to book)
Book Hotel Breitenlee if you’re looking for a low-budget, comfortable stay. The unpretentious rooms, the fantastic city views from the balconies, and the exceptional service will make your stay unforgettable. Another amazing option in the area is the Danube City Apartment Vienna. The spacious unit offers a modern interior, a fully equipped kitchen, and a garden.
Now You Know Where to Stay in Vienna on Your Next Trip
There you have it – the 9 best areas to stay in Vienna.
The royal Austrian capital offers something for everyone:
- Historic districts and museum quartiers for culture vultures;
- Vast parks and outdoor areas for families and action-seekers;
- Trendy bars and posh palaces for luxury aficionados.
Now, tell us in the comments below:
Where would you stay in Vienna on your next European adventure?
