Where To Stay in Vienna [5 BEST Neighborhoods!]

The Austrian capital of Vienna is a hotbed for culture, with a glorious history that reflects the power and affluence of the mighty Habsburg court. There’s a wealth of brilliant architecture along with a rich opera and classical music scene, a vibrant café culture, and plenty of modern attractions to suit diverse tastes.

A large and sprawling city with an abundance of things to see and do, deciding where to stay in Vienna can be tricky. There are so many areas to choose between!

We’ve put together this detailed guide of the best neighbourhoods in Vienna so you can see at a glance where would suit you the most. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to party, a family-friendly area, or a place that’s not going to break the bank, we’ve covered all bases.

Prepare to be dazzled! Our guide to where to stay in Vienna will not only help you choose your favourite neighbourhood, but some parts of the city are sure to surprise you too!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Vienna

Where to Stay in Vienna

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Vienna.

Best Airbnb in Vienna – Clara’s Airbnb

This gorgeous one-bedroom apartment is just a short walking distance to the Ober-St. Veit train station. The apartment has plenty of natural light and comes with a beautiful wood and glass design. You’ll have access to a spacious living room, fully-equipped kitchen and modern bathroom. With its unique design, this is truly a place you wouldn’t want to miss staying at in Vienna.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Vienna – Ibis Budget Wien Sankt Marx

The cheap and cheerful Ibis Budget Wien Sankt Marx has little comforts to make your stay pleasant, including vending machines, a lift, a tour desk, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms are en suite and have a TV and soft beds for a good night’s rest. A buffet breakfast is available in the mornings.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Vienna – Art Hotel Vienna

There’s no need to go hungry at the cool Art Hotel Vienna, with a café and kitchenette, and you can unwind with fellow guests in the bar. The en suite rooms are comfy with splashes of colour to brighten the mood. Each has a desk and free Wi-Fi, and the hotel offers laundry services, 24-hour reception, a tour desk, and meeting rooms.

 

Not yet booked? Take a look at our favorite hotels in Vienna!

Best Luxury Hotel in Vienna – Park Hyatt Vienna

All beautiful rooms at the stylish Park Hyatt Vienna come with a mini bar, kettle, slippers, free toiletries, a TV, and Wi-Fi to help to feel right at home. Bliss out in the spa, get active in the gym, relax in the pool, and enjoy something tasty from the restaurant.

 

Vienna Neighborhood Guide

Vienna is a gorgeous city that oozes sophistication and charm. The historic city city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its imperial heritage and architecture, there are plenty of modern elements to enjoy too throughout the city’s diverse neighbourhoods.

Vienna has an organised layout, with neighbourhoods radiating outwards from the central historic area of District 1 (Innere Stadt / Inner City). The Ring Road encircles the city core, with further neighbourhoods and suburbs of interest spreading beyond. Conveniently, districts are numbered, as well as having names. Each district is home to a number of interesting neighbourhoods, and there are 23 city districts in total.

Districts 2 through to 9 are often thought of as being the other main city areas, with all (except District 2, Leopoldstadt) inside the Ring Road.

Leopoldstart (District 2) is home to the famous amusement park and forests of Prater, as well as the Jewish area of Karmeliterviertel and the industrial-turned-residential area of Augarten. The large district of Landstraße (District 3) is a top shopping area and a great place to find budget accommodations, while Wieden (District 4) has museums, businesses, and other attractions. Margareten (District 5) has a strong bohemian vibe. Mariahilf (District 6) is another great place to shop, and you’ll also find a great night scene. Neubau (District 7) is trendy and hip.

Alsergrund (District 9) is a great place to get away from the tourist crowds and mingle with locals amid the fine traditional architecture. District 15 (Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus) has a multi-cultural vibe thanks to its large immigrant populations, while Favoriten (District 10) and Simmering (District 11) are traditionally working class areas. In Donaustadt (District 22) you’ll find a blend of architectural styles ranging from soviet-like housing complexes, farms, and suburban housing developments.

Vienna’s excellent public transportation system, with the subway, trams, trains, and buses, makes moving between different areas a breeze, so no matter where you stay in Vienna you can easily explore the best that the Austrian capital has to offer.

Interested in history? Read up on the history of Vienna!

Vienna’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in:

Let’s now take a more in-depth look of some of Vienna’s best neighbourhoods to stay in. Each offers something different and appeals to different types of travellers, so be sure to check each one in detail.

Neighborhood #1 - Innere Stadt

(Where to stay in Vienna first time)

Vienna’s Innere Stadt (District 1) is the historic heart of the city. One of the most popular parts of the Austrian capital, crammed with gorgeous buildings and an abundance of attractions, it’s an ideal place to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors.

Close to major places of interest and with a wealth of experiences at your fingertips, staying in Innere Stadt sadly doesn’t come cheaply. One of the most expensive parts of Vienna, you’ll need to get saving if you plan to stay in District 1!

The old 13th-century imperial palace of the Hofburg is an iconic attraction in Innere Stadt. Once home to mighty Habsburg rulers, it’s now the official home of the Austrian president. You can visit the elegant and impressive apartments and there are several museums throughout the vast complex.

Innere Stadt boasts more of Vienna’s famous landmarks, including the spectacular St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Parliament Building, and Vienna City Hall. Various museums, like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Natural History Museum, the House of Music, and the Jewish Museum, appeal to various interests. There are historic sites aplenty, beautiful parks to relax in, and fabulous opportunities to spend an evening at the opera.

Six things to do in Innere Stadt:

• Step back in time and learn more about the Habsburgs at the sprawling Hofburg Palace
• Watch the highly skilled Lipizzaner stallions practicing at the Spanish Riding School
• Visit the former home of Austria’s greatest composer, Mozart, and delve deeper into the world of classical music at the Beethoven Pasqualatihaus
• Unwind in the scenic Stadtpark and snap pictures of the park’s varied monuments, statues, and memorials
• Admire the glorious Gothic architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, soak up the city views from the top of the soaring towers, and descend into the eerie catacombs
• Spend a glamorous evening at the Vienna State Opera

Where to Stay in Innere Stadt

Best Airbnb in Innere Stadt – Julia’s Airbnb

Located directly in the city center, this one-bedroom apartment is right opposite the Saint Stefan Cathedral. Most of the main tourist spots can be visited by foot, and this gorgeous flat also has plenty of natural light. The apartment comes with a cosy living room that even has a piano and mini library. This is a fantastic place to stay at to explore the rest of Vienna!

 

Best Budget Hotel in Innere Stadt – Pertschy Palais Hotel

The modern Pertschy Palais Hotel has en suite rooms with a TV and fridge. Connecting rooms are perfect for families and the lift means you don’t need to try and tackle stairs with heavy baggage. Visitors can come back and relax in the library after a busy day of sightseeing.

 

Have some time in Vienna? These are our favorite day trips from Vienna!

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Innere Stadt – Hotel Austria – Wien

A family-friendly mid-range hotel with an intimate and friendly vibe, the Hotel Austria – Wien offers a range of useful services and facilities, such as child-minding, laundry, luggage storage, and currency exchange. Rent a bicycle to explore or conveniently book tickets and tours at the travel desk. The restaurant serves tasty Austrian cuisine and room service is available.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Innere Stadt – Park Hyatt Vienna

The elegant Park Hyatt Vienna is a top option for people looking for a luxurious stay in Innere Stadt. From the indoor swimming pool and modern fitness centre to the blissful spa and top-class beauty centre, there are plenty of ways to pamper yourself. The onsite restaurant, café, and lounge bar offer plenty of enticing dining and drinking options.

Need more specifics? Find out where to stay in Vienna based on what you want to do there!

Neighborhood #2 - Landstraße

(Where to stay in Vienna on a budget)

Vienna’s biggest inner-city district, Landstraße (District 3) combines old industrial areas, charming residential streets, beautiful squares, and sightseeing hotspots. You’ll also find many international embassies throughout the neighbourhood.

Accommodation prices are often lower in this part of the city, making it a perfect pick for budget travellers, and it’s just a short distance from the historic heart of the city.

Well-connected to other parts of Vienna by public transport, there’s also a wealth of cool things to see and do right at your fingertips. The former summer residence of Belvedere Palace is among Vienna’s must-see sites, and you can admire the beautiful buildings around Schwarzenbergplatz.

The buildings designed by famous the Austrian architect, Hundertwasser, are among the quirkiest in Landstraße. The botanical garden is a great spot to escape the crowds and, with no admission charge, it’s also a fantastic attraction for travellers looking to keep the costs down while in Vienna.

Six things to do in Landstraße:

• Feast your eyes on the unique curvy and colourful designs of the unusual Hundertwasserhaus and KunstHausWien
• Hear whispers from the past and see Mozart’s grave in the large and peaceful Marx Cemetery
• Visit the Fälschermuseum for a different perspective on art; the museum looks at fakes and forgeries in the world of art
• Enjoy the stately splendour of Belvedere Palace and wander through the pretty gardens
• See various species of plants (including some that are rare) in the tranquil Botanic Gardens, a scenic spot founded by Empress Maria Theresa in the 1750s
• Listen to the uplifting sounds of the Vienna Symphony at the Konzerthaus

Where to Stay in Landstraße

Best Airbnb in Landstraße – Jonathan’s Airbnb

This cosy apartment is just a four-minute walk to Belvedere. There are two-bedrooms within the apartment with plenty of natural light. The living room is bright and spacious with a comfortable sofa and dining table. The kitchen has everything you need, and there’s also a washer and drying machine.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Landstraße – Ibis Budget Wien Sankt Marx

Close to Erdberg Station and Zipperer Strasse Metro Station, Ibis Budget Wien Sankt Marx is an affordable base from which to explore Vienna. Modern and comfortable, all rooms are en suite with free Wi-Fi and a TV. The hotel has a tour desk and reception is staffed around the clock.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Landstraße – Enziana Hotel Vienna

Enziana Hotel Vienna is a smart and modern hotel with a great onsite restaurant and a cosy and inviting lounge bar. Room service is available for a more private dining experience. All rooms come with a private bathroom, TV, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar. Other perks include laundry services, luggage storage, a tour desk, and bike rentals.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Landstraße – Lindner Hotel Am Belvedere

Wondering where to stay in Landstraße for high standards of comfort and little splashes of luxury? The four-star Lindner Hotel Am Belvedere, with a sauna, massage treatments, gym, bar, and great onsite restaurant, is ideal. The spacious rooms have large windows and are en suite with a TV, free Wi-Fi, and a desk.

 

Tired of making plans? Our favorite tours in Vienna remove stress from the equation!

Neighborhood #3 - Neubau

(Best area to stay in Vienna for nightlife)

A vibrant part of Vienna that was once known for its silk industry, Neubau (District 7) is close to the historic heart yet seems worlds apart with its pastel-fronted buildings and quirky, boho ambience. It’s also one of the best places to stay in Vienna if you want to be close to plenty of night time fun.

The neighbourhood has been through lots of regeneration and renewals over the years, leading to a trendy and cool atmosphere. You’ll find street art, vintage shops, independent stores, cute cafes, and eateries that sell fare from across the world.

Art lovers can get their fill in the Museumsquartier, known locally as simply MQ, home to modern museums, cultural offerings, cafes, shops, and clubs.

At night, stroll along the quaint cobbled streets of Spittelberg and check out the local inns, enjoy the youthful vibe in the cafes and restaurants along Thailastraße, and dance the night away in funky techno clubs like Donau and Dual.

Six things to do in Neubau:

• View interesting pieces at MUMOK, one of Vienna’s best modern art galleries
• Hunt for vintage finds and cool fashions in the offbeat boutiques and thrift stores along Neubaugasse
• Visit the 17^th-century Baroque beauty of St. Ulrich Church
• Purchase ingredients from across the globe at Prosi Supermarket, one of Vienna’s biggest international supermarkets
• Hop between diverse bars and clubs for a fun night out
• Grab a late-night bite from one of the many kebab, sausage, and falafel street vendors

Where to Stay in Neubau

Best Airbnb in Neubau – Laman’s Airbnb

This stunning garden loft is just minutes away from the city centre. It has two bedrooms and is decorated with french walnut floors and urban furniture. There’s an open space living area, but the true gem of this apartment is its garden patio that’s furnished with sun beds, lounge chairs, a BBQ and an outdoor table.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Neubau – Jugendherberge Wien – Myrthengasse

Jugendherberge Wien – Myrthengasse is a cheap and friendly accommodation with comfortable single-gender dorm rooms. Free breakfast is included in the prices and free Wi-Fi can be accessed around the building. Reception is open 24 hours and there’s a shared lounge (with games), onsite restaurant, and luggage storage.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Neubau – Novum Hotel Kaffeemuhle Vienna

Novum Hotel Kaffeemuehle Vienna has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Neubau. There are plenty of bars and restaurants just a few steps from the hotel and you can come back and get a good night’s sleep in the cosy en suite rooms. The hotel has an onsite restaurant, free Wi-Fi, parking, luggage storage, and 24-hour reception.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Neubau – Hotel Schani Salon

Housed within a handsome building, Hotel Schani Salon has various room types, all with a private bathroom and Wi-Fi. You’ll find someone on reception at all times and the hotel offers laundry services, luggage storage and airport transfers (additional costs apply).

 

Neighborhood #4 - Margareten

(Coolest place to stay in Vienna)

With its alternative and Bohemian flair, Margareten (District 5) is one of the coolest places to stay in Vienna. It has a diverse population and the ambience is fun and rather carefree.

Architecturally, Margareten combines traditional local styles (complete with plenty of artistic facades) with the more austere socialist-esque buildings. Sights may be fairly thin on the ground—with the Baroque churches of St. Joseph and St. Florian and the castle-like apartment block of Margarethenhof among the highlights—but the neighbourhood makes up for it with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local way of life, dine, drink, and relax.

Wander through the oldest market in Vienna, Naschmarkt, a true haven for foodies. Pop into small art galleries and studios, relax over a coffee in a charming café, catch a movie in one of the cinemas, and hit up the bars of an evening.

Six things to do in Margareten:

• Visit the birthplace of Franz Schubert, a famous Austrian composer
• Hunt for bargains in the Sunday flea market at Naschmarkt
• Watch vintage and retro movies at Filmcasino
• Snap a picture of the fearsome statue of Saint Margaret bravely killing a dragon at Margaret Brunnen
• See the miniature trains and scenery at Miniatur Tirolerland
• Stroll among the Soviet-era housing blocks, erected in the 1920s and 1930s

Where to Stay in Margareten

Best Airbnb in Margareten – Thomas’s Airbnb

Newly renovated, this apartment is in close proximity to plenty of transport links and shops. The apartment is incredibly clean and comes with a cosy living room area and basic kitchenette. The bathroom is fitted with a shower along with all the amenities that you require. This is a great minimalist place to stay at while exploring the rest of Vienna.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Margareten – Pension Vienna Happymit

Sitting next to a golf course and just a short drive away from the River Danube, Pension Vienna Happymit has comfy twin and triple rooms with clean shared bathrooms. There’s a communal living-cum-dining room along with basic self-catering facilities that can help you to keep the costs down even more.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Margareten –  Art Hotel Vienna

As the name suggests, Art Hotel Vienna is filled with many creative and eye-catching touches. Start each morning full of energy with the buffet breakfast and grab something tasty at other times of the day from the café. Other plus points include laundry services, a tour desk, round-the-clock reception, and a lift.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Margareten – Holiday Inn Vienna City

The high-class Holiday Inn Vienna City has a stylish lounge bar, a sunny patio, a top-notch restaurant, a high-tech gym, and a modern business centre. All well-appointed rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a desk, and a TV. Child-minding services are handy for families and the tour desk makes exploring Vienna easy.

 

Neighborhood #5 - Leopoldstadt

(Best neighborhood in Vienna for families)

Vienna may be some distance from the coast, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t stay on an island! Leopoldstadt (District 2) is a delightful island between the River Danube and the Donaukanal Canal. Close to the historic heart of the city, the parks, nature, and fun attractions of Leopoldstadt make this a prime choice for families. Plus, prices are often lower here than right in the central core.

The district saw extensive damage during the Second World War, but it has been repaired and restored to create a vibrant and trendy area today. There are plenty of open spaces and an abundance of quaint cafes.

The district has a long Jewish heritage, which can be seen firsthand in the streets around Karmelitermarkt. The Prater is famous for its entertainment and leisure opportunities, with shaded walking trails, former hunting grounds, horse-racing tracks, and an amusement park with a gigantic Ferris wheel that dates back to the late 1800s. Other family-friendly features include Madam Tussauds, where you can come face to face with waxworks of famous celebrities, roller coasters, and other rides.

Sightseeing highlights in Leopoldstadt include the enormous Church of St. Francis of Assisi at Mexikoplatz, the park of Augarten, St. Leopold Church, the Corn Exchange, and the Carmelite Church.

Six things to do in Leopoldstadt:

• Feed chestnuts to the inquisitive squirrels in the verdant Augarten park and see the huge concrete air-raid towers
• Explore the old Jewish quarter of Karmelitermarkt, with the Carmelite Church, kosher eateries, and market
• Soak up the panoramic views with a ride on the Prater Ferris wheel
• Watch a football match at the Ernst-Happel Stadium
• Enjoy long walks through the woodlands and spot lots of wildlife and nature
• Marvel at the massive Rhenish-Romanesque Church of St. Francis of Assisi and peek inside the neighbouring Art Nouveau gem of Elizabeth Chapel

Where to Stay in Leopoldstadt

Best Airbnb in Leopoldstadt – Harry’s Airbnb

This beautiful Airbnb is close to the famous Prater as well as lovely shops, trendy restaurants and bars. The space itself is incredible with two-bedrooms and the ability to accommodate six guests. The loft is tastefully decorated and even comes with an Xbox and an outdoor garden patio to unwind at after a day of exploration.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Leopoldstadt – Austria Trend Hotel Lassalle Wien

Wondering where to stay in Leopoldstadt without breaking the bank? Check into Austria Trend Hotel Lassalle Wien. Rooms are modern and spacious and there are interconnecting rooms for families. There’s an onsite sauna and spa, great for relaxing at the end of a busy day, and other features include an onsite restaurant, business centre, tour desk, currency exchange, and laundry facilities.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Leopoldstadt – Hotel Praterstern

Hotel Praterstern offers a range of comfortable rooms, including those suitable for families, each en suite and with free Wi-Fi, a TV, and ample storage space. Relax in the garden, rent a bicycle to explore, book trips from the tour desk, and make use of the laundry services to keep on top of all the essentials. The hotel has parking and convenient airport shuttles are available for an extra fee.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Leopoldstadt – Austria Classic Hotel Wien

Stylish and modern with touches of elegance, Austria Classic Hotel Wien offers a number of ways to relax and take it easy. Play with the giant chess set on the terrace, laze on a sun lounger, hit the gym, pamper yourself in the sauna, and mingle in the lounge bar. Family rooms and child-minding services make it a great choice for people travelling with little ones.

 

A final word…

Vienna is a gorgeous European city that’s brimming with tasteful architecture, cultural experiences, and a chic café scene.

We recommended Innere Stadt for first-time visitors because of its close proximity to many places of interest and its location at the heart of the large city. If you want to cut costs on accommodation while still being central, Landstraße is tough to beat. Margareten is cool and quirky, Leopoldstadt is sure to bring a smile to the faces of old and young alike, and Neubau is a top choice for night owls and party animals.

Wherever you choose to stay in Vienna, however, you’re sure to have a fabulous time discovering the many delights of the Austrian capital.

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