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Last updated on October 29th, 2025 at 11:01 am
The capital of Austria, Vienna is located in the eastern stretches of the country and this guide to the best areas to stay in Vienna is a useful tool to help you pick the perfect district and accommodation for your next trip to the Austrian capital.
So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Vienna, keep reading.
Firmly rooted along the Danube River, Vienna has a rich musical heritage (think Mozart and Beethoven), boasts incredible architecture and artworks and also has a long imperial history.
Therefore, it’s no wonder that Vienna is a popular holiday destination, with many flocking to the capital to immerse themselves in the history of the city.
It’s a real meeting of old and new, with an endearing charm that welcomes visitors both young and old.
Once you know everything about the best areas to stay in Vienna, you’ll be ready to plan a memorable trip to the so-called City of Music.
A Look Into Vienna’s Districts
Vienna is split into 23 different districts, which are numbered for easy reference. The number of each district roughly indicates when it was incorporated into the stunning city of Vienna.
When walking around Vienna, you’ll always know which district you are in, simply by looking at the closest street sign. The name of the road or square will be preceded by the number of the district.
Below, in our detailed list of the best areas to stay in Vienna, we’ve included the number of each district next to its name.
Our Favourite Hotels in Vienna
Before going into detail about the best neighbourhoods to stay in Vienna, we’d like to share with you our top picks.
Prior to that, though, here’s what we’ve come to realise about the capital city of Austria. Several of the city’s hotels are valid reasons to visit Vienna in their own right.
As you may or may not know, accommodation plays a huge role for us when we travel. Where we choose to stay is a big part of the whole experience.
In this spirit, nowhere have we seen so many amazing hotels in one place, as we’ve experienced in Vienna.
Hotel Beethoven Wien
Set in a historic building, the 4-star family-run Hotel Beethoven Wien easily made it to our list of the best hotels of all time.
From the moment we stepped inside its cosy lobby, we received a warm welcome from Barbara – the managing director and, actually, the very soul of Hotel Beethoven – and every other staff member.
It’s no overstatement to say that Hotel Beethoven Wien encapsulates the very essence of Vienna in its six floors.
Each of them has a different theme, related to art, culture and, of course, the musical heritage of Vienna among others.
From the room’s themed decoration and the views it offered to the rooftops of Vienna to its impeccable cleanliness and utter comfort, we have nothing but praise and the warmest memories from our stay.
Breakfast at Hotel Beethoven Wien features a wide selection of top-quality savoury and sweet treats.
It’s served on the mezzanine floor, in an elegant space where the hotel also holds weekly classical music chamber concerts.
In the same area, you can find free tea, coffee and cake throughout the day.
One of our favourite things about Hotel Beethoven Wien is its convenient location, a stone’s throw from the vibrant Naschmarkt and Karlsplatz, one of Vienna’s main public transport hubs.
Another great thing we love about this hotel is its warm bar on the ground floor. With its signature cocktails, warm colours and good music, LVDWIG Bar is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing in Vienna.
We can’t recommend Hotel Beethoven Wien enough. When visiting Vienna, you want to stay at a hotel you’ll actually enjoy spending time at, either at the bar or at a warm corner, reading your book in peace.
Hotel Beethoven Wien guarantees all this and we can’t wait to go back soon.
Choose your themed room at Hotel Beethoven Wien and get ready for an unparalleled accommodation experience.
25Hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier
Speaking of themed hotels, 25Hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier might just be the quirkiest hotel in Vienna.
Drawing its inspiration from the microcosm of a circus, 25Hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier is an explosion of colour that is sure to lift your spirits and make your stay in Vienna all the more memorable.
Apart from the smartly decorated rooms, the hotel also features amazing common areas, designed to offer guests all the comfort and cosiness they would expect to find in their home away from home.
Staying at 25Hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier, you’ll be surprised by the comfort of your room.
Yet, the biggest surprise awaits when you wake up in the morning and head to the breakfast room, a vast and immensely bright space where you can try delicious treats to your heart’s content.
As its name suggests, 25Hours Hotel Vienna is situated a very short distance from MuseumsQuartier. Therefore, it’s ideal for anyone looking to explore the city’s museums while in Vienna.
The hotel is also perfectly located for those who wish to get a taste of Vienna nightlife. In fact, you don’t have to go far for this. The hotel’s rooftop terrace is one of the best places in Vienna to enjoy cocktails with panoramic views.
Enter the magical world of a circus by booking your room at 25Hours Hotel.
8 Best Areas To Stay in Vienna With Hotel Recommendations
1. Innere Stadt (1st District)
First and foremost, there is the Innere Stadt or the Inner City, as it translates into English. Many of the city’s major attractions are housed there, making it one of the best areas to stay in Vienna for sightseeing.
Top Attractions
Some of the top tourist attractions within Vienna’s Old Town include Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, the Natural History Museum, the Vienna Opera House, the Albertina Museum and Rathausplatz.
Why Stay in Innere Stadt
As you can see, Vienna Innere Stadt offers many places to visit and a huge variety of restaurants to choose from.
Therefore, it makes sense that Innere Stadt is often considered the best area to stay in Vienna, especially for first-time visitors.
Why Not Choose Innere Stadt
The 1st district is quite touristy and one of the busiest areas in the city so you should prepare yourselves for the crowd factor in advance.
Hotel Recommendations
O11 Boutique Hotel Vienna: Situated opposite the Vienna State Opera, this boutique hotel features 49 elegant rooms for a special stay in Vienna.
The Guesthouse Vienna: With its high-end rooms, this design hotel offers a unique atmosphere for a luxurious stay in the heart of Vienna.
2. Mariahilf (6th District)
Mariahilf is the sixth district of Vienna. It’s one of the top bustling districts in the city, along with Neubau and Innere Stadt.
Top Attractions
Mariahilf is home to the longest and most famous shopping street in the city, Mariahilfer Strasse. With department stores, thrift shops, and high-end boutiques, this area is perfect for shopping lovers.
Closer to the city centre, you can find the Naschmarkt, a 16th-century market with over 120 stalls and restaurants. If you happen to be in Vienna on a Saturday, go for antique hunting in the flea market at the Naschmarkt.
Other famous attractions in Mariahilf are the Secession Building, the Otto Wagner Majolikahaus, the Theatre an der Wien and the Raimund Theatre.
Mariahilf is also one of the best places to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets.
Why Stay in Mariahilf
One of the best things about Mariahilf is its central location, which means you can reach many Vienna attractions with ease. There are also tons of shops and restaurants and it’s well-connected to the rest of the city.
Why Not Choose Mariahilf
Much of the area is located on a hill, meaning steep climbs are involved.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Beethoven Wien: This hotel is why we strongly believe that staying in a hotel of its kind is one of the best things to do in Vienna.
Josefine Hotel: Named after Josefine de Bourblanc, a young aristocrat who fled from the Russian Revolution, Josefine Hotel is a boutique hotel filled with magical stories.
3. Neubau (7th District)
Neubau is Vienna’s seventh district and one of the more liberal areas. The district has many clubs and bars, and several cultural and artistic events happen there.
It is one of the Vienna neighbourhoods that attracts a slightly younger crowd who frequent the hipster bars, art galleries and local designer shops.
Another striking feature is the traffic lights with same-sex couples that you will see around the district. The latter are also found in Mariahilf.
Top Attractions
The most popular attractions within Neubau include the Leopold Museum, the Volkstheater, the MuseumsQuartier, the ZOOM Kindermuseum and, of course, the Spittelberg Christmas Market.
Why Stay in Neubau
The Neubau district has many upsides, one of which is the nightlife. Neubau is also centrally located and within walking distance of the first district and many major museums.
Why Not Choose Neubau
To be honest, we struggled to find a downside to staying in Neubau. If we had to find one, though, it could be the fact that if you’re not into museums or nightlife, there’s not much to do in this part of the city.
Hotel Recommendations
25Hours Hotel Vienna: The cheerful 25Hours Hotel near the Museum Quarter stands out for its colourful circus concept, delicious breakfast buffet and fantastic rooftop terrace.
Hotel Gilbert: With its green facade and cruelty-free cosmetics, this family-run hotel is true to sustainability. Pick one of Hotel Gilbert’s suites to be pampered at your home away from home.
4. Wieden (4th District)
Located just south of the city centre, Wieden is Vienna’s fourth district. It is one of the most culturally rich neighbourhoods and is far less touristy than its neighbouring districts, making it one of the best areas to stay in Vienna.
There is a younger, more artistic and energetic feel to Wieden, with many students, artists and local designers that give it its unique feel.
Top Attractions
Some of the top attractions in Wieden include the Third Man Museum and Karlskirche on Karlsplatz.
Why Stay in Wieden
Stay in Wieden for its great vibe. There are many local cafés and some of the best restaurants to choose from.
Why Not Choose Wieden
The downside to the district is that, given the local food and goods markets, it can get pretty busy on weekends. It’s also a bit of a commute to get to many of the centrally located Vienna attractions.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Kaiserhof: A few steps from Karlskirche and Karlsplatz, Hotel Kaiserhof is an ideal base to explore Vienna on foot. Built in 1896, the historic hotel offers its guests a royal experience.
Hotel Erzherzog Rainer: A 15-minute walk to some of Vienna’s highlights, this family-run traditional Viennese hotel has been accommodating satisfied guests for over 100 years.
5. Leopoldstadt (2nd District)
Leopoldstadt is Vienna’s second district, separated from Innere Stadt by the Danube Canal. It was allotted to the Jewish people who lived there between the 17th and 20th centuries.
Top Attractions
Leopoldstadt is a large residential area characterised by the iconic giant Ferris Wheel and Prater Park.
Yet another district highlight is the Karmelitermarkt, a network of kosher food stalls beside the river.
Other top attractions include Madame Tussauds, Donauinsel, the Johan Strauss Museum, the St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Augarten.
Why Stay in Leopoldstadt
Leopoldstadt is the best neighbourhood for families who want to spend more time at the Prater Amusement Park. Also, the area offers a relaxed atmosphere with numerous pubs, restaurants and supermarkets.
Although Leopoldstadt is located at the edge of the city, the nearby metro station provides easy access to the heart of the city.
Why Not Choose Leopoldstadt
One of the main reasons not to choose Leopoldstadt for your accommodation is that you’re not visiting Vienna with kids. Also, it requires some commuting to reach the city centre.
Hotel Recommendations
Superbude Hotel: This warm hotel feels more like a get-together place than just a typical hotel. Staying in one of the themed design rooms, you can feel as comfortable as you would back home.
6. Josefstadt (8th District)
Josefstadt is the eighth district of Vienna, located just west of the city centre. Rather trendy and densely populated, it’s a great area where many local university students reside.
Josefstadt has a very local vibe. If you wish to experience the real Viennese feel, it’s the perfect location.
Top Attractions
Some top attractions include the Theatre in der Josefstadt, Piaristenkirche, Vienna’s English Theatre and Alserkirche.
Why Stay in Josefstadt
Josefstadt is described as one of the most authentic Viennese districts. Therefore, if you wish to experience the real Viennese culture and vibe, it’s the perfect place to be.
There are great local restaurants, bars and cafés and you can walk the entire district without having to take public transportation.
Why Not Choose Josefstadt
The downside is that it may be a touch too studenty for some. Also, the hills might make walking a bit strenuous.
Hotel Recommendations
Artist Boutique Hotel: Indulge in this boutique hotel with an artistic ambience. Located right behind Vienna City Hall, it offers 58 elegant rooms and a fitness room.
Hotel Columbia: Housed in a historic building, the once Pension Columbia is now a family-run guesthouse that provides elegant common spaces and charming rooms at a convenient location within walking distance of the city centre.
7. Alsergrund (9th District)
Alsergrund is the ninth district of Vienna, located just to the north of Josefstadt. It is a somewhat affluent area in the city, with many university buildings within its borders.
There are also some rather significant historical links to the district, namely Beethoven and Freud.
Top Attractions
Some of the main attractions include the Sigmund Freud Museum, Votivkirche, the Liechtenstein Garden Palace, Volksoper and WUK.
Why Stay in Alsergrund
Alsergrund’s upside is its proximity to the city centre. It is also a beautiful, culture-rich neighbourhood with many local bars, restaurants, and cafés.
Why Not Choose Alsergrund
If there’s a downside to Alsergrund, it’s that, for some reason, it is difficult to access directly, no matter its proximity to Vienna centre. It seems like a bit of a mission to get there, but it is all worthwhile once you arrive.
Hotel Recommendations
The Harmonie Vienna, BW Premier Collection: A short walk from the Freud Museum, this family-run boutique hotel is designed on a dance concept. It offers cosy rooms, a rich breakfast with organic products and a fitness room.
8. Landstrasse (3rd District)
Landstrasse is Vienna’s third district and the largest of all the inner districts. It is also considered to be Vienna’s cultural hub and the birthplace of visual artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Top Attractions
Some of the main cultural attractions in the district include the Belvedere Palace with its great collection of Gustav Klimt’s masterpieces and lush gardens and Hundertwasserhaus.
Why Stay in Landstrasse
Landstrasse is close to the Wien Mitte Train Station, which is utterly convenient as it leads out to Vienna International Airport and is a hub for connecting to the rest of the city via tram.
Why Not Choose Landstrasse
While the trams are great, the downside here is that the underground network seems to be lacking a bit and connections with Landstrasse are few.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Daniel Vienna: In a prime location with easy reach to the historic centre, Hotel Daniel is one of the finest luxury hotels in Vienna.
It has a bakery, a garden with fruit and vegetables and smart rooms for an unforgettable urban stay. There are also bees on the 7th floor, making honey for your breakfast.
How Many Days in Vienna
Most travellers visit Vienna for a weekend break. Yet, we recommend staying at least three days in Vienna even if you plan a multi-day trip to Central Europe.
What’s more, if you’re a museum enthusiast, Vienna is the city you’re looking for with its abundance of art galleries and exhibitions.
Therefore, make sure you plan enough days in Vienna to fit all the museums on your wishlist. Check out our itinerary to get an idea of what to do in Vienna in 3 days.
Is Vienna Safe?
By and large, Vienna is one of the safest capitals in Europe. The well-lit streets, low crime rate and friendly people are some of the factors that make tourists feel safe in Vienna. That’s true even for solo or female travellers.
Like everywhere, Vienna can be sketchy at times. Moreover, crowded places are where pickpockets thrive. However, if you use your common sense, you’ll enjoy a safe trip to Vienna.
We hope this guide to the best areas to stay in Vienna answers all your questions about where to stay in Vienna and helps you plan your next trip to Austria’s capital.
WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: To facilitate us in writing this guide to the best areas to stay in Vienna, Hotel Beethoven Wien and 25Hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier provided us with complimentary accommodation. However, as always, we express nothing but our honest opinion about the experience we had.