Last updated on January 4th, 2024 at 12:09 pm
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.
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A Look Into Vienna’s Districts
Vienna is split into 23 municipal districts, which are numbered for easy reference. The number of each district roughly indicates when it was incorporated into the beautiful 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 favourite hotels in Vienna. Prior to that, though, here’s what we’ve come to realise about the capital 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. From themed to quirky to historic, Vienna hotels are unique in every way.
Hotel Beethoven Wien
Set in a historic building that was constructed in 1902, the 4-star family-run Hotel Beethoven Wien easily made it to the list of our favourite hotels of all time from the moment we stepped inside its cosy lobby, thanks to the warm welcome we received 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.
During our recent trip to Vienna, we spent four amazing days in the Beethoven room on the third floor and loved every bit of our stay. 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. For us, it was also a refuge from the rain, as we were unlucky enough to have rainy weather throughout our entire Vienna trip.
We can’t recommend Hotel Beethoven Wien enough. Especially if you’re visiting Vienna in the winter when the weather can be very cold or rainy (or both), you want to stay at a hotel that offers more than just a room to sleep in. 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.
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.
Where To Stay in Vienna at a Glance
- Where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors: Innere Stadt
- Where to stay in Vienna for sightseeing: Innere Stadt, Mariahilf, Neubau, Wieden
- Where to stay in Vienna for couples: Hietzing (Schönbrunn)
- Where to stay in Vienna with family: Leopoldstadt
- Where to stay in Vienna for nightlife: Neubau
- Where to stay in Vienna for shopping: Mariahilf
- Where to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets: Innere Stadt, Josefstadt, Mariahilf, Neubau, Landstrasse
- Where to stay in Vienna as a digital nomad: Leopoldstadt, Donaustadt
12 Best Areas To Stay in Vienna With Hotel Recommendations
1. Innere Stadt (1st District)
First and foremost, is the Innere Stadt or the Inner City as it translates into English. The central first district has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. Many of the city’s major attractions are housed there. Some of the most prestigious addresses are also found within the district. As a result, it is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Vienna.
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, Rathausplatz and, of course, the grand Ringstrasse Boulevard, Vienna’s iconic ring road.
Pros
As you can see, there are many places to visit and things to see in Vienna Innere Stadt. There is also a huge variety of restaurants to choose from there. Therefore, it makes sense that Innere Stadt is often considered the best area to stay in Vienna, especially for first-time visitors.
Cons
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.
The Leo Grand: A few steps from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this accommodation option offers rooms and suites of impeccable style to experience an imperial vacation, making it one of the best 5-star hotels in 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. It is very much a vibrant district with many exciting attractions found within as well as playing host to unique cultures and stunning architecture.
Top Attractions
Mariahilf is home to the longest and most famous shopping street in the entire city called Mariahilfer Strasse. The latter is no less than 1.5 kilometres (or 0.93 miles) long. It is littered with department stores, thrift shops, high-end boutiques and more – definitely one of the highlights of the district.
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.
There are many other famous attractions in Mariahilf such as the Secession Building, the Otto Wagner Majolikahaus, the Theater an der Wien and the Raimund Theatre. Mariahilf is also one of the best places to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets.
Pros
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.
Cons
Much of the area is located on a hill meaning that steep climbs are involved.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Beethoven Wien: As we mentioned above, Hotel Beethoven Wien is at the top of our Vienna hotels list but nowhere near the top of the hill mentioned above. The walk to and from Hotel Beethoven Wien is flat. This hotel is the reason 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.
Hotel MOTTO: Housed in a historic building on Mariahilf’s main shopping street, this art boutique hotel has an aura of Parisian charm.
3. Neubau (7th District)
Neubau is the seventh district in Vienna and is one of the more liberal areas within the city. There are a plethora of clubs and bars within the district and many 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, Mariahilfer Straße, the ZOOM Kindermuseum and, of course, the Spittelberg Christmas Market.
Pros
There are many upsides to the Neubau district, one of which is the nightlife. Neubau is also centrally located and within walking distance of the first district and many of the major museums.
Cons
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.
Max Brown 7th District Hotel: With its homemade breakfast and famous Max Brown beds, this 4-star hotel is much more than a basic hotel.
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 the fourth district of Vienna. It is one of the most culturally rich neighbourhoods in Vienna and is far less touristy than its neighbouring districts, making it one of the best areas to stay in Vienna. Instead of large department stores, there are one-off, standalone shops that specialise in their own craft.
There is also a network of hipster bars, local restaurants and corner cafés that are a fresh change from larger, well-known ones a stone’s throw away. 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.
Pros
Wieden has a great vibe to it and there are many local cafés and some of the best restaurants to choose from.
Cons
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
MOOONS Hotel: Situated between the Vienna Main Railway Station and the Belvedere Palace, this exciting hotel features 170 high-end rooms, a fitness centre and a rooftop terrace with incredible Vienna views.
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)
Separated from Innere Stadt by the Danube Canal, Leopoldstadt is Vienna’s second district. It was an area that was allotted to the Jewish people who lived there from 1622 until 1938. One of the highlights of the district is the Karmelitermarkt, which is a network of kosher food stalls next to the river.
Top Attractions
Leopoldstadt is also a large residential area that is characterised by the iconic giant Ferris Wheel as well as the Prater Park. Some of the other top attractions include Madame Tussauds, Donauinsel, the Johan Strauss Museum, the St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Augarten.
Pros
The upside of the Leopoldstadt district is the number of pubs, restaurants and supermarkets that are nearby as well as the fact that it’s quiet at night. It is also close to the underground station that provides easy access to the city centre.
Cons
The downside is that it is farther away from the city centre. This means that accessing it can be a bit of an inconvenience.
Hotel Recommendations
Bassena Vienna Prater Hotel: Located near the renowned Prater Amusement Park, this 4-star hotel is as trendy as the Leopolstad district. Relax and spoil yourself at Bassena Hotel knowing that if you want a night out, everything is just a few steps from your hotel.
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.
Zoku Vienna: A few steps from the metro station, Zoku Vienna is an award-winning apartment hotel that boasts a mind-blowing common area and over 100 lofts and micro-apartments. Zoku Vienna is a hybrid hotel, ideal for business travellers and remote workers, with co-working spaces and meeting rooms.
6. Josefstadt (8th District)
Josefstadt is the eighth district of Vienna, found just to the west of the city centre. Rather trendy and densely populated, it’s a great area where many of the students from the local university reside. There are also many restaurants, coffee shops, theatres and markets to choose from that the rest of the local population enjoy.
There’s very much a local vibe associated with Josefstadt. If you wish to experience the real Viennese feel, then it’s the perfect location to do so.
Top Attractions
Some of the top attractions include the Theater in der Josefstadt, Piaristenkirche, Vienna’s English Theatre and Alserkirche.
Pros
Josefstadt is described as one of the most authentic Viennese districts. Therefore, if you wish to experience the real Viennese culture and vibe, then 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.
Cons
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. The hotel is located right behind the Vienna City Hall and 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 from the city centre.
Flemings Selection Hotel: Awarded the Austrian Environmental Label, the Flemings Selection Hotel is not only aligned with sustainability but also combines a unique design concept with warm hospitality.
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 of the university buildings being located 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.
Pros
The upside of Alsergrund is that it’s close to the city centre. It is also a beautiful, culture-rich neighbourhood that has many local bars, restaurants and cafés.
Cons
If there’s a downside of Alsergrund, it’s that, for some reason, it is difficult to access directly, no matter its proximity to Vienna centre. It seems that it’s a bit of a mission to get to but that 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.
H+ Hotel Wien: A bit farther from the city centre, H+ Hotel is a 4-star hotel with fashionable common areas and comfortable spacious rooms.
8. Landstrasse (3rd District)
Landstrasse is the third district of Vienna. It also happens to be the largest of all the inner districts in the city. The district is also considered to be Vienna’s cultural hub and the birthplace of visual artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Landstrasse is also close to the Wien Mitte Train Station, which is utterly convenient as it leads out to Vienna International Airport and is a hub for regional trains.
Top Attractions
Some of the main cultural attractions in the district include the Belvedere Museum with its great collection of Gustav Klimt’s masterpieces and lush gardens, Hundertwasserhaus, Kunst Haus Wien, the Hochstrahlbrunnen Fountain, the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum and the Wiener Konzerthaus.
Pros
Some of the upsides to Landstrasse include its proximity to the central Vienna station as well as being a hub for connecting to the rest of the city via tram. There are also plenty of cultural activities to engage in and many sights to see in the surrounding area.
Cons
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
Parks 73 Townhouse Hotel: Located near Belvedere Palace, you can reach the city centre on a 10-minute tram ride from Parks 73 Townhouse Hotel. The aparthotel provides fully equipped spacious suites and apartments ideal for both leisure and business travellers.
Hotel Daniel Vienna: In a prime location with quick access to the city centre, Hotel Daniel is one of the finest luxury hotels in Vienna with 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.
9. Margareten (5th District)
Margareten is the fifth district in Vienna, located in the southwest of the city. It is an area that is inhabited by many of the city’s workers, with many residential homes within the district. It is a rather interesting mix of the working class, hip individuals and multicultural communities.
Top Attractions
There isn’t a lot going on in terms of attractions. Yet, there are other top places to see quite close by, such as the Schloss Belvedere and the Naschmarkt.
Pros
The upside to Margareten is that it is close to the first district but that’s about it.
Cons
Unfortunately, Margareten doesn’t have the best reputation. This is why some people wouldn’t include it in their lists of the best areas to stay in Vienna.
The main downside is that the sometimes sketchy neighbourhood of Gürtel falls within Margareten. This has led to the entire district getting a bad reputation. But it wouldn’t be fair to leave Margareten out of this list of neighbourhoods to stay in Vienna for this reason.
Hotel Recommendations
MAXX by Steigenberger Vienna: Situated close to the train station and the city centre, this design hotel features 195 sophisticated rooms and suites for a pleasant vacation in Vienna.
10. Donaustadt (22nd District)
Found in the northeast of the city, Donaustadt is the twenty-second district in Vienna. It’s the largest of all the different districts in Vienna and home to the closest thing to a beach that you’ll find in the city, Strandbad Alte Donau. For that alone, Donaustadt is one of the best areas to stay in Vienna in summertime.
Top Attractions
Other attractions include the United Nations Offices at Vienna (UNOV) and the Donaupark with the 250-metre-tall Danube Tower.
Pros
The upside of Donaustadt is that it can be beautiful in parts, with some lovely green spaces and summertime chill spots.
Cons
The downside is that, because of its size, it can be an inconvenience to get back into the city.
Hotel Recommendations
Bassena Wien Donaustadt: After Bassena Prater, this is the second Bassena Hotel on our list of the best hotels to stay in Vienna. Equally smart as the first Bassena Hotel, it’s on a mission to accommodate guests who want to unwind during their visit to Vienna.
District Living: Ideal for travellers on a workation or digital nomads who want to spend a few months in Vienna, this massive complex offers 832 all-inclusive apartments. The stylish building features a co-working space, fancy common areas, a fitness studio, a yoga room, a games room and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views.
11. Favoriten (10th District)
Favoriten is the tenth district in Vienna and, like Margareten, it’s home to many working-class and multicultural people. It’s not always considered one of the best areas to stay in Vienna and can be quite rough around the edges if you will, which is why it doesn’t have the best reputation amongst locals.
Top Attractions
Ankerbrotfabrik is among the top attractions in the district – a former bread factory turned art gallery. Some of the other attractions include the Therme Wien Spa Complex, the Amalienbad and some beautiful local parks.
Pros
This district is home to the largest city spa in Europe. Therme Wien is a true temple of relaxation.
Cons
The slightly dodgy feel of the district would be its downside.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Schani Wien: A stone’s throw from the central train station, Hotel Schani is a smart boutique hotel with a fashionable design. Its proximity to the train station makes the best option for those who seek to explore more of Austria while based in Vienna.
Boutique Hotel Kolbeck: Opened in 1903, this small boutique hotel oozes Viennese charm, making your stay in Vienna a delightful one.
12. Hietzing – near Schönbrunn Palace (13th District)
Last but not least is Hietzing, the thirteenth district in Vienna and one of the poshest areas in the city. It was the former home of royalty and aristocrats, making it one of the most affluent areas to live in. Nowadays, you can find many diplomats calling the district home, leisurely going about their daily business.
Top Attractions
One of the most spectacular attractions in Hietzing is Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Vienna Woods, and its lavish gardens. Some of the other top attractions include the Imperial Carriage Museum of Vienna and all the beautiful villas that litter the streets.
Pros
The upside to Hietzing is that it borders the Vienna Woods. This is one of the best Vienna neighbourhoods to spend time in the summer, walking or having a picnic. It is also one of the best areas to stay in Vienna because even the local supermarkets stock gourmet items.
Cons
The downside to Hietzing is that it’s pretty far out of the city. Therefore, it’s a long commute into and out of the city center.
Hotel Recommendations
Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn Wien: Hietzing may look a bit far from the city centre, but this hotel has an extremely convenient location, a short walk from the metro station and Schönbrunn Palace. Housed in Emperor Franz Joseph’s former guest house, the Parkhotel Schönbrunn offers a majestic break to its guests.
How Many Days in Vienna
Most travellers visit Vienna for a weekend break. Yet, we recommend staying at least 3 days in Vienna to fully appreciate the Austrian capital’s charms.
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 that 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 the Austrian capital.
Here are some more of our accommodation guides:
10 Best Areas To Stay in Prague With Hotel Recommendations
Best Areas To Stay in Rome & Hotel Recommendations
Best Areas To Stay in Santorini: A Concise Guide
Best Places To Stay in Istanbul: Neighbourhoods & Hotels
Best Places To Stay in Puglia Italy: An Essential Guide
WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: To facilitate is 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.