Where to stay in Vienna

I always feel like I’m walking through some kind of Baroque museum when I visit Vienna, surrounded by the legacy of the Habsburg Empire and all the music and art the city is famous for.

While many of the best things to do in Vienna are found in the city centre, there are other sights in the surrounding areas, where beautiful classic architecture blends with a more contemporary cultural scene.

Choosing where to stay in Vienna is an important decision because the different areas have quite different atmospheres. But the good news is that everything is relatively close to each other – especially by public transport or even just by walking, if you want to explore the streets.

Vienna is divided into 23 districts, each with its own distinct character. But the ones where I would recommend most people stay are right in the centre – in the Innere Stadt (1st District) or the surrounding districts.

I’ll tell you more about each of these recommendations in a moment, but here’s a quick look at where you’ll find the best accommodation in Vienna for your trip:

• Innere Stadt: The heart of Vienna, this is the historic centre that has many of the main sights. There are lots of hotels here but they tend to be more expensive.
• Landstrasse: A more residential area that has some cheaper accommodation options, plus a few luxury hotel chains in the area close to the Innere Stadt.
• Leopoldstadt: With more affordable options, parts of the 2nd District are still very close to the city centre, while others have a more relaxed family feel.
• Neubau: A trendy neighbourhood that’s a great choice if you want to be around cool cafes, boutique shopping, and art galleries.
• Wieden: Known for its nightlife, there’s also a young student vibe here, so it’s a good choice for backpackers other budget travellers.

To get a sense of where all these Vienna neighbourhoods are located, have a look on this map I’ve put together.

Each of these areas to stay in Vienna has a range of accommodation that will suit different kinds of travellers, but you may find more options in some neighbourhoods if you’re looking for something specific.

So, with that in mind, let’s have a look at some specific tips for the best Vienna accommodation.

Innere Stadt

If you want to minimise your time travelling and maximise your time sightseeing, Innere Stadt is a great place to stay in Vienna. Known as the 1st District, Innere Stadt is the centre of Vienna and home to the famous Ringstrasse, which circles the area and creates the border of the city’s World Heritage Site.

The beauty of the Inner Stadt is immediately obvious. The vibrant architecture, squares, fountains, and monuments preserve the city’s fabulous history. The present culture infuses it with life and they both combine to provide a layer of elegance.

Staying in the Innere Stadt means you’ll be able to walk to many of the main sights, including the Austrian National Library, St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, and the Vienna State Opera. But even just walking out the front door of your hotel, you’ll immediately see what makes Vienna so special.

All of this comes with a higher price tag, though, and you can expect Innere Stadt to be busy during the high season and when the city’s amazing Christmas events are on. 

• Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien: Just a short stroll to the top attractions, the rooms are clean and comfortable and some have city views.
• Hotel Post Wien: Bright, clean and spacious rooms, along with a free breakfast that offers lots of variety.

• Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof: A central and historic building that has been decorated with 21st-century interpretations of older art styles.
• Le Méridien Vienna: Along with large and comfortable rooms, there’s a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor pool and spa, an easy access to nearby sights.

• Almanac Palais Vienna: One of the highlights here is the relaxing spa and wellness centre with a terrace, indoor pool, gym, and sauna.
• Palais Coburg Hotel: A charming historic building that offers included treats like champagne, a chocolate treatment, and a flower bouquet.

Landstrasse

To the southeast of Innere Stadt lies the more relaxed and residential Landstrasse. It’s a beautiful neighbourhood where, wandering around, you’ll stumble upon stately gardens, opulent mansions, government embassies, and the baroque Belvedere Palace.

Landstrasse is also one of the quietest central areas to stay in Vienna, where locals live, work, and enjoy the delightful mix of cafes, restaurants, and green spaces. Among the mansions is a genuine sense of authenticity, a place where you can feel like daily life is going on around you.

Having said that, you’ll still find some interesting tourist attractions in Landstrasse, like the quirky Hundertwasserhaus, the Austrian Gallery, and Kunst Haus Wien Museum.

Despite being an upmarket district, it’s far enough from Innere Stadt that you’ll find some cheaper hotels here. Landstrasse is also well-connected with two stations on the main rail system.

• Space Home Apartment – Inner City: This capsule hotel takes the idea one step further and gives it a futuristic design.

• Austria Trend Hotel Doppio Wien: Spacious rooms and convenient to public transport – although it’s quite close to the city centre anyway.
• Vienna Sporthotel: This is something a bit different – a nice hotel in a quiet neighbourhood, you also get access to a heated outdoor pool, 10 tennis courts, a fitness centre, and a spa.

• Hotel Daniel Vienna: The restaurant serves food from its own garden, there are apple trees on the rooftop, and it even makes its own honey and shampoo.
• Hotel Am Konzerthaus Vienna: There’s a stylish and artistic atmosphere to the hotel, which is no surprise when you consider it’s surrounded by impressive music and art venues.

• Hilton Vienna Park: It has panoramic park and city views, with great rooms and easy access to transport and attractions.
• Imperial Riding School: The historic building with a huge lush garden has an elegant interior design and lots of facilities.

Leopoldstadt

Across from Innere Stadt on the other bank of the Danube Canal lies the family-friendly district of Leopoldstadt.

This part of town holds several similarities with Landstrasse, with its beautiful neighbourhood streets. But with the Danube being the only obstacle to the 1st District, it offers even easier access to the historic inner city.

I think Leopoldstadt is one of the best places to stay in Vienna for families (or even the ‘young at heart’). There’s the vintage Prater Theme Park with its classic Ferris wheel (well worth a visit), plus attractions like the planetarium, Madame Tussauds, and the enormous Schweizerhaus beer garden.

Because it’s outside Innere Stadt, accommodation can be cheaper here. However, the downside is that there’s a longer commute to other parts of Vienna.

• Central City Style Rooms by Home2: Although it’s close to public transport, it’s a quiet location with clean and comfortable rooms.
• Space Home Apartment – Prater: Another small place that is clean and comfortable and gives you a lovely little base in the neighbourhood.

• Courtyard by Marriott Vienna Prater/Messe: A modern hotel with a spa and gym, a great panoramic city view; and a fantastic breakfast included.
• MEININGER Hotel Wien Downtown Franz: There’s a contemporary vibe here, with a bar and a games room, plus stylish rooms decorated with panorama photos of Vienna.

• Zoku Vienna: A relaxed vibe with cool rooftop social spaces, a bar and a restaurant, and co-working spaces.
• The Social Hub Vienna: There are some funky things here like an adult-size slide connecting two floors, along with a gym, garden, shared lounge, and evening entertainment.

• Der Wilhelmshof: A classical facade with a modern interior, it has a great location in a quiet area with its own touch of quirkiness.
• Radisson RED Hotel: A very comfortable luxury hotel with a modern style and vintage boutique touches, plus a gym, terrace, and free breakfast buffet.

Neubau

Although it’s got a reputation for being very trendy at the moment, I just want to point out that Neubau is still a charming traditional Viennese district with restaurant patios where locals sip wines and break bread, and leafy streets that lead through to the Museum District.

In this part of Vienna, you’ll have cultural institutions at your fingertips. Discover contemporary art at Mumok and the works of Klimt, Gerstl and Kokoschka at the Leopold Museum. For families, the Zoom Kindermuseum allows your little ones to enjoy a world of knowledge in a fun, interactive way.

There are indie shops, thrift stores and art galleries, as well as gorgeous early 20th century buildings hosting some of the best restaurants in Vienna.

If eating and drinking is going to be a focus and you want to feel inspired by a creative district, then Neubau could be the right spot for you.

• Vienna Boutique – Premium Hostel: The clean rooms have large bunk beds with curtains, it’s quiet, and there’s a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

• ARCOTEL Wimberger Wien: With convenient access to Vienna’s main sights, it also has a wellness and fitness area offering a hot tub, sauna, and views over the city.
• IntercityHotel Wien: Although the rooms are simple, they’re spacious, cozy and clean, while the lobby is colourful and has a bit of a fun vibe.

• The Weekend Hotel: A beautiful interior with fresh vibes, along with bright and spacious rooms that have super comfy beds.
• 25hours Hotel beim MuseumsQuartier: One of my favourite hotel chains, the stylish rooms are designed with circus elements and vintage and modern furniture, plus there’s a fun place rooftop bar.

• Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna: Set in a historic building near the Museum Quarter, breakfast buffet is included and there’s even free tea and homemade cake in front of the fireplace in the afternoon.
• K+K Hotel Maria Theresia: The stylish interior and modern amenities include wellness and fitness facilities, and you’ll also be very well located.

Wieden

Although you’ll find some great bars all around Vienna – one of the best areas in Vienna for going out is Wieden which is the city’s nightlife hub. With a range of options after dark, Wieden has a fun mix of traditional pubs, dim-lit bars, and clubs that roll into the early hours.

South of the city centre, District 4 is also heavily influenced by its large student population. By day, it’s a laidback community where you’ll find boutique fashion and classic bookstores.

Although it’s certainly a hip part of town, there are also some traditional tourist sights here, such as St Charles Church and Naschmarkt, one of the biggest markets in Vienna.

As it borders Landstrasse, you can easily get about on foot and even make your way into Innere Stadt, plus it has good public transport links.

• Do Step Inn Central: There’s a relaxing lounge areas, the dorms have good privacy, and it’s got a great location with easy access to attractions the market.
• Hostel Wieden: It’s quite basic but the location is good, the private rooms are clean, and there’s convenient public transport nearby.

• Pakat Residences: The rooms are spacious with good amenities and some have nice views.
• Cosy Appartement close to City: If you’re looking for your own space, this apartment is clean and spacious with a comfortable bed.

• grätzlhotel beim Belvedere: A refurbished former workshop, it’s got old charm with a modern style, with huge rooms and comfy beds.
• Hotel Johann Strauss: Within a historic building, there’s a sustainable approach with high ceilings, bright rooms, and a very good included breakfast.

• Hotel Kaiserhof Wien: Within the elegant interior, there’s a spa area with sauna, steam bath and fitness room.
• Saint SHERMIN: The rooms are themed with Viennese sights, it’s got a quiet location close to many attractions, and there’s a fantastic breakfast buffet.