Where to stay in Vienna

City Guide, Vienna

Vienna Accommodation Guide

Vienna is an amazing city to visit. Vienna has a wide selection of quality accommodations to suit all budgets.  One of the top questions that most visitors ask is ‘Where to stay in Vienna?’

I lived in Vienna for many years, and now my children are students living in Vienna. Vienna is my favourite city, so I visit regularly—doing some of the touristy things just like you.

Here are the top eight district suggestions for Where to Stay In Vienna.

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Vienna Districts

Vienna is organized into 23 districts (Bezirke), that spiral clockwise from the centre.

You can identify the Bezirke in an address. The district is identifiable by the middle two digits of the 4-digit postcode. For example, A1010 is the first district, and A1080 is the eighth district.

Each district is either known by its number or name.

1st District – Innere Stadt

4th District – Wieden

7th District – Neubau

10th District – Favoriten

13th District – Hietzing

16th District – Ottakring

19th District: Döbling

22nd District: Donaustadt

2nd District – Leopoldstadt

5th District – Margareten

8th District – Josefstadt

11th District – Simmering

14th District – Penzing

17th District – Hernals

20th District: Brigittenau

23rd District: Liesing

3rd District – Landstraße

6th District – Mariahilf

9th District – Alsergrund

12th District – Meidling

15th District – Fünfhaus

18th District: Währing

21st District: Floridsdorf

 

Each district has its own qualities, appeal, and accommodation price level. The First District is the most expensive, while the inner districts 2-9 are still close to all the sights and are cheaper.
The Innenstadt, where most tourist sights are located, is the first district.

The second to the ninth districts are the former “Vorstädte” or suburbs. The circular street surrounds these Districts, called the Gürtel , along which you will find Vienna’s Red-ight district.  Beyond the Gürtel, is the former “Vororte” (sub-suburbs), including districts 10 to 19.

The 13th, 18th and 19th districts are well-to-do,  and the 13th is also home to Schönbrunn palace.

Vienna has an excellent public transport system, and you can basically get anywhere in less than 30 minutes.

Top picks- where to stay in Vienna

First time in Vienna:  Innere Stadt (1st District)

Hip areas:  Mariahilf (6th District),  Neubau (7th District),

Budget:  Leopoldstadt (2nd District), Landstraße (3rd District)

Families: Leopoldstadt (2nd District), Landstraße (3rd District),  Josefstadt (8th District)

Nightlife: Wieden (4th District), Neubau (7th District)

Live like a local:  Josefstadt (8th District)

Museums: Neubau (7th District)

Christmas Markets:  Innere Stadt (1st District),  Mariahilf (6th District),  Neubau (7th District),  Josefstadt (8th District)

The Best 8 Districts where you should stay in Vienna

1st District: Innere Stadt (1010)

The Innere Stadt (Inner City) is Vienna’s heart, and the other 22 districts wrap around it. The Ringstraße boulevard encompasses the 1st district.  It is the historic core of Vienna and was within the town walls until the early 19th century.

If you stay for a few days, staying in the 1st district is a great option.

Pros: Home of most of Vienna’s top attractions, many restaurants, bars and cafes. 

Cons: Touristy and can be expensive

Luxury Hotels

Hotel Sacher Wien– stay in imperial glamour in this elegant 5-Star hotel located in a historic building across from the Opera House.
Hotel Imperial   Experience a slice of royal life in the palatial Hotel Imperial, the grandest of all of Vienna’s Hotels.

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel König von Ungarn Located on a quiet street behind Stephensdom, the hotel has been in existence since 1700s with Hungarian nobles used to stay here.
Hotel Am Parking-located on the Ringstraße, this hotel provides panoramic views of Vienna.
Motel One Staatsoper stylish and modern rooms located only one  block from the Ringstraße and the Opera House and 5 min to the Karlsplatz UBahn Station.
Hotel Rathauspark Wien– Located in a palace built in 1882, the hotel is one block from the Rathausplatz on a side street. Member of the Radisson Individuals. €€

Budget Hotels

Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth  Enjoy imperial elegance with modern facilities in this 4 Star hotel just a few steps away from Stephansplatz.
Hotel Kärntnerhof On a quiet street only a 5-minute walk from Stephansplatz, this 3-Star hotel provides an affordable option in the centre of Vienna.
City Pension Hotel This family-run hotel is just a short walk from the Kärtnerstraßse as well as many attractions.

2nd District: Leopoldstadt (1020)

Leopoldstadt is an island between the Donau (Danube) and the Donaukanal (Danube Canal). It is very well-connected to the first district and popular with immigrants and students. Leopoldstadt is Vienna’s former Jewish district; once, it was more gritty, but now it has been gentrified and hip. The main attractions in the second district are the Prater and the Augarten (park), home to the Vienna Boy’s Choir.

Pro: Close to the 1st district, cheaper accommodation, very green- home to Vienna’s largest park- The Prater

Cons: Residential, many students and can be busy  

Luxury Hotels

So/Vienna A modern hotel overlooking the Danube Canal.  Das Bar Loft on the 18th floor is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset.

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Stefanie The family-run hotel, is located in a quiet area and a short walk to the 1st district.
Motel One Wien-Prater.   The modern and stylish rooms at the Wien-Prater Motel One are  a short walk to the U2 Underground station.

Budget Hotels

Bassenta Wien Messe Prater is located next to the Messe-Prater underground station, a 7-minute walk from the Vienna Prater.

3rd District:Landstrasse (1030)

Landstrasse is home to the Belvedere Palace, and it is a short walk or tram ride to the Ringstraße and Vienna’s city centre. Landstrasse is an elegant residential area, home to many embassies.  The district has many parks and playgrounds, making it a good choice for families.

Pros: Central but more quiet than the Innere Stadt, Parks and playgrounds, Direct connection to Airport from Wien Mitte transport hub

Cons: Minimal lively nightlife, can be expensive

Luxury Hotels

Hilton Vienna The hotel is just across from Stadtpark, a quick stroll to all the sights.

Mid-Range Hotels

Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien Ideal for families, this 4 Star Biedermeier-style hotel is located in the old Sünnhof Viennese passageway, steps from Wien Mitte train station.
Hotel Am Konzerthas This 4-star hotel is located a short walk from the Belvedere Palace. The hotel serves a large breakfast buffet and the on-site restaurant Apron has a Michelin star.

4th District: Wieden (1040)

Wieden is located in the southern part of the city, near Karlsplatz, and is home to the famous Naschmarkt. It is one of the cool neighbourhoods and is considered Vienna’s first hipster area. The multicultural area with a laid-back nightlife is popular with university students, so there are many pubs and restaurants.

Pro: Central, Hip, Great cafe and restaurant culture, great value

Cons: residential, student-y

Luxury Hotels

Hotel Kaiserhof Wien The Kaiserhof was built in 1896 and was  recently renovated. I located in the heart of Vienna and is rated in the Top 2% of hotels based on travellers reviews.

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Johann Strauss This 4-star hotel is located, a short walk from the Taubstummengasse Underground Station (U1) and is also close to Karlskirch. It has fabulous breakfast according to 2000+ guests’ reviews.
Hotel Erzherzog Rainer is a 4-star traditional Viennese hotel located within walking distance from Opera House and Karlsplatz Underground Station.

Budget Hotels

Mooons Hotel Vienna A Boutique Hotel located close to the Vienna Central Train  Station (Wien Hbf) with stylish rooms, gym, restaurant and rooftop bar.
Wombat’s The City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt is located next to the Nashmarkt. The hostel offers private double room and single bed dormitory rooms. Each room has an ensuite bathroom and free WIFI.

6th District: Mariahilf (1060)

The district is known for shopping along the pedestrianized Mariahilferstraße, and Mariahilf provides a slice of real Viennese life.  Both close to the city and with excellent transit connections, visitors are only minutes away from all the attractions.

Pro: Vibrant area,  fewer tourists, many bars, restaurants and great shopping

Cons: Limited parking, residential

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel MOTTO Located in a historic building on Mariahilf’s main shopping street, this art boutique hotel has an aura of Parisian charm.
Motel One Westbahnhof stylish and modern rooms located close to Mariahilferstraße shopping street and Westbahnhof Train Station/Metro Station.

Budget Hotels

Pension Mozart A family-run boutique hotel with a 100-year-old tradition. The hotel has been completely renovated in 2021 and offersfamily rooms and  easy contactless check-in 24/7.

7th District: Neubau (1070)

The Museum District of Vienna. Neubau is home to the Museum Quartier and the Biedermeier Spittelberg district. Neubau is still close to the Innere Stadt, but here you can enjoy the quaintness of a village. Neubau is known for its narrow cobblestone lanes and charming Biedermeier buildings, hipster bars, fusion restaurants, trendy art galleries and independent design studios. 

At Christmas, the lanes of Spittelberg is home to a Christmas Market, favourite of the locals. 

Pros: hipster, trendy, Biedermeier archetecture, close to museums,  many restaurants and bars, Nightlife

Cons: Can be pricy, busy

Luxury Hotels

Hotel Sans Souci Wien The 5-star hotel is located across from the Mumok Museum of Modern Art, a short walk from Ringstraße and Volkstheater Underground Station. The hotel  has  restaurant ”La Véranda”, the Sans Souci bar, the Le Salon and the Spa Club including a luxurious indoor sports pool.
25Hours Hotel  This circus-themed hotel has a café and bar on the top floor with a rooftop terrace.

Mid-Range Hotels

NH Collection Wien Zentrum  This family-friendly hotel is located on Mariahilfer Straße, and only steps away to shops, restaurants and bars.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna  This boutique hotel was converted from an apartment building. Each of the 42 bedrooms has been designed by a Viennese artist

Budget Hotels

Hotel Pension Museum 3-star hotel located in a quiet area in the 7th district of Vienna, easy access to Volkstheater and the Museumsquartier
Pension Pharmador From its beautiful courtyard to the 21 rooms, it is a great choice for visitors on a budget.

8th District: Josefstadt (1080)

The smallest district in Vienna, Josefstadt is located behind the Rathaus (Vienna’s city hall). It has convenient city-centre access and is a quiet, typical Viennese neighbourhood with many small shops and family restaurants next to hipster hangouts and theaters. Josefstadt also has many playgrounds and family-friendly spaces where affluent locals mix with students. 

Pro: Where the locals live, Quiet streets, charming bourgeois neighbourhoods, family-friendly

Cons: residential,  can be expensive

Mid-Range Hotels

Theaterhotel and Suites Wien Located next to the Josefstadt Theatre, the Theaterhotel and Suites Wien is a small but posh establishment that is in an excellent location. The 38A bus from Wien Hbf (Vienna Main train station) is conveniently located only steps away from the hotel.
Hotel Josefshof The 4-star hotel is steps away from the Rathaus (City Hall), Burgtheater, and Hofburg Palace. The charming hotel is in an art deco building and offers rooms in imperial or Art Nouveau styles. The hotel has a 24-hour cocktail bar offering snacks, and breakfast buffet.
Hotel Rathaus- Wein & Design A concept hotel where each room is dedicated to a specific Austrian winemaker and offers some of its best-selling wines in the minibar. Located 5 minute walk to either the Christkindlmarket at the Rathausplatz or the Spittelberg Christmas Market.

13th District: Hietzing (1130)

One of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions, Schönbrunn Palace, is in Hietzing.  Schönbrunn with its palace, museums, the zoo and huge park (and Christmas and Easter markets), is located a little outside the city centre, so you might like to stay nearby.

Hietzing is one of Vienna’s more upmarket and less strictly urban districts. 

Pro: residential, family-friendly, many parks and green spaces

Cons: far from the city centre 

Mid-Range Hotels

Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn Wien A well-known landmark that is located practically opposite a Schönbrunn Park entrance and a short walk away from the Hietzing subway station (U4). Dating back to the late 18th century, Emperor Franz Joseph used to house his guests there.
Austria Trend Hotel Maximillian  This modern hotel is located across from the Schönbrunn entrance (next to the Austria Trend Hotel).
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