Where to stay in Vienna – 6 best areas and the best accommodation in Vienna, Austria

Vienna is Austria’s busy capital and a great destination for a city trip. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and musical legacy, it offers loads of things to do and see, no matter where your interests lie.

I have visited Vienna many times, stayed in various districts, and got to know the city really well. I can’t say which district is my favorite, but there are 6 that I truly enjoyed staying in, and I’m sure you will too. They offer everything from insights into Vienna’s rich history to vibrant nightlife, a hip art scene, and cozy coffeehouse traditions. 

In this article, I’ll tell you everything about the 6 best neighborhoods in Vienna and what you can expect when staying in them. Plus, I’ll share with you my hotel recommendations to make sure you’ll have a fantastic time during your stay in Vienna.

This guide to accommodation in Vienna will walk you through:

1. A geographical breakdown of the best areas to stay in Vienna
2. All the info you need to make an informed decision on the best area for you
3. A selection of the best accommodation options for each area, budget, and type of accommodation

In a hurry? Book your Vienna accommodation:

If it’s your first time in Vienna, stay in or at the border of the 1st district for easy access to attractions.

Splurge | Rosewood Vienna
Upper end | Hotel Topazz & Lamée
Mid range | O11 Boutique Hotel Vienna
Budget | Mercure Wien Zentrum
Appartment | HeyMi Apartments Stephansdom

Where to stay in Vienna – best (and worst) areas and suburbs

Vienna is made up of 23 districts, each having both a number and a name. Understanding Vienna’s city structure with its districts is essential to choosing the right area for your stay.

The 1st district is Vienna’s historic city center and home to many of the most popular landmarks. The other districts are arranged clockwise around the 1st district. In general, the lower their number, the closer they are to the city center.

In Vienna, it’s common to refer to the various districts by their number rather than by their name. A local would tell you about a restaurant in the 1st rather than a restaurant in Innere Stadt.

When visiting Vienna, staying in or close to the 1st district will allow you to you explore the historic city center and many popular landmarks on foot.

You can quickly pinpoint your hotel’s district by checking the two middle numbers of the 4-digit zip code on its address.

6 Best areas to stay in Vienna

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best districts and areas to stay in Vienna:

• 1st district (Innere Stadt) is the historic center of Vienna and home to iconic landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and the Graben shopping street.
• 2nd district (Leopoldstadt) lies east of the 1st district and borders the Danube Canal. It features fantastic coffee houses and shops, plenty of green spaces, and the stunning Ferris Wheel.
• 3rd district (Landstraße) is situated east of the 1st district and is home to famous landmarks such as Belvedere Palace or the Hundertwasser House.
• 4th district (Wieden) is a hip area south of the 1st district, home to the famous Naschmarkt and a favorite among students thanks to the various bars and clubs in the area.
• 6th district (Mariahilf) is located west of the 1st district and is a less touristy and rather quiet district. Here you’ll find the best shopping area in Vienna as well as many traditional and cozy coffee houses.
• 7th district (Neubau) is the cultural and artistic hub of Vienna with a wide range of museums, art galleries, cool bars, and trendy restaurants.

Unsafe areas to avoid in Vienna

Vienna is ranked one of the top 10 safest cities in the world. However, as in every big city, it’s best to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. The 1st district is known for pickpocketing.

During my visits to Vienna, I never felt unsafe. But wandering alone at night did make me feel uncomfortable at times. If you travel alone, I’d recommend avoiding dark alleys at night.

The 10th district (Favoriten) with its higher crime rate is somewhat the black sheep of Vienna’s districts. But you won’t find any popular landmarks here so it’s unlikely you’d go there anyway.

Best accommodation in Vienna

Vienna offers a wide range of accommodation options from imperial 5-star hotels to trendy lodging at an affordable price point. As already mentioned, stay in or close to the 1st district to make the most of your time in the capital.

In this detailed guide, I’ll share with you the best accommodations in each district and give you a range of options to help you find the perfect lodging for your budget and travel style.

Where to stay in the 1st district (Innere Stadt)

Best for: first time stays, sightseeing

Known for: St. Stephan’s Cathedral, Hofburg, Vienna State Opera

See deals: Accommodation in 1st district (Innere Stadt)

The 1st district, also known as Innere Stadt, is the historic city center and the heart of Vienna. It is home to many of the major attractions, luxurious shops, traditional restaurants, and some of the best hotels, making it the best place to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors.

It is surrounded by the Ringstrasse, a beautiful boulevard that once was the location of the old city’s fortifications and today is home to grand palaces and parks.

St. Stephan’s Cathedral, Vienna’s most famous landmark, is located right in the center of the district. Around the corner, you’ll find Graben and Kärntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping streets offering many luxurious fashion brands.

Other landmarks like the Hofburg and the Vienna State Opera are located only a short walk away. Innere Stadt is also well-connected by bus and subway, making it easy to explore the city near and far.

The 1st district, with its various sights and landmarks, can get quite busy and loud during the day. However, evenings are usually more quiet.

Best hotels in 1st district (Innere Stadt)

Splurge | Rosewood Vienna

Upper end | Hotel Topazz & Lamée

Mid range | O11 Boutique Hotel Vienna

Mid range | Radisson Blu Style Hotel Vienna

Budget | Mercure Wien Zentrum

Best apartments and holiday homes in 1st district (Innere Stadt)

Upper end | Studio Apartments Opera – Mai’s Apartments

Mid range | Modern City Center Apartment

Mid range | HeyMi Apartments Stephansdom

Budget | City Stay Vienna – Lugeck

Where to stay in the 2nd district (Leopoldstadt)

Best for: parks and nature, laid-back atmosphere, sightseeing

Known for: Augarten, Ferris Wheel, Danube Canal, Karmelitermarkt

See deals: Accommodation in 2nd district (Leopoldstadt)

The 2nd district is situated east of the 1st district along the Danube Canal. It features various parks, making it a great spot to enjoy long walks, bike rides, or even take a boat cruise along the canal. Here you will find a laid-back atmosphere compared to the busy city center, providing a more relaxed and authentic Vienna experience.

The neighborhood is home to the famous Prater, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. It features the iconic Ferris Wheel that offers breathtaking views over Vienna, an experience you can’t miss!

Another important landmark is the beautiful Augarten, which is my favorite park to escape the busy city.

The 2nd district also offers a wide range of shops, cozy coffee houses, and modern restaurants. It’s the best area to stay in Vienna for easy access to the city center with its attractions as well as nature.

Keep in mind that the 2nd district is huge so check the exact location of your hotel and ensure you pick something within easy reach of the historic city center.

Best hotels in 2nd district (Leopoldstadt)

Upper end | SO/ Vienna

Mid range | Der Wilhelmshof

Mid range | Hotel IMLAUER Wien

Budget | Novotel Suites Wien City Donau

Best apartments and holiday homes in 2nd district (Leopoldstadt)

Upper end | Augarten Premium Apartment

Mid range | Central Vienna Apartment with Garden View

Mid range | Zoku Vienna

Budget | Vienna Stay Apartments Castellez

Where to stay in the 3rd district (Landstraße)

Best for: cheaper stays, sightseeing

Known for: Belvedere Palace, Botanical Garden, Hundertwasserhaus

See deals: Accommodation in 3rd district (Landstraße)

Vienna’s 3rd district offers a blend of history, culture, and nature. It is centrally located and has excellent connections to public transport, making it easy to explore the city.

One of the most prominent landmarks of the 3rd district is the stunning Belvedere Palace, a magnificent baroque building surrounded by a beautiful park. Adjoining the Belvedere Park you will find the Botanical Gardens, both together form one of the largest inner-city green spaces.

Other popular landmarks in this area include the unique and colorful Hundertwasserhaus and the Vienna Arsenal, a former military complex that today houses a museum offering insights into Austria’s military past.

The 3rd district also offers charming coffee houses, traditional restaurants, and many shops.

The 1st district is only a stone’s throw away, which makes the 3rd district one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Vienna for sightseeing, without the crowds and premium prices of the city center.

Best hotels and apartments in 3rd district (Landstraße)

Upper end | Hilton Vienna Park

Mid range | Hotel Spiess & Spiess

Mid range | Parks 73 The Townhouse Hotel

Budget | Austria Trend Hotel Doppio Wien

Where to stay in the 4th district (Wieden)

Best for: bars & clubs, young vibe, trendy cafés

Known for: Naschmarkt, St. Charles’s Church, nightlife

See deals: Accommodation in 4th district (Wieden)

The 4th district is located south of the historic city center and is considered Vienna’s trendiest neighborhood. Thanks to its many shops, boutiques, coffee houses, restaurants, bars, and clubs, this district is full of life – day and night.

The district is also home to the famous Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest and most popular open-air market. It’s a food lover’s paradise that you shouldn’t miss exploring. Take this food tour and try traditional dishes and tasty Austrian delicacies.

You will also find a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries, studios, and cultural spaces in the area.

The 4th district offers a great mix of restaurants, bars, unique shops, and proximity to the main attractions including the city center. It is also the best location to stay in Vienna if you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife. I had a great time exploring the party scene in this area.

Plus, you’ll have excellent public transport connections thanks to the Karlsplatz transport hub which makes getting to the city center a breeze.

Best hotels and apartments in 4th district (Wieden)

Upper end | Karl Suites Palais Wessely

Mid range | Grätzlhotel beim Belvedere

Mid range | Saint SHERMIN bed breakfast & champagne

Budget | Easy flat Sankt Elisabeth

Where to stay in the 6th district (Mariahilf)

Best for: shopping, coffee culture, access to train network

Known for: Mariahilferstrasse, Westbahnhof, House of the Sea

See deals: Accommodation in 6th district (Mariahilf)

The 6th district is situated West of the city center and is known for Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna’s most famous shopping street. This busy avenue is lined with diverse shops, boutiques, and department stores, making it a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.

This district is also my favorite neighborhood to enjoy the famous Viennese coffeehouse culture with coffee houses like Cafe Sperl and Cafe Jelenik.

Thanks to Westbahnhof, the biggest transportation hub of Vienna, the district is well-connected through train, subway, bus, and tram lines. From here, you can easily access the various areas of Vienna as well as other European cities.

Apart from the busy Mariahilferstrasse, the 6th district is quieter and not as touristy as some of the other districts. It is one of the best places to stay in Vienna if you want to get a glimpse into local life or need easy access to Austria’s train network.

Best hotels and apartments in 6th district (Mariahilf)

Upper end | Hotel MOTTO

Mid range | Jaz in the City Vienna

Mid range | Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol

Budget | Studio Apartments Naschmarkt

Where to stay in the 7th District (Neubau)

Best for: art & culture, hip cafés & restaurants

Known for: MuseumsQuartier, art galleries, nightlife

See deals: Accommodation in 7th District (Neubau)

The 7th district is considered to be Vienna’s cultural hub and attracts a diverse and creative crowd. It is known for its independent boutiques, alternative art spaces, trendy cafés, and funky bars.

The district is home to the MuseumsQuartier, one of the largest cultural complexes in the world. This cultural and art hub houses various museums, galleries, and creative spaces featuring everything from architecture to music, fashion, literature, and even film festivals.

The artistic vibe also continues in the cafés, bars, restaurants, and even hotels that you can find in the area. Many designer hotels with unique room concepts call this district their home.

Overall, the 7th district is lively but less touristy than other neighborhoods in Vienna and offers a great mix of culture and local everyday life.

Best hotels and apartments in 7th District (Neubau)

Splurge | Hotel Sans Souci Wien

Upper end | Hotel Gilbert

Mid range | HENRI Hotel Wien

Mid range | Vienna City Apartment 7

Budget | Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna

Getting to Vienna 

Vienna is easy to reach as it is well-connected with the rest of Austria and the world.

By air: Vienna International Airport is located 18 km southeast of the city center and is the largest and busiest airport in Austria. It offers connections to various international destinations. Book this train to the city center for a smooth and hassle-free ride from the airport. 

You can also fly to Bratislava Airport in Slovakia, which is located just 60 km from Vienna. Book this private transfer from Bratislava Airport to Vienna’s city center.

By bus: If you’re traveling from within Austria or the neighboring countries, taking a bus to Vienna is a budget-friendly option. The bus terminal is located in the city center and is well-connected with most European cities.

By car: Getting to Vienna by car is pretty straightforward. From within Austria, most major highways take you to the city. On top, Vienna’s road network is well-connected to Bratislava, Budapest, and the Czech Republic. Keep in mind that you need the vignette to use Austrian highways.

By train: Austria offers an excellent railway network that connects Vienna to various major destinations within Austria and neighboring countries. The main train station is situated to the west of the city center and is easily accessible via public buses and subway. I mostly travel by train to Vienna, it’s affordable and super convenient.

Getting around Vienna

Vienna offers excellent public transport including buses, trains, trams, and subways, making it very easy to explore the different corners of the city. Many of the popular attractions are located in Vienna’s city center or along the Ringstrasse and are within walking distance of each other.

This hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore Vienna and its main sights, especially on those cold winter days.

Planning a trip to Vienna?

Vienna is a must-visit city filled with historic architecture, rich culture, and classical music scene. The city’s imperial palaces, famous art galleries, and lively neighborhoods offer a unique blend of past and present.

Austria offers diverse experiences, from rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg, to outdoor activities like skiing and hiking in the Alps. For insights on must-visit attractions and tips to make the most of your experience in this wonderful country make sure to check all my articles on Austria!