Where To Stay In Vienna: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Vienna has 23 districts, and they are numbered outward from the historic center. You could stay in the grand heart of the city, surrounded by palaces and old coffeehouses, or go a few stops farther and find leafy parks, cool cafés, markets, and a more local feel.

For a first visit, Innere Stadt puts you right in the middle of the action. Stephansdom, the Hofburg, the Albertina, and the State Opera are all close by. We also like Neubau for its independent shops, galleries, cafés, and lively streets. Leopoldstadt is another great pick, especially if you want the Prater, green space, and the Danube Canal nearby.

Then there is Wieden, where the Naschmarkt and Karlskirche add plenty of character. The best part? Vienna’s excellent public transportation means you do not have to stay right in the center to get around easily.

Here are the best areas to stay in Vienna, plus what each neighborhood is actually like.

In this travel guide:

Innere Stadt

Best area for: shopping, history, sightseeing

Situated in central Vienna, Innere Stadt is ideal for travelers on their first visit to Vienna. History buffs will find most of the Austrian city’s best attractions here.

Innere Stadt is Vienna’s official 1st District. It sits right inside the famous Ringstraße boulevard, which replaced the city’s ancient medieval defensive walls back in the 19th century.

Walking down the cobblestone streets feels like stepping onto a movie set. Saint Stephen’s Cathedral sits right at the center. We climbed up the South Tower, and the view over the city’s tiled roofs was insane. The massive Hofburg Palace complex is just down the street. It housed the Habsburg empire for centuries, and today you can check out the Empress Sisi Museum inside.

Art lovers can spend hours inside the Albertina museum nearby. It holds massive collection pieces ranging from Monet to Picasso.

Need a coffee break? Pop into Café Central. Getting a classic Viennese coffee and a slice of Sachertorte under those vaulted ceilings feels like pure luxury. For dinner, we would head straight to Figlmüller near Lugeck. You have to order their legendary Wiener Schnitzel. It literally overflows off the edges of the plate, but the thin, crispy crust makes it worth every bite.

To wrap up the evening, stroll through the Graben shopping street to catch street performers playing live classical music under the warm yellow city lights.

Best place to stay in Innere Stadt

DO&CO Hotel. Address: Stephansplatz 12, 1010 Wien, Austria.

Neubau

Best area for: hipster, nightlife, culture

Neubau has earned the reputation as Vienna’s coolest neighborhood.

Vienna’s 7th district is where you get a break from the grand imperial side of the city. The streets feel younger and more creative. You find independent shops, vintage stores, small galleries, coffee bars, and plenty of people hanging out on sidewalks. The area has a very different feel from the historic center.

One of our favorite spots is Spittelberg. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with beautifully preserved Biedermeier houses. The area has a surprisingly colorful past too. It was once known for its nightlife and brothels. Now it is much more relaxed, with restaurants, bars, little stores, and art spaces.

Then there’s the MuseumsQuartier at the eastern edge of Neubau. It occupies the former imperial stables and now houses more than 50 cultural institutions.

You can easily spend half a day here, moving between the Leopold Museum, mumok, and Kunsthalle Wien. The courtyards are just as appealing as the museums. Grab a drink, find a seat on the colorful Enzi furniture, and watch Vienna go by.

For shopping, we head to Neubaugasse and Burggasse. There are plenty of independent designers, secondhand stores, bookstores, and small boutiques. When we need a coffee or a relaxed meal, ULRICH near St. Ulrich’s Church is an easy pick. It serves breakfast, lunch, drinks, and dinner, with a nice terrace when the weather cooperates.

Best place to stay in Neubau

Hotel Max Brown 7th District. Address: Schottenfeldgasse 74, 07. Neubau, 1070 Vienna, Austria.

Leopoldstadt

Best area for: families, culture, parks

Leopoldstadt has an energetic, diverse vibe. Situated between the Danube Canal and the main river, it spent centuries as an island district.

Historically, it was Vienna’s vibrant Jewish quarter, often called the “Matzo Island.” While WWII devastated the community, the neighborhood’s Jewish heritage is actively coming back today with traditional bakeries and kosher shops returning to the streets.

You should spend an afternoon at the giant Prater park. Riding the historic Riesenrad Ferris wheel gives incredible views over the city rooftops. Nearby, the Crime Museum offers a quirky look into Vienna’s dark underworld history. The whole area feels distinct from the regal, polished city center, blending historic architecture with a lively, trendy local atmosphere.

For breakfast, hit up Balthasar Coffee Bar on Praterstraße for outstanding flat whites and fresh croissants. Later in the day, spend a few hours exploring the bustling outdoor Karmelitermarkt.

For lunch, grab delicious Israeli small plates at NENI right in the center of the market square. If you want a fun spot for dinner, check out Mochi for some of the best modern Japanese-style tapas in the city. The outdoor patio seating along the canal in the evening makes for a great ending to the day.

Best place to stay in Leopoldstadt

Magdas Hotel. Address: Laufbergergasse 12, 1020 Wien, Austria.

Landstraße

Best area for: budget-friendly, diversity, culture

Vienna’s third district, Landstraße, is ideal for travelers on a budget. It is situated a little further out from the center of Vienna than the other areas on this list.

However, that doesn’t make it any less desirable for travelers. Landstraße is considered less flamboyant than Innere Stadt. Locals consider it to be a far more down to earth representation of Vienna.

The area has been part of Vienna for centuries, and its name comes from the old road that once led east from the city toward Hungary.

The big draw is Belvedere Palace. You can easily spend a few hours here, checking out the Baroque palace, gardens, and famous art collection. Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss is the star attraction. The Upper Belvedere is also where the Austrian State Treaty was signed in 1955.

Then there is the completely different side of Landstraße. The Hundertwasserhaus looks like someone handed an architect a box of crayons and removed all the straight lines. The colorful apartment building was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and finished in 1985. Nearby, the Kunst Haus Wien has a permanent Hundertwasser exhibition.

For a coffee stop, we’d head to Jonas Reindl Coffee Roasters on Landstraßer Hauptstraße. It is an easy place to recharge before exploring more of the district. If we want something more substantial, Salm Bräu on Rennweg is a classic choice for Austrian food and house.

Best place to stay in Landstraße

Ruby Sofie Hotel. Address: Marxergasse 17, 03. Landstraße, 1030 Vienna, Austria.

Wieden

Best area for: art, nightlife

Situated just south of the Innere Stadt, you will find Wieden, one of Vienna’s coolest places to stay. Its location makes it perfect to get to and from the history-rich Innere Stadt.

This 4th District dates back to around 1137, making it one of Vienna’s oldest suburban areas. It used to be a major trade route hub, but today it is a super trendy, artistic neighborhood full of historic charm and modern life.

Our first stop is always Karlsplatz to see the breathtaking Karlskirche. The massive Baroque church and its iconic reflecting pool are truly stunning. Right nearby, you can spend hours checking out the Wien Museum, which tells the fascinating story of Vienna’s history.

You should also check out Freihausviertel, a lively pocket of Wieden packed with independent boutiques, art galleries, and record shops.

Start your morning with great espresso and poached eggs at Kaffeefabrik on Favorite Straße. For a fantastic mid-day meal, you should grab lunch at Vollpension, a cozy café where local grandmas bake traditional homemade cakes.

For dinner, we head over to Gasthaus Wickerl for authentic Viennese Wiener Schnitzel and cold local beer. If you want a cool evening drink, check out the stylish cocktail lounge at Hotel Johann Strauss.

Best place to stay in Wieden

Hotel Johann Strauss. Address: Favoritenstraße 12, 04. Wieden, 1040 Vienna, Austria.

Where travel critics stay in Vienna

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Vienna? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Vienna.

Budget

Hotel am Brillantengrund.

“Set on a quiet street in the arty Seventh District, the quirky Hotel am Brillantengrund has 34 rooms ranging from compact singles to small apartments that sleep up to four guests, all with private baths. Each room has a different décor.” — New York Times.

Address: Bandgasse 4, 1070 Wien, Austria.

Mid-range

25hours Hotel beim MuseumsQuartier.

“Artsy, eclectic, and deliriously Bohemian, the clever circus-themed walls by Olaf Hajek are sure to charm. Each room contains extraordinary and exceptionally-illustrated wallpaper of old-time, big top themes by the German artist and deliciously quirky vintage furnishings.” — Fodor’s.

Address: Lerchenfelder Str. 1/3, 1070 Wien, Austria.

Luxury

Park Hyatt Hotel.

“In Vienna’s heart on Am Hof square, Park Hyatt occupies the former HQ of the Bank of Austria. The opulent marble and chandelier-lit interiors manage the delicate act of fusing historic character with contemporary design. With a gold-kissed spa, season-driven cuisine and flawless service, it’s five-star all the way.” — Telegraph.

Address: Am Hof 2, 1010 Wien, Austria.

FAQ: Vienna hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Vienna? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Vienna hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Vienna.

Best time to visit Vienna

If your aim is to explore the outdoor attractions and enjoy the city’s vibrant café culture, the summer months of June to August would be the most preferable.

During this period, Vienna is adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, the days are long and sunny, and the city hosts several festivals and outdoor concerts.

However, it’s worth noting that summer is also the peak tourist season, which means popular attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral can get quite crowded.

If you prefer a quieter, more laid-back experience, the spring months of April to June or the autumn months of September to October could be the best time to visit Vienna for you. The weather during these periods is pleasantly cool and the city is less crowded, allowing you to explore at your pace.

Winter in Vienna, specifically December, offers an entirely different charm. The city turns into a winter wonderland with its famous Christmas markets such as Rathausplatz and Belvedere Palace markets, sparkling with lights and filled with the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread.

The Vienna State Opera also has a full schedule during this time, offering the chance to experience world-class performances.

Best things to do in Vienna

There are plenty of things to do in Vienna and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Vienna:

Vienna: Skip-the-Line Giant Ferris Wheel Ride

If you haven’t taken a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel, you haven’t really been to Vienna at all. Enjoy this iconic Viennese experience with its unique view onto the UNESCO-listed city of Vienna. Price: $14. More info.

Kursalon Vienna: Johann Strauss and Mozart Concert

Enjoy an evening of Viennese classical music during a performance at the Kursalon Vienna concert hall. Listen to renowned works from Mozart and Strauss in a show complete with opera singers, ballet dancers, piano concertos and more. Price: $54. More info.

Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Skip the lines for this informative walking tour of the Schönbrunn Palace. Follow your guide to gain insight on the history of the palace and its gardens. Price: $45. More info.

More things to do in Vienna

Deciding where to stay in Vienna

As a closing note, let’s summarize this travel guide. We covered the best areas of Vienna so you can decide which part of town you want to stay in.

Top 5 areas to stay in Vienna

• Wieden
• Leopoldstadt
• Landstraße
• Innere Stadt
• Neubau

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Vienna is important. Whether you stay in Wieden, Leopoldstadt, Landstraße, Innere Stadt or Neubau, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Vienna.

Vienna overview

More Vienna tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Vienna:

Hotels in Vienna

Hostels in Vienna

Boutique hotels in Vienna

Luxury hotels in Vienna

Cheap hotels in Vienna

Eco-friendly hotels in Vienna