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Where to Stay in Vienna: 6 Best Areas

Vienna is an elegant and formal city with 23 districts, which spiral clockwise around the inner city (1st district – Innere Stadt).

Differences between Viennese neighborhoods (Grätzel) are subtle. It’s unlikely that you’ll feel a pronounced atmospheric shift when crossing between neighborhoods. 

Though Austria’s capital feels more homogenous than your average big city, certain districts are more attractive in terms of proximity to landmarks, dining options, and overall atmosphere. 

Kati and I live in Vienna, so this guide to where to stay in Vienna reflects years of personal experience exploring every corner of this city by foot. It’s packed with hard-earned local insights and personal recommendations. 

For most travelers, we suggest staying in the 1st district, or any of the neighboring inner districts (2-9) that wrap around the first district. The outer districts (10 – 23) are mostly residential and require longer transit journeys to reach Vienna’s top attractions.

Karlskirche, Vienna, Austria
  • Best area for sightseeing and luxury travel: 1st District 
  • Best area for locals-only restaurants and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods: 2nd District
  • Best area for nightlife and urban atmosphere: 6th District
  • Best area for art museums and trendy cafés and restaurants: 7th District
  • Best area for polished, laid-back cafés, lesser-known landmarks, and quiet evenings: 9th District
  • Best area for seeing hidden gems: 13th District
  • Recommended Itinerary: Austria 2-Week Road Trip
  • Where to Eat: Our Favorite Vienna Restaurants

Where to Stay in Vienna Map

Districts

1st District

2nd District

3rd District

4th District

5th District

6th District

7th District

8th District

9th District

13th District


Best Areas to Stay in Vienna – Ranked: Quick Overview

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna Inner City, Austria

1st District – Innere Stadt | The historic center of Vienna is a lavish maze of grand streets, encircled by the Ringstrasse (Ring Road). Stay here if you want to be walking distance to Vienna’s top landmarks, coffee houses, and museums. Best hotels: The Amauris Vienna (elegant luxury), The Guesthouse Vienna (modern luxury), Hotel Zur Wiener Staatsoper (romantic luxury), and Rosewood Vienna (5-star luxury). 

7th District – Neubau | Vienna’s trendiest district is the best base for visiting art museums, hanging out in hipster haunts, and eating in modern Viennese restaurants. Best hotels: Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna (luxury), Hotel Sans Souci Wien (luxury), Hotel Gilbert (midrange-luxury).

6th District – Mariahilf | Vienna’s lively (and congested) 6th district is located between Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna’s longest shopping street, and the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest market. This urban district is packed with cocktail bars, coffee shops, and eateries. This is the best area in Vienna for nightlife. Best accommodations: Hotel Motto (romantic luxury), Hotel Josefine (art deco luxury), Jaz in the City Vienna (midrange), Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol (luxury), and numa | Terra Apartments (budget-midrange). 

9th District – Alsergrund | The unassuming 9th district is a laid-back, polished, and quiet area, home to the Volksoper Wien (the people’s opera house), Votivkirche (neo-Gothic church), Gartenpalais Liechtenstein (palace), and the Sigmund Freud Museum. Stay in the charming Servitenviertel neighborhood in The Harmonie Vienna (midrange). 

2nd District –  Leopoldstadt | Vienna’s second district is a sprawling area between the Danube Canal and the Danube River with very few attractions apart from the Prater Park. Stay in the 2nd district, specifically around the charming Karmeliterviertel neighborhood, if you’re seeking a local, quiet, and offbeat experience. Top accommodations: Rafael Kaiser – Premium Apartments (budget-midrange), or nearby SO/ Vienna (midrange-luxury). 

13th District – Hiezing | Everyone comes to the 13th district to visit Schönbrunn Palace, but very few people stay here, because it’s relatively far from the first district. If you’re interested in exploring Schönbrunn extensively (palace interior, zoo, park, greenhouse, carriage museum) and seeing Vienna’s hidden gems like Otto Wagner Kirche am Steinhof, Hermesvilla in Lainzer Tiergarten, and even the wine taverns in Mauer, the 13th district is definitely an option. Stay in Austria Trend Hotel Maximilian (budget), AAA All About Apartments (budget), or Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn Wien (midrange). 


Innere Stadt – 1st District

Vienna’s first district is the cultural and historic heart of the city. It’s the “Sun” of the Vienna Solar System so to speak. 

The inner district is bounded by the grand Ringstraße (Ring Road) boulevard, flanked by a procession of stately buildings, including the Rathaus (city hall), Burgtheater (theater), Kunsthistorisches Museum (museum of art history), Parlament (Austrian Parliament), and Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State opera house).

Though these buildings represent a range of different architectural styles ranging from neo-classical to neo-gothic, they all date back to the 19th century, when Emperor Franz Josef ordered the demolition of the city wall and, in its place, the development of the Ring Road and adjacent buildings.

Some of Vienna’s finest hotels are located along the Ring Road: The Amauris Vienna (top choice), Hotel Imperial, and Almanac Palais Vienna

Encircled by the Ringstraße, Vienna’s city center is a gorgeous labyrinth of cobbled streets and grand squares, lined with opulent palaces and churches, world-class museums and venues, and upmarket shops. 

Here, you can live out your 1800s period fantasy by eating a Sachertorte in a traditional coffee house, staying in a palatial hotel like Hotel Sacher Wien, Hotel Imperial, or Palais Coburg Hotel, attending an opera at the Vienna State Opera, and even riding in a horse-drawn carriage. 

It’s a joy to aimlessly wander through the first district, following nothing but your nose.

Should you need local guidance, we recommend eating Wiener Schnitzel at Lugeck (Google Maps), farm-to-table set menus at Labstelle (Google Maps), cake at Café Central (Google Maps) and/or Palmenhaus (Google Maps), and goulash at Ilona Stüberl (Google Maps). Cross in the third district for wine and gourmet plates at Heunisch & Erben (Google Maps). And drink coffee at third-wave Kaffein Zeitgeist (Google Maps). 

If money is no object, definitely stay in the first district in Hotel Zur Wiener Staatsoper, Rosewood Vienna, The Guesthouse Vienna, or Hotel Astoria Wien.

Here are some excellent midrange options, located just outside the first district: ARTIST Boutique Hotel (8th district), Parkview Boutique Apartments (3rd district), and The Harmonie Vienna (9th district).

Great budget-friendly options are limited to a handful of apartments like this top-rated Private CENTRAL Vienna I Self Check In


Neubau – 7th District

To the west of the inner city lies the vibrant 7th district of Vienna, home to the MuseumsQuartier (MQ), Spittelberg neighborhood, and many fashionable restaurants, hipster cafés, and vintage shops. 

If you’re looking to stay in the trendiest area of Vienna, stay in Neubau.

The most charming area of the 7th district is Spittelberg, a neighborhood made-up of pedestrian cobbled lanes, lined with Biedermeier houses. 

In summer, people dine al fresco in Spittelberg’s lovingly-run cafés and restaurants, including Hertz & Seele (Google Maps), Collina am Berg (Google Maps), and Sneak In (Google Maps). We particularly love the vegetarian Tian Bistro am Spittelberg (Google Maps), where a set menu of shared plates is served in several rounds. 

During the advent season (late November – late December), Spittelberg hosts a beloved Christmas Market.

Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna, Hotel Sans Souci Wien, and Hotel Gilbert are three excellent hotels around Spittelberg, all walking distance to the first district. 

Occupying the former imperial stables, the MuseumsQuartier (MQ) is an expansive cultural space full of art museums (Leopold and mumok), exhibition spaces, and cafés. The inner courtyard is a delightful place to relax and grab a drink, especially on a warm day. 

Insider Tip | Café Kandl (Google Maps) is a great option for dinner (reservation needed), especially in summer when you can dine in their hidden garden. 

More Accommodations in the 7th District  | Vienna Boutique – Premium Hostel (budget) and 25hours Hotel Vienna (midrange).


Mariahilf – 6th District

Vienna’s 6th district lies between Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna’s main shopping street, and Naschmarkt, Vienna’s famous market crammed with 120 stalls. It’s essentially the area between the U4 and U3 metro lines, the Ring Road, and the Gürtel. 

Mariahilf is an ideal place to stay in Vienna if you’re craving an urban atmosphere with direct access to lively bars and cafés. Some of Vienna’s best cocktail bars are located in the 6th district, including If Dogs Runs Free (Google Maps), Miranda Bar (Google Maps), Luster Bar (Google Maps), and Barfly’s Club inside Hotel Josefine.

In terms of sightseeing, Mariahilf harbors some whimsical art nouveau buildings like Otto Wagner’s Wienzeilenhäuser (Google Maps), which are a trio of residential buildings with ornamented facades across the Naschmarkt. Art Nouveau enthusiasts will adore Café Rüdigerhof (Google Maps), the Secession Museum (Google Maps), and the Fillgraderstiege stairs (Google Maps).

All in all, the 6th district is perfect for travelers who want to be immersed in a bustling city atmosphere with lots of going out options. If you don’t like busy, congested areas, don’t stay in the 6th district. 

Insider Tips | Swing by L’Amour du Pain (Google Maps) for heavenly pastries, walk through the hidden passage of Raimundhof to eat dinner at Bruder – Küche & Bar (Google Maps), and lose track of time at the traditional Café Sperl (Google Maps). 

Top Accommodations in the 6th District | numa I Terra Apartments (budget-midrange), Oliver Apartments | contactless check-in (budget), Jaz in the City Vienna (midrange), Hotel Motto (luxury), Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol (luxury), and Hotel Josefine (luxury).

Also, take a look at the newly-built Hotel Indigo Vienna (budget-midrange) in the neighboring 5th district (Margareten) and Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt (budget) in the neighboring 4th district. 


Alsergrund – 9th District

Vienna’s 9th district is located directly northwest of the city center, bounded by the Ringstrasse (Ring Road), Gürtel (Vienna Belt Road), Danube Canal, and 8th district (Josefstadt).  

Alsergrund’s main attractions are Volksoper Wien (the people’s opera house), Votivkirche (neo-Gothic church), Gartenpalais Liechtenstein (palace), and the Sigmund Freud Museum

To see the interior of the Liechtenstein Garden Palace, you must pre-book a guided tour (German only). But, you can also enjoy the palace exterior from the Hofkellerei wine bar.

If visiting during the advent season (late November – late December), there’s a darling, still-a-secret Christmas Market on the palace grounds. There’s also a fantastic Christmas Market in the courtyard of the Altes Akh, which is the former site of the Vienna General Hospital.

The 9th district is an elegant, quiet, and mostly residential district. If that sounds like your vibe, stay in the Servitenviertel neighborhood. 

Along the charming Servitengasse in Servitenviertel, restaurants and cafés serve lunch menus to loyal patrons. The Viennese way of life – slow and unhurried –  is on full display here.

Our favorite 9th district restaurants, bars, and cafés are Zur Goldenen Kugel (Google Maps) for traditional Austrian cuisine, Statt-Beisl in the WUK (Google Maps) and Beaver Brewing Company (Google Maps) for beer, MAST Weinbistro (Google Maps) for natural wines, La Mercerie (Google Maps) for coffee and pastries, and Pramerl and the Wolf (Google Maps) for fine dining. 

We recommend staying in The Harmonie Vienna (midrange), located on a quiet side street, very close to the Servitenviertel. This boutique hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with tea kettles and coffee makers, a rich breakfast (included in the room rate), a fitness center, and on-site bar and restaurant. In the late afternoon, complimentary tea and homemade cakes are available at the bar. It’s a 20-minute walk from the hotel to the inner district. 

For a budget-friendly option, check out the bright and sparkling clean Sophienne Apartments with air-conditioning, located at the edge of the 9th district at the Nussdorfer U6 metro station, bordering the 19th district.  

Insider Tip 1 | If you want to visit the Wachau Valley from Vienna, there are direct trains from Wien Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof train station to Krems an der Donau in the Wachau Valley (1 hour).  

Insider Tip 2 | The neighboring 19th district (Döbling) is a great place to experience Vienna’s wine taverns (Heurigen). Take tram line D to Nussdorf (wine village) to visit taverns and walk through vineyards. Nussdorf is also the starting point of the Vienna City Hiking Trail 1


Leopoldstadt – 2nd District

Vienna’s second district is a sprawling area between the Danube Canal and the Danube River, home to Prater park and Augarten park. 

Compared to other districts, the 2nd isn’t architecturally captivating. Much of the area was bombed in WWII. After the war, residential buildings were constructed quickly and economically, without adornment. 

The second district is rarely a priority for the Vienna first-time visitor. However, it’s certainly an option if you want to stay somewhere quieter, more authentic, and even offbeat.

The Danube Canal (Donaukanal in German) marks the border between the 1st and 2nd districts. Along the Donaukanal’s promenade, there’s a procession of casual outdoor bars, open seasonally (late spring – early autumn). This is a prime hangout area for drinking and socializing. We always love getting dinner at Neni am Wasser (Google Maps). 

Aside from the Donaukanal, the 2nd district is rather sedate. However, there are some interesting areas to explore and great non-touristy places to eat around Karmeliterviertel, Praterstrasse (south-end), and Stuwerviertel

Leopoldstadt is home to a thriving Orthodox Jewish community, so it’s also called the Jewish Quarter. 


Karmelitermarkt

The area around Karmelitermarkt (market square) is a quiet Viennese neighborhood filled with casual eateries, wine bars, and cafés. The market square is a relaxed and popular gathering area for locals, especially on saturday mornings during the farmer’s market. Stay in the charming Karmeliterviertel neighborhood, if you want to be immersed in a local atmosphere. 

Take a look at Rafael Kaiser – Premium Apartments (budget-midrange), or the nearby SO/ Vienna (midrange-luxury).

During your stay in the 2nd, we recommend swinging by ihana (Google Maps) for cinnamon rolls, Monte Ofelio (Google Maps) for wine, Café Fokus (Google Maps) and goldener papagei (Google Maps) for coffee, Pizza Mari (Google Maps) for Neapolitan pizza, Am Nordpol 3 (Google Maps) for heart-warming Bohemian food, and Mochi (Google Maps) for Japanese cuisine. 


Stuwerviertel and Prater

If you’re structuring your trip to Vienna around a conference, or fair at Messe Wien, or a concert at Ernst-Happel-Stadion, you may want to stay in the Stuwerviertel between the Danube River and the Prater. 

The best hotel in the Stuwerviertel neighborhood is Zola Hotel – Palais de Bohème Adults Only (midrange). Near Zola Hotel, you’ll find three of our favorite restaurants: Stuwer – Neues Wiener Beisl (Google Maps), brösl (Google Maps), and Mochi Ramen Bar (Google Maps). 

Bordering the Prater Park, there are three excellent budget-friendly hotels: Zoku Vienna (budget), Superbude Wien Prater (budget), and BASSENA Wien Messe Prater (budget). 


Hietzing – 13th District

Schloss Schönbrunn was the summer residence of the Habsburgs. The palace complex is one of the most popular attractions in Vienna amongst both locals and tourists.

The extensive castle grounds are free to roam. Ticketed areas include the palace interior, the baroque zoo, the Palmenhaus greenhouse, and the Imperial Carriage Museum. 

Schloss Schönbrunn is located outside the city center in the aristocratic (and geriatric) 13th district (Hietzing) near the U4 metro line. 

If you’re looking for a traditional atmosphere, with access to sprawling green spaces, consider staying around Schloss Schönbrunn. 

The closest hotels to Schönbrunn Palace are Austria Trend Hotel Maximilian (budget), Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn Wien (midrange), and AAA All About Apartments (budget). 

If you’re willing to stay further away, check out WELTWIEN Luxury Art Apartments & Free Parking (midrange-luxury) and Vienna Hostel Ruthensteiner (budget). 

While based in Hiezing, you may want to venture to Otto Wagner Kirche am Steinhof, one of the most stunning Art Nouveau structures in Vienna. Keen walkers may enjoy a visit to Lainzer Tiergarten, a hunting area turned nature reserve. This is where Sissi’s Hermesvilla is located. 

And wine enthusiasts may want to ride the tram (30 minutes) to the wine-growing village of Mauer in the neighboring 23rd district (Liesing) to visit some celebrated wine taverns like Weinbau und Heuriger Wiltschko and Edlmoser Vineyard & Winery


Belvedere Palace and Vienna Central Train Station

The newly-built Belvedere Quarter full of high rises is located between the Belvedere Palace and the Vienna Central Train Station (aka Wien Hauptbahnhof, formerly known as the Wien Südbahnhof) at the edge of the 10th district.

The most important landmark is the Belvedere Palace (technically 3rd district), a baroque complex with beautiful grounds. The Upper Belvedere Palace houses a museum with Viennese masterpieces like The Kiss by Gustav Klimt and Embrace by Egon Schiele

Apart from the Belvedere Palace, this area holds very little interest. 

However, if you need to stay near Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Train Station), take a look at MOOONS Vienna (budget-midrange) and Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere (midrange). Both hotels have great rooftop bars and beautifully-designed modern facilities. 

From Wien Hauptbahnhof, there is a direct metro connection (U1) to the historic city center and train connections to Vienna International Airport. 


More Vienna Travel Guides

City Guide:

Food:

Winter Travel:

Day Trips:

Austria Travel:



Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria

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Sabrina Brett

Hello! I’m a spirited traveler on a quest to hike in the most picturesque alpine and coastal destinations across Europe. In 2016, I left my home and job in San Francisco, California, to move to Germany, and later Austria. The following year, I created this blog to help like-minded travelers experience new and exciting ways to travel authentically. I travel to hike, and I hope to inspire your next adventure.

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