Where to stay in Vienna: The best areas and accommodation

Vienna is the capital of Austria and one of Europe's most visited cities. It is located on the banks of the River Danube, and its history has been shaped by intellectuals and artists such as Mozart and Sigmund Freud, as well as the imperial Habsburg family.

However, while Vienna is a place you simply must visit when travelling in Europe, finding suitable accommodation in the city can be challenging.

Are you planning a short visit? Are you travelling with children? Do you enjoy nightlife and entertainment? 

In our article, we will help you find the ideal hotels and neighbourhoods that match your interests and your budget.

Where to stay in Vienna: The best hotels and neighbourhoods

Every year, Vienna ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities, with its size and excellent public transport system contributing to this. With the ability to get anywhere in less than 30 minutes, Vienna is ideal for tourists.

Vienna is divided into 23 districts. District 1, or Innere Stadt, is the historic city centre, encircled by the Ringstrasse, a 3.2 km long boulevard that also serves as a tram route. The remaining districts extend outwards in a spiral from the centre, with most tourist attractions concentrated in the first nine districts, except for Schönbrunn Palace which is in District 13.

We highly recommend choosing Innere Stadt for your stay to fully immerse yourself in the city's imperial atmosphere. As expected, staying in historic hotels and enjoying meals in the Old Town typically comes with higher prices and can be quite crowded.

If you choose to stay outside the centre, you will have more opportunities to get away from the tourist crowds and experience local life. Your choice of location will depend on your style, your budget, and your expectations for your trip. 

In this guide, we have selected our three best areas and offer hotel suggestions at every price point. So, let's see where to stay in Vienna.

Book your flights to Vienna through travelo.gr and secure the most affordable prices!

District 1: Innere Stadt

If you're visiting Vienna for one or two days, staying in the city centre, or Innere Stadt, is an excellent choice. You won't miss the main attractions or the unique atmosphere of the historic city. Additionally, it's convenient for getting anywhere quickly, which is especially appreciated by parents travelling with children.

All the major attractions are within walking distance. Churches, castles, museums, and shopping avenues will be right on your doorstep, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, Graben boulevard, the Hofburg, and the Albertina Museum, which are just a few of the significant sights in this area.

You'll be able to enjoy the picturesque cafes, historic theatres, and concert halls, where events take place daily. There's no doubt you'll experience the best the city has to offer.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The area is always bustling with people, especially on weekends and during the Christmas period. Also, Innere Stadt is generally expensive. Nevertheless, there are some quieter side streets that offer a more peaceful stay, and if you choose wisely, you can still enjoy local food at an affordable price.

Why choose Innere Stadt?

• Several dominant attractions
• Baroque architecture
• Viennese cafes

Attractions near Innere Stadt:

• Hofburg (Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, Austrian National Library, Spanish Riding School)
• St. Stephen's Cathedral
• Albertina Museum
• Vienna State Opera
• Musikverein
• Museum of Art History
• Natural History Museum
• Rathaus (City Hall)

The best hotels in Innere Stadt

Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth

If you want to stay right in the city centre without spending a fortune, look no further. Enjoy imperial elegance with modern facilities, just a few steps from Stephansplatz. We recommend having breakfast at the hotel, as they serve delicious Kaiserschmarrn, the famous pancake omelette Vienna is renowned for.

Hotel Am Parkring

This hotel is located on the Ringstrasse and occupies the 11th to 13th floors of the boulevard's tallest building. The rooms are tastefully furnished and feature flat-screen cable TVs and Nespresso machines with a tablet PC in every room, which the kids will appreciate! Dine at the hotel's gourmet restaurant Das Schick, which serves Austrian and Spanish cuisine with incredible views, for a cosy evening for couples.

District 3: Landstrasse

If you're in Vienna with children, Landstrasse is undoubtedly the ideal place to stay. Vienna's District 3, also known as Landstrasse, is an elegant and peaceful neighbourhood located a short distance from the city centre. Here you'll find many embassies and beautifully decorated residential complexes, and it's also famous for the distinctive style of the Hundertwasser complex with its uneven floors and vibrant colours.

This area is also full of green public gardens and playgrounds, making it convenient and affordable, especially for families travelling with children. It's not the area for intense nightlife, but it hosts some of Vienna's top attractions.

Landstrasse benefits from its central location and direct access to the airport via the Wien Mitte transport hub. Less expensive than the city centre and away from the tourist crowds, this area offers the ideal combination for a relaxing stay without feeling isolated. Here you will experience the authentic atmosphere of a neighbourhood, with markets, bakeries, and places to eat.

Why choose Landstrasse

• Relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds
• Central location, but cheaper than the Innere Stadt
• Good transport connections
• Playgrounds for children
• Elegant architecture
• Danube promenade

Attractions Near Landstrasse:

• Belvedere Palace
• St. Charles's Church
• Hundertwasserhaus
• City Park

The best hotels in Landstrasse

Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien

Ideal for families, this Biedermeier-style hotel is located in the old Viennese passage Sünnhof, a few steps from Wien Mitte railway station. Each room features cable TV and, in many cases, a comfortable seating area for extra space. There are two restaurants, offering international dishes and Austrian specialities. Enjoy the breakfast buffet served on the cosy garden terrace.

InterContinental Wien, an IHG Hotel

The functional facade of this hotel conceals a comfortable and elegant interior. Starting from the wood-panelled lobby, every space is a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary furnishings. Classic rooms offer lovely views of either the Vienna Konzerthaus or the Stadtpark. The hotel houses a gym, a Viennese cafe, and a chic Intermezzo Bar. There is also a spa, a hair salon, and a lounge restaurant.

District 7: Neubau                     

New, modern, and vibrant. This is the neighbourhood that will thrill you if you are a young traveller or if you are looking for nightlife and Vienna's trendier side. Here, instead of traditional coffee houses and luxurious restaurants, you'll discover small coffee shops roasting their own beans, while national and fusion flavours dominate the eateries. Street art offers a contrast to the baroque opulence of the centre, and the nightlife is lively.

The Neubau neighbourhood has many cultural landmarks beyond the usual, such as independent art galleries and historic theatres and cinemas. Furthermore, vintage enthusiasts will appreciate the many shops with handmade gifts and products.

Food fanatics will also love staying in Neubau! Here you'll find speciality flavours from around the world, concentrated in just a few streets (Zollergasse, Kirchengasse, and Lindengasse), as well as many wonderful vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Staying in Neubau is essential if you're seeking a fresh experience of Viennese gastronomy on your holiday.

Discover Spittelberg, a picturesque village with narrow cobbled streets, where students and artists enjoy funky bars and tiny cafes with gardens and courtyards. Here are our favourite hotels for young travellers and artists visiting Vienna.

Why choose Neubau:

• Hipster atmosphere
• Beyond traditional areas
• Multicultural culinary scene
• Active nightlife

Attractions near Neubau:

• Leopold Museum, MUMOK, Kunsthalle, Zoom Children's Museum
• Volkstheater
• Mariahilfer Straße
• Spittelberg Quarter
• Museum of Art History
• Natural History Museum

The best hotels in Neubau

Hotel Am Brillantengrund

This family-run hotel features a Mediterranean-style courtyard where many events, such as exhibitions, readings, and concerts, are always taking place. More active guests can join one of the cycling tours to explore Vienna. Westbahnhof, one of the city's largest transport hubs, and the MuseumsQuartier are just 1 km away.

Hotel Gilbert

If you are a nature lover or environmentally conscious, stay at the green Hotel Gilbert. This pioneering sustainable building project features a facade covered with evergreen perennial plants. The verdant inner courtyard with its Scandinavian style is open to the public and hosts &flora, a restaurant-cafe that resembles a flower shop. You will also appreciate its location opposite the MuseumsQuartier and the metro station.

As the time approaches to book your accommodation in Vienna, we hope this article has helped you discover the city's various areas and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. From the historic and elegant Innere Stadt to the modern and vibrant neighbourhoods of Landstrasse and Neubau, Vienna offers a variety of options for every type of traveller.

Whether you decide to discover the city's rich history or explore new trends and flavours, Vienna will captivate you with its beauty and hospitality. It is a city that combines the past with the present, offering a unique experience that will remain unforgettable in your memory.

We wish you to enjoy every moment of your stay in Vienna and leave with beautiful memories and experiences that will stay with you forever. 

Vienna has many reasons to visit, as it is a beautiful European city – especially during the winter months and over Christmas!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which area is best for accommodation in the destination?

The ideal area depends on the type of trip. If you are looking for vibrancy, restaurants, and easy access to attractions, choose the historic city centre. For a quieter stay at a good price, opt for neighbourhoods slightly outside the centre that are served by public transport. Families usually prefer accommodation with space and easy access to parks or beaches.

How many days do I need to visit the destination?

For a first acquaintance with the main attractions, 2 to 3 nights are sufficient. If you want to explore the surrounding area, enjoy the gastronomy, and truly relax, allow 4 to 5 days. For a base trip with day excursions, a week is ideal.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) usually offer the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation prices. Summer is the busiest period, while winter suits those who want an authentic experience without tourist crowds.

How can I book accommodation at the best price?

Booking through Booking.com offers flexible cancellation policies, reviews from real guests, and often the best available prices. Book 2-3 months in advance for the peak tourist season and compare prices between neighbourhoods, as a few minutes further from the centre often means significant savings.

Is the destination safe for tourists?

Yes, it is a visitor-friendly destination. As with any trip, caution is advised with personal belongings in crowded areas and on public transport, and use reliable modes of transport. Highly-rated accommodations are usually located in safe neighbourhoods.