Vienna is the capital of Austria and one of the most visited cities in Europe. Located on the banks of the Danube River, its history has been shaped by intellectuals and artists such as Mozart and Sigmund Freud, as well as by the Imperial Habsburg family.
However, while Vienna is a place that should not be missed when traveling in Europe, it can be hard to find suitable accommodation in the city.
This is exactly why I have decided to put together this guide on where to stay in Vienna, as choosing a place to stay during your holiday should be a breeze!
After reading this guide, YOU will be the expert on where to stay in Vienna and will be able to find the perfect place for you.
Now, it is time to dive in and explore where to stay in Vienna.
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Best Airbnb in Vienna – Artistic loft very close to centre
When you do venture out you’re within walking distance of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (with its secret crypt) and the rest of the inner city from this convenient location.
Do you like meeting new people on your travels? If that’s you, this is the spot to be; the private room is in a huge home where you share the space with a few people that will quickly feel like family you may end up going on future adventures with during your time here. Not to mention, even with a house full of people, the place continues to stay immaculate. With a full kitchen to use whenever you please as well as a cosy living area that has a lovely dining area.
Best Hostel in Vienna – Wombats City Hostel
Wombats City Hostel is located next to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s biggest market. It offers private double rooms and single beds in dormitory rooms. Each room has an ensuite bathroom and provides free Wifi access. The hostel is very clean and the staff is friendly. From the hostel it’s easy to reach the inner city, central Vienna is within walking distance and there is a metro station just around the corner where you can get a direct train to Schönbrunn Palace.
If you love hostels, you should check out our list of the coolest hostels in Vienna!
Best Budget Hotel in Vienna – Hotel-Pension Wild
The Hotel-Pension Wild is located near the city centre and within walking distance of a metro station so it’s easy to connect to Vienna airport and Schönbrunn Palace. It’s in a quiet but central location just half a mile from the museum quarter and just under a mile from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, so an idea base for when you visit Vienna.
It offers non-smoking rooms fitted with a fan, free toiletries, towels and linen and is set in a historic building. A very good and fresh breakfast is served in the morning. Pets are allowed to stay at the hotel and a free Wifi connection is provided.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Vienna – Motel One Wien Westbahnhof
The Motel One Wien Westbahnhof offers stylish and modern rooms fitted with a bathroom with a rain shower, a workstation, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. The friendly front desk staff will assist you around the clock. The hotel also features a bar and a free Wifi connection. This hotel is a little outside of central Vienna, roughly 2 miles from St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Belvedere Palace, but it’s well connected by public transport.
Innere Stadt
Innere Stadt is the most central neighbourhood in Vienna, and where most of the historical sights are located. It is your best option to stay there if you are visiting the city for the first time, as you will be close to everything and in the centre of the action.
Landstrasse
Landstrasse is located a bit further away from the heart of the action in Vienna but is still a very interesting place to visit nonetheless. There, the architecture is much different from what can be found in the Inner Stadt. Less grand, less imperial, maybe more down to earth.
Wieden
Wieden is one of the cool neighbourhoods in Vienna and is considered by locals as being the first hipster area the city has known. It also enjoys a great location right next to the Innere Stadt while having some gems of its own.
Neubau
Neubau is the coolest place to stay in Vienna. There, visitors will not find the picture perfect imperialism of the Innere Stadt but are more likely to encounter trendy art galleries, design clothing, and unique coffee shops and restaurants.
Leopoldstadt
Leopoldstadt is actually an island located in the heart of Vienna. After being almost fully destroyed during World War II, Leopoldstadt has undergone an immense transformation. Today, trendy cafés line up the streets, and great open spaces cans till be found.
Vienna is made of 22 districts spiralling out from the city centre in a snail shell pattern. The good thing about Vienna is that if your accommodation is located near a bus or tram stop, it does not really matter which area you stay in as the public transport system is very efficient and will get to the city centre or Vienna airport quickly and cheaply.
The Innere Stadt (inner city) is the most centrally located district and where most of Vienna’s historic sights are located. There, you will find old cobbled streets, a lot of sightseeing opportunities and great shopping streets. This is also where you will be able to find places like the Rathaus, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the museum district. It’s where we stayed when we visited Vienna.
If you are travelling on a backpacker’s budget, the Landstrasse area will provide more affordable prices while remaining a very central area. Great shopping can also be found in Landstrasse if you like odd stores with a unique character.
If what you are after is a more hip and cool vibe, Neubau and Wieden are the neighbourhoods to go. Neubau is bustling with art galleries, coffee shops and trendy brunch places. Designer clothing stores are also found around here, so do not miss the opportunity to bring some unique outfits back home!
Wieden is a bit more laidback and offers good nightlife options. Pubs and restaurants stay open late and are a great option to mingle with locals while having a good time.
5 Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Vienna
Vienna’s neighbourhoods are all pretty different from each other. So without further ado, let us look at each one of them in more detail. Here are Vienna’s 5 best neighbourhoods.
#1 – Innere Stadt – Where to stay in Vienna your first time
Innere Stadt (inner city in English) is the most central neighbourhood in Vienna, and where most of the historical sights and luxury hotels are located. It is your best option if you are visiting the city for the first time, as you will be close to everything and in the centre of the action. It is surrounded by the Ringstrasse, which used to be the old city’s wall.
The Hofburg, which used to be the Habsburg family main residence until 1918, can be visited in the Innere Stadt. Today, it serves as the residence of the president of Austria and the seat of government, but the Imperial apartments are open to the public.
While in the Innere Stadt, make sure to stop by the Sacher Hotel. While you may not have the budget to stay in this luxurious hotel, make sure to have a slice of Austria’s most famous dessert, the Sacher Torte. The recipe has remained the same since 1832 and has been kept secret ever since.
Things to see and do in Innere Stadt
- Get a slice of Austria’s most famous cake at the Sacher Hotel
- Get a glimpse of the Habsburg’s family life at the Hofburg
- Visit Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), Vienna’s most famous religious building
Best Airbnb in Innere Stadt – Artistic loft very close to centre
When you do venture out you’re within walking distance of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the rest of the inner city from this central location.
Do you like meeting new people on your travels? If that’s you, this is the spot to be; the private room is in a huge home where you share the space with a few people that will quickly feel like family you may end up going on future adventures with during your time here. Not to mention, even with a house full of people, the place continues to stay immaculate. With a full kitchen to use whenever you please as well as a cosy living area that has a lovely dining area.
Best Hostel in Innere Stadt – Best Location Hostel
The Best Location Hostel is located just outside the Ringstrasse but still in a central location within walkable distance to the Innere Stadt. It offers private rooms with a shared bathroom and single beds in dormitory rooms. Free Wifi is available all around the property, as well as free computer use, free individual lockers, free linens and free coffee and tea all day long.
Best Budget Hotel in Innere Stadt – Riedl Pension Vienna
The Riedl Pension is located right on the Ringstrasse. It offers nice rooms with hardwood floors, a private bathroom with a bathtub, an electric kettle and a view over the city. Free Wifi is available everywhere in the hotel and pets are allowed. The front desk can organise theatre and opera tickets on request.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Innere Stadt – Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna
The Ruby Lissi Hotel is a traditional hotel that offers comfortable and modernly decorated rooms in the heart of Innere Stadt close to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Each room features wooden floors, a private open-plan bathroom with a glass rain shower, a flat-screen TV and soundproofing. The mattresses are really comfortable and hypoallergenic and in the morning, an organic free breakfast buffet is served.
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Learn More Now!#2 – Landstrasse – Where to stay in Vienna on a budget
Landstrasse is located a bit further away from the heart of the action in Vienna but is still a very interesting place to visit nonetheless. There, the architecture is much different from what can be found in the Inner Stadt. Less grand, less imperial, maybe more down to earth.
Hundertwasser, a famous Austrian master of modern art, has left his mark on the Landstrasse neighbourhood. First with the Kunst Haus Wien. Inside, you will find the only permanent exhibition of Hundertwasser’s art as well as temporary exhibitions with the work of other artists.
In Landstrasse, there is also the former summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Belvedere Palace. The ensemble actually encompasses two castles, the Lower Belvedere and the Upper Belvedere. Today, the castles host a great collection of Austrian and international art, including pieces from the Impressionists, Gustav Klimt and medieval art.
Things to see and do in Landstrasse
- Spend a day at the Austrian Gallery, located in the summer palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Belvedere
- Admire one of Hundertwasser’s modern art from the inside at the Kunst Haus Wien
- Learn about Austria’s military past at the Museum of Military History
- Snap a picture of the famous Hundertwasserhaus on Kegelgasse
Best Airbnb in Landstrasse – Cool top floor apartment in Vienna
Forget a traditional hotel, this chic apartment is just what you need when staying in Vienna. In the heart of the city where you can walk 2 minutes to downtown or hop on the metro to take you all over the city. This room is light and bright, which inspires you to want to get your day started nice and early. The place is ideal for couples travelling together with the awesome beds and amazing sunlight. With everything you will see in the city, it’s nice to know you have a cosy space to call yours for the time being that truly feels like home.
Best Hostel in Landstrasse – a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof
The a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof is located in the neighbouring Favoriten area and is close to Vienna’s central train station and the Keplerplatz U-Bahn station. The hostel offers private bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as single beds in mixed dorm rooms. Free Wifi access is provided.
Best Budget Hotel in Landstrasse – Hotel Pribitzer
The hotel Pribitzer is located a 13-minute walk away from the Belvedere Palace, in Landstrasse. It offers simple but comfortable rooms with an ensuite bathroom, a flat-screen TV and a dining table. The hotel is pet-friendly and serves a tasty free breakfast buffet in the morning. A free Wifi connection is provided.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Landstrasse – Enziana Hotel
Enziana Hotel is conveniently located in Landstrasse and close to a tram stop. It offers rooms fitted with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, soundproofing and a view over the city. Guests can also enjoy a fan, heating in the winter and a free Wifi connection.
#3 – Wieden – Best area to stay in Vienna for nightlife
Wieden is one of the cool neighbourhoods in Vienna and is considered by locals as being the first hipster area the city has known. It also enjoys a great location right next to the Innere Stadt while having some gems of its own.
Karls Church, with its baroque architecture, is one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks. The square around it is also one of the city’s hotspots, with a Christmas market in the winter and the music Popfest in the summer. Classical concerts are also held almost daily inside the church.
Wieden is the place where you will find the Naschmarkt, the biggest shopping market in Vienna. It is essentially a flea market that also has plenty of food stalls serving everything you can think of in terms of world cuisine and amazing local food.
Finally, Wieden is a lively area at night, and people come here to have drinks with friends or enjoy the good music DJs play in some of the bars.
Things to see and do in Wieden
- Admire Karls Church, one of Vienna’s baroque landmarks
- In season, stroll around the stalls at the Christmas market in front of the Karls Church
- Shop around at the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous food and flea market
- Have a drink and dance the night away in one of Wieden’s bars
Best Airbnb in Wieden – Quiet and Central Apartment
Get to know the city and stay here to see it in its authentic ways of living. Tucked in a historic building, you will most likely feel like a local seeing the city authentically. It’s quite the charming home with the flowers displayed in the bedrooms and the extra blankets for those cold nights we sometimes encounter here in Austria. The room is just above lots of local pubs and restaurants for those who enjoy the nightlife. If you are down to do some sightseeing, lots of the main attractions are within walking distance. Whether you are travelling solo or with a couple of friends, you can’t beat the price of staying here. It sleeps 4 without squishing you all in a confined space.
Best Hostel in Wieden – Wombats City Hostel
Wombats City Hostel is located next to Naschmarkt, Vienna’s biggest market. It offers private double rooms and single beds in dormitory rooms. Each room has an ensuite bathroom and provides free Wifi access. The hostel is very clean and the staff is friendly, making it one of our top budget hostels in Vienna!
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Wieden – Saint Shermin Bed Breakfast and Champagne
The Saint Shermin Bed Breakfast and Champagne offer spacious rooms fitted with air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a tea and coffee maker. The rooms are also soundproofed. A very good buffet breakfast is served in the morning and a free Wifi connection is provided.
Best Budget Hotel in Wieden – Carlton Opera Hotel
The Carlton Opera Hotel is located in an Art Deco building in a quiet street on the side of the Naschmarkt. Each room in the hotel is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom and a refrigerator. Free Wifi is available and the hotel offers an airport shuttle service. Family rooms accommodating up to four people are available.
Carlton Opera Hotel is one of our favourites in Vienna but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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Buy an eSIM!#4 – Neubau – Coolest place to stay in Vienna
Neubau is the coolest place to stay in Vienna. There, visitors will not find the picture-perfect imperialism of the Innere Stadt but are more likely to encounter trendy art galleries, design clothing, and unique coffee shops and restaurants. You may also take the opportunity to stay in Neubau to buy some unique vintage clothing and renew your wardrobe!
Neubau is located right next to the Museum Quarter and has the privilege to have some museums of its own. The MUMOK, for instance, is really worth a visit. It is the museum of modern art of the city and displays some of the finest contemporary art in Austria.
Finally, let’s not forget that Neubau is still a great place to go for a night out. There are many bars around, and in the summer you can just go enjoy some beers and a good chat in the Museum Quarter where giant lounge chairs are laid out to relax in.
Things to see and do in Neubau
- Explore St Ulrich church, a baroque monument built in the 17th century
- Visit the MUMOK, the finest modern art gallery in Vienna
- Shop for some vintage clothing
- Dance the night away at the Donau Techno nightclub
Best Airbnb in Neubau – Centrally Place Studio
Explore the city as you stay in this quaint little home that has all the essentials for travelling. Cook yourself a home-cooked meal if you want, there’s an equipped kitchen waiting for you which can save a little extra cash. It’s in the centre, on the first floor, facing the courtyard – Can’t get any better than that! For the ones travelling for business or the digital nomads out there, if your work brings you to Vienna, the apartment will fit you as a business space. Take a walk for about 20 minutes, and you will find the city’s museums as well as the inner city cafes and bars.
Best Hostel in Neubau – Best Location Hostel
The Best Location Hostel is located in Neubau, close to the Museum Quartier. It offers private rooms with a shared bathroom and single beds in dormitory rooms. Free Wifi is available all around the property, as well as free computer use, free individual lockers, free linens and free coffee and tea all day long.
Best Budget Hotel in Neubau – Hotel Am Brillantengrund
The Hotel Am Brillantengrund is a family-run budget hotel in the heart of Neubau. The hotel has kept a vintage look and the rooms are furnished and decorated with a vintage design from the 1950s to the 80s. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV and comes with a free Wifi connection.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Neubau – Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna
The Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna offers modern and spacious rooms featuring an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and soundproofing. The hotel boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace with a bar, where guests can enjoy a drink in the summer. A free Wifi connection is available everywhere in the hotel.
Wonder how to spend a weekend in Vienna? Head over to our insider’s Weekend in Vienna guide!
#5 – Leopoldstadt – Best neighbourhood in Vienna for families
Leopoldstadt is actually an island located in the heart of Vienna. After being almost fully destroyed during World War II, Leopoldstadt has undergone an immense transformation. Today, trendy cafés line up the streets and there are some great open spaces.
The Augarten is a large park located in Leopolstadt. It is especially nice to hang out there during the summer while the sun is shining. The park offers a peaceful oasis of tranquillity for when you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition, during the summer months, an open-air cinema is organised in the park in the evening.
The Prater is Vienna’s most famous amusement park kids and parents alike will love. It boasts roller coasters, a Madame Tussaud’s museum, and a giant Ferris wheel from which you can get a unique panorama over the city around you. The wheel actually dates back from 1897!
Things to see and do in Leopoldstadt
- Spend a day in greenery at Augarten
- Ride on the iconic ferris wheel at the Prater
- Get some slow, local and organic food on Saturdays at the Karmelitermarkt
Best Airbnb in Leopoldstadt – Bohemian Apartment
If you are looking to stay in the trendy part of town, look no further this home is THE spot for those looking to check out the nightlife. It’s centrally nestled in the chic, hip neighborhood offering loads of cafes and shopping. Enhance your experience as you stay here in Leopoldstadt, explore the museums and art rooms that the block has to offer. If you feel like you could do some exploring outside of the district to somewhere like Schönbrunn Palace, jump on the subway that is just minutes away.
Best Hostel in Leopoldstadt – Meininger Vienna Downtown Franz
The Meininger Vienna Downtown Franz is an establishment with the sociability and the price of the hostel, and facilities and the cleanliness of a hotel. It offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom and single beds in 4-person dorm rooms. Bed linen is included, free Wifi access is provided, and you can get free city maps at the reception.
Best Budget Hotel in Leopoldstadt – Hotel Odeon Vienna
The Hotel Odeon Vienna is decorated in an Art Nouveau style and offers rooms with a shared or a private bathroom, a flat screen TV and a free Wifi connection. Breakfast can be served to guests in the morning on request and pets are allowed to stay in the room of their owners.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Leopoldstadt – Das Capri
The Das Capri hotel is located a 10-minute walk away from the Prater amusement park in Leopoldstadt. It offers spacious rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom, flat screen TV and free toiletries. A very tasty buffet breakfast is served in the morning and a free Wifi connection is available everywhere in the hotel.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Vienna
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Vienna and where to stay.
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My Last Thoughts On Where to Stay in Vienna…
Vienna has so many sights and things to do that one trip will probably not be enough to fully enjoy it. You understand that this is a city not to be missed in Europe!
My top choice on where to stay in Vienna is the Motel One Wien Westbahnhof, offering stylish accommodation conveniently located close to public transportation.
If you are travelling on a budget, I found that the Wombats City Hostel is the perfect place to stay. The beds are clean and comfortable and the location near the Naschmarkt is ideal! For all budget travellers, find out how expensive Vienna really is before you start your trip. Make sure to be prepared!
Have I forgotten your favourite spot in Vienna? Let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list. Enjoy your trip to Vienna!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
