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Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally significant cities. It is known as the City of Music, having been the home of many famous and highly influential classical musicians, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Schoenberg. The inner city is packed with fascinating historical sites and stunning Baroque palaces, and it’s also home to some of the world’s best restaurants, hotels, and live music venues.
If you’re planning a Viennese vacation, your first step is deciding which part of the city to stay in. Let’s take a look at the core neighborhoods at the heart of the city and highlight some of the best hotels to help you choose the perfect base for your trip.
Innere Stadt for Sightseeing
Highlights: Hofburg Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Mozart’s apartment, Vienna’s oldest tavern, St Ruprecht’s Church, Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna Opera House, Albertina Art Museum, TheaterMuseum, Sisi Museum, Schatzkammer Imperial Treasury, Stadtpark
Innere Stadt (Inner City), also known as the 1st District, is the very heart of Vienna’s old town. Stephansplatz lies right at the center; it’s a public square dominated by the enormous gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral which offers amazing views over the city from its observation platform.
First-time visitors to Vienna do well to stay in Innere Stadt because there are plenty of popular attractions within easy walking distance. Unmissable sights include Mozart’s apartment, the 8th-century St. Ruprecht Church, and the oldest tavern in Vienna. Popular museums in the 1st District include the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), the Theatermuseum, where Beethoven’s Third Symphony was originally performed, and the Pasqualatihaus, which is dedicated to Beethoven’s life and music.
The Vienna Ring Road, Ringstrasse, surrounds Innere Stadt. It was built to replace medieval city walls that were dismantled in the 1800s. Here you’ll see an eclectic combination of Baroque, Classical, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture and several of the city’s most famed buildings, including the Vienna State Opera House, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the Austrian Parliament Building.
Where to Stay in Innere Stadt
There are lots of hotels to choose from in Innere Stadt, but the convenient central location tends to bring high rates. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of the city, the 1st District is the perfect neighborhood.
Popular hotels in Innere Stadt include:
- Boutique Hotel am Stephansplatz is a stylish hotel that lies just steps away from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It has a friendly, artistic atmosphere, and an in-house cafe that serves coffee and breakfast.
- The Guesthouse Vienna is an exclusive hotel that lies right behind the Vienna Opera House. Its sleek, modern rooms are pet-friendly, and there’s an on-site brasserie and bakery to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and delicious sweet treats.
- Hotel Imperial was originally the Palais of Duke Philipp of Württemberg before opening as a hotel for Vienna’s World Fair in 1873. It is now part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection and is renowned for its opulent decor and impeccable service.
- Park Hyatt Vienna is an indulgent 5-star hotel with luxurious spa facilities, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. It offers free Wi-Fi and extensive concierge services and has four in-house dining areas to choose from.
- The Ritz-Carlton Vienna is set within four 19th-century palaces that are a short walk from the Stadtpark. Its luxurious rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, and its indulgent in-house spa features an 18-meter indoor pool.
- Grand Hotel Wien is a luxury hotel with a reputation for exceptional hospitality that goes back to its opening in 1870. It’s considered one of the finest hotels in Vienna thanks to its elegant rooms and gourmet dining.
Neubau & MuseumsQuartier for Art & Culture
Highlights: The Leopold Museum, MOMOK, Architekturzentrum Wien, Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, ZOOM Kindermuseum, Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien
Neubau, Vienna’s 7th District, is a hub for arts, culture, and history. It lies southwest of Innere Stadt, just beyond the Ringstrasse, but it remains within walking distance of the city center. It offers slightly cheaper rates when it comes to accommodation, dining, and drinks despite its proximity to the Inner City.
If you’re looking forward to exploring Vienna’s museums, Neubau is a great location to stay in. It’s home to the MuseumsQuartier (Museum District), a series of historic buildings containing some of the city’s most esteemed cultural and historical collections. The Leopold Museum and the MUMOK are hubs for modern art, while the Kunsthistoriches Museum displays fine art and antiquities in a lavish 19th-century palace. The ZOOM Kindermuseum is packed with interactive exhibits for children, and Architekturzentrum Wien focuses on Austrian architecture and urban design. Discover natural history at the Naturohistorisches Museum.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Neubau has some excellent patio restaurants and bars. It’s also home to some excellent boutique hotels.
Karlsplatz & Naschmarkt for Fine Food
Highlights: Karlskirche, Albertina Modern Art Museum, Musikvrein Wien Concert Hall, Wien Museum Karsplatz, 3D PicArt Museum, Kunsthalle Wien Karlsplatz, Third Man Museum, Schubert Sterbewohnung Museum, Haydnhaus Museum
Karlsplatz is a large square and public transport hub at Innere Stadt’s southern end, close to Resselpark, which is home to the enormous 18th-century Baroque church, Karlskirche. There are yet more excellent museums in this area. Highlights include the Albertina which focuses on modern art, the Wien Museum which centers around Vienna’s history, and the iconic Kunsthalle Wien Karlsplatz, a glass cube that serves as a contemporary art exhibition space.
Naschmarkt is Vienna’s largest market, and it’s a popular spot for foodies. You’ll find everything from food truck sausages to Michelin-star haute cuisine. Head to the famed Cafe Sacher for its delicious cake. There are many international restaurants and cafes in this area in addition to the market stalls, so if you love good food, Karlsplatz and Naschmarkt could be a great base.
Where to Stay in Karlsplatz & Naschmarkt
Hotel Sacher Wien is a famed location that has served as a meeting place for many important political and cultural icons, including Queen Elizabeth II and President John F. Kennedy. It is also the birthplace of the original Sacher-Torte, which is served daily in the hotel’s cafes.
Landstrasse for Architecture
Highlights: Belvedere Palace, Schwarzenburg Palace, Belvedere Christmas Market, Museum of Military History, Haus Wittgenstein, Hundertwasserhaus, Kunst Haus Wien
Landstrasse, the 3rd District, is a large area that sprawls southeast of Innere Stadt and is where some of the city’s most impressive Baroque properties lie, such as Belvedere Palace and Schwarzenberg Palace. This area is particularly popular during November and December when the Belvedere Christmas Market takes place. The southern portion of Landstrasse is home to fascinating modern architecture, including the Haus Wittgenstein townhouse and the multi-colored Hundertwasserhaus apartment block.
Despite being some way out of the city center, Landstrasse is fairly upmarket and can be just as expensive as the Innere Stadt. However, it is a little quieter, which might appeal to those who want to avoid the biggest tourist crowds.
Where to Stay in Landstrasse
InterContinental Hotel Vienna is a five-star establishment with an impressive wood-paneled lobby and a grand ballroom where elegant events regularly take place. It has a gym and a bar in-house, and massage and spa services are available.
Leopoldstadt & Prater for Budget Trips
Highlights: Prater Amusement Park, Augarten, Madame Tussauds Vienna, Vienna Planetarium, Liliputbahn Miniature Railway, Schweizerhaus, Ernst Happel Stadium
Leopoldstadt lies north of the Donaukanal, a river that branches off from the Danube in the north and cuts through the middle of Vienna’s center. It’s a 10-minute walk to the Innere Stadt, but hotel, dining, and drink prices are cheaper than in the Inner City, which makes it possible to enjoy Vienna on a tight budget.
Prater is a sprawling park in Leopoldstadt where many popular attractions lie, including Prater Amusement Park, a Ferris wheel, Madame Tussauds, a miniature railway, and the Planetarium. Plus, there are miles of trails to hike or bike. If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors or are planning a family trip, Leopoldstadt makes a great base.
Where to Stay in Leopoldstadt & Prater
Hilton Vienna Waterfront is an attractive historic building with incredible views over the river. It has an outdoor pool for use in the summer, wellness and fitness facilities, and a waterfront bar and restaurant. It also lies a convenient 20 minutes away from Vienna airport.
Josefstadt for Families
Highlights: Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art, Rathaus, Theatre in der Josefstadt
Joefstadt is the 8th District, lying west of the Innere Stadt. It’s primarily a residential area with few attractions, although it is home to the Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art, the elegant Rathaus (City Hall), and the oldest theater in Vienna.
If you’re planning a family trip to Vienna, Josefstadt could be a great base because it’s much quieter than the more touristic neighborhoods, particularly at night. It has excellent public transport links for sightseeing, and the city center is accessible on foot if you don’t mind a long walk.
Hotel options are fairly limited but you might have luck finding an apartment or house to rent.
Alsergrund for Student Atmosphere
Highlights: Sigmund Freud Museum, Lichenstein Garden Palace, Schubert’s Birthplace, University of Vienna
Alsergrund, the 9th District, is home to the University of Vienna. Its high student population gives it a fresh, youthful atmosphere that often appeals to young and solo travelers. There are some great sights here, including the Sigmund Freud Museum, Liechtenstein Garden Palace, and Schubert’s birthplace.
Fewer tourists mill around Alsergrund so if you want a taste of authentic Vienna, it’s a great place to stay. Keep in mind that it’s fairly residential and quiet, but the few hotels here are more affordable than in the Innere Stadt.
Mariahilf for Shopping
Highlights: Mariahilferstrasse, Haus des Meeres Aquarium
Mariahilf lies just across the Ringstrasse from Vienna State Opera, and it’s home to one of the city’s most renowned shopping streets, Mariahilferstrasse. You’ll find plenty of excellent chain and boutique stores here, and many trendy cafes and bars in which to grab a bite to eat.
This area is primarily residential, but there are hotels dotted throughout it. It feels a little off-center but even if you don’t stay in Mariahilf, be sure to visit to appreciate its vibrant atmosphere.
Favoriten for Short Stays
Highlights: Vienna Central Station, Schweizer Garten
Favoriten, the 10th district, is a multicultural residential area just south of Belvedere Palace. It’s home to Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station), where trains and trams connect you to destinations throughout Vienna and to various other major European cities.
If you’ll be dropping into Vienna very briefly as part of a longer rail journey, it might make sense to stay in Favoriten. There are some affordable, convenient, and modern hotels close to the train station.
Hietzing for Epic Palaces
Highlights: SchonbrĂĽnn Palace, Klimt Villa, Hermesvilla, Lainzer Tiergarten
Hietzing is a huge district best known for the SchonbrĂĽnn Palace. This immense property dates back to the 1500s when the Hapsburg family established it as a summer residence, but the majority of the buildings on the property today were built in the 1700s. You can easily spend a full day exploring the buildings and sprawling gardens. Another big draw of Hietzing is Lainzer Tiergarten, a large woodland park where you can take long walks and enjoy some respite from the busy city.
Hotels are few and far between in Hietzing and you might feel a little cut off from the city center if you choose to make it your base. Stay here only if you don’t mind traveling to see other sights.
Wieden for Nightlife
Highlights: Vienna City History Museum, Vienna University of Technology, cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs
Wieden, the 4th District, is renowned for its lively nightlife. It’s a small neighborhood but bursting with energy, particularly in the evening when bars and restaurants come to life. It lies close enough to the major attractions of the Innere Stadt that it’s easy to finish up a day of sightseeing here. Plus, the Vienna University of Technology lies here which means there are lots of students around and plenty of cool bars to accommodate them.
If you’re looking for budget accommodation, Wieden is a good place to find it. There are some good value hostels here that are ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.
Plan Your Vienna Vacation
Vienna’s city center has plenty of fantastic accommodation options for tourists. Now you’re up to speed with its core neighborhoods, get started finding the perfect place to stay for your visit to this beautiful city.
