Ahhh Vienna, as Ultravox once so poetically sang. The charismatic capital of Austria has a lot to offer the sophisticated visitor.
I can vividly recall stepping off the boat trip down the Danube from Bratislava on my first trip to this beautiful and charming city. I remember looking around at the intricate buildings, wide boulevards, exquisitely carved sculptures and general order of the place and wondering how a city like this could exist in this crazy world of ours.
In some ways, it felt almost too perfect, but that’s hardly a sustainable complaint. Sure, you’re not going to get the ruggedness of New York City or the frantic sensory overload of Bangkok, but those places aren’t Austria and they weren’t shaped by the likes of Mozart and Freud.
While Vienna is a place that should not be missed as you dance your merry way across the continent, 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’ll know exactly 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 and create your own Viennese whirl!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Hotel-Pension Wild | Best Budget Hotel in Vienna
Hotel-Pension Wild is located near the city centre and within walking distance of a metro station. It’s in a quiet but central location just half a mile from the museum quarter.
It offers non-smoking rooms fitted with a fan, free toiletries, towels and linen and is set in a historic building. A fresh breakfast is served in the morning. Pets are allowed to stay at the hotel and a free Wifi connection is provided.
Motel One Wien Westbahnhof | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Vienna
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 hotel also features a bar and a free Wifi connection. This hotel is a little outside of city center Vienna, roughly 2 miles from St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Belvedere Palace, but it’s well connected by public transport.
Wombats City Hostel | Best Hostel in Vienna
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 for you stay in Vienna.
The hostel is very clean and the staff is friendly. From the hostel it’s easy to reach places like City Hall, central Vienna is within walking distance and there is a metro station just around the corner.
If you love hostels, you should check out my list of the coolest hostels in Vienna!
Artistic loft very close to centre | Best Airbnb in Vienna
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.
With a full kitchen to use whenever you please as well as a cosy living area that has a lovely dining area, this shared house feels like being back home.
Vienna Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Vienna
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 I stayed when I visited Vienna.
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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 neighborhoods 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.
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Vienna’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
Vienna’s neighborhoods 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 neighborhoods.
1. Innere Stadt – Where to stay in Vienna your first time
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Innere Stadt (inner city in English) is the most central neighborhood in Vienna, and where most of the historical sights, tourist attractions 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.
Riedl Pension Vienna | Best Budget Hotel in Innere Stadt
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.
Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Innere Stadt
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.
Modern Guest House | Best Affordable Accommodation in Innere Stadt
Okay, so Hostels in Innere Stadt are more scarce than toilet rolls during lockdown. However, I am bringing you the next best thing, a budget guest house in the heart of Innere Stadt. Relax in a simple yet comfy apartment with your own private bathroom, fancy I know. You’re in a great location to get your trot on and explore the sights, making this Guest house the IDEAL spot to perch up.
Artistic loft very close to centre | Best Airbnb in Innere Stadt
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.
With a full kitchen to use whenever you please as well as a cosy living area that has a lovely dining area, this shared house feels like being back home.
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
- Explore the Museum District and all its incredible works of art.
- Put your glad rags on and head to the Vienna State Opera.
- Take a walk around the “Ring” where you can admire many of the most stunning buildings in the city.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Landstrasse – Where to stay in Vienna on a budget
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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 neighborhood. 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.
Hotel Pribitzer | Best Budget Hotel in Landstrasse
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.
Enziana Hotel | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Landstrasse
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. It’s also just a 5-minute walk from Belvedere Palace and breakfast is available every morning.
a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof | Best Hostel in Landstrasse
The a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof is located in the neighboring 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.
Apartment in Vienna | Best Airbnb in Landstrasse
This 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.
The 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. With everything you will see in the city, it’s nice to know you have a cosy space to call yours.
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.
- Another example of his work can be seen at the Hundertwasserhaus nearby.
- Learn about Austria’s military past at the Museum of Military History.
- Discover its Soviet History at the Monument for the Soviet Soldiers.
- Snap a picture of the famous Hundertwasserhaus on Kegelgasse.
- Explore the impressive grounds of the Belvedere Palace.
- Find some bargains at Vienna’s oldest market, Rochusmarkt.
3. Wieden – Best area to stay in Vienna for nightlife
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Wieden is one of the cool neighborhoods 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.
Saint Shermin Bed Breakfast and Champagne | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Wieden
The Saint Shermin is a family run hotel which offers spacious rooms fitted with air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a tea and coffee maker.
The rooms are also soundproofed and hey offer a good buffet breakfast each morning. The hotel is also just a 5-minute walk from the Karlsplatz Underground Station.
MOOONS Vienna | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Wieden
This swanky 4-star boutique hotel offers amazing light and airy rooms with incredible views over the city. Featuring a fitness centre, garden, a rooftop terrace and restaurant it’s a great place to stay in Vienna.
A buffet, vegetarian or vegan breakfast is served each morning. Many of the city’s landmarks are close by, so it’s easy to make the most of your time in Vienna. it’s one of the best hotels in town for sure.
Wombats City Hostel | Best Hostel in Wieden
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.
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. The hostel is one of my top budget hostels in Vienna!
Quiet and Central Apartment | Best Airbnb in Wieden
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 I 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.
Things to see and do in Wieden
- Admire Karls Church (Karlskirche), one of Vienna’s baroque landmarks and one of the best things to do in Vienna.
- In season, stroll around the stalls at the Christmas market in front of Karlskirche.
- Take a tour of the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous food and flea market.
- Have a drink and dance the night away in one of Wieden’s bars
- Cinema enthusiasts will love the Third Man Museum.
- Admire the Otto Wagner Pavillon Karlsplatz, a jewel of Art Nouveau architecture.
- Experience Viennese Coffee Culture at Cafe Sperl.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Neubau – Coolest place to stay in Vienna
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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.
Hotel Am Brillantengrund | Best Budget Hotel in Neubau
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.
Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Neubau
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.
Jugendherberge Wien – Myrthengasse | Best Hostel in Neubau
This hostel is just a a 20-minute walk from the City Hall, Parliament and the Leopold Museum. It offers both male and female dorms as well as a kitchen where breakfast is served.
You can also buy locks from reception for your locker and there’s a shared games lounge with a pool table, TV, table football and couches to hang out on.
Centrally Place Studio | Best Airbnb in Neubau
Explore the city as you stay in this quaint little studio. Cook yourself a home-cooked meal if you want, there’s an equipped kitchen.
Take a walk for about 20 minutes, and you will find the city’s museums as well as the inner city cafes and bars. There’s also a bakery, restaurants and a supermarkets in the immediate vicinity.
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 on Neubaugasse.
- Dance the night away at the Donau Techno nightclub.
- Explore the Leopold Museum, home to an impressive collection of modern art.
- Discover Spittelberg with its stunning narrow cobblestone streets and old Viennese houses.
Wonder how to spend a weekend in Vienna? Head over to our insider’s Weekend in Vienna guide!
5. Leopoldstadt – Best neighborhood in Vienna for families
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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!
Hotel Odeon Vienna | Best Budget Hotel in Leopoldstadt
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. Bicycle storage is also available.
Henriette Stadthotel Vienna | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Leopoldstadt
Henriette Stadthotel Vienna 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.
Meininger Vienna Downtown Franz | Best Hostel in Leopoldstadt
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.
Central Apartment | Best Airbnb in Leopoldstadt
If you are looking to stay in the trendy part of town, look no further this home. 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 metro.
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.
- Stroll along the beautiful Praterstraße.
- Take a walking tour to explore the Jewish history of this region.
- Visit Austria’s national football stadium, the Ernst Happel Stadion.
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Hide Yo’ Money!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.
Where to avoid staying in Vienna?
Vienna is a great city with a low crime rate, so nowhere is really off-limits. But we recommend staying close to the action to maximise your time in the city. Somewhere like Wombats City Hostel in Wieden is ideal.
Is 3 days in Vienna enough?
Three days in Vienna is the absolute minimum I would recommend. There are a lot of different places to see in Vienna and many of the museums will take at least a few hours each.
Is Vienna walkable?
Yes! Most of the main sights in Vienna are in the inner city and are pretty walkable if you’re of reasonable fitness. The city also has a great Metro system too, so even the places a little further afield are easy and affordable to reach.
What is the best hotel in Vienna?
That depends on your tastes and needs, but personally, I love the MOOONS Vienna in Wieden with its massive windows, terraces, gym and fantastic location.
What To Pack For Vienna
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Vienna
Vienna might be a super nice city, but when you’re travelling you’ve got to prepare for the unexpected. I always recommend getting some comprehensive travel insurance before you leave home. This way you can enjoy your trip without worries.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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My Last Thoughts On Where to Stay in Vienna.
Vienna has its own very Austrian charm, it’s elegant, measured and complex in a composed and poised manner. It’s like an experienced royal stepping out into an unruly crowd, knowing every bit of etiquette. It’s a Viennese waltz to New York’s breakdancing. In a word, it’s pure old-world class.
My top choice of where to stay in Vienna is MOOONS Vienna, 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 ideal place to stay. The beds are clean and comfortable and the location near the Naschmarkt is perfect!
For all budget travellers, find out how expensive Vienna 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!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Vienna.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Vienna.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Vienna to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Vienna is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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