Ruqayyah Snyder
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is divided into 23 districts, each with its own unique character. Known as Bezirke in German, these districts each have their own name and number and range from the bustling heart of the city to the more serene and suburban outskirts. The Innere Stadt (District 1) is the historic core, home to St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and a maze of medieval streets. Moving outwards, the 2nd District, Leopoldstadt, is a lively area with the famous Prater park and its iconic Ferris wheel. If you're visiting Vienna for just a day or two, staying in the city centre or Innere Stadt is a great option. You won’t miss out on the top sights or the unique atmosphere of this historic city. Plus, it’s convenient for getting everywhere quickly, so it's a good option for parents with kids.
Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best area for first-time visitors | Innere Stadt (District 1) |
| Best area for families with kids | Landstrasse, Leopoldstadt, or Innere Stadt |
| Best area for sightseeing | Innere Stadt or within Ringstrasse |
| Best area for budget-friendly options | Landstrasse, Favoriten, or Leopoldstadt |
| Best area for nightlife | Freihausviertel |
| Best area for modern Vienna | Around the main station |
| Best area for quiet and restaurants | Karmeliterviertel |
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What You'll Learn
Innere Stadt
If you're visiting Vienna for the first time, Innere Stadt ("Inner City") is the best area to stay. As the city centre and Vienna's 1st District, it's the historic heart of the city and where you'll find most of Vienna's major attractions. These include St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Albertina Museum, Mozart's House, the Hofburg and its surrounding parks and museums, and the Spanish Riding School. Stephansplatz, the spiritual heart of the city, is also in Innere Stadt.
The area is very walkable, making it a good choice for families with children and those with mobility issues. It's also convenient for getting everywhere quickly, so parents with kids might like staying here if they don't want to venture far.
However, the area is packed with people, especially over the weekend and during the Christmas season. It's also dominated by tourism and is the least populated district of Vienna.
If you want to stay somewhere quieter, consider staying in Leopoldstadt, a newly gentrified neighbourhood across the Danube Canal from Innere Stadt. It's one of the most desirable areas in Vienna for residents, with cool cafes and a creative vibe. It's also the greenest area in the city, with leafy streets sandwiched between the River Danube and the Danube Canal.
For a more local experience, stay just outside the old centre in Neubau or near the Belvedere Palace.
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Leopoldstadt
The district is bordered by the Danube River and the Donaukanal, and it features the city's biggest park, the Wiener Prater, which was once an imperial hunting ground. The area of the Prater closest to the city centre has a large amusement park and is easily accessible via the Praterstern railway station, which provides direct links to Vienna International Airport and inner-city stations.
For accommodation, Leopoldstadt provides options for different budgets. The Bassena Wien Messe Prater, for example, offers family rooms and two on-site restaurants at affordable prices. Motel One Wien-Prater is also known for its excellent value for money, convenient location near the canal, and amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Overall, Leopoldstadt is a vibrant and diverse district in Vienna, offering cultural attractions, recreational spaces, and a variety of dining and accommodation options. Its central location and good transport connections make it a convenient base for exploring the city.
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Landstrasse
In terms of transportation, Landstrasse is one of Vienna's best-connected areas. It has a direct express train (S7) from Vienna Airport that stops at the Landstrasse station, and it is also served by regular trams, buses, and metro trains. The Wien Mitte transport hub provides a direct connection to the airport and easy access to other parts of the city.
For accommodation, the Best Western Amedia Premium Hotel on Landstrasse is centrally located and provides a good base for exploring the area and the whole city. The area also offers a mix of markets, bakeries, and lunch spots, providing a feeling of an authentic neighbourhood.
Overall, Landstrasse is a great choice for those seeking a well-connected, centrally-located district with a mix of historical attractions, green spaces, and residential charm.
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Ringstrasse
The Ringstraße, or Vienna Ring Road, is a circular boulevard that covers 5.3 kilometres (3.3 miles) and encircles the old town (Innere Stadt). It was constructed in the mid-19th century when the old city walls were dismantled and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ringstraße is known for its breathtaking architecture, with impressive 19th-century buildings lining the boulevard.
Staying inside the Ringstraße provides convenient and time-effective access to many of Vienna's top attractions. The route is served by frequent and reasonably priced trams, which are used extensively by locals and tourists alike. The tram route passes by many key venues and has frequent stops, making most attractions just a short walk from any of the tram stops.
There are several accommodation options along the Ringstraße, ranging from apartments to hotels. One such option is the Hotel Post, which has hosted the likes of Mozart, Chopin, and Richard Wagner, and offers rooms at affordable rates. Another option is a set of apartments located 50 metres from the cathedral, providing a central location and the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen.
The area offers a pleasant and safe environment, housing embassies, university departments, and a variety of cafes and bakeries. It also provides easy access to the roof terrace for beautiful views across Vienna.
Overall, the Ringstraße is an excellent choice for those seeking convenient access to Vienna's top attractions, with a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets.
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Wieden
For those seeking a luxurious stay, MOOONS Vienna offers sleek, contemporary design and a rooftop bar with panoramic city views. The Saint SHERMIN bed breakfast & champagne is another intimate boutique hotel with elegant design and a central location, perfect for couples or solo travellers. If you're looking for something more unique, grätzlhotel beim Belvedere spreads its individually designed rooms across various buildings in the neighbourhood, allowing guests to truly live like locals.
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Frequently asked questions
The best area to stay in Vienna depends on your interests and budget. If you're visiting Vienna for the first time, it's recommended to stay in the Innere Stadt, the historic core of the city. This is where you'll find most of the famous sights, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and medieval streets. However, it tends to be very touristy and pricey. For a quieter and more affordable option, consider Leopolstadt, which is just across the Danube Canal from Innere Stadt and offers beautiful parks, great dining, and independent shops.
Some popular hotels in the Innere Stadt area include Hotel Sacher Wien, Grand Hotel, and Hotel Stefanie, the oldest hotel in Vienna with renovated rooms and a courtyard garden.
Yes, there are several affordable options for accommodation in Vienna. The Bassena Wien Messe Prater in Leopoldstadt offers family rooms and two on-site restaurants at a reasonable price. Motel One Wien-Prater is also known for its excellent value for money, providing free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and a convenient location near the canal.
In addition to Innere Stadt, other recommended areas for first-time visitors include the Ringstrasse (Inner Ring Road), which offers convenient access to most attractions, and the Rathaus area, which provides easy walking access to the city centre and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
