Vienna is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe and, with over 1.8 million inhabitants, is also the seventh largest city in the EU. It is therefore important to consider where to stay in Vienna.
Of course, there are big differences between the different areas in Vienna, so in this guide I will take a closer look at the best areas for tourists.
In this guide to accommodation in Vienna, I have selected a number of areas that are different from each other and where you can live well.
In addition to the areas, I recommend hotels in different price categories.
So let’s start with the guide: Where to stay in Vienna?
Best residential areas in Vienna
If you’re in a hurry, here are the best places to stay as a tourist in Vienna:
- Innere Stadt – the city centre and the best area in Vienna ⭐️
- Mariahilf – A trendy area with cool cafes ☕️
- Landstraße – A less touristy area near the centre 🥰
- Leopoldstadt – a multicultural and young hipster area 😎
The guide to accommodation in Vienna continues below, where I recommend specific hotels in the different areas.
1. Innere Stadt – City center & the best area in Vienna
If you understand a little German (which is spoken here in Austria), you might guess that Innere Stadt means ‘inner city’, so it’s the centre of Vienna.
This makes the Inner City the perfect area for travelers who want to stay close to the city’s best sights and experiences.
See the best hotels in Innere Stadt here. 👈
In the Inner City, for example, you will find Stephansdom, a majestic Gothic cathedral that offers a fascinating insight into medieval architecture.
The Hofburg, the former imperial palace, with its museums and the Spanish Riding School, is also an important destination for history buffs.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must for art lovers, who can admire impressive art collections here.
The advantage of staying in the Inner City is, of course, its central location. It makes it easy for visitors to explore the city on foot or by public transport.
The area offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly options, making it accessible to all travelers.
In other words, the Innere Stadt is an ideal place to stay to make the most of your trip to Vienna.
Accommodation options in Innere Stadt
As this is the best area in Vienna, there are of course many good hotels in the Innere Stadt. Below I have selected some of the best, starting with an absolute luxury hotel.
The 👉 Amauris Vienna – Relais & Châteaux is a luxury hotel with a unique indoor pool.
This hotel offers a unique combination of classic elegance and modern amenities.
The rooms are furnished with great attention to detail, and guests can enjoy exquisite culinary experiences in the hotel’s own restaurant.
See more photos and book here. 👈
With its personalized service and elegant atmosphere, The Amauris is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable experience in the heart of Vienna.
The 👉 Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna 👈 offers you a luxurious experience at a slightly lower price.
The hotel combines modern design with a cozy atmosphere that creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.
The rooms are elegantly furnished with an emphasis on functionality and comfort.
See more photos and book here. 👈
It is the perfect accommodation in Vienna for those looking for a combination of luxury and good value for money close to Vienna’s many sights.
The Aparthotel Adagio Vienna City 👈 with its studio apartments offers a comfortable base for your visit to Vienna.
Each studio apartment has a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare meals and save on food costs.
The apartments are modern and spacious, ideal for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.
I have stayed at Aparthotel Adagio hotels in Edinburgh and Munich, among others, and they always work well. And the price for an overnight stay is always fair.
See more photos and book here. 👈
Now we are leaving the center of Vienna, but we won’t stray too far from the main attractions.
2. Mariahilf – Trendy district with cool coffee bars and artists
Let’s take a closer look at a super trendy area in Vienna that’s perfect if you’re a young couple traveling to Vienna and want to check out some cool places that you often see on social media.
Mariahilf impresses with its unique combination of lively urban culture, creative energy and modern flair.
See the best hotels in Mariahilf. 👈
Firstly, the shopping opportunities in Mariahilf are incomparable.
The Mariahilfer Straße, the district’s main thoroughfare, is a shopping mecca that offers everything from international brands to local designers.
Here you will find the latest trends, vintage finds and unique souvenirs.
Mariahilf is also the center of Vienna’s creative scene.
Small galleries, design stores and studios characterize the streetscape, where you can discover and purchase original art and handicrafts.
This artistic spirit makes Mariahilf an exciting and inspiring part of the city.
Another important feature of Mariahilf is its culinary scene.
There are many excellent restaurants in the area, from trendy cafés and bistros to upscale restaurants.
In the evening, the district turns into a lively place with bars and small clubs where you can enjoy Vienna’s nightlife.
Mariahilf is to the west of the Inner City, so you’ll still be close to all the famous attractions, but you’ll be mingling with locals rather than tourists.
Places to stay in Mariahilf
Below we take a closer look at some of the best hotels in Mariahilf. We start with a luxury hotel and then go down in price.
The Hotel Das Tyrol 👈 in Mariahilf offers you a luxurious experience that is cheaper than similar top hotels in the city center – even though it’s only a 5-minute walk from Das Tyrol to the Inner City.
Renowned for its elegant design and exceptional facilities, including a Turkish hammam, this hotel is the perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation and well-being.
See more photos and book here. 👈
The rooms are tastefully furnished with artistic details, and the friendly service ensures a pleasant stay.
The NH Wien City 👈 is a good choice for a comfortable 4-star hotel at a reasonable price.
The hotel offers well-equipped and modern rooms that ensure a comfortable stay. With friendly service and practical amenities, there is nothing to complain about here.
The location is ideal as you are close to the trendy stores and cafés of Mariahilf, making it easy to immerse yourself in city life.
The NH Wien City is a great place to stay in Vienna for those looking for quality and comfort without breaking the bank.
See more photos and book here. 👈
And now to an accommodation in Vienna that is extremely cheap, but still has 3.5 stars and excellent ratings.
Numa I Terra Apartments 👈 is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to stay inexpensively in a good vacation apartment where everything is well managed.
These well-equipped apartments in the Numa chain guarantee high quality and comfort – I myself have stayed in one of their properties in Berlin.
You will find a fully equipped kitchen, modern furnishings and all the necessary facilities to make you feel at home.
See more photos and book here. 👈
The Numa I Terra Apartments are an excellent choice for comfortable and affordable travel accommodation.
3. Landstraße – Charming area with local life close to the center
Landstrasse, located just outside Vienna’s city center, is an excellent choice for those looking for a local and authentic city experience.
This area is less touristy, which gives it a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere, even though it is very central.
See the best hotels in Landstraße here. 👈
One of the main attractions in the Landstrasse is the Belvedere Palace, a historical wonder with impressive baroque architecture and beautiful gardens.
The palace is home to an outstanding art collection, including the famous painting “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt. This place is a must for art lovers.
In addition to the Belvedere, Landstrasse also offers several charming parks and green spaces, such as the Stadtpark, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
The Landstraße is also home to many local stores, cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Austrian inn culture.
Here you can enjoy local dishes and specialties in an authentic and less touristy environment.
The area is also known for its markets, where local life takes place.
For example, visit the Rochus Market, where you can find fresh produce and sample local delicacies.
Hotels in Landstraße are also slightly cheaper than in the Inner City, so it can be an excellent place to stay in Vienna if you are traveling on a smaller budget.
Overnight accommodation in the country road
There are many places to stay in Landstraße and, as in Mariahilf, you get a lot for your money here. So let’s take a closer look at some of my favorite hotels in this part of Vienna.
The Hotel Spiess & Spiess 👈 in Landstraße is a true gem in Vienna, perfect for anyone looking for an intimate and luxurious experience.
With just 20 rooms, this boutique hotel offers a personal and relaxed atmosphere.
The rooms are spacious and tastefully furnished, and the attention to detail guarantees a stay of the highest quality.
See more photos and book here. 👈
The hotel is located in a charming area, close to green spaces and the city’s sights.
The Ruby Sofie Hotel Vienna 👈 is an excellent 4-star hotel with high quality and good reviews.
This hotel is known for its stylish design and relaxed atmosphere.
The rooms are modern, comfortable and equipped with everything you need for a pleasant stay.
See more photos and book here. 👈
The hotel’s friendly staff and excellent facilities make it a sure winner on your trip to Vienna.
The Grand Hotel Mercure Biedermeier 👈 is an ideal solution for anyone looking for good comfort and clean rooms at an affordable price.
As part of the Mercure chain, this hotel guarantees a reliable standard of quality and service.
The Biedermeier style of the hotel creates a charming and cozy atmosphere, and the rooms are neat and functional.
See more photos and book here. 👈
The Mercure Biedermeier is perfect for those looking for a comfortable and stress-free experience without added luxury, but at a reasonable price.
4. Leopoldstadt – Multicultural, cool hipster district
If you’re young and want to experience the coolest, most hipster-like area in Vienna, you should live in Leopoldstadt.
This area is ideal for young travelers looking for a trendy and hip atmosphere.
See the best hotels in Leopoldstadt here. 👈
Leopoldstadt is known for its thriving art scene. The district is full of independent galleries and workshops where local artists exhibit and sell their work.
I also recommend this video if you are looking for good restaurants in Vienna:
The artistic atmosphere of the area gives it a unique character that appeals to creative souls.
Another important factor that makes Leopoldstadt attractive to young travelers is its multicultural environment.
This is of course also reflected in the culinary scene in Leopoldstadt, where there are many international cuisines.
The Prater, a large public park with the famous Viennese Ferris wheel, is one of the main attractions of Leopoldstadt.
The area also has a vibrant nightlife with a selection of bars, clubs and live music venues that attract a young and hip crowd.
Places to stay in Leopoldstadt
Traditionally, I start with a luxury hotel and then focus on some good places to stay that are aimed at young travelers.
The Wilhelmshof 👈 is a 5-star hotel that combines artistic flair with modern comfort, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
The hotel offers a free breakfast included in the price.
Each room is individually designed and offers you an exclusive and personal experience.
See more photos and book here.👈
The Wilhelmshof is ideal for anyone looking for an elegant and luxurious experience in one of Vienna’s liveliest districts.
The Social Hub Vienna is the perfect hotel for young people looking for a social and dynamic environment at an affordable price.
The rooms are modern and functionally furnished and offer everything you need for a pleasant stay.
The hotel also has communal areas where you can relax, work or meet like-minded people in the bar.
And with its location in trendy Leopoldstadt, you are close to hip cafés, bars and Vienna’s cultural sights.
The 👉 HausPension is a modern and trendy hotel that can also be booked at an excellent price.
This relatively new hotel impresses with its fresh and modern design.
The rooms are furnished in a minimalist style, but have all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.
See more photos and book here. 👈
The hotel’s location makes it easy to explore the lively Leopoldstadt district, but the city center can also be reached on foot in around 15 minutes.
Areas and places to avoid in Vienna
Vienna is an incredibly safe city to visit as a tourist, so there are no really dangerous areas.
Nevertheless, there are a few areas and places where it makes no sense to walk around – and where you should definitely not book a hotel.
Favoriten, especially the area around Reumannplatz, is less recommendable for tourists, especially at night.
Although Vienna is generally safe, there is a higher crime rate in this area and a rougher atmosphere after dark.
The area around Vienna Ottakring station can sometimes seem a little rough and less polished compared to the more tourist-friendly areas of the city.
The subway station Karlsplatz used to be notorious as a drug and alcohol hub, but it has been thoroughly cleaned up and today you no longer need to be afraid when taking the train to or from Karlsplatz.
Still not sure where to stay in Vienna?
In this guide to accommodation in Vienna, I have taken you through the different districts of Vienna, from the luxurious and historic streets of the Inner City to the trendy and vibrant Mariahilf.
We explored the charming Landstraße and the multicultural Leopoldstadt, which offers a dynamic mix of art and culture.
Every neighborhood in Vienna has its own charm and character, making the city a fascinating place to explore.
I hope this guide has given you some insight and inspiration for planning your perfect trip to Vienna, whether you are looking for luxury, culture, history or an authentic local experience.
If you have any questions about your trip to Vienna or any of the areas mentioned, please comment below and I will do my best to help you.
Websites that I use to book my trips
- 👉 Agoda is my favourite site for booking hotels and unique stays.
- 👉 GetYourGuide is my top pick for booking tours and activities worldwide.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the best part of Vienna to live in?
For a first-time visitor who wants to be close to the most important historical sites and enjoy a classic Viennese experience, the Inner City is ideal. It is home to many of Vienna’s most famous landmarks and offers an authentic feel for the city’s historic charm. For those looking for a trendy, vibrant atmosphere, Mariahilf is an excellent choice, known for its cool cafés, artistic atmosphere and shopping opportunities.
Where should you not stay overnight in Vienna?
While there are no dangerous areas in Vienna, there are also areas that are less suitable for tourists, especially if you are looking for a typical Viennese experience or value proximity to the main tourist attractions.
It is advisable to avoid the Favoriten district, especially the area around Reumannplatz, which is less recommended for tourists, especially at night, as the crime rate is slightly higher and the atmosphere is rougher after dark.
The area around Vienna-Ottakring station could also appear less well-kept and somewhat rougher compared to the more tourist-friendly districts. While these areas are part of Vienna’s diverse cityscape, they may not offer the typical Vienna experience that many travelers are looking for.
How long should I stay in Vienna?
Three days is a reasonable amount of time to explore Vienna. This amount of time allows you to see the most important sights and also experience a little of local life. In three days, you can comfortably visit the most important historical sites such as the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, while also having time to wander the charming streets, enjoy Viennese cafés and perhaps catch a performance at the opera or a concert.
During this time, you can also explore some of the city’s different neighborhoods, each of which offers a unique insight into life in Vienna. While a longer stay would allow for a deeper exploration of the city, three days in Vienna offers a good balance between sightseeing and soaking up the atmosphere of the city.
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