Where To Stay In Vienna, Austria – A Guide To The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

The city of Vienna, Austria is a place where history breathes alongside modernity. Known both for the breathtaking architecture that lines the city streets and for the long history of artists and intellectuals that have called the city home, Vienna is a destination that will leave you craving trip after trip. Whether you want to wander the same streets as Mozart and Beethoven did, or lose yourself among the artworks of artists like Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, Vienna will turn your vacation into something magical.

Once you select it as your destination, the question quickly becomes one of where to stay in Vienna. This article will help you narrow down the best place to stay in Vienna for your trip.

Where to Stay in Vienna

Whether you are looking for boutique hotels in Vienna or cheap hotels in Vienna, this breakdown of the neighborhoods of the city will be sure to help you find the best hotels in Vienna.

Table of Contents

Looking for something specific in this Vienna neighborhood guide?  Jump to the neighbourhood or topic you’re interested in.

The Main Neighborhoods of Vienna, Austria

There are many neighborhoods in Vienna and all of them are listed down below.

1. Dobling – Known for the Vienna Woods and Vienna’s best homegrown wines, this neighborhood is an idyllic relaxation spot.
2. Hietzing – This neighborhood is home to the tourist hot spot of Schönbrunn Palace and plenty of elegant villas.
3. Inner City – Perfect for a first-time visitor to Vienna, this area is found in a triangle formed by the Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Schottentor.
4. Josefstadt – Defined by the discrete charm of the higher class, Josefstadt’s streets are dotted with unique cafes and shops.
5. Leopoldstadt – Vienna’s former Jewish quarter has become a hip, creative spot with a green lung.
6. Margareten – The fifth district of Vienna has a mixed aura of both down-to-earth and relaxed urban vibes.
7. Mariahilf – Mariahilf is often occupied by younger locals seeking weekend fun, but mixes a lively atmosphere with one of remembrance.
8. Neubau – This neighborhood is a popular hot spot for art lovers and urbanists in Vienna.
9. Old University Quarter – Laced with small alleys and legendary sites, this central quarter of Vienna is like a Medieval memory lane.
10. Ottakring – This fast-moving quarter might seem like a working-class neighborhood and immigrant sanctuary, but it is quickly becoming a hip suburb in its own right.
11. Serviten Quarter – This residential quarter stays on the higher end of life in addition to being Sigmund Freud’s home turf.
12. Wahring – A residential favorite, this neighborhood has a blend of cafe culture and walks in the park as its own way of life.
13. Wieden – This quarter is a haven for Bohemian travelers and foodies.

With these 13 primary neighborhoods, the main ones you want to look at are actually:  Dobling, Inner City, Hietzing, and Mariahilf, and Neubau.

Vienna Quick Traveling Tips

How to Get Around 

While Vienna is a very walking-friendly city as a whole, it is not necessarily easiest to walk everywhere. Fortunately, Vienna is filled with affordable and accessible public transport systems that will help turn traversing the city into an effortless feat that leaves you better able to enjoy your vacation.

Vienna’s subways, local trains, trams, and buses are all safe, efficient, and rarely overcrowded. A single ticket can cover all the services available to you as public transport, and network passes help create cheap travel that comes with peace-of-mind.

In fact, Vienna’s public transport system comes with two passes that are designed specifically with visitors in mind. The Vienna Card is a pass that includes various discounts, and the Vienna Pass with Travel includes free onetime entry to around sixty attractions. However, a weekly or monthly network pass might be a better investment depending on the length of your visit to the city.

Neighborhood Map

As you narrow down the best hotels in Vienna Austria, this map might prove useful in orienting yourself in the city.

Plan Your Trip To Vienna

• Wifi and Data Roaming – If you worry about having the right phone plan, it’s important to note that Vienna is dotted with hotspots that offer a service called ‘freewave’ in addition to the normal wifi go tos.
• Cash on Hand – A lot of the restaurants don’t take bank cards, so make sure you have cash on you to pay for dinner.
• Shopping for Food – If you plan on an extended stay in the city, most grocery stores are closed on Sundays. Plan accordingly!
• Tap Water – Vienna’s tap water comes straight from the mountains. Not only is it drinkable but also restaurants are likely to charge you for ordering it.
• ATMs – ATMs are not easy to find in Vienna! Keep an eye open for banks and blue and green signs if you feel you’re running short on Euros.
• Languages – The main language spoken is German, though many people will probably understand English as well.
• Unexpected Expenditures – Public bathrooms and grocery store bags both tend to have charges that you may not be expecting.

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#1 Dobling

What’s There and Why Visit

Dobling is both a romantic hot spot and a posh suburb of Vienna. With a fantastic green landscape, the neighborhood of Dobling is dotted with historic wine taverns and hidden wineries. With wonderful trails that are easy even on casual hikers and fun activities for children, the neighborhood of Dobling is a fantastic place to stage a family vacation.

Suggested Hotels Nearby

Things To See While In The Neighborhood

Vienna Woods – Laying along Vienna’s western and southern sides, the Vienna woods is a stretch of unspoiled forest land. The Vienna Woods is not only a place of vast forests and lush meadows but also one of playful paths, secret places, and impressive buildings. Immerse yourself in the fresh air as you explore destinations that combine culture with nature.

Kahlenberg – The Kahlenberg is 484 meters high and on clear days offers not only a stunning view of the city but also the Schneeberg – the source of Vienna’s mountain spring water. Blending the beauty of nature with the history of Vienna, Kahlenberg is a fantastic destination for any visitor to Vienna.

Beethoven Museum – Beethoven’s life and work will forever be tied to Vienna. The Beethoven museum in Heiligenstadt highlights not only the brilliance of his work and his life, but also the despair he felt towards his progressive deafness while he lived in the house.

Schlumberger Kellerwelten – Explore wine cellar vaults that are over three hundred years old. Discover pure Austrian sparkling wine tradition in the vaults of founder Robert Alwin Schlumberger, who studied at the oldest champagne house of France before bringing the secrets to Vienna. Choose between a glass of Champagne or a five-sample tasting session at the end of your tour.

Getting There

Vienna Woods – Many popular excursion destinations located in the Vienna Woods are easily accessed through the utilization of public transport, such as S-Bahn connections and the Badner train. The vastness of the region leaves you with many stops to choose from.

Kahlenberg – While predominantly popular as a hiking trail, the Kahlenberg is also accessible by taking the line 38A bus from Heiligenstadt via Grinzig or by driving a car. The viewing point on Kahlenberg can also be reached by a short walk from the terminus of tram line D.

Beethoven Museum – The Beethoven Museum is a short walk away from the 38A Bus stop on Armbrustergasse, and only involves turning down Probugasse in order to reach it.

Schlumberger Kellerwelten – Only a short walk up from the 37A and N64 bus stops at Spittelau S+U, the Schlumberger Kellerwelten is fast and easy to get to.

Suggested Activities In The Neighborhood

Beethoven Museum – A fantastic look into Beethoven’s life for a standard price of seven euros, or group tour price of sixty-five euros. Free or discounted entry is available depending on age and circumstances.  This is free with the Vienna Pass or you can consider the Sightseeing Flexi Pass which gains you entry into up to 5 attractions and is valid for 30 days once activated.

Waldseilpark Kahlenberg – Have a fantastic day with the kids as you view Kahlenberg and Vienna from a treetop adventure.

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#2 Inner City

What’s There and Why Visit

The inner city is the best-known district of Vienna because it is the heart of Vienna. The pedestrian-friendly area is filled with fantastic buildings and towering landmarks. Exploring the inner city of Vienna is an opportunity to step back in time and explore what makes Vienna the city it is today.

Suggested Hotels Nearby

Things To See While In The Neighborhood

Vienna State Opera – Offering nearly three hundred performances every year, it is hard not to be tempted into seeing a show of some kind at the Vienna State Opera.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral – The most prominent national symbol of Austria, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is known for its intricately tiled roof and the South Tower that is nearly five hundred feet tall and offers amazing views of the entire city.

Hofburg – For centuries, this palace was the center of the Hapsburg Empire. Now, instead of a royal family, the Hofburg houses three museums that bring the visitor insights into the traditions and everyday life of the imperial court.

Graben and Kohlmarkt – Wander among beautiful buildings and set foot into expensive designer shops as you explore along the Graben and Kohlmarkt. Sample the delights that the various cafes and restaurants in the area have to offer as you drink in the beautiful architecture and immerse yourself in the culture of Vienna.

Historic Center of Vienna – Vienna’s historic centre is a must-see for those that love beautiful architecture and those that want to marvel at baroque castles and gardens, grand monuments, and parks.

Getting There

Vienna State Opera – Taking the N60 to Oper/Karlsplats U stop is the fastest way to find yourself on the steps of the Vienna State Opera.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral – The nearby bus stops for 1A, 2A, and 3A at Stephansplatz you make reaching the cathedral extraordinarily easy to do.

Hofburg – Only a short walk away from the Michaelerplatz stop for 1A and 2A, the Hofburg is incredibly easy to reach and doesn’t take too long to find during your tour of Vienna’s Inner City.

Graben and Kohlmarkt – Not far from the U1 and U3 stops at Stephansplatz, Graben and Kohlmarkt are predominantly walking destinations.

Historic Center of Vienna -Located just a little ways away from the 1A and 2A stop at Graben/Peterplatz, the historic center is pretty true to its name.

Suggested Activities In The Neighborhood

St. Stephen’s Cathedral – A range of public and private tours allows you the opportunity to explore everything from the attic of the cathedral to the catacombs below. Take this 2-hour walking tour and you’ll get to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and many other attractions along the way.

Hofburg – With multiple tours and packages available, a stop at the Hofburg is inevitable for anyone who seeks to lose themselves in the history of Vienna or the decadence of royalty. Admire the jewels of the Habsburgs and parts of the original jewelry of Empress Elisabeth!

Vienna At First Glance Walking Tour – A 1.5 to 2 hour walking tour that allows you to discover Vienna’s Old Town and covers the exterior of the Hofburg complex, the horses of the Spanish Riding School, Vienna’s most famous coffee houses, the Blutgasse district, and views of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Kletterwand am Flakturm – Offering a multitude of climbing routes that will send you towering over the roofs of Vienna.

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#3 Hietzing

What’s There and Why Visit

Of all the places to stay in Vienna, this neighborhood might just have the best Vienna hotels that you can find. This posh residential neighborhood is home to the Schönbrunn Palace and filled with secret charms that are just waiting to be discovered. Fantastic villas are readily available for visitors to admire as they find themselves entrenched in a taste of the residential life of Vienna.

Suggested Hotels Nearby

Things To See While In The Neighborhood

Schönbrunn Palace – Schönbrunn Palace is a cultural World Heritage Site. It is also Austria’s most visited tourist attraction, filled with rooms that still contain the original furnishings and decorations. The park and gardens around the palace blend perfectly, turning the palace and its grounds into a unique piece of Baroque art.

Schönbrunner Gardens – Found on the grounds on the Schönbrunn Palace, these gardens are more than worth their own entry. Meandering paths and breathtaking vistas make this a fantastic place to explore and relax in during your stay in Vienna.

Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna – Perhaps nothing brings up the idea of royalty with more ease than the image of a resplendent carriage. The Imperial Carriage Museum contains everything from coaches and carriages to gowns and dresses. The carriages of famous rulers like Maria Theresa, Napoleon, and Franz Joseph are homed within this museum alongside a multitude of other fascinating related Hapsburg heirlooms.

Klimt Villa – This is the house where renowned painter Gustav Klimt toiled away on his works of art. While the house has its own colorful history, Klimt’s studio has become part of a permanent exhibition designed to celebrate his work.

Antonia Vivaldi Monument – This fantastic sculpture pays homage to Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. Three stone musicians perform a silent concert on their sculpted string instruments.

Getting There

Schönbrunn Palace – Taking the N60 bus to Schloss Schönbrunn will take you straight to the entrance of the palace.

Schönbrunner Gardens – Once you have found your way to Schönbrunn Palace, the gardens will not be too far away. Exploring both might take up most of a day during your vacation, but it will be well worth it.

Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna – You can get off the N60 bus at the Hietzing stop and find yourself with only a short walk to reach the Imperial Carriage Museum.

Klimt Villa – The Klimt Villa is not far away from the 10 stop at Verbindungsbahn.

Antonio Vivaldi Monument – Found in the Schönbrunner Schlosspark, you can easily hop off of the 8A or 63A at Gaßmannstraße and walk to this monument.

Suggested Activities In The Neighborhood

Schönbrunn Palace – There are numerous tours to choose from during your visit to Schönbrunn Palace. With plenty of options, the palace is surely a way to spend multiple hours of your vacation learning about the history of Vienna. Skip the line with this informative walking tour of the Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens.

Imperial Carriage Museum Vienna – The Imperial Carriage Museum is filled with fascinating artifacts and opportunities for you to explore alone or with the entire family.

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#4 Mariahilf

What’s There and Why Visit

The sixth district of Vienna is a hot spot for shopping and mixes unique blends of history into the modern era. Perhaps the most interesting spot in the neighborhood of Mariahilf is the Haus des Meeres, which is the city aquarium housed in one of Vienna’s six remaining World War II defense tours. History seems to come to life among the shops and streets of Mariahilf.

Suggested Hotels Nearby

Things To See While In The Neighborhood

Haus des Meeres – This aquarium does more than display the wonders of the ocean. The Haus des Meeres is located in a Flak tower from World War II. The restaurant on the top floor offers 360-degree views of Vienna. While one might think the limited space provided by the historic architecture would negatively affect the aquarium, it actually creates a unique experience that you would have to see in order to fully appreciate it.

Torture Museum – If you have a taste for the macabre, then the Torture Museum is exactly the sort of place that you should put on your itinerary. This museum is middle Europe’s biggest museum about torture, and features over fifty true to original exhibits filled with frightening facts and information.

Haydnhaus – While Haydn’s presence in Vienna is often overpowered by Beethoven and Mozart, it is far from erased. In fact, it gives visitors the chance to explore Haydn’s influence on Vienna without the same throngs of visitors that flock to the more widely know houses of Beethoven and Mozart. The audio guide to this attraction features extended musical clips of Haydn’s later works that he wrote in the house.

Getting There

Haus des Meeres – Hop off of the 57A bus at the Haus des Meeres stop for ease of access.

Torture Museum – You can find the Torture Museum near the Haus des Meeres stop without issue.

Haydnhaus – You will have to take a short walk from the 5 stop at Kaiserstraße, or from the 57A stop at Brückengasse.

Suggested Activities In The Neighborhood

Haus des Meeres – A trip through this aquarium is more than just a chance to admire the beautiful creatures within, it’s an opportunity to witness the revitalization of a structure from the second world war.

Torture Museum – A tour of this museum is great fun for fans of true crime and those that take an interest in the bloodier side of history. This detailed museum also hosts special exhibits on Guantanamo Bay and Amnesty International.

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#5 Neubau

What’s There and Why Visit

As the art district of the city, Neubau is dotted with galleries, avant-garde business, and trendy locations that catch the eye and leave an impact on the mind. A blend of styles and architecture, this artsy corner of Vienna is sure to paint your vacation in fantastically unique colors that will dazzle your memories for years to come.

Suggested Hotels Nearby

Things To See While In The Neighborhood

Imperial Furniture Collection – This is one of the world’s largest furniture collections. With more than 165,000 exhibits, the Imperial Furniture Collection presents furniture spanning a period exceeding three centuries. A plethora of styles are present in the collection, following the trends of the ages and bringing to life an interesting and often overlooked part of artistic history.

Spittelberg Quarter – Home to the best Christmas market in Vienna, the Spittelberg Quarter is decorated with little shops, alleys, and restaurants that provide a nice contrast to the nearby Museumsquartier. Filled with fantastic architecture and hidden gems, the Spittelberg Quarter is a fantastic region to wander around for a few hours.

Leopold Museum – The Leopold Museum is the most visited museum of the city, and with its status as a treasure trove of Viennese Jugendstil, the Wiener Werkstätte and Expressionism, it is easy to see why. Playing host to numerous works from both Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, the museum also offers wonderful views of central Vienna from its panorama windows.

Street Art Passage – Step away from the normal view of art and enjoy the unique offerings of Vienna’s Street Art Passage. This section of graffiti-like murals gives the visitor an interesting view of Vienna’s art scene outside of the curated halls of museums.

The Austrian Architecture Museum – This museum offers unique insight and information about the many different facets of Austrian architecture, including an in-depth look at the architecture of the twentieth century. Great for architectural enthusiasts and the common man alike, this museum is a delightful addition to any itinerary during your stay in Vienna.

Getting There

Imperial Furniture Collection – Taking the U3 to the Zieglergasse stop is the fastest and easiest way for you to reach the Imperial Furniture Collection.

Spittelberg Quarter – In order to get to the Spittelberg Quarter, you will have to take a short walk from the 49 stop at Stiftgasse.

Leopold Museum – Taking the N46 or N49 bus to the Museumsquartier stop is the easiest way to get close to this museum.

Street Art Passage – Getting off at to 49 stop at Volkstheater U will enable you to meander along the Street Art Passage at your own leisure.

The Austrian Architecture Museum – Taking the N46 or N49 bus to the Volkstheater stop is the easiest way to get close to this museum.

Suggested Activities In The Neighborhood

Imperial Furniture Collection – Marvel at the fantastic furniture that has served the imperial family when you tour this museum, which is impressive even without the ties to the nobility that it boasts. You can view this beautiful furniture collection along with many other amazing sites via the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour that is included with your Vienna Pass.

The Austrian Architecture Museum – Touring this museum will help grant the visitor a deeper understanding and appreciation for all the various architectural wonders that they have likely come across while exploring Vienna.

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Top Vienna Airbnb Rentals

If Airbnb is more of your thing or you’re curious about what’s available in Vienna, take a look at some of the best ones compiled in this map.

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There it all is! These are my choices for where to stay in Vienna. What about you? Do you have suggestions from your experience? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your suggestions.