Where to stay in Vienna in 2024: Best areas and hotels

I always feel like I’m walking through some kind of Baroque museum when I visit Vienna, surrounded by the legacy of the Habsburg Empire and all the music and art the city is famous for.

While many of the best things to do in Vienna are found in the city centre, there are other sights in the surrounding areas, where beautiful classic architecture blends with a more contemporary cultural scene.

Choosing where to stay in Vienna is an important decision because the different areas have quite different atmospheres. But the good news is that everything is relatively close to each other – especially by public transport or even just by walking, if you want to explore the streets.

Vienna is divided into 23 districts, each with its own distinct character. But the ones where I would recommend most people stay are right in the centre – in the Innere Stadt (1st District) or the surrounding districts.

I’ll tell you more about each of these recommendations in a moment, but here’s a quick look at where you’ll find the best accommodation in Vienna for your trip:

• Innere Stadt: The heart of Vienna, this is the historic centre that has many of the main sights. There are lots of hotels here but they tend to be more expensive.
• Landstrasse: A more residential area that has some cheaper accommodation options, plus a few luxury hotel chains in the area close to the Innere Stadt.
• Leopoldstadt: With more affordable options, parts of the 2nd District are still very close to the city centre, while others have a more relaxed family feel.
• Neubau: A trendy neighbourhood that’s a great choice if you want to be around cool cafes, boutique shopping, and art galleries.
• Wieden: Known for its nightlife, there’s also a young student vibe here, so it’s a good choice for backpackers other budget travellers.

To get a sense of where all these Vienna neighbourhoods are located, have a look on this map I’ve put together.

Each of these areas to stay in Vienna has a range of accommodation that will suit different kinds of travellers, but you may find more options in some neighbourhoods if you’re looking for something specific.

So, with that in mind, let’s have a look at some specific tips for the best Vienna accommodation.

Innere Stadt

If you want to minimise your time travelling and maximise your time sightseeing, Innere Stadt is a great place to stay in Vienna. Known as the 1st District, Innere Stadt is the centre of Vienna and home to the famous Ringstrasse, which…