Where to Stay in Vienna | 5 Best Districts and Unique Hotels

Vienna, Austria is a city filled with culture, history, imperial palaces, and an incredibly artistic atmosphere.

The city of Mozart, Vienna is home to one of the most famous opera houses in the world. But even if you aren’t a lover of the arts, it is the perfect place for a family vacation or even just a quick one-day trip to Vienna.

For first-time visitors to Austria’s capital city, determining where to stay in Vienna can be a bit stressful. After all, there are 23 districts in Vienna –  a city with nearly 2 million residents.

With so many hotels and different areas of the city to choose from, narrowing down the best place to stay in Vienna can be a challenge. But, luckily, this guide will help you do just that!

This travelers’ guide to where to stay in Vienna for first time visitors includes a map of the best areas of Vienna to stay in for tourists and five convenient hotels recommended by travelers.

About Vienna, Austria

Vienna, or Wien in Austrian, is the capital city of Austria. Located in the eastern part of the country on the Danube River, the city is known worldwide for its grand imperial palaces, famous churches, museums, and public sculptures. 

Vienna also has an important role in musical history. Composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss all lived in Vienna at some point in their lives. 

Equally known as a lively city for entertainment, Vienna boasts one of the world’s oldest theme parks, and one of the most famous and enchanting Christmas markets in Europe, making it a beautiful city to visit in winter, as well.

But whether you visit in winter, summer, fall, or spring you’ll want to first determine where to stay in Vienna to be near the attractions you want to visit most.  

Best districts in Vienna for first-time visitors

While there are plenty of great districts that are great places to stay in Vienna, there are a few that are better than others due to their central location and access to tourist attractions, public transportation, shopping and dining. 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Vienna for the first time, here are a few of the best areas in Vienna to stay in.

6th District – Mariahilfer

A trendy district that is home to Naschmarkt and its many food stalls and even fancy dining vendors, coffeehouses and the Vienna Theater.

This district lies just on the outside of the Ring Road circle near the Karlsplatz Metro Station, the Museum Quarter, and the Vienna State Opera House. 

7th District – Neubau

Adjacent to the narrower Mariahilfer District, Neubau or the 7th District is a hip neighborhood with pubs, shops, and cafes.

It is home to the Museum Quarter and across Ring Road from Hofburg Palace. It is one of the most popular places to stay in Vienna for first time visitors, particularly those arriving by car.

1st District – Innere Stadt

Vienna Innere Stadt is the heart of Vienna’s city centre.

Encompassing the area that includes St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace, and Rathausplatz, Innere Stadt is the inner city of Vienna and home to most of the tourist attractions.

10th District – Favoriten

For those arriving in Vienna by train, Wieden is perhaps the most convenient place to stay in Vienna.

Also known as the 10th District, Favoriten is home to Vienna Central T, the main train station, and is close to Schloss Belvedere Palace. 

2nd District – Leopoldstadt

A convenient area of Vienna to stay in that puts you close to public transportation, the Prater Amusement Park home to its iconic giant Ferris wheel, and the Danube Canal, Leopoldstadt is a multicultural district with shopping, entertainment and a variety of dining options.

Where to stay in Vienna, Austria – 7 awesome hotels

Whether you want to be in the walkable city center or on the edge of the bustling tourist district but still close enough to walk to the main attractions, these Vienna hotels come highly recommended and are perfect for anyone wondering where to stay in Vienna, Austria.

Hotel Beethoven Wien (Mariahilfer)

Hotel Beethoven is located just one block away from Naschmarkt and within walking distance to the Vienna State Opera House, Stephansplatz, Hofburg Palace, and many of the top tourist attractions.

This area of the city is one of the best places to stay in Vienna if you plan to walk to many of the sights.

If your budget allows, upgrade to one of their luxury rooms. The luxury rooms are unique, large, and beautiful! The hotel is brightly colored with a modern, fun feel and great finishing touches. 

Although the hotel has a trendy, youthful vibe with a hip bar in the lobby, it’s still very family friendly. In fact, the hotel cribs they supply for families traveling with babies even include an oversized stuffed animal for kids to play with during their stay. 

The hotel also offers complimentary coffee 24 hours a day and complimentary breakfast included with your stay. Across the hallway from the breakfast room there is a small, quaint mezzanine patio that is perfect for a quiet meal away from the crowds.

Perhaps the most charming, albeit small detail that makes Hotel Beethoven one of the best places to stay in Vienna, is that guests will find two complimentary full-size Vienna chocolate bars awaiting them in their room. It is a sweet touch that makes the hotel service stand out. 

While there is no on-site parking, there is parking located about half a block away in a secured garage available for hotel guests.

Hotel Beethoven is the ideal place to stay in Vienna.

It’s close enough to everything yet tucked away on a quiet street, which means there are no crowds keeping you up at night. It literally had everything you might want in a hotel… plus chocolate.

25 Hours Hotel Vienna (Neubau)

25hours (the extra hour is for party!) is a hotel that boasts both a Mermaid’s cave and the best rooftop bar in Vienna.

As soon as you enter the doors of the hotel you will be met by decor that will immediately heighten your senses. You will find a world that plays on dreams and the illusion of the colorful circus world.

With a bright neon sign on the way-in announcing “We’re all mad here” and bicycles lined up outside encouraging you to “ride it like you stole it” you will be guaranteed a fun stay!

Everyone is welcome here and the daft and the curious are most definitely celebrated. You can choose your room size from M to XL. Some rooms even come with a bath on your balcony so make sure to request one of those. Standard rooms are a little on the small side.

Located in the hip and trendy MuseumsQuartier, 25hours Hotel beim MuseumsQuartier lies directly between the Volkstheater and Town Hall on 1–3 Lerchenfelder Straße.

It is only a four minute walk from the Volkstheater U-Bahn station. This means you can easily get to all of Vienna’s main sights and it is the perfect base for 3 days in Vienna.

Enjoy tasty Italian food and Austrian wine in the hotel’s main restaurant RIBELLI or soak up the rooftop views with a cocktail in hand from the cozy rooftop Dachboden bar.

You can rent Schindelhauer bikes, there is also free MINI rental, the rooms have a full free of charge mini bar and where else in the world will you find a jogging corner in your hotel.

This hotel suits those that like things hip, trendy and slightly gimmicky.

Young kids will love the circus theme so it is a great place to stay with families too. Not for you if you like things more classic and muted, but, it is totally for you if you like things different.

Recommended by Nicola from All about Rosa Lilla

Hotel Altstadt  (Neubau)

A really great hotel for an unforgettable vacation in Vienna is definitely the Hotel Altstadt. This is a former residential building that has been renovated into a chic design hotel. Each room has its own style, no two are alike.

The look is somewhat retro, with lots of modern elements and hip colors.

 But not only are the rooms beautiful, the breakfast room is a real highlight. Here you will find a certain living room atmosphere, but very classy and with a lot of flair.

The breakfast is impressive, so you serve yourself at a delicious buffet and can also order many delicious extras à la carte, new every day. This is a great way to start the day.

Another plus is the location of the Hotel Altstadt. It is located in the coolest district of Vienna, in the 7th district “Neubau”, with several galleries, hip restaurants and stores and local designers. Also the MuseumsQuartier, one of the best museums in Vienna, is not far from the hotel.

Tip: Each room is different and has its own style. Best you choose before which one you would prefer. Because some are a bit dark, some more colorful!

Recommended by PlacesofJuma

Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof (Innere Stadt)

For a gorgeous night stay in Vienna, Austria, find yourself staying at the beautiful Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof.

Located right in the city centre, it is situated in the perfect location for those who love exploring by foot. Most local sightseeing spots and attractions are within an easy 10-15 minute walk, as well as being close to the central shopping area and restaurants.

The hotel itself is beautiful to stay at, very clean and a warm welcome as you arrive. There is paid parking, but it’s easy to arrive with public transportation too. The room sizes are decent with plenty of space for your belongings.

After a comfortable night’s sleep, the hotel’s breakfast, which is available for an added fee, is a delicious way to start the day. They have lots to choose from and help with dietary needs. 

If you fancy a relaxing place to stay in for the day, the hotel also has a fitness center, a beautiful spa, and saunas.

Written by Zoe from Together In Transit

Grand Ferdinand Hotel (Innere Stadt)

The Grand Ferdinand Hotel is located in the Vienna city center right on the Ring Road.  It’s just a 3-minute walk from StadtPark and a 12-minute walk to St. Stephens church.

It’s a beautiful modern boutique hotel with stylish rooms. On the ground floor is the wonderful Meissl & Schadn restaurant, one of the best places in the entire city for schnitzel.

They even have classes where you can learn to make your own schnitzel or apple strudel – a super fun experience. 

However, the highlight of the hotel is the Grand Etage, the rooftop restaurant and lounge. The service is impeccable and the views over Vienna are hard to beat.  

Although there is no onsite parking, the hotel has several unique amenities including e-vespas you can rent for the day.

There is also a small plunge pool on the roof – also with a great view. Another wonderful space is their hidden courtyard, filled with tropical plants, that’s the perfect place to relax and recuperate after a day of sightseeing. And, of course, there is a gym for guests to use.  

The hotel is a luxury experience and while it’s not especially geared towards families, all are welcome. It will definitely be a highlight of your stay in Vienna.  

Recommended by James Ian from Travel Collecting

Hotel Zeitgeist (Favoriten)

Another place to consider if you don’t know where to stay in Vienna is Hotel Zeitgeist.

Thanks to its central location at the main train station, this 4-star hotel is the perfect base for anyone wanting to explore Austria’s capital city. For example, it’s just a short walk from Belvedere Palace, one of the most famous landmarks in Austria.

The modern rooms and suites at Hotel Zeitgeist offer everything you may need – free WIFI, flat-screen TVs and a spacious bathroom with various amenities. Some even have a sitting area, tea and coffee making equipment and terraces.

Start the morning right with a rich and hearty breakfast from the grand breakfast buffet where you can find everything your heart desires.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, many sorts of bread, yogurt, cereals, etc. just to mention a few things. You can even order freshly cooked egg dishes such as omelets or scrambled eggs.

Hotel Zeitgeist even comes with a gym, a sauna and a cafe/bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after a long sightseeing day. And don’t worry about the parking, the hotel has its own parking garage.

Recommended by Alina from World of Lina

Ruby Sofie Hotel (Landstrasse)

If you’re looking to spend a few days in Vienna, the Ruby Sofie Hotel Vienna is where you should stay for an unforgettable getaway. 

Located near the Landstraße subway, it’s a 5 minute walk from the CAT station from the airport, and close to all of Vienna’s top attractions.

The Ruby Sofie Hotel is in the historic Sofiensäle keeping all the charm of the former concert hall. You can even find vintage furniture in their library and 24-hour bar. 

The rooms of this hotel in Vienna are perfectly sized. With large (and very comfy) beds, enough room for luggage, beautiful amenities and a very sexy shower. They also come with a complimentary smartphone with data to roam the city freely without getting lost. 

The hotel serves a delicious breakfast in the main lounge. Their meal is locally-sourced and offers organic ingredients. This amazing buffet is the perfect way to start your day.

The main lounge is also where you can grab a drink for happy hour (hosted daily) and catch live music on certain dates.

Other fun features of the hotel are the yoga terrace (where you can also just chill out), and the meditation room. Each floor also features tea and coffee machines where you can grab a drink. 

If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish place to stay that’s a stone’s throw from all the best landmarks in Vienna, the Ruby Sofie Hotel is the place for you.

Recommended by Carine & Derek – We Did It Our Way

Have a question or comment about where to stay in Vienna or any of these hotels in Vienna? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your thoughts or questions in the comments below.

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This guide for where to stay in Vienna was first written in December 2016 and was updated in May 2022 for accuracy and current travel information. 

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