Wondering where to stay in Vienna first time? This city offers a great mix of historic charm and modern flair, with a wide range of accommodation options to suit all types of travelers. Whether you’re interested in luxurious historic hotels that were once home to royal families or cozy boutique accommodations that are considered a hidden gem, Vienna has something for everyone.
This magical city boasts historic architecture including opulent palaces like Schönbrunn and the Hofburg, a deep musical heritage from composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, and an incredibly famous cuisine with classic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and a variety of delicious pastries.
When you combine all of this, you have the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable city break. In this guide, we explore the best areas to stay in Vienna so you can find the perfect place for your trip.
In brief: The best areas to stay in Vienna are Innere Stadt, Leopoldstadt, Mariahilf, Neubau, Josefstadt, and Wieden.
Without a doubt, Innere Stadt is the best option when it comes to sightseeing. You have perfect access to most of the major sights and if you want to visit another part of the city, just take the metro at Stephansplatz. Keep in mind that you will pay a premium price for this perfect area, so be sure to check out the other surrounding areas which often have more attractive prices.
Leopoldstadt is a great option for families, as you have access to one of the city’s largest parks and the Prater. Accommodation options are much more affordable and you have good access to the tourist epicenter.
Mariahilf is a vibrant area full of shopping and nightlife.
Neubau is a creative and alternative area with unique bars everywhere, ideal for younger travelers.
Josefstadt is a quiet area with elegant architecture, ideal for couples and families.
Wieden is a historic district of Vienna with excellent public transport links and several major attractions, but certainly not the cheapest option in the city.
You can easily navigate to each district by tapping the link. Or, skip straight to the overview of the best areas to stay in Vienna first time.
The best area to stay in Vienna and see most of the city’s highlights is the Innere Stadt. Places like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, and the Vienna State Opera are within walking distance or easily reached by metro or train. But the inner city itself is full of history and architectural beauty.
Along Kärntner Straße and Grabe you’ll find Vienna’s shopping paradise. And some of the best restaurants in the city are located in this part of Vienna.
In other words, this area has it all.
And if you want to visit other parts of the city, all you have to do is head to Stephansplatz, where you have access to both metro lines that will take you to every corner of the city. It’s hard to beat the Innere Stadt in Vienna, but there’s a catch.
This incredibly popular area doesn’t come cheap. You’ll get much more for your money if you stay in one of the neighboring areas, all of which we’ll discuss in the paragraphs below. But if your budget allows it, there is no better area for sightseeing than Vienna’s 1st district.
Vienna’s 2nd district, known as Leopoldstadt, is the complete opposite of the 1st district. Leopoldstadt is home to one of the largest parks, the Prater. In addition to all the greenery and beautiful walking paths, you will also find the famous Viennese Ferris Wheel here.
This area is the ideal place for outdoor activities, picnics, hiking or just relaxing in nature. It feels much less touristy and more authentic, while the 1st district has a touristy feel. You are still relatively close to the city center and can get there with a short tram or metro ride.
As you can imagine, this is the perfect area for families, but also for couples looking for a quieter experience. Plus, you can find plenty of affordable accommodation options that will definitely fit your budget. Just keep in mind that this area is not tourist-oriented and is a bit further away from the main attractions.
Also, if you prefer to stay in an area full of historical architecture, you will not like Leopoldstadt. However, for a large part of the tourists this is the ideal and peaceful starting point to explore the sights of Vienna.
How to get around Vienna? Vienna is a city that is easy to explore on foot. Most of the sights are located in the city center.
However, if you want to visit places like Belvedere Palace, you will have to take the train. The most convenient train station for tourists is Stephansplatz. This train station is located in the heart of the city and can take you to all corners of Vienna.
Karlsplatz is another great hub for exploring the city. If you are staying near one of these stations or those on the same line, you can explore the entire city without much effort.
If you are traveling by car, make sure you book a hotel with valet parking. In most cases, you will get a big discount if you park in a nearby parking garage.
On our last visit, we decided to stay in Mariahilf. Here you will find one of Vienna’s most famous shopping streets, Mariahilfer Straße. It is an energetic area with busy streets, bustling markets and many good cafés and restaurants.
If you want to be right in the middle of the action like we do, book a hotel here. Mariahilf is also adjacent to the MuseumsQuartier, one of the largest cultural complexes in Europe. This district is home to several important museums and cultural institutions, including the Leopold Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK) and the Kunsthalle Wien. In the evening, you can have a fun night out in one of the many bars, pubs and clubs.
Thanks to Mariahilf’s central location, you are just a short walk or metro ride away from many of Vienna’s top attractions, including the city centre, the Naschmarkt and Schönbrunn Palace. The area is well connected by public transport, making it easy to explore the rest of the city.
The biggest disadvantage of this area is that it is crowded, especially compared to the previously recommended area. However, if you like a central location with good access to the shopping and entertainment areas, Mariahilf is the ideal area for you.
Vienna’s 7th district, known as Neubau, is one of the liveliest and trendiest neighborhoods in the city. This area is located north of the previously recommended area known for its nightlife. If you stay in Neubau or Mariahilf, you have easy access to both of these very interesting neighborhoods.
Neubau is known as the creative center of Vienna, with a strong bohemian and artistic vibe. The neighborhood is full of artists, designers, and young professionals, which contributes to its lively and trendy atmosphere. You’ll find many unique cocktail bars, but there are also rooftop bars and hip cafes everywhere.
If you’re into vintage shopping, head to Neubaugasse and Kirchengasse. If you’re a younger traveler, Neubau is one of the nicest neighborhoods to stay in. You’re still centrally located and have easy access to public transportation and some major attractions.
Personally, we don’t think this is the ideal place for families because of the crowds. The alternative and artistic vibe of Neubau simply isn’t for everyone.
Vienna’s 8th district, known as Josefstadt, is one of the city’s smallest but most charming and elegant neighborhoods. During our first stay in Vienna, we stayed near this part of the city. Despite its central location, Josefstadt has a cozy, almost village-like atmosphere.
The district features beautiful buildings from the Baroque and Biedermeier periods. The architecture here reflects Vienna’s imperial past, with grand facades, ornate details, and charming courtyards that will transport you back in time.
Because it is relatively quiet and so beautiful, it is the perfect area for couples, but also for families who prefer to live in a historically rich area than in Leopoldstadt.
Keep in mind that prices here are a bit higher than in other areas, with the exception of the city center. Also, don’t stay in Josefstadt if you are looking for nightlife. There are a few bars here, but they are nothing compared to the two areas recommended earlier.
The final district we recommend is Vienna’s 4th district, known as Wieden. This area is located southeast of the city center and features beautiful, historic architecture, including elegant mansions and grand palaces that reflect Vienna’s imperial past.
One of Vienna’s most famous landmarks, the Baroque Karlskirche, is also located here. Wieden is close to the famous Belvedere Palace, which houses one of Austria’s most important art collections. The Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest and most famous market, is also located in this area.
The 4th district is also home to one of Vienna’s major transportation hubs, Karlsplatz. Despite its proximity to the busy city center, Wieden has a number of quiet residential streets that offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, making it a great option for families and couples.
Keep in mind that the area around Karlsplatz can get busy. Wieden is also considered an upscale area. It’s quite difficult to find anything in the lower budget range. If you are looking for a nightlife district, Wieden is also not the ideal district.
However, if you prefer a relatively quiet area with top-notch hotels and easy access to Vienna’s main attractions and public transport, Wieden is incredibly comfortable.
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