
March 21, 2026
Planning a trip to Austria and now wondering where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors? You’re not alone. Vienna may look compact on the map, but figuring out where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors can feel a little overwhelming once you realize the city is divided into 23 different districts, each with its own personality 🤯
Austria’s capital is known for a lot of things. It’s Europe’s classical music epicenter, having given the world Mozart, Beethoven, and a long list of other composers. The city is packed with grand Habsburg-era architecture, elegant coffee houses, and landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral rising over the historic center. And of course, there’s the food. You really haven’t experienced Vienna until you’ve sat down for a proper schnitzel with a cold local beer.
FYI: beyond schnitzel, Vienna’s dessert scene is elite. I rounded up all my favorites in myBeginner’s Guide to Must-Try Dessert Spots in Vienna 🍰
So the biiiiiig question becomes: do you stay right in the historic center surrounded by imperial palaces and famous sights, or book somewhere slightly outside the crowds with more local neighborhoods, parks, and boutique hotels?
The good news is that Vienna is very compact and easy to navigate. But choosing the right district still matters.
In this guide, I’ll break down where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors, including the pros and cons of the best districts and the top hotels in each area so you can pick the neighborhood that fits your travel style best. So let’s get into it 👇

Read more on Vienna 🇦🇹
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best boutique hotels in Vienna, Austria:
Not sure how long you actually need in the city? I break it all down in my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary, including how to maximize a short trip!

FYI: Each neighborhood in Vienna has a slightly different personality, and where you stay can shape your entire trip. You could be waking up in the middle of the historic center surrounded by imperial palaces and grand coffee houses, or staying somewhere a little quieter with more parks, local cafés, and lower hotel prices.
The good news is that Vienna is very compact and easy to get around, so even if you don’t stay right in the historic center, most places are still within easy reach by foot, tram, or the U-Bahn! I’m pretty sure I clocked like 30,000 steps everyday even in the heart of winter!
On my most recent trip, I personally stayed at The Hoxton Vienna, which sits in the Landstrasse (3rd District). Some of you might know that if there’s ever an option for a Hoxton hotel, I’m going to be booking it because I’m obsessed with their mid-century modern design and quality of service.
Hoxton hotels are always the perfect balance of retro-modern design, boutique flair, and consistently great service, all without breaking the bank. No like I seriously almost bought the exact same floral wallpaper for my accent wall to match The Hoxton Paris.
I also really liked the location of The Hoxton Vienna because it felt a bit calmer than the historic center but was still incredibly convenient for exploring the city. It ended up being perfectly located near the main train connections for our day trip to Bratislava, which made the morning train super easy.
If you’re thinking about doing the same, I share exactly how to plan it in my guide: How to Plan the Perfect Vienna to Bratislava Day Trip.
But before we get into the specific neighborhoods and hotels, it helps to understand the main areas travelers usually consider when deciding where to stay in Vienna:
Innere Stadt (1st District): Vienna’s historic heart and home to the city’s biggest attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. It’s the most central and convenient place to stay, but also the most expensive.
Leopoldstadt (2nd District): Just across the Danube from the city center, this district offers more green space, family-friendly attractions like the Prater amusement park, and generally lower prices than the 1st District.
Neubau (7th District): Vienna’s hip, artsy neighborhood known for MuseumsQuartier, boutique shops, cafés, and nightlife. It’s perfect for creative travelers who want a more local, bohemian feel while still staying close to the center.
Landstrasse (3rd District): A quieter, more residential area that still sits close to the main attractions. It’s a great compromise if you want lower hotel prices and fewer crowds while staying well connected to the city center.
And if you’re trying to map neighborhoods to your daily plans, my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary walks through exactly how to structure each day based on location.

For first time visitors to Vienna, Innere Stadt makes the most sense, as it’s the city’s historic heart and home to key attractions such as the Hofburg Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral.
This is also where you’ll likely spend most of your time sightseeing, especially if you’re following a classic travel guide like my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary.
It’s not just the big hitters that make this such an attractive district either. This central part of Vienna is home to all manner of Baroque churches, grand museums, elegant shopping streets, and traditional coffee houses.
Just a headsup that hotels in the 1st District are typically more expensive, but you’re right in the middle of everything, which means less time commuting and more time actually enjoying Vienna
And if you’re looking for a luxury stay in Vienna, you’ll be happy to know that many of the city’s top luxury hotels are located right in Innere Stadt.
Visiting Vienna for the Christmas markets and not sure where to stay in Vienna? The 1st District is the best place to be. You’ll be within walking distance of the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, the Stephansplatz market, and the Spittelberg Market, which makes market hopping very easy.


Where there’s a gigantic cathedral, there’s normally a tower to climb and St Stephen’s is no different. It’s 343 steps (you can count them) to the top of the cathedral for panoramic views over the Austrian capital. It’s narrow and winding and not wheelchair accessible unfortunately, turns out medieval Austrians weren’t very inclusive.
Hofburg Palace is the other unmissable highlight of the Innere Stadt: former home of the powerful (and inbred) Habsburgs, it remains the President’s official residence today and parts are open to the public, including several museums and the Spanish Riding School, where performances are often put on.
If you’re wondering how to group these sights efficiently, I mapped out the exact flow in my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary so you’re not zig-zagging across the city.

Bigger, greener and less busy than District 1 but still central enough to enjoy the city’s main attractions, Leopoldstadt is located across the Danube from the 1st District and is arguably the best neighborhood in Vienna if you’re looking to avoid the high prices and large crowds of the city center.
Ideal for families, it’s home to kid-friendly attractions like the Prater amusement park and its historic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel, whilst the large green parks and riverside walks can also be attractive for anyone who’s been there, done that with the city center and the tourist attractions and is looking for a more laid back second or third visit to Vienna.
Large swathes of the 2nd District are residential, which means the transport connections to the Innere Stadt are great if you don’t like the walk.
Vienna also has an excellent tram network, which I always think is the mark of a sophisticated city.


If you’re exploring Vienna with children then the Prater amusement park is a great place to spend a few hours – entrance is free, though you will need to pay for the rides.
For those traveling without children and looking to explore, Danube Island in the middle of the river is well connected by bridges and public transport and is a lovely place for riverside walks or a summer picnic.

Neubau is Vienna’s hip, artsy quarter, yet it’s still located in the city center, adjacent to Innere Stadt. At its core is the MuseumsQuartier – a complex of contemporary art museums, design spaces, and cafés.
It’s also a stop I recommend carving out time for in my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary, especially if you’re into museums and design.
It’s a great base for return visitors to Vienna looking to see a different side to the city, and especially for those interested in art.
Neubau is also home to the city’s longest shopping street which offers a great mix of big brands and some of Vienna’s best boutique shops, as well as being home to bougee coffee houses and impressive street art.
This all adds to the bohemian vibe of the place.
After dark, Neubau is one of the best places in Vienna for nightlife, with plenty of late night bars and clubs adding to the 7th District’s appeal for younger people.
You won’t find large chain hotels here, the accommodation on offer tends to be more boutique, with small, independent hotels dominating.


As well as shopping and browsing the 7th District’s cultural highlights like the Leopold Musuem and MuseumsQuartier, those looking for a dose of culture could catch a show at Neubau’s Volkstheater. Founded in 1889, it’s widely considered one of Vienna’s best and most important venues.

If you’re looking for a quieter stay in Vienna but still want to be close to the action, then the 3rd District offers a nice blend of grand landmarks with quiet, residential streets, all still well connected to the 1st District.
As I mentioned earlier, this is the district that I stayed in. At first I was worried about being too far from the action but it wasn’t an issue at all. I was pleasantly surprised to be next to Stadtpark and a bunch of really good coffee shops!
Landstrasse is home to the Belvedere Palace, where Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss is displayed, as well as the quirky Hundertwasserhaus.
Accommodation is generally cheaper than the other central districts in Vienna and you’re likely to find this part of the city quieter and relatively tourist-free.
It’s one of the best Vienna city districts for families, older visitors or anyone who wants to remain in reach of the Innere Stadt without being in amongst it.


Landstrasse may feel quieter than the historic center, but it’s home to some of Vienna’s most unique cultural highlights.
The standout is the colorful Hundertwasserhaus, one of the city’s most photographed buildings, known for its bold, unconventional design and tree-lined façade.
Just a short walk away, Belvedere Palace is another must-see, where you can admire Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss inside a stunning Baroque setting.
It’s an easy district to explore at a slower pace, with a mix of iconic landmarks and more local, residential charm.

There are a few more of Vienna’s city districts to consider.
The 4th District of Wieden is home to the impressive Baroque KarlsKirche (St Charles’s Church) and the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest open-air market.
The 6th District, Mariahilf, is one of the best places to shop in the city, especially along its shopping street, Mariahilfer Strasse.
My favorite boutique hotels in this district are Hotel MOTTO (Mariahilf) and Hotel Josefine (Mariahilf) – both stylish but with very different vibes.
Hotel MOTTO is a trendy, Parisian-inspired stay with chic interiors and a lively rooftop restaurant, perfect if you want a bit of energy and a great dining scene. Just around the corner, Hotel Josefine leans more romantic and moody, with vintage Art Deco details and a design-forward feel that’s ideal for a slower, more atmospheric stay.
The tiny Josefstadt (8th District) is the city’s smallest district, tucked next to Innere Stadt and renowned for its theaters.
My favorite hotels in this district are Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design (Josefstadt) and The Levante Parliament, A Design Hotel (Josefstadt).
Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design offers a uniquely Viennese experience, with each room curated by local winemakers, making it a memorable stay for anyone interested in Austrian wine and design. While The Levante Parliament leans more sleek and contemporary, with minimalist interiors and an outdoor courtyard that’s perfect if you want a calm, modern stay in a quieter but still central area.
And finally, for a more peaceful stay in the city, the 19th District of Dobling is renowned for its vineyards and laid back atmosphere, whilst still being well connected to the city center.

I mentioned earlier that I stayed at The Hoxton Vienna in the Landstrasse (3rd District), and it ended up being the perfect base for exploring the city.
The Hoxton blends classic Viennese design with modern boutique touches, with stylish rooms, multiple dining spots, and even a rooftop pool overlooking the city. Sadly I visited during winter so it was far from pool weather but I was still able to grab a coffee and head to the roof for some epic views.
What I loved most was the location. Landstrasse sits just outside the historic center, so it felt quieter than the busy Old Town while still being super well connected to the main sights and public transport. It made getting around Vienna incredibly easy, whether we were heading to museums, cafés, or catching the train for our day trip to Bratislava.
If you’re curious what the rooms, restaurants, and food on property are like, and whether the hotel is actually worth the price, I share the full experience in my detailed guide – The Hoxton Vienna Review: A Look Inside Vienna’s Coolest Hotel

Vienna is safe and compact, and it rarely gets overbearingly busy unless you’re in town for specific events such as Christmas markets.
But there is a clear winner when it comes to deciding where to stay in Vienna with family.
The 2nd District, Leopoldstadt, is the best district to stay in Vienna with family.
The Prater amusement park is a top family attraction in the city, and there’s loads of green space for picnics and running around. You’re still close enough to reach the city center for sightseeing and there’s great transport links to the rest of the city too.
Prices are lower than the Innere Stadt (although still not that cheap), making Leopoldstadt the standout option for families visiting Vienna.
Landstrasse is also a good option and there’s really nothing wrong with staying in the 1st District, as long as you’re prepared to pay for it.

Vienna’s 23 districts stretch out from the center of the city, and the further districts like Floridsdorf (21st District) and Donaustadt (22nd District) really don’t offer much to tourists: they’re mainly residential and commuting times to the city center make any savings on accommodation not worth the money unless you REALLY like the U-Bahn.
You’ll also want to avoid areas around the Gurtel, the city’s ring road, which tend to be a bit more rundown, busy and loud with traffic noise, though I wouldn’t go as far as to say these places are unsafe.
Ring road areas can be useful if you’re in Vienna for business or just passing through, with the ring road offering quick routes out of the city and to the airport.
Again, unless you’re in the city for work, I’d avoid Favoriten (10th District).
This is Vienna’s business hub and it’s pretty soulless and much more set up for commuters than tourists. It is, however, home to the Wien Hauptbahnhof, the city’s main train station.
Any train-trippers out there, do me a favor and book your hotel somewhere else, it’s worth the tired commute after your train to stay somewhere nicer, trust me.

Choosing where to stay in Vienna is actually a lot more straightforward than it might seem at first glance. Compared to other major European cities, figuring out where to stay in Vienna doesn’t require overthinking every neighborhood or second-guessing your decision.
Vienna’s main attractions are all pretty centrally located, which means most of the best options for where to stay in Vienna are naturally clustered near the city center. Translation: no matter where you book (within reason), you’re likely not too far from the action.
One of the reasons I find where to stay in Vienna so approachable is how safe and easy the city feels overall. Because of that, your decision usually comes down to your budget and travel style rather than worrying about “good vs bad” areas.
If it’s your first time visiting, the Innere Stadt (1st district) is hands down the most convenient option for where to stay in Vienna. You’ll be right in the middle of everything, with major sights, cafés, and historic streets just steps away. It’s definitely the most premium area, but for many travelers, the time saved getting around is worth it.
If you’re looking for a bit more value while still staying well-connected, there are some great alternatives for where to stay in Vienna just outside the center. Districts like the 2nd, 3rd, 7th, and 8th strike a really nice balance between price, location, and local feel without sacrificing convenience.
And if you have an extra day, I highly recommend squeezing in my How to Plan the Perfect Vienna to Bratislava Day Trip since it’s one of the easiest international day trips you can do.
Personally, when thinking about where to stay in Vienna, I’d stick to these central and near-central districts. It keeps everything easy, walkable, and well-connected, which is exactly what you want when exploring a city like Vienna.
Where did you end up staying in Vienna? Let me know in the comments below!
Check out my other travel guides on Austria here.
Check out my other travel guides on Europe here.
Check out all my international travel guides here!
March 21, 2026
Planning a trip to Austria and now wondering where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors? You’re not alone. Vienna may look compact on the map, but figuring out where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors can feel a little overwhelming once you realize the city is divided into 23 different districts, each with its own personality 🤯
Austria’s capital is known for a lot of things. It’s Europe’s classical music epicenter, having given the world Mozart, Beethoven, and a long list of other composers. The city is packed with grand Habsburg-era architecture, elegant coffee houses, and landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral rising over the historic center. And of course, there’s the food. You really haven’t experienced Vienna until you’ve sat down for a proper schnitzel with a cold local beer.
FYI: beyond schnitzel, Vienna’s dessert scene is elite. I rounded up all my favorites in myBeginner’s Guide to Must-Try Dessert Spots in Vienna 🍰
So the biiiiiig question becomes: do you stay right in the historic center surrounded by imperial palaces and famous sights, or book somewhere slightly outside the crowds with more local neighborhoods, parks, and boutique hotels?
The good news is that Vienna is very compact and easy to navigate. But choosing the right district still matters.
In this guide, I’ll break down where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors, including the pros and cons of the best districts and the top hotels in each area so you can pick the neighborhood that fits your travel style best. So let’s get into it 👇

Read more on Vienna 🇦🇹
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best boutique hotels in Vienna, Austria:
Not sure how long you actually need in the city? I break it all down in my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary, including how to maximize a short trip!

FYI: Each neighborhood in Vienna has a slightly different personality, and where you stay can shape your entire trip. You could be waking up in the middle of the historic center surrounded by imperial palaces and grand coffee houses, or staying somewhere a little quieter with more parks, local cafés, and lower hotel prices.
The good news is that Vienna is very compact and easy to get around, so even if you don’t stay right in the historic center, most places are still within easy reach by foot, tram, or the U-Bahn! I’m pretty sure I clocked like 30,000 steps everyday even in the heart of winter!
On my most recent trip, I personally stayed at The Hoxton Vienna, which sits in the Landstrasse (3rd District). Some of you might know that if there’s ever an option for a Hoxton hotel, I’m going to be booking it because I’m obsessed with their mid-century modern design and quality of service.
Hoxton hotels are always the perfect balance of retro-modern design, boutique flair, and consistently great service, all without breaking the bank. No like I seriously almost bought the exact same floral wallpaper for my accent wall to match The Hoxton Paris.
I also really liked the location of The Hoxton Vienna because it felt a bit calmer than the historic center but was still incredibly convenient for exploring the city. It ended up being perfectly located near the main train connections for our day trip to Bratislava, which made the morning train super easy.
If you’re thinking about doing the same, I share exactly how to plan it in my guide: How to Plan the Perfect Vienna to Bratislava Day Trip.
But before we get into the specific neighborhoods and hotels, it helps to understand the main areas travelers usually consider when deciding where to stay in Vienna:
Innere Stadt (1st District): Vienna’s historic heart and home to the city’s biggest attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. It’s the most central and convenient place to stay, but also the most expensive.
Leopoldstadt (2nd District): Just across the Danube from the city center, this district offers more green space, family-friendly attractions like the Prater amusement park, and generally lower prices than the 1st District.
Neubau (7th District): Vienna’s hip, artsy neighborhood known for MuseumsQuartier, boutique shops, cafés, and nightlife. It’s perfect for creative travelers who want a more local, bohemian feel while still staying close to the center.
Landstrasse (3rd District): A quieter, more residential area that still sits close to the main attractions. It’s a great compromise if you want lower hotel prices and fewer crowds while staying well connected to the city center.
And if you’re trying to map neighborhoods to your daily plans, my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary walks through exactly how to structure each day based on location.

For first time visitors to Vienna, Innere Stadt makes the most sense, as it’s the city’s historic heart and home to key attractions such as the Hofburg Palace and St Stephen’s Cathedral.
This is also where you’ll likely spend most of your time sightseeing, especially if you’re following a classic travel guide like my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary.
It’s not just the big hitters that make this such an attractive district either. This central part of Vienna is home to all manner of Baroque churches, grand museums, elegant shopping streets, and traditional coffee houses.
Just a headsup that hotels in the 1st District are typically more expensive, but you’re right in the middle of everything, which means less time commuting and more time actually enjoying Vienna
And if you’re looking for a luxury stay in Vienna, you’ll be happy to know that many of the city’s top luxury hotels are located right in Innere Stadt.
Visiting Vienna for the Christmas markets and not sure where to stay in Vienna? The 1st District is the best place to be. You’ll be within walking distance of the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, the Stephansplatz market, and the Spittelberg Market, which makes market hopping very easy.


Where there’s a gigantic cathedral, there’s normally a tower to climb and St Stephen’s is no different. It’s 343 steps (you can count them) to the top of the cathedral for panoramic views over the Austrian capital. It’s narrow and winding and not wheelchair accessible unfortunately, turns out medieval Austrians weren’t very inclusive.
Hofburg Palace is the other unmissable highlight of the Innere Stadt: former home of the powerful (and inbred) Habsburgs, it remains the President’s official residence today and parts are open to the public, including several museums and the Spanish Riding School, where performances are often put on.
If you’re wondering how to group these sights efficiently, I mapped out the exact flow in my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary so you’re not zig-zagging across the city.

Bigger, greener and less busy than District 1 but still central enough to enjoy the city’s main attractions, Leopoldstadt is located across the Danube from the 1st District and is arguably the best neighborhood in Vienna if you’re looking to avoid the high prices and large crowds of the city center.
Ideal for families, it’s home to kid-friendly attractions like the Prater amusement park and its historic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel, whilst the large green parks and riverside walks can also be attractive for anyone who’s been there, done that with the city center and the tourist attractions and is looking for a more laid back second or third visit to Vienna.
Large swathes of the 2nd District are residential, which means the transport connections to the Innere Stadt are great if you don’t like the walk.
Vienna also has an excellent tram network, which I always think is the mark of a sophisticated city.


If you’re exploring Vienna with children then the Prater amusement park is a great place to spend a few hours – entrance is free, though you will need to pay for the rides.
For those traveling without children and looking to explore, Danube Island in the middle of the river is well connected by bridges and public transport and is a lovely place for riverside walks or a summer picnic.

Neubau is Vienna’s hip, artsy quarter, yet it’s still located in the city center, adjacent to Innere Stadt. At its core is the MuseumsQuartier – a complex of contemporary art museums, design spaces, and cafés.
It’s also a stop I recommend carving out time for in my A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary, especially if you’re into museums and design.
It’s a great base for return visitors to Vienna looking to see a different side to the city, and especially for those interested in art.
Neubau is also home to the city’s longest shopping street which offers a great mix of big brands and some of Vienna’s best boutique shops, as well as being home to bougee coffee houses and impressive street art.
This all adds to the bohemian vibe of the place.
After dark, Neubau is one of the best places in Vienna for nightlife, with plenty of late night bars and clubs adding to the 7th District’s appeal for younger people.
You won’t find large chain hotels here, the accommodation on offer tends to be more boutique, with small, independent hotels dominating.


As well as shopping and browsing the 7th District’s cultural highlights like the Leopold Musuem and MuseumsQuartier, those looking for a dose of culture could catch a show at Neubau’s Volkstheater. Founded in 1889, it’s widely considered one of Vienna’s best and most important venues.

If you’re looking for a quieter stay in Vienna but still want to be close to the action, then the 3rd District offers a nice blend of grand landmarks with quiet, residential streets, all still well connected to the 1st District.
As I mentioned earlier, this is the district that I stayed in. At first I was worried about being too far from the action but it wasn’t an issue at all. I was pleasantly surprised to be next to Stadtpark and a bunch of really good coffee shops!
Landstrasse is home to the Belvedere Palace, where Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss is displayed, as well as the quirky Hundertwasserhaus.
Accommodation is generally cheaper than the other central districts in Vienna and you’re likely to find this part of the city quieter and relatively tourist-free.
It’s one of the best Vienna city districts for families, older visitors or anyone who wants to remain in reach of the Innere Stadt without being in amongst it.


Landstrasse may feel quieter than the historic center, but it’s home to some of Vienna’s most unique cultural highlights.
The standout is the colorful Hundertwasserhaus, one of the city’s most photographed buildings, known for its bold, unconventional design and tree-lined façade.
Just a short walk away, Belvedere Palace is another must-see, where you can admire Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss inside a stunning Baroque setting.
It’s an easy district to explore at a slower pace, with a mix of iconic landmarks and more local, residential charm.

There are a few more of Vienna’s city districts to consider.
The 4th District of Wieden is home to the impressive Baroque KarlsKirche (St Charles’s Church) and the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s largest open-air market.
The 6th District, Mariahilf, is one of the best places to shop in the city, especially along its shopping street, Mariahilfer Strasse.
My favorite boutique hotels in this district are Hotel MOTTO (Mariahilf) and Hotel Josefine (Mariahilf) – both stylish but with very different vibes.
Hotel MOTTO is a trendy, Parisian-inspired stay with chic interiors and a lively rooftop restaurant, perfect if you want a bit of energy and a great dining scene. Just around the corner, Hotel Josefine leans more romantic and moody, with vintage Art Deco details and a design-forward feel that’s ideal for a slower, more atmospheric stay.
The tiny Josefstadt (8th District) is the city’s smallest district, tucked next to Innere Stadt and renowned for its theaters.
My favorite hotels in this district are Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design (Josefstadt) and The Levante Parliament, A Design Hotel (Josefstadt).
Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design offers a uniquely Viennese experience, with each room curated by local winemakers, making it a memorable stay for anyone interested in Austrian wine and design. While The Levante Parliament leans more sleek and contemporary, with minimalist interiors and an outdoor courtyard that’s perfect if you want a calm, modern stay in a quieter but still central area.
And finally, for a more peaceful stay in the city, the 19th District of Dobling is renowned for its vineyards and laid back atmosphere, whilst still being well connected to the city center.

I mentioned earlier that I stayed at The Hoxton Vienna in the Landstrasse (3rd District), and it ended up being the perfect base for exploring the city.
The Hoxton blends classic Viennese design with modern boutique touches, with stylish rooms, multiple dining spots, and even a rooftop pool overlooking the city. Sadly I visited during winter so it was far from pool weather but I was still able to grab a coffee and head to the roof for some epic views.
What I loved most was the location. Landstrasse sits just outside the historic center, so it felt quieter than the busy Old Town while still being super well connected to the main sights and public transport. It made getting around Vienna incredibly easy, whether we were heading to museums, cafés, or catching the train for our day trip to Bratislava.
If you’re curious what the rooms, restaurants, and food on property are like, and whether the hotel is actually worth the price, I share the full experience in my detailed guide – The Hoxton Vienna Review: A Look Inside Vienna’s Coolest Hotel

Vienna is safe and compact, and it rarely gets overbearingly busy unless you’re in town for specific events such as Christmas markets.
But there is a clear winner when it comes to deciding where to stay in Vienna with family.
The 2nd District, Leopoldstadt, is the best district to stay in Vienna with family.
The Prater amusement park is a top family attraction in the city, and there’s loads of green space for picnics and running around. You’re still close enough to reach the city center for sightseeing and there’s great transport links to the rest of the city too.
Prices are lower than the Innere Stadt (although still not that cheap), making Leopoldstadt the standout option for families visiting Vienna.
Landstrasse is also a good option and there’s really nothing wrong with staying in the 1st District, as long as you’re prepared to pay for it.

Vienna’s 23 districts stretch out from the center of the city, and the further districts like Floridsdorf (21st District) and Donaustadt (22nd District) really don’t offer much to tourists: they’re mainly residential and commuting times to the city center make any savings on accommodation not worth the money unless you REALLY like the U-Bahn.
You’ll also want to avoid areas around the Gurtel, the city’s ring road, which tend to be a bit more rundown, busy and loud with traffic noise, though I wouldn’t go as far as to say these places are unsafe.
Ring road areas can be useful if you’re in Vienna for business or just passing through, with the ring road offering quick routes out of the city and to the airport.
Again, unless you’re in the city for work, I’d avoid Favoriten (10th District).
This is Vienna’s business hub and it’s pretty soulless and much more set up for commuters than tourists. It is, however, home to the Wien Hauptbahnhof, the city’s main train station.
Any train-trippers out there, do me a favor and book your hotel somewhere else, it’s worth the tired commute after your train to stay somewhere nicer, trust me.

Choosing where to stay in Vienna is actually a lot more straightforward than it might seem at first glance. Compared to other major European cities, figuring out where to stay in Vienna doesn’t require overthinking every neighborhood or second-guessing your decision.
Vienna’s main attractions are all pretty centrally located, which means most of the best options for where to stay in Vienna are naturally clustered near the city center. Translation: no matter where you book (within reason), you’re likely not too far from the action.
One of the reasons I find where to stay in Vienna so approachable is how safe and easy the city feels overall. Because of that, your decision usually comes down to your budget and travel style rather than worrying about “good vs bad” areas.
If it’s your first time visiting, the Innere Stadt (1st district) is hands down the most convenient option for where to stay in Vienna. You’ll be right in the middle of everything, with major sights, cafés, and historic streets just steps away. It’s definitely the most premium area, but for many travelers, the time saved getting around is worth it.
If you’re looking for a bit more value while still staying well-connected, there are some great alternatives for where to stay in Vienna just outside the center. Districts like the 2nd, 3rd, 7th, and 8th strike a really nice balance between price, location, and local feel without sacrificing convenience.
And if you have an extra day, I highly recommend squeezing in my How to Plan the Perfect Vienna to Bratislava Day Trip since it’s one of the easiest international day trips you can do.
Personally, when thinking about where to stay in Vienna, I’d stick to these central and near-central districts. It keeps everything easy, walkable, and well-connected, which is exactly what you want when exploring a city like Vienna.
Where did you end up staying in Vienna? Let me know in the comments below!
Check out my other travel guides on Austria here.
Check out my other travel guides on Europe here.
Check out all my international travel guides here!
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW