Where to stay in Vienna: best areas and neighborhoods

Vienna is a beautiful city rich in history and culture, with attractions and activities suitable for everyone: groups of friends, couples, families travelling with children. It is divided into different numbered districts, more or less suitable for a specific group of people. So let's find out where to sleep in Vienna, which are the best neighbourhoods to stay in and the recommended accommodations in each district.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Vienna

Foto di wheresleep.

Not recommended areas: Vienna is one of the safest capitals in Europe. As for the accommodations, we advise you to avoid all districts too far from the centre and areas around the stations late at night. Leopoldstadt and Margareten are particurarly recommended and safe because are very active even at night.

Vienna is a city rich in art and culture, and there is no shortage of fun and nightlife! The best neighbourhood to stay in is the Innere Stadt, or the historic centre, with the main attractions. This is, of course, also the most expensive district, but it is ideal if you are visiting the city for the first time or if you are short on time.

If you are travelling with your family, we recommend you to opt for the districts of Leopoldstadt, between the centre and the riverside, full of green areas and quieter, and Neubau, the trendy neighbourhood, further away from the centre and therefore also very quiet. If you are looking for nightlife, we recommend Margareten, a trendy neighbourhood that has become increasingly famous in recent years, and Mariahilf, the pedestrian area full of shops, clubs and activities. Finally, to save money, you can opt for the aforementioned Leopoldstadt or, if you are looking for more lively places, Wieden, between the central station and Naschmarkt, and Landstraße, both rich in clubs.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels inin Vienna. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking.

Innere Stadt, for first-timers

• Pros: Central and walkable, iconic landmarks
• Cons: Pricey, touristy
• Main attractions: Rathaus, Hofburg, Domkirche
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

The Innere Stadt corresponds to the whole area of ​​the historic centre and is undoubtedly the most recommended district to stay! Here are the city's main attractions, such as the Rathaus der Stadt Wien, or the Town Hall, the Hofburg Palace, an ancient Habsburg residence where Sissi also lived, and the Domkirche St. Stephan, the city's Cathedral.

It is an ideal district for everyone, except those who want to save money: it is the city's most expensive area, but you can surely find some offers by booking early and looking carefully. Here, moreover, you will find many clubs and all the services you may need. If you are looking for luxurious accommodation, we recommend you to opt for the Ringstrasse, one of the most beautiful boulevards worldwide, about 5.3 km long and surrounded by beautiful palaces, luxurious hotels, monuments, and attractions.
Staying in the centre will also allow you to move mainly on foot. To reach the nearby areas you can also opt for public transport, especially metro.

Why I love it: the Stephansdome is one of the most beautiful churchs I 've ever seen.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Leopoldstadt, best for families

• Pros: Great for families, easier on the wallet
• Cons: Fewer big sights, not right in the center
• Main attractions: Prater, Danube Canal, Chocolate Museum
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Leopoldstadt is the second district, which develops between the Innere Stadt and the riverbank of the Danube. It is a quiet area full of green areas, with one of Vienna's most famous and loved attractions: the Prater, the large amusement park always open where there is also the historic giant ferris wheel, now one of the symbols of Vienna, here since 1897.

This area is ideal for families due to its quiet atmosphere and the many green areas, perfect for kids! There is no shortage of services of all kinds, from restaurants to shops. Furthermore, the prices are lower than in the historic centre, so even those who travel on a budget can find excellent offers here.
From the Prater, you can reach the historic centre with a 25-minute walk through the streets of Vienna or comfortably use public transport (tram line 1 or metro line U1 or U2, about 15 minutes).

Why I love it: the view from the Prater wheel leaves me speechless everytime...

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

Landstraße, to stay on a budget

• Pros: Easier on the wallet, close to the center
• Cons: Some parts feel business-like
• Main attractions: Belvedere, Stadtpark, Botanical Garden
• Average prices: from €65,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Landstraße is the district located south of the Innere Stadt, between Leopoldstadt and Wieden. This area corresponds to Vienna's art and culture heart and develops around the long avenue Landstraße Hauptstraße. An elegant neighbourhood with art galleries and museums, including the famous Belvedere Museum inside the wonderful Belvedere Castle in Vienna.

Despite the premises, Landstraße is an excellent solution for those who want to stay in a central location on a limited budget. Here the costs are lower than in the historic centre, without sacrificing services and entertainment. It is also an ideal area for young people, as there are many clubs and the nightlife is vibrant, especially along the main avenue.

Why I love it: Hundertwasserhaus is perfect for my instagram posts!

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €65,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Recommended accommodation

Wieden, best for fun and young

• Pros: Hip and artsy vibes, well connected
• Cons: Smaller area, less to explore
• Main attractions: Karlskirche, Naschmarkt
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Wieden is located immediately south of the Innere Stadt, between the districts of Landstraße and Margareten, while to the north, it borders Mariahilf.
Wieden has a multicultural and alternative soul, thanks to its boutiques with local brands, antique shops, and atmosphere. Here you can visit the wonderful Karlskirche or shop at Naschmarkt, Vienna's largest market, on the border with the Mariahilf district.

Just like Landstraße, Wieden is perfect for those on a budget, as there are plenty of accommodations at lower prices than in the Innere Stadt. Furthermore, it is the right area for those looking for nightlife: here there are many clubs open until late where you can join young Austrians, thanks to the proximity to the district of Favoriten to the south, the multicultural district.

Furthermore, by staying here, you will be close to the historic centre, and you can quickly move around on foot; alternatively, you can use the U1 metro line to get directly to the centre.

Why I love it: just one word: Naschmarkt. It's a culinary paradise!

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Recommended accommodation

Margareten, perfect for nightlife

Foto di Ricardalovesmonuments.

• Pros: Budget-friendly stays, less touristy, more authentic
• Cons: Not super central, nightlife is hit or miss
• Main attractions: Margaretenhof, Bruno Kreisky Park, Miniatur Tirolerland
• Average prices: from €75,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

The district of Margareten is further away from the historic centre, between the districts of Wieden and Mariahilf. It is mainly a residential neighbourhood, a mix of styles where fashion, multiculturalism and the working class blend. It develops around the homonymous castle, the Margaretenhof, district's main attraction.

Being quite far from the Innere Stadt, it follows that the prices are much lower, making it a perfect area for those on a budget. But that's not all: the northern part, around the Schönbrunner Strasse, is perfect for the nightlife, thanks to the many clubs open until late!

To reach the centre, you must use public transport: from the main stations of Margaretengürtel and Pilgramgasse, the U4 line leads directly to the centre (about 10 min).

Why I love it: you can choose among a lot of discoclubs where you can have fun.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €75,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Recommended accommodation

Mariahilf, for local vibes

• Pros: Shopper’s paradise, tons of cafés, bars, and restaurants.
• Cons: Can get noisy
• Main attractions: Haus des Meeres, Naschmarkt
• Average prices: from €75,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Mariahilf, the sixth district of Vienna, is a lively and trendy area covered in cutting-edge shops, classic Viennese cafes and many theatres. The district develops along Mariahilfer Strasse, a large pedestrian area full of shops and concept stores. On the border with Wieden district there is the Naschmarkt, Vienna's largest open market. For children, there is also the Haus des Meeres, an aquarium with many animals, including crocodiles, snakes and sharks, and a tropical greenhouse.

It is an ideal neighbourhood for those searching for nightlife because of the many clubs, with the pedestrian area that becomes the real entertainment hub in the evening. Plus, it's cheaper than the Innere Stadt, so it's excellent if you're looking for a more affordable accommodation without moving far away from attractions.

From here, you can easily reach the centre on foot, following the Mariahilfer Strasse. Alternatively, you can take metro line U3 from Neubaugasse or Zieglergasse.

Why I love it: its cafes have got the authentic vienna style atmosphere...

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €75,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Recommended accommodation

Neubau, for art lovers

• Pros: Artsy and trendy vibes,  cultural hotspot
• Cons: Can feel a bit hipster-y for some
• Main attractions: MuseumsQuartier
• Average prices: from €75,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Finally, the seventh district, Neubau, the area of ​​art and culture, thanks to the important MuseumsQuartier, the museum district, houses the most important museums in the city, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum.

It is an ideal neighbourhood for families and lovers of art and culture. It's lively by day thanks to the museums, with beautiful green areas and cafes, and quiet in the evening. The nightlife is mainly concentrated in the nearby district of Mariahilf, with the Mariahilfer Strasse, or directly in the Innere Stadt.

Staying here, you can quickly move around on foot. A stone's throw from the MuseumsQuartier, crossing the Heldenplatz, you will arrive at the Innere Stadt and the Hofburg Palace. Alternatively, the main metro stations are Museumsquartier (linge U2) and Volkstheater (line U2 and U3).

Why I love it: Rubens paintings in the Kunsthistorisches Museum are stunning. I watch them almost everytime I go to Vienna.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €75,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Recommended accommodation

Places to stay near Vienna

Vienna is a city that offers an extensive choice of accommodation and many different neighbourhoods, where it is not difficult to find good deals! There are also beautiful places to visit if you stay longer (for example 5-7 days). Here are some examples:

• Baden bei Wien (26 km / 40 min): A charming spa town known for its thermal baths and vineyards. It’s a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway while staying close to Vienna. The town is easily accessible by direct regional train (S-Bahn S3, 40 min) from Vienna. - Compare best accommodation on Booking
• Krems an der Donau (75 km / 1 h): Located in the heart of the Wachau Valley, Krems is famous for wine tasting, river cruises, and medieval architecture. A great base to explore the scenic Danube region. Connected to Vienna by direct regional train (ÖBB REX, 1 h). - Compare best accommodation on Booking
• Bratislava, Slovakia (80 km / 1 h): The Slovak capital makes for an easy cross-border escape with its castle, Old Town, and vibrant cafes. Vienna and Bratislava are well connected by direct train (ÖBB Railjet, 1 h) and boat (Twin City Liner, 75 min). - Compare best accommodation on Booking
• Melk (85 km / 1 h 10 min): Famous for its spectacular abbey, Melk is a gateway to the Wachau Valley and a must-visit for history lovers. Reachable by direct train from Vienna (ÖBB REX, 1 h 10 min). - Compare best accommodation on Booking
• Graz (200 km / 2 h 30 min): Austria’s second-largest city boasts a beautiful UNESCO-listed Old Town, great museums, and a relaxed atmosphere. Conveniently connected to Vienna by high-speed Railjet train (2 h 30 min). - Compare best accommodation on Booking

If you are in Vienna for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com

Vienna accommodation price map

Booking.com

Cool Things to Do in Vienna

• Enjoy a free walking tour: A perfect introduction to Vienna’s history and stunning architecture. Walk through Stephansplatz, Hofburg Palace, and the Opera House with an English-speaking guide. Check availability here.
• Save money with the Vienna City Card: Get free public transport and discounts at museums, attractions, and restaurants. It’s a great way to explore Vienna while saving money. More info here.
• Danube River Sunset Cruise: Experience the magic of Vienna’s skyline at sunset while sailing along the Danube. Some cruises include dinner and live music. More info and availability here.
• Schönbrunn Palace Gardens Tour: Visit the stunning gardens of Austria’s most famous palace, including the Gloriette viewpoint and the labyrinth. Book your ticket online here.
• Explore the Wachau Valley: Take a day trip to the vineyards and picturesque villages along the Danube, with stops in Dürnstein and Melk. Wine tasting included!
• Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral: One of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks, you can climb the South Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city
• Discover Hundertwasser House: A unique, colorful architectural masterpiece in Vienna that showcases eco-friendly urban design.
• Take a day trip to Bratislava: Just an hour away, Bratislava offers a beautiful Old Town, castle views, and delicious Slovak cuisine. Take the fast train or the scenic Danube boat ride.

Travel Tips for Vienna

• Public Transport: Vienna has an excellent metro (U-Bahn), tram, and bus system. A 24-hour, 48-hour, or weekly travel pass is the best way to get around. Avoid taxis as they are expensive.
• Free Museum Days: Many museums, including Kunsthistorisches Museum and Albertina, offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Plan accordingly to save money!
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful outdoor experiences. December is magical for Christmas markets.
• Vienna’s Tap Water: The city’s tap water comes directly from the Alps and is one of the cleanest in the world. No need to buy bottled water—bring a reusable bottle instead!
• Where to Find Cheap Eats: Avoid tourist traps in Stephansplatz. Instead, try the local Naschmarkt for diverse street food or visit a traditional Wiener Würstelstand for a budget-friendly sausage meal.