Where to Stay
in Vienna

Hotel Sacher Vienna
Hotel Sacher Vienna

Where to Stay in Vienna: The Best Hotels and Neighbourhoods

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Vienna moves gracefully between imperial elegance and modern creativity. You might spend your days wandering grand palaces, exploring world-class museums, or lingering in the city’s iconic coffeehouses. Choosing where to stay in Vienna shapes how you experience it all. From historic five-star hotels rich in character to stylish boutique addresses and welcoming budget hostels, Vienna offers a stay for every taste.

Below, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Vienna, what kind of traveler each suits, and some top hotel recommendations – including a mix of luxury, mid-range, boutique, and budget-friendly options.

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Where to Stay in Vienna by District

1. Innere Stadt (1st District): City Centre Luxury Hotels with Imperial Style

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Best for: First-time visitors, luxury travelers, history lovers – Image: Hotel Sacher via Expedia Group.

This is the heart of Vienna. Staying in the 1st district means you’ll be surrounded by grand imperial buildings, charming alleyways, and top attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the State Opera. If you love waking up to historic views and want a truly Viennese experience, this is the place to be.


2. Landstraße & Leopoldstadt (3rd & 2nd Districts): Modern Hotels with Local Charm

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Best for: Design lovers, young travelers, riverside views, local experiences – Image: The Hoxton via Expedia Group.

These districts sit just outside the historic center and offer a more contemporary, local experience. You’ll find stylish hotels, cool bars, and green spaces like Stadtpark and Prater. Plus, the location is super convenient – just a quick U-Bahn ride or short walk to the 1st district.


3. Neubau & Mariahilf (7th & 6th Districts) – Boutique Hotels in Creative Districts

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Best for: Art lovers, boutique shoppers, hipster cafés – Image: 25Hours Hotel via Expedia Group.

Neubau and Mariahilf are Vienna’s creative hubs, packed with indie shops, art galleries, and some of the city’s best coffee spots. If you love design, vintage finds, and a more local experience, this is a fantastic choice.



4. Budget Hotels in Vienna: Smart Stays with Style

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Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, city explorers, digital nomads, and small groups – Image: Hotel Schani Wien via Expedia Group.

If you’re looking for a great stay in Vienna without breaking the bank, these options offer fantastic value for money.


The hotel images are provided by Expedia.

Helpful Hints

  • Public Transport Access: Vienna’s public transport system is excellent. Stay near a U-Bahn (subway) station for easy access to the entire city.
  • Book Early: Popular hotels in central districts fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons like Christmas or the summer months.
  • Check for Parking: If you’re driving, ensure your hotel has parking facilities, as parking in Vienna can be tricky.
  • Suit Your Style: From luxury palaces to quirky boutique hotels, Vienna has something for every taste – so choose what feels right for your travel style.

Gastronomic Discoveries

Hidden Gems

  • Magdas Hotel: A true social enterprise run by refugees and locals. Upcycled design, a relaxed creative vibe, and a leafy courtyard café just steps from the Prater.
  • Grätzlhotel Belvedere: Former storefronts turned into stylish mini-apartments across the city. Stay like a local while supporting small-scale urban renewal.
  • Boutiquehotel Stadthalle: Europe’s first zero-energy city hotel. Solar power, a lavender roof garden, and cozy, eco-friendly rooms make it ideal for conscious comfort seekers.

Our Little Extras

When booking, think about the district’s personality:

  • 1st District (Innere Stadt): The elegant heart of Vienna. Perfect if you want to walk to iconic sights, dine in style, and soak up imperial grandeur.
  • 2nd District (Leopoldstadt): More relaxed, greener, and close to the Prater and Danube Canal – great for morning jogs and sunset strolls.
  • 6th & 7th Districts (Mariahilf & Neubau): Lively, stylish, and full of character. This is Vienna’s creative core, known for its boutique hotels, independent stores, contemporary art spaces, and a strong café culture that draws a local and international crowd alike.
  • 8th & 9th Districts (Josefstadt & Alsergrund): Quieter, refined, and residential. Ideal if you’re after a slower pace, charming side streets, and a more local, lived-in feel just outside the tourist trail.
  • Around Belvedere & Schönbrunn: A good choice if you’re drawn to imperial gardens and museums. The area offers a calm atmosphere with easy transport connections and elegant surroundings.