Where to Stay in Vienna
Best districts by traveler type, budget hostels to luxury palaces, and expert booking tips to find your perfect Vienna accommodation
Choosing the right district is the most important accommodation decision in Vienna. The city is well-connected by metro but each neighbourhood offers a distinctly different experience. Culture lovers and first-timers belong in the Innere Stadt (1st district), families thrive in Leopoldstadt (2nd) near the Prater, creative travelers love Neubau (7th) with its hipster boutiques and cafes, and those wanting excellent value with market access gravitate to Mariahilf (6th) beside the Naschmarkt. For budget stays near Schönbrunn, the 13th and 14th districts offer the lowest prices at €60-120/night. Vienna's efficient U-Bahn means you are never more than 15-20 minutes from the centre regardless of where you stay.
Best Areas to Stay
Innere Stadt (1st District)
€150-400/night
The historic heart of Vienna and the most atmospheric place to stay. Walking distance to St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, the State Opera, Graben shopping street, and the finest coffeehouses. The compact centre is largely pedestrian-friendly and stunningly beautiful. Boutique hotels in restored historic buildings offer unique character. The downsides: it is the most expensive district and can be noisy during tourist peak hours and festival periods. But the convenience and magic of waking up in imperial Vienna is unbeatable.
Leopoldstadt (2nd District)
€80-180/night
A trendy district across the Danube Canal from the centre, Leopoldstadt is excellent for families (adjacent to the Prater amusement park and its vast green spaces) and travelers wanting a youthful, local atmosphere. The Karmelitermarkt area has excellent restaurants and cafes. Hotels are significantly cheaper than the 1st district with more space. The U1 and U2 metro lines reach the centre in minutes. The Augarten park has playgrounds and peaceful green space. An increasingly popular choice for savvy visitors.
Neubau (7th District)
€90-200/night
Vienna's hipster quarter is packed with independent boutiques, vintage shops, specialty coffee roasters, contemporary galleries, and creative restaurants. The MuseumsQuartier — one of the world's largest cultural complexes — sits at its eastern edge. The neighbourhood has a distinctly different energy from the imperial centre: creative, young, and local. The U3 metro line connects to Stephansplatz in minutes. Excellent for solo travelers and couples wanting to experience modern Viennese culture alongside the historic grandeur.
Mariahilf (6th District)
€70-160/night
The 6th district sits alongside the famous Naschmarkt and Mariahilfer Straße (Vienna's main shopping street). The location is excellent — a 10-minute walk to the Opera and city centre, with the U4, U3, and U6 metro lines all accessible. Hotels and apartments offer excellent value at €70-160/night. The Naschmarkt provides daily food market access. The district has a diverse, multicultural character with excellent international restaurants. A practical, well-connected base that suits most travelers.
Near Schönbrunn (13th/14th Districts)
€60-120/night
The residential districts near Schönbrunn Palace offer Vienna's most affordable accommodation. Hotels and Airbnbs cost €60-120/night — half the price of the city centre. The trade-off is a 20-25 minute U-Bahn ride to the Innere Stadt, but Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens are on your doorstep. The area is quiet, residential, and safe. A practical choice for budget-conscious travelers who plan to visit Schönbrunn and do not mind using the metro. The U4 line provides direct access to Karlsplatz and the city centre.
Budget Picks
Under €100/night
Wombats City Hostel
Naschmarkt (6th District)
Vienna's most popular social hostel sits next to the Naschmarkt. Clean dorms with en-suite bathrooms, the Wombar for socialising, regular events, and a central location. Private rooms from €65-90. Free Wi-Fi, kitchen access, and helpful staff. The best social hostel in Vienna for solo travelers and backpackers.
MEININGER Hotels
Multiple locations
A reliable hybrid hostel-hotel chain with several Vienna locations near major stations. Clean, modern rooms with both dorm and private options. Common areas with kitchens for self-catering. Less party-focused — suits travelers who want value without the noise. Private rooms from €60-100.
Budget Pensions
6th & 7th Districts
Traditional Viennese Pensions (guesthouses) offer private rooms with character and breakfast included at prices well below hotels. Often family-run with personal service and local tips. Found throughout the 6th and 7th districts with good metro access. Book on Booking.com — read reviews for current conditions. Excellent value for the quality.
Mid-Range Picks
€90-300/night
Boutique Hotels (1st District)
The Innere Stadt has dozens of boutique hotels in restored historic buildings. Expect character, central locations, and Viennese atmosphere. Many include breakfast, concierge services, and small but beautifully designed rooms. Hotel Topazz, Hollmann Beletage, and Hotel Altstadt Vienna are excellent choices. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for the best options.
Neubau & Mariahilf Hotels
Modern hotels in the 6th and 7th districts combine good design with neighbourhood character. Many are run by independent operators with a creative eye. Excellent metro connections reach the centre in minutes. The Naschmarkt, MuseumsQuartier, and Mariahilfer Straße shopping are all walkable. Better value than 1st district with more space and a local feel.
Leopoldstadt Apartments
Serviced apartments in the 2nd district offer space, kitchens, and a local neighbourhood feel at mid-range prices. Ideal for families and longer stays. The Karmelitermarkt area is excellent for self-catering with fresh produce and prepared food. Walking distance to the Prater and connected to the centre by metro.
Luxury Picks
€350+/night
Hotel Sacher
Innere Stadt (1st District)
The legendary Hotel Sacher, home of the Original Sachertorte, sits directly opposite the State Opera. The epitome of Viennese luxury — opulent rooms, impeccable service, the Sacher Bar, and the Rote Bar restaurant. A stay here is an immersion in imperial Vienna at its most refined. The concierge can arrange opera tickets, private tours, and Fiaker rides. The gold standard of Vienna luxury accommodation.
The Ritz-Carlton Vienna
Schubertring (1st District)
Occupying four historic Ringstraße palaces, The Ritz-Carlton combines imperial grandeur with contemporary luxury. The rooftop bar and pool offer spectacular views over the city. The D-Bar for cocktails and the Atmosphere restaurant for dining are destination-worthy. Central Ringstraße location within walking distance of everything. The fusion of Habsburg heritage and modern luxury at its finest.
Park Hyatt Vienna
Am Hof (1st District)
Set in a former bank headquarters on Am Hof square, the Park Hyatt features a stunning pool in the former vault, the Bank Brasserie & Bar, and rooms that blend historic architecture with contemporary design. The central location puts the Graben, Stephansdom, and Hofburg within a 5-minute walk. Exceptional dining and spa facilities.
Booking Tips
Best Booking Platforms
- Booking.com: Best overall selection with free cancellation and frequent flash deals. Excellent for budget hotels and pensions
- HotelsCombined: Compares prices across multiple platforms — useful for finding the absolute lowest rate
- Hostelworld: Best for comparing and booking hostels — read recent reviews for current conditions
- Airbnb: Good for longer stays and apartments with kitchens, especially in the 2nd and 7th districts
- Direct booking: Luxury hotels like Sacher and Park Hyatt sometimes offer better rates and perks when booking directly
Timing Your Booking
- Christmas markets (late Nov-Dec): Book 4-6 weeks ahead — prices surge and hotels fill quickly
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Book 3-4 weeks ahead — peak tourist season with highest demand
- Ball Season (Jan-Feb): Major balls can fill hotels — book ahead if visiting during a ball weekend
- Shoulder season (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov): Best value — lower prices with pleasant weather. 1-2 weeks ahead is usually fine
- Winter (Jan-Mar): Lowest prices except during Ball Season — 20-40% discounts on summer rates
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