Where to stay in Vienna

Vienna, Austria, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a prime tourist destination. The city is divided into many districts and each district is named as a number. Thus, there is the 1^st district, the 2^nd district, the 3^rd district, the 4 district, and so on, with the last district being the 22^nd district. The city center is the 1^st district and all other districts are located around it in a snail-like crooked spiral pattern.

When selecting a place to stay in Vienna, it is necessary to ensure that the place meets two major requirements, i.e., it is next to a tram stop or a metro station. The public transport system in Vienna is one of the best in the continent. Thus, if a stop is at walking distance from your accommodation, then you can easily connect to most parts of the city within 15 to 20 minutes. There is 24 hour U-Bahn train service over the weekends. You will thus be able to find your way back to your hotel irrespective of how many würstels or weiss beers you have gulped down.

The best places to stay in Vienna

Provided below is a list of some of the best places to stay when visiting Vienna.

1. Innere Stadt/1^st District

Innere Stadt literally means ‘inner city.’ The first district is the historic old town of Vienna. The city center is a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site and is enclosed by the Ringstrasse. You can start the exploration of Innere Stadt from the main square called Stephansplatz. In 1683, the city walls were present where the Ringstrasse currently stands. The walls were the only things that helped protect the city from the Ottoman Empire’s vast army during the Battle of Vienna.

It takes around 60 minutes to walk from one end of central Vienna to another. But the stroll will never be dull as you will come across pretty cobblestone alleyways and streets, bars, quaint restaurants, cafes, well-known churches, and luxury shopping opportunities. The calm waters of the Danube, the amazing Donaukanal popup bars and restaurants, and some great views of the surroundings from the rooftops of Do&Co restaurant and the Café Bar Bloom will make the stay really enjoyable. Another attraction of the 1^st district is the Golden U shopping area. Continue to walk along the Kärntner Strasse of Golden U to arrive at Wieden district, another great place for shoppers.

A few good hotels and other accommodations in Innere Stadt are Motel One Staatsoper, Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, Grand Ferdinand, Hilton Vienna Plaza, Hotel Kärntnerhof, Hollmann Beletage Design & Boutique, Hotel Capricorno, Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien, Pension Dr. Geissler, and Hotel Post Wien

Tourists who are in the city for a short time can opt to stay in the city center. It is the best place for sightseeing and reveling in the beauty of the city.

2. Schleifmuhlgasse and Leopoldstadt

Schleifmuhlgasse is situated towards the south of the 1^st district and is considered to be one the hippest areas in the city. The neighborhood is choc-o-bloc with art galleries that tend to spill out into the streets during summers. Additionally, visitors will be enthralled by the fabulous restaurants, whiskey bars, boutique stores, flower shops, and designer label shops. Wien Westbahnhof, the main train station of Vienna, the enjoyable outdoor market called Naschmarkt, and the renowned Mariahilferstrasse shopping street are located nearby.

The Danube canal separates the city center and Leopoldstadt. The two are connected by many stroll-friendly bridges. The Prater Public Park, the largest area with greenery in the city, is located in Leopoldstadt and is spread across more than 1,400 acres. In addition to fabulous views of the river, this neighborhood is known for its fine restaurants, the popular Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel, and sandy beaches near the Danube Canal.

3. Landstrasse/3^rd District

The 3^rd district or Landstrasse is also almost centrally located. It has accommodations that are better priced as compared to the Innere Stadt. This area may not be regarded as one of the ‘cooler’ neighborhoods. It is however full of gorgeous architecture, lots of baroque embassies, and the expansive and magnificent Belvedere Palace and Gardens.

The Landstrasse station is located in the center of the 3^rd district and express trains from the main airport directly connect to this train station. It is thus a really convenient place to stay in Vienna.

Landstrasse is great for strolling and shopping, and all the main sights of the city are within walking distance. When staying in this part of the city, do not forget to go to the Josephbrot vom Pheinstein café and try out their delectable brunches and flavorful breads.

A few good hotels in the 3^rd district are Hilton Vienna, Austria Trend Hotel Doppio Wien, and Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna.

4. Wieden/4^th District

Locals regard the 4^th district as the original hipster neighborhood that is home to vegan supermarkets, multiple local fashion labels, and antique furniture shops.

The campus of the University of Vienna is also located here. Thus, it is full of creative and young energy, live music, street markets, and a vast array of LGBT bars and clubs which open their doors in the evening.

Travelers who stay in this part of Vienna can go for enjoyable walks across multicultural outdoor marketplaces, fill up on affordable tasty dishes at mini-Chinatown, and immerse in the relaxing nightlife within a broad choice of restaurants, pubs, boutique wine bars, and hipster cafes located along the Schönbrunnerstrasse.

Wieden is an edgy and fun place for tourists who desire a piece of real local life. A few good accommodation options in the 4^th district are Graetzlhotel beim Belvedere, Saint SHERMIN bed, breakfast & champagne, and Das Triest Hotel.

5. Neubau/7^th District

Neubau is an uber cool district and one the best places in Vienna for alternative sights and sounds. The neighborhood is full of third-wave industrial coffee shops, distinctive art galleries, the vibrant Museums Quarter, high-end shopping opportunities, and quaint haunts for scrumptious brunch. It can be regarded as the ideal place from where you can begin the discovery of the wondrous city.

The 7^th district is also a kind of a hang out place for young artists, designers, and owners of indie stores. You can see them enjoying espresso and other drinks on the rooftop of Figar, chilling out with friends, and/or delighting themselves with tasty Vietnamese noodle dishes at Sapa.

Neubau is perennially lively and something or the other is always happening in this area. It has multiple AirBnB accommodation options, numerous modes of transport, and beautiful ‘altbau’ mode apartments. Couples, the young, and the hip will find this district the ideal place to stay in Vienna.

A few good hotels in the 7^th district are Ruby Marie Hotel, Hotel Sans Souci Wien, Hotel Altstadt, 25hours, Hotel Kaffeemühle, and InterCityHotel Wien.

6. Hietzing/13^th District

Vienna’s former aristocrats used to live in the 13^th district. Hietzing is located just next to the famous Schönbrunn palace. Tourists can check out numerous luxury villas as well as ogle at old wealthy women draped in pearls and genuine furs. You can visit the local supermarkets or go to Cafe Dommayer to dink the finest coffee and engage in people watching. Hietzing is a pretty place to stay in Vienna if you are in the city for a longer period of time, want to explore the extraordinary Schönbrunn palace, and desire to be close to Lainzer Tiergarten green parkland.

The district is home to a combination of luxury and budget hotels as well as comfortable AirBnB accommodations. It is a lovely place to unwind and relax and ideal for couples or families that desire some peace and quiet after spending the day discovering the wonders of Vienna.

7. Döbling/19^th District

Located in the greener part of Vienna, the 19^th district is a village-like neighborhood with the ambiance of the countryside. It is dotted with rolling emerald hills, cobbled pathways, and some of the costliest residences in Vienna. The combination of all these factors offers an exclusive and pristine living environment.

Döbling also has big villas owned by former noblemen and numerous vineyards, which make it an excellent place to stay for those who want to live within the city but also want to experience country living. Fans of wine and delicious foods will also be captivated as the district is home to several fantastic heuringer restaurants and lush green parks. Families who desire a relaxed environment away from the hustle and bustle of Vienna will also be happy to stay in the 19^th district.