Where to Stay in Vienna: The 3 Best Areas and Hotels I Recommend for First Time Visitors 2025
Vienna is a city that feels like it belongs in two worlds at once, imperial palaces and opera houses on one side, trendy cafés and modern art spaces on the other. It’s grand without being overwhelming, cultural without being stuffy, and compact enough that exploring feels effortless.
I first came here on a family Christmas trip and have since returned twice more to visit a close friend who calls the city home. Along the way, I’ve gotten to know its districts and how they shape a traveler’s experience.
Here’s the thing: Vienna has more than twenty districts, but not all of them make sense for travelers. In fact, I’d argue there are only a few areas that really stand out for first-timers or anyone wanting the most out of their stay.
This guide breaks those down, with personal insight from my own time in the city plus hotel recommendations to make choosing where to stay a whole lot easier.
In a Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels in Vienna Austria
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Sans Souci Wien – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️ The Leo Grand – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️ The Weekend Hotel – Click here for rates & availability
Where to Stay in Vienna: My Quick Overview
Vienna is divided into 23 districts, with the 1st District, Innere Stadt, at the historic center. For the most part, the districts spiral outward from there, each leading into the next. Every area has its own character, from grand and historic to artsy or residential.
The city itself is compact and easy to navigate thanks to excellent public transport, but the district you choose as your base will really shape your trip.
For this article, I could have easily given you a list of 8–10 neighborhoods to stay in, but honestly, that’s not necessary, especially if you’re only in Vienna for a couple of days. You’ll want to be close to the main attractions, while also choosing an area that has the right kind of vibe for your trip.
That’s why I’ve narrowed it down to the top 3 neighborhoods in Vienna that I think will suit about 90% of travelers.
Quick Overview of 3 Vienna Neighborhoods
Innere Stadt (1st District) – If it’s your first time in Vienna, this is the obvious choice. You’re surrounded by imperial palaces, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and classical cafés. It’s central, walkable, and beautiful, but hotels here are on the pricier side.
Neubau (7th District) – The creative heart of Vienna. MuseumsQuartier, indie boutiques, and plenty of cool cafés make it perfect if you want an artsy, trendy base. It’s lively without feeling too touristy.
Wieden (4th District) – A nice balance of central and laid-back. Home to the Naschmarkt, Belvedere Palace, and a mix of student hangouts and stylish restaurants. Great if you want local charm but still close to all the must see attractions.
My Experience on the Best Areas to Stay in Vienna and Where I’d Stay Again
On my very first trip to Vienna with my family, we stayed in the 4th District. We were on a longer Europe trip and keeping things budget-friendly, and this area gave us just that: affordable hotels, easy access to the underground, and the Naschmarkt right next door for quick and tasty meals. It was perfect for a first-time visit.
That said, if I could go back and redo it with a bigger budget, I’d choose the 1st District (Innere Stadt). Being in the historic center makes sightseeing so much easier, and when I visited during Christmas, the whole downtown was unbelievably magical.
On my later trips, I’ve been lucky to stay with one of my best friends in her flat in Neubau, the 7th District. This area has become a favorite of mine, it feels local and lived-in, with vintage shops, bars, and cool little spots tucked between the streets. Plus, it’s right by the Museum Quarter and has a youthful energy that’s hard to beat.
Honestly, all three districts are excellent choices. So let’s break them down one by one, along with the top hotels in each.
The 3 Best Areas to Stay in Vienna Austria + Hotels I’d Recommend
Alright, now that you have a little background, let’s dive a little deeper into the best neighborhood to stay in Vienna and see which one fits your trip best!
1. Innere Stadt (1st District) // Best Area in Vienna for First Time Visitors
This is Vienna’s Old Town and the heart of the city. Staying here means you’re footsteps from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, the Opera, and all those grand cafés Vienna is known for.
It’s the most atmospheric and convenient place to stay, especially if it’s your first visit, but hotels can definitely be on the pricier side. If it’s in your budget, I highly recommend staying here!
Best Hotels in Vienna’s Old Town (Innere Stadt):
$ Pension Central — A great budget-friendly stay right in the city center. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and you can walk to most of Vienna’s big attractions without needing the metro. For the price and location, it’s a solid pick. I recommend booking it fast, as it tends to fill up as it’s one of the best options in the city.
$$ Hotel Palais Mailberger Hof — This hotel is right in the middle of Vienna city center, so you can walk pretty much everywhere. The rooms have a mid-century modern vibe, and the beds are super comfy. The breakfast is amazing, the staff are friendly, and there’s even a sauna, which feels amazing after a long day out (especially in winter when you just want to warm up).
Book Here: Hotel Palais Mailberger Hof
$$$ The Leo Grand — If you want to stay somewhere unforgettable in Vienna, this 5 star hotel is the spot. The rooms are stunning, they’re bold, elegant, and so beautifully designed that it’s truly hard to beat. The location couldn’t be better, sitting right next to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, so you’re in the middle of everything. This is definitely one of the most luxurious stays in Vienna.
2. Neubau (7th District) // My Favorite Area of Vienna
Neubau has quickly become my favorite place to stay in Vienna. I love that it’s the kind of neighborhood where I can wake up, wander out the door, and stumble into a cozy brunch spot or a quirky vintage shop without even having to google anything.
The area has a creative energy that I love and it’s just a short walk from the MuseumsQuartier and an easy ride into the historic center. If you want a local vibe with plenty of cafés, bars, and things to do beyond the tourist trail, this is the district to be in.
💡I recommend buying a Vienna Pass, this will give you access to most of the tourists sites as well as unlimited rides on the hop on hop off bus!
Best Hotels in Neubau:
$ Max Brown Hotel — This is such a cool, vibey boutique hotel in Vienna, totally in tune with the Neubau neighborhood. The rooms have retro touches like record players and quirky art, while the bar downstairs is all big velvet chairs made for lounging. The staff are super friendly, and you’re just a short walk from plenty of Viennas best cafés and museums.
Book Here: Max Brown Hotel
$ The Weekend Hotel // Where I stayed, and one of the most booked hotels in Vienna — I’m obsessed with this place. I stayed here over the summer while visiting a friend, and it was perfect.
The rooms are bright and clean with super plush beds, and they’ve got both doubles and singles, which makes it great for solo travelers too. Breakfast is excellent, and the metro is literally a two minute walk away.
Book Here: The Weekend Hotel
$$$ Hotel San Souci Wien — This is one of the most elegant stays in Vienna, and it really feels like a treat. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, with big comfy beds you’ll never want to leave. There’s also a spa and an indoor pool, which makes it perfect if you want to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Plus, the location right by the MuseumsQuartier couldn’t be better.
Book Here: Hotel San Souci Wien
3. Wieden (4th District) // Best Location to Stay in Vienna for Budget Travel
Weiden is easily the most budget-friendly of the three districts, with plenty of guesthouses, hostels and smaller hotels to choose from. That said, if you’re willing to spend just a little more, you can snag an amazing stay here that would cost a couple of hundred dollars extra if the same hotel were in the Old Town.
My family stayed at the Radisson Blu in this area, and it worked out perfectly. It was comfortable, convenient, and right next to the Naschmarkt, where we happened to end up at like every night, ha.
Weiden is also the closest district to Schloss Belvedere, while remaining just a short ride from the city center. I really loved how close to everything our stay was without spending too much money.
Best Hotels in Wieden:
$ Suite Hotel 900 — Weiden has plenty of budget-friendly stays, but this one stands out as one of the better options. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and having extra space makes it feel more relaxed than a standard hotel. With a solid 8.4 rating, it’s a reliable choice if you want something affordable without sacrificing comfort.
Book Here: Suite Hotel 900
$$ Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel — I stayed here with my family over Christmas, and it was perfect. We paid under €200 a night and got the biggest rooms of our whole trip, with huge bathrooms to match. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, and the location couldn’t have been easier; it was just a three-minute walk to the metro. I honestly can’t recommend this stay in Vienna enough.
Book Here: Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel
$$$ Hotel Kaiserhof Wien — This is one of those classic Vienna stays that makes you feel like royalty. The whole place has a timeless charm, from the elegant rooms to the traditional Viennese breakfast that you’ll have each morning. It’s refined without being stuffy, and if you love the idea of staying somewhere that captures the city’s old-world charm, this is the spot.
Book Here: Hotel Kaiserhof Wien
FAQ: Best Places to Stay in Vienna
Where to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets?
The 1st District (Innere Stadt) is the best area to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets if you want to be surrounded by the festive spirit. You’ll be within walking distance of Rathausplatz, Stephansplatz, and several other markets that light up the city in December. My favorite hotel at Christmas in Vienna is the Konig von Ungarn
Where to stay in Vienna first time?
If it’s your first trip, stay in the 1st District. It’s central, walkable, and makes sightseeing so much easier. Everything from St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Hofburg Palace is right at your doorstep.
Best things to do in Vienna?
Don’t miss Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, and the Hofburg for history and grandeur. Visit the Vienna State Opera, stroll the Naschmarkt, visit the giant ferris wheel in the Pratar, visit the Spanish Riding School and spend time in the Museum Quarter. And of course, make time for a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional café.
Where to stay in Vienna with kids?
The 4th District (Wieden) is a great family-friendly option. It’s quieter than the center, close to the Naschmarkt for easy meals, and within walking distance to public transportation. Plus, hotels here often offer more space for families at better prices.
How many days in Vienna do you need?
Plan for at least 3 days. That gives you time to see the main sights, enjoy a museum or two, relax in a coffee house, and still squeeze in a palace visit without rushing. If you still aren’t sure, you can check out how to spend 2, 3, or 4 days in Vienna here!
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Vienna Austria
So, where should you stay in Vienna? The nice thing is that the districts are pretty compact, so even if you’re based in District 10 you can hop over to District 4 in no time. That said, the closer you are to the city center, the easier life will be when it comes to sightseeing.
Personally, I loved my stay at the Radisson Blu in the 4th District; it struck the perfect balance of being close to the action while still tucked away from the busiest streets. If you’re undecided, it’s a fantastic choice. And honestly, Vienna makes it easy no matter where you stay: the streets are spotless, Vienna public transportation is seamless, and the whole city just feels like a joy to explore.
Check Out My Other Vienna Travel Guide
How Many Days in Vienna: My Day by Day Vienna Guide
Is Vienna Worth Visiting: My Honest Review
Restaurants in Vienna: My 13 Favorite Places to Eat
Vienna Travel Itinerary: How I Spent 3 Days in Vienna
Where to Stay in Vienna: My Top Areas And Hotels
Things to Do in Vienna Austria: My Top Activities
Vienna Christmas Markets: My Top Christmas Markets in Vienna
Vienna at Christmas: My Full Christmas in Vienna Guide
Check Out My Other Austria Travel Guides
Is Austria Worth Visiting: My Honest Review
Christmas Europe Itinerary: My Perfect 2 Week Itinerary
Austria Travel Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Days in Austria
