
Choosing where to stay in Vienna is often a decision imposed by the holiday budget. As far as hotel prices are concerned, in fact, Vienna seems to want to proudly reaffirm its glorious imperial past: it is one of the few capitals where finding mid to low-end accommodation in the city centre is really difficult.
Districts one and two, the most central, are the prerogative of four- and five-star hotels, often housed in magnificent historical palaces with an emperor’s luxury, perfect for a fairy-tale holiday, celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a romantic getaway.
It is quite easy to tell whether a Vienna hotel is close to the centre or not. Viennese districts are marked by a number: 1 is the Innere Stadt, i.e. the historic centre, so the higher the district number, the further away from the centre you are.
If your spending budget isn’t for an imperial palace, we have good news for you: thanks to Vienna’s highly efficient means of transport, you can choose a hotel in the areas outside the centre, which are much cheaper, and reach the Innere Stadt’s attractions comfortably and quickly.
Here is a guide to the best areas of Vienna where to stay: for each area we recommend a couple of hotels of different categories.

TheInnere Stadt is the city’s historic centre and the heart of imperial Vienna, where you can still breathe in the romantic atmosphere of bygone days. It is the most popular area for tourists, who want to experience the magic of 19th-century Vienna around the clock, when instead of trams they used carriages to get around, Mozart’s operas were the hits of the day and couples danced romantic waltzes.
The main advantage of staying in the Innere Stadt is its proximity to famous sights, such as the Hofburg, the sumptuous imperial palace, the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Mozarthaus. In addition, the area is full of bars, restaurants, shops and services, so you will have everything you need at your fingertips.
The splendour of the imperial courts seems to be echoed in the accommodation offer: in the Innere Stadt there are very few one- to two-star guesthouses and almost no hostels. With little choice of cheap guesthouses and hostels, one solution for sleeping in the centre without spending a fortune is to book a flat. The price is generally similar to or less than that of a three-star hotel, but having a kitchen available can save you a lot of money on meals.
As is the case in many cities, prices in the centre of Vienna are higher than in other areas and hotels tend to fill up earlier, so if you want to sleep in this area, it is highly recommended to book well in advance.
Among the best areas to sleep in the centre of Vienna are Stephanplatz and its surroundings, Karlsplatz, Graben; also check out the hotels in the characteristic Jewish quarter.

The Ringstrasse is a long, tree-lined boulevard that runs along the perimeter of the Innere Standt, enclosing within it the historic centre of Vienna.
Choosing a hotel along the Ringstrasse is not exactly staying in the centre… but just a step further and you don’t even have to move to visit some of Vienna’s famous sights such as the Rathausplatz and the Kunsthisthorisches Museum.
The facilities along the Ring provide optimal connections to the Vienna Underground and the historic trams that run along the circular boulevard. This strategic location provides quick access to both the historic centre and the outer districts, making it especially convenient for Vienna City Card users. The hotels in this area attract business guests during the week and tourist guests at weekends.
The districts adjacent to the Ring such as Schottenring and Stubenring offer pensions and holiday homes in historic residential buildings, with lower prices than in the centre but similar services. Flats with balconies overlooking the Ring allow you to experience the Viennese atmosphere in authentic settings, often with full kitchens and washing machines.

Mariahilf and Neubau represent Vienna’s liveliest and most alternative districts, with a strong presence of boutique hotels, design hostels and flats for young travellers. Studios and holiday homes occupy Jugendstil buildings, offering modern spaces with original architectural details. The area attracts those seeking a less touristy and more authentic atmosphere, with independent cafés, vintage shops and art galleries.
Mariahilfer Strasse, Vienna’s main shopping thoroughfare, concentrates mid-range hotels and family-friendly guesthouses with direct underground access and large pedestrian areas. Accommodation in this area often offers larger rooms and competitive prices compared to the city centre, making it ideal for families with children who appreciate the proximity to shops and restaurants.
The MuseumsQuartier in the immediate vicinity hosts boutique hotels in restored buildings and modern lofts converted into holiday flats. This area is an excellent base for those wishing to visit the Albertina and the Leopold Museum, with a lively cultural scene in the evenings.

Leopoldstadt extends across the Danube Canal, offering accommodation in a residential district that is increasingly popular with travellers. Modern hotels and flats overlook the green Prater and the canal, providing tranquillity just minutes from the centre. Accommodation in this area attracts families due to its proximity to the amusement park and large green spaces.
The Jewish quarter of Karmeliterviertel is home to boutique hotels in restored historic buildings, traditional guesthouses and holiday homes in period buildings. This area retains an authentic atmosphere with local markets, typical taverns and historic synagogues. Flats with balconies offer views of St. Stephen’s Cathedral across the canal.
The Prater area concentrates resorts and spa hotels, especially popular with those seeking comfort and relaxation after days of sightseeing. The Vienna Metro quickly connects the district to the city centre, while cycle paths along the Danube allow for environmentally friendly travel to other parts of the capital.
Alsergrund and Josefstadt represent university districts with a young and cultural atmosphere. Student guesthouses, hostels and budget flats alternate with boutique hotels in 19th-century buildings. The accommodations attract independent travellers and academics who appreciate the proximity to the University of Vienna and historical medical museums.
The Alser Strasse concentrates mid-range hotels and holiday homes in residential buildings with competitive prices and good connections to Vienna’s public transport system. The area is home to the Sigmund Freud Museum and numerous literary cafés frequented by students and university professors.
The buildings around the Rathaus offer spacious flats with high ceilings and original architectural details, converted into modern holiday homes with fast wifi and full kitchens. This area is ideal for those who want to live like a Viennese, frequenting local markets and traditional restaurants off the beaten track, with easy access to concerts at the Musikverein.
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