Vienna is a city of imperial grandeur, classical music, and coffee house culture. It is consistently voted the world's most livable city, and it shows. From the palatial center of the Innere Stadt to the hipster vibes of Neubau and the green expanses of the Prater, Vienna is clean, safe, and endlessly charming.
Innere Stadt (District 1)
The Innere Stadt is the UNESCO-listed historic heart of Vienna, encircled by the Ringstraße. This is imperial Vienna at its most opulent: the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the State Opera are all here. Staying here is expensive, but you wake up inside a living museum.
What we love
- +Unbeatable location for major sights
- +Stunning architecture and cleanliness
- +Home to the most famous coffee houses
Worth noting
- –Most expensive accommodation
- –Very touristy and busy during the day
- –Can feel a bit like a 'ghost town' late at night
Nearby
St. Stephen's Cathedral · Hofburg Palace · Vienna State Opera · Albertina Museum · Café Central
Leopoldstadt (District 2)
Separated from the center by the Danube Canal, Leopoldstadt is Vienna's former Jewish quarter turned trendy district. It is dominated by the massive Prater park and its giant wheel. It offers a great mix of cool courtyard dining, green space, and easy access to the center.
What we love
- +Huge green spaces (Prater & Augarten)
- +Trendy dining scene along the canal
- +More affordable than the 1st district
Worth noting
- –Some parts are quite far from the u-bahn
- –Can be noisy near the amusement park
- –Architecturally mixed (some plain post-war buildings)
Nearby
Prater Amusement Park (Giant Wheel) · Augarten · Karmelitermarkt · Danube Canal (Street Art) · Mochi (Restaurant)
Landstraße (District 3)
Landstraße is a diverse, elegant district that houses the Belvedere palaces and many embassies. It balances grand residential living with excellent transport links (Wien Mitte station). It’s quieter and more 'local' than the center but retains the imperial feel.
What we love
- +Home to the Belvedere palaces
- +Excellent transport hub (CAT train to airport)
- +Safe, diplomatic, and orderly
Worth noting
- –Nightlife is very quiet
- –Large district, so location matters
- –Can feel a bit buttoned-up
Nearby
Belvedere Palace (Upper & Lower) · Hundertwasserhaus · Stadtpark · Vienna Konzerthaus · Rochusmarkt
Handpicked Hotels
Boutique Hotels in Vienna
Wieden (District 4)
Wieden is small, hip, and charming. It borders the famous Naschmarkt and Karlsplatz. It’s known for its independent boutiques, breakfast spots, and the 'Freihausviertel' gallery scene. It’s perfect for younger travelers who want style and substance.
What we love
- +Foodie paradise near Naschmarkt
- +Vibrant hipster culture and cafes
- +Walkable to the Opera and Ringstraße
Worth noting
- –Rent and hotels are getting pricey
- –Traffic on main roads can be busy
- –Small district with fewer 'grand' sights
Nearby
Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) · Naschmarkt · Third Man Museum · Wien Museum · Freihausviertel
Neubau (District 7)
Neubau is the creative soul of Vienna. Adjacent to the Museumsquartier, it is packed with vintage stores, vegan bistros, and art galleries. The Spittelberg area offers romantic Biedermeier cobbled streets. It is the coolest place to stay for culture vultures.
What we love
- +Adjacent to the Museumsquartier (MQ)
- +Best shopping for vintage and design
- +Spittelberg is incredibly picturesque
Worth noting
- –Very popular so hipster cafes get full
- –Mariahilfer Straße can be crowded
- –Limited large hotel options (more boutique)
Nearby
Museumsquartier (MQ) · Spittelberg Quarter · Mariahilfer Straße (Shopping) · Volkstheater · Hofmobiliendepot (Furniture Museum)
Mariahilf (District 6)
Sandwiched between the main shopping street (Mariahilfer Straße) and the Naschmarkt, this district is vibrant and steep. It connects the Westbahnhof station to the center. It’s lively, eclectic, and home to the Haus des Meeres aquarium.
What we love
- +Great mix of shopping and market access
- +Historic Apollo cinema and lively streets
- +Haus des Meeres offers great views
Worth noting
- –Very steep hill (Windmühlhöhe)
- –Crowded shopping areas
- –Parking is a nightmare
Nearby
Haus des Meeres (Aquarium) · Mariahilfer Church · Semper Depot · Naschmarkt (District 6 side) · Raimund Theater
More Places to Stay
Boutique Hotels in Vienna
Ready to explore Vienna?
Browse our curated collection of boutique hotels across all neighborhoods.
View All Hotels in Vienna
