Few cities in the world can boast the imperial elegance of Vienna, a legacy of the mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire. The capital of Austria is a veritable open-air museum, with magnificent palaces and the merit of having been the birthplace of the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose magical presence is breathed at every step.
This city, home to nearly two million people, stands out for its majestic Parliament, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the lively Ringstrasse avenue and the superb Opera House, inaugurated in 1869 by Mozart himself.
In this article we will tell you where to stay in Vienna and which are the best areas of the city.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Vienna
Innere Stadt (1st district)
Contrary to what is generally thought, Vienna is a fairly large city, with different areas and neighborhoods of interest on the outskirts of the historic center. Therefore, in order to have most of the tourist attractions within easy reach, it is recommended to look for accommodation in the central area, called Innere Stadt.
Two things to keep in mind: first, it is not always easy to find cheap hotels in this area (rates hardly go below 100€ per night during the summer); second, those who arrive in Vienna at the end of December, to discover the amazing Christmas markets, should be aware that this is a very busy time of the year and that it is necessary to make reservations well in advance.
Staying in Innere Stadt will allow you to be steps away from Stephansplatz square, where the beautiful Romanesque St. Stephen’s Cathedral stands, with its soaring 137-meter tower. Other highlights of the district are: the Vienna Opera House, the National Library, the Parliament, the Spanish Riding School and the Hofburg Palace, historic residence of the House of Habsburg until the First World War. This district is undoubtedly the first one to look at when looking for a hotel to stay in Vienna.
Leopoldstadt (2nd district)
If in Innere Stadt the prices for a night in a hotel usually exceed 100€, in Leopoldstadt it is possible to stay for 60€. Located about 15 minutes walk from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this area concentrates cheaper hotels than those in the city center and is another recommended area to stay in Vienna. It is true that there are not so many tourist attractions in the district -with the exception of the bucolic Prater Park-, but the accommodations in Leopoldstadt offer a good quality-price ratio for the pockets a little tighter, without being so far from the historic center. For many, this is Vienna’s coolest district.
Landstrasse (3rd district)
Those who want to discover the beauty of the Viennese palaces, without having to stay in the historic center and at lower prices, will find in the Landstrasse district an excellent option to stay in Vienna. This area, which borders the Stadtpark, is home to the impressive Belvedere Palace, the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The district offers a considerable amount of accommodation at €50 per night and has the advantage of being within walking distance of Vienna’s main train station, the Wien Hauptbanhof.
Wieden (4th district)
Vienna’s 4th district, Wieden, is another of the best areas to stay in Vienna. It is a very quiet district and, like Landstrasse, it is also close to the Wien Haupbanhof station. Some of the attractions in the area (and nearby) include the fantastic Hofburg Palace, the Opera House and several museums of great interest.
It is estimated that the average price per night for a hotel in Wieden is around 50€ per night (it is one of the cheapest districts of the city). It is worth noting that to the southwest of Wieden lies the 5th district, Margareten, a residential area of great beauty.
Nebau (district 7)
Nebau is known as the museum district. It is one of the most visited areas by tourists looking to enjoy Vienna’s cultural life. Besides being located very close to the Museumsquartier (museum district), the Nebau district offers a wide range of accommodations – at prices around €50 – and a very special charm in the charming Spittelberg district.
After informing you about the best places to stay in Vienna, it is time to recommend hotels.
Where to stay in Vienna for less than 100€ per night?
Mercure Wien Zentrum
Before we start with the hotel recommendations, it is worth repeating that it is not easy to find hotels for less than 100€ per night in Innere Stadt, the city center, unless it is the off-season months. That said, it is still possible to find some establishments in the 80-100€ range, on specific dates and away from the summer months. One of the hotels to stay in Vienna for less than 100€ per night is the Mercure Wien Zentrum.
This hotel achieves a rating of 9.6 in the location score of Booking users -8.5 in the overall rating- and offers a rate of 90€ per night in low season (during the summer this value practically doubles). It has a very good breakfast (for 18€ more), a restaurant with typical Viennese specialties and a very nice terrace for guests’ use.
City Stay Vienna
Just 300 meters from St. Stephen’s Cathedral, also in the Innere Stadt district, is City Stay Vienna, a complex of self-contained apartments in a historic building with elevator. This place offers a very convenient rate for travelers who want to stay in the city center at a reasonable price (90€ per night on specific dates, mainly in low season). It is located just 700 meters from the Spanish Riding School, in an area with bars, restaurants and stores. For Booking users it has an overall score of 8.4 and 9.7 for its location.
Austria Trend Hotel Doppio Wien
In district 3 -Landstrasse- is located another of the recommended hotels to stay in Vienna such as the Austria Trend Hotel Doppio Wien. This hotel offers a rate of 94€ per night -plus 3€ for taxes- and is located in the most important shopping street of Vienna (Mariahilfer Strasse), very close to the beautiful Spittelberg district. On-site facilities include an urban spa, and guests seem very satisfied overall: they gave it a 9.4 for its location for two-person trips.
Novotel Suites Wien City
The fabulous rating on Booking precedes the Novotel Suites Wien City’s reputation. Located in the 2nd district -Leopoldstadt- this hotel offers a promotional rate of €85 per night, including taxes and charges. It is ideal for travelers who combine work and pleasure, as it is located in a business area near the Austria Center Conference Center and the Messe Wien Congress and Exhibition Center.
Where to stay in Vienna for between 100 and 200€ per night?
Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof
Just steps from the Hofburg Palace is one of the most beautiful hotels to stay in Vienna, the Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof. The hotel is housed in a beautiful building dating from 1913, in the heart of the 1st district (Innere Stadt). The rooms are decorated in various styles, from baroque to Art Deco. It is one of the highest rated hotels on Booking: 9.8 for its location and 8.9 in the overall rating. Its rate of 171€ per night -in low season- includes taxes and charges.
Hilton Vienna Plaza
For a rate of 170 euros per night you can access the quality standard of the Hilton hotel chain. The Hilton Vienna Plaza is located in the heart of District 1, opposite the Vienna Stock Exchange, on the historic Ringstrasse boulevard. It features a fitness center and is home to the Émile restaurant, which serves Austrian and international cuisine. The overall rating from Booking users is 9.5 units.
Radisson RED Hotel
The Radisson RED Hotel is located in the 2nd district – Leopoldstadt. This accommodation is rated “fantastic” by Booking users, with a score of 9 units. This is a typical four-star hotel, with corporate touches for business travelers and a high level of comfort in general. The rate is 153€ per night (plus 4€ for taxes), to which we recommend adding the 22€ for a hearty continental breakfast.
Hotel Kaiserhof Wien
In a quiet side street in the Wieden area – district 4 – is the Hotel Kaiserhof Wien. This traditional accommodation, just a 7-minute walk from the Vienna State Opera, is surrounded by stores, restaurants and bars. It is one of the most recommended hotels for couples, as it has a 9.5 rating for two-person trips on Booking. Its promotional rate is 171€ per night, with a typical Viennese breakfast included in the price.
Hotel Schani Salon
Those who want to stay in the 7th district – Neubau – have a very good option in the Hotel Schani Salon. This four-star accommodation is located on Vienna’s liveliest shopping street, Mariahilfer Strasse, just 10 minutes from the Ringstrasse boulevard (and within walking distance of the Hofburg Imperial Palace). It has a 9.1 rating on Booking and a rate of €161 per night, including taxes and a very good breakfast.
