If you’re planning a trip to Austria’s elegant capital, finding the right base can make or break your experience.
The good news is there are plenty of excellent places to stay in Vienna that won’t drain your budget.
From grand historic districts packed with culture to cool neighbourhoods full of cafés and local life, Vienna offers something for every type of traveller.
Whether you’re visiting for museums, music, food or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this guide will help you pick the perfect area and find great value accommodation…
Related Posts
- Best 2 Day Vienna Itinerary
- Guide to Best Tickets & Tours for the Schönbrunn Palace
- Vienna’s Top 10 Hidden Gems
Why Choosing the Right Area Matters in Vienna
Vienna is compact, clean and incredibly well connected thanks to its excellent public transport system run by Wiener Linien.
This means you don’t have to stay right in the centre to enjoy the city.
However, different districts offer very different vibes.
Some are ideal for sightseeing, others better for nightlife or budget stays.
Here’s a quick overview to help you decide…
| Area | Best For | Budget Level |
| Innere Stadt (1st District) | First time visitors, iconic sights | High |
| Leopoldstadt (2nd District) | Budget, green spaces, families | Low to mid |
| Neubau (7th District) | Trendy, cafés, culture | Mid |
| Mariahilf (6th District) | Shopping, central value | Mid |
| Landstraße (3rd District) | Transport links, quieter stays | Low to mid |
Now let’s dive into the best places to stay in Vienna by area, including affordable and highly rated options you can book easily.
Innere Stadt (1st District)
If it’s your first time in Vienna, staying in the historic centre is hard to beat.
This is where you’ll find landmarks like St Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace.
Why Stay Here
Everything is walkable and you’re right in the heart of the action. Perfect if you only have a couple of days.
Budget Reality
This is the most expensive area, but deals do exist if you book early or travel off season.
Affordable Places to Stay
- Hotel Kärntnerhof
Traditional, central and often great value for the location. Rooms from around 120€. - Hotel Wandl
Reliable mid-range option with a strong reputation and central positioning.
Best For
First time visitors, short stays and culture lovers.
Leopoldstadt (2nd District)
Just across the Danube Canal from the centre, Leopoldstadt offers a great balance between affordability and location.
It’s also home to the famous Prater Park and its iconic Ferris wheel.
Why Stay Here
Lower prices, more space and easy access to the centre via metro or even walking.
Affordable Places to Stay
- MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Franz
Excellent for budget travellers and groups. Rooms and dorms available. - Der Wilhelmshof
Family run hotel with colourful interiors and strong reviews. - Ibis Styles Wien Messe Prater
Modern, affordable and well connected. - Novotel Suites Wien City Donau
Great for families needing extra space.
Best For
Budget travellers, families and longer stays.
Neubau (7th District)
If you love cool neighbourhoods, Neubau is one of the best places to stay in Vienna.
Close to the MuseumsQuartier and packed with independent shops, bars and cafés, it has a more local feel.
Why Stay Here
Creative vibe, great food scene and easy access to top sights like MuseumsQuartier.
Affordable Places to Stay
- 25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier
Funky design hotel with great deals if booked early. - Hotel Schani Salon
Smart tech features and competitive prices. - Pension Hotel Mariahilf
Budget friendly and centrally located. - Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna
Stylish and often good value.
Best For
Solo travellers, couples, foodies and creatives.
Mariahilf (6th District)
Neighbouring Neubau, this district is all about convenience and value.
It’s home to Vienna’s main shopping street, Mariahilfer Strasse.
Why Stay Here
Central without the premium price tag. Excellent transport connections.
Affordable Places to Stay
- NH Wien City
Spacious rooms and great value for the location. - Leonardo Hotel Vienna
Modern, affordable and reliable. - Hotel Mocca
No frills but great for budget stays.
Best For
Shoppers, central stays on a budget and first time visitors.
Landstraße (3rd District)
If you want somewhere quieter but still well connected, Landstraße is a smart choice.
It’s close to Belvedere Palace and has great transport links, including trains to the airport.
Why Stay Here
More relaxed atmosphere and often cheaper accommodation.
Affordable Places to Stay
- Motel One Wien Hauptbahnhof
Sleek, affordable and consistent quality. - Plaza Inn Amedia Wien
Modern comfort at a reasonable price. - Austria Trend Hotel Doppio Wien
Great for longer stays or business travellers.
Best For
Repeat visitors, quieter stays and transport convenience.
Budget Travel Tips for Staying in Vienna
Book Early For Best Prices
Vienna is popular year round, especially during Christmas markets and summer.
Booking at least 2 to 3 months ahead can save you a lot.
Use Public Transport
Vienna’s transport system is one of the best in Europe.
A 24 hour ticket costs around 8€, making it easy to stay outside the centre and still explore.
Check routes and prices at Wiener Linien.
Consider Apartments
Apartments can offer better value, especially for families or longer stays.
Look for places with kitchens to save on eating out.
Travel Off Season
January to March and late autumn are great times to find cheaper accommodation rates.
Where to Stay in Vienna Based on Travel Style
Solo Travellers
Neubau and Leopoldstadt are ideal.
They offer safe, lively environments with affordable hotels and hostels.
Couples
Innere Stadt or Neubau are perfect for a romantic city break with easy access to cafés and cultural sights.
Families
Leopoldstadt and Landstraße offer more space, parks and better value accommodation.
Budget Travellers
Leopoldstadt is your best bet, followed by Mariahilf for central value.
Sample Budget Breakdown for Vienna Stay
| Expense | Average Cost |
| Budget hotel | 70 – 120€ per night |
| Mid range hotel | 120 – 180€ per night |
| Public transport | 8€ per day |
| Meals | 10 – 20€ lunch, 15 – 30€ dinner |
Places to Stay in Vienna near Top Attractions
If your trip is focused on sightseeing, here’s where to base yourself:
- Near Schönbrunn Palace: Stay in Mariahilf or Neubau
- Near Vienna State Opera: Stay in Innere Stadt
- Near Belvedere Palace: Stay in Landstraße
People Also Ask: Places to Stay in Vienna
Q: What is the best area to stay in Vienna for first time visitors?
A: Innere Stadt is the best area for first time visitors because it puts you within walking distance of major attractions like St Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace.
Q: Is Vienna expensive for accommodation?
A: Vienna can be expensive, but there are plenty of budget options in districts like Leopoldstadt and Landstraße where rooms can start from around 70€ per night.
Q: How many days should I stay in Vienna?
A: Two to three days is enough to see the main highlights, but four days allows for a more relaxed pace and visits to places like Schönbrunn Palace.
Q: Is public transport good in Vienna?
A: Yes, Vienna has an excellent and affordable public transport system including metro, trams and buses, making it easy to stay outside the centre.
Q: Where should families stay in Vienna?
A: Leopoldstadt and Landstraße are great for families thanks to parks, larger accommodation options and good transport links.
SAVE THIS ARTICLE TO PINTEREST!
With so many excellent places to stay in Vienna, the key is choosing an area that matches your travel style and budget.
Do that right, and this beautiful city becomes surprisingly affordable.
This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you
