Where to Stay in Vienna - A Local’s Neighborhood Guide
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Being the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna doesn’t skimp when it comes to opulence, and within the city limits you’ll find an absolute abundance of Habsburg palaces, gilded concert halls, and lavish parks. This city is simply a feast for the eyes.
Ever changing, Vienna is also where 20th-century Modernism was born, with avant-garde artists like Gustav Klimt, architects such as Adolf Loos and Otto Wagner, and the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud all making their marks on the Austrian capital.
The city is predominately characterized by its historic center - the “Innere Stadt” - which is encircled by the Ringstraße (ring road), and the central neighborhoods that surround it. This is where you’ll find most of the historic sights and places of typical tourist interest, as well as the city’s grand boulevards and impressive architecture.
Whether you stay within the ring road or in one of the neighborhoods bordering it doesn’t matter all that much, as you’ll find a really nice blend of imperial grandeur, artistic heritage, markets, lovely parks, and a thriving cultural scene in all of them.
Having said that, the various central neighborhoods do have quite distinct atmospheres from one another, and the attractions/appeal of each are pretty different. This is in large part because many of the neighborhoods were once separate towns that developed independently before being swallowed up and annexed by Vienna proper as the city expanded.
Some will be better suited to your tasted than others, so to help you decide on the right one for you, I’ve provided a comprehensive overview of the 7 central neighborhoods/districts that I think are best for visitors.
Table of Contents
Overview of Vienna’s layout
Vienna’s Innere Stadt (the smaller circle) and the greater city center surrounding it
Vienna’s 23 districts. Photo: TUBS, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The most crucial thing to know when trying to understand Vienna’s layout is that the city center is encircled by a ring road - the Ringstraße -, and cut into two sides - east and west - by the Danube Canal. For most visitors, especially those here on a first visit, it makes sense to stay west of the canal and either within or somewhere relatively close to the ring road, which will put you conveniently close to the city’s historic core.
As for the many neighborhoods themselves, the city is officially divided into 23 districts. The districts are each numbered, and for the most part, the lower the number, the more centrally it’s located. District 1 - the Innere Stadt - is the absolute center of the city, and districts 2 through 9 all cluster right around it. Together, these 9 bustling distrcits form Vienna’s city center and downtown area.
Beyond their numeric designations, these districts also have their own names, often reflecting their historic roots (some are named after former Habsburg Emperors) or notable landmarks. As you wander around Vienna, you’ll see the district number and name on street signs, which makes knowing the general layout and names of the neighborhoods very helpful for getting your bearings while exploring.
Quick summary of my 7 recommended neighborhoods
With almost 3 million inhabitants and covering about 160 square miles, Vienna is a genuine metropolis with many, many neighborhoods. The public transportation in the city is excellent though, and its underground - the U-Bahn - is comprehensive and will take you most anywhere you want to go quite quickly, so you’re never going to be terribly isolated even if you end up staying somewhere a bit out of the way.
Even so, if this is your first visit, I think it makes sense to stay in one of the more inner neighborhoods, as I assume your primary goal is sightseeing, and most of the main sights are clustered around the center. For pure convenience, these areas are hard to beat, but some of them are a bit touristy and accommodation in them is of course more expensive than elsewhere.
As I mentioned above, the innermost districts are numbers 1 through 9 (take a look at the maps in the previous section to see them), and these are the ones that I’d recommend you consider, especially if this is your first time in Vienna. They’re central, are well-connected by public transportation, have their own interesting sights and attractions, and are lively, busy neighborhoods with tons of restaurants and things going on.
Honestly, even if you’re a repeat visitor, these are still the areas that I’d suggest, as they’re the prettiest, most convenient, and have the most going on. Apart from the most touristed areas of the Innere Stadt (1st district), these are the areas where most locals want to live too!
1. Innere Stadt (District 1) - red on the map above
The geographic center and historic heart of the city, this is a gorgeous area where you’ll find a huge number of Vienna’s main sights and much of its Imperial splendor. It’s also extremely touristy though, and some parts of it can be outright mobbed with visitors. Regardless, it’s a super convenient base for sightseeing.
2. Leopoldstadt (District 2) - black above
An expansive neighborhood that lies across the Danube Canal from the Innere Stadt, Leopolstadt is a great choice if you want to stay central but away from the most touristy and busiest parts of the city. There are a bunch of huge and beautiful parks here, so it’s especially nice if you’re visiting with kids. It’s also a lively multicultural area, has great dining, independent shops, and more affordable accommodation options.
3. Landstraße (3rd District) - blue above
The biggest of the city center neighborhoods, Landstraße changes quite a bit depending on what part of it you’re in. The southern stretches are more “suburban” and residential, while the areas closer in to the center are a fair deal busier and a bit more elegant. Overall, this is a quiet, mostly residential and local neighborhood. It’s not overflowing with shops, bars/restaurants, or sights though, so is not ideal if you’re looking to have tons to do right in your neighborhood.
4. Wieden (4th District) - green above
Considering how close it is to the Innere Stadt, Wieden sees surprisingly few tourists. It’s a super pleasant area though, with a laid-back atmosphere and an abundance of cozy cafes, interesting shops, a few great markets, and tons of beautifully preserved historic buildings. It’s pretty youthful and has a little bit of an “edge” to it, which I quite like.
5. Mariahilf (6th District) - purple above
This is Vienna’s shopping and nighlitfe mecca, and I mean that in a good way. The area’s principal street, Mariahilfer Strasse is filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, and it stretches on for a seeming eternity, with much of it pedestrianized. Filled with people, it is always a lot of fun. This is an excellent option if you’re after a busy, energetic holiday, but would not be my top pick if you want peace and quiet.
6. Neubau (7th District) - orange above
If you’re after the “coolest” area in the city, this is it. Neubau is famous for its arts scene, and young people flock here to live and hang out. It’s buzzing with energy, has just a little bit of an edge to it, and is very, very hip. There are tons of shops, all sorts of galleries and cultural institutions (the palatial MuseumsQuartier chief among them), a varied dining scene, and a distinctly international air.
7. Alsergrund (9th District) - pink above
Home to the main campus of the University of Vienna, this is a lively residential area that’s filled with students, professors, and professionals going about their daily lives. The former stomping grounds of Sigmund Freud, Alsergrund is a historic and intellectual hub in the city, and it has a really strong neighborhood vibe. It’s very local, has some lovely upscale areas, and a lot of pleasant squares and green spaces.
See below for a more complete overview of each of these neighborhoods
1. Innere Stadt (1st District)
Pros: Gorgeous architecture, central location, incredible access to the main sights
Cons: Very touristy, very expensive, pretty quiet at night
Pedestrianized Graben Street in central Vienna. Photo: ASaber91, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped
Kärntner Straße. Photo: Gugerell, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped
The Innere Stadt is Vienna’s historic heart and it’s the epitome of old-world charm. This is imperial Vienna, and it looks and feels like what it is: the former capital of a great European empire. If you’re after broad boulevards, grand squares, and majestic buildings all around, look no further.
This is also the ideal base from which to explore the rest of the city, as almost everywhere you’re likely to want to go is within a 30-minute walk. And for anywhere farther away, the neighborhood is crisscrossed by subway lines, trams, and buses. You can usually get most place without having to change lines.
And since the Ringstraße circles the Innere Stadt, the tram (which runs along it) is especially convenient, as you can ride the entire ring road loop to get a nice introduction to the city.
As for the neighborhood itself, it’s packed with attractions, and many streets are pedestrianized, meaning that you can wander around almost aimlessly and constantly stumble upon many of the city’s most iconic sights. Mostly without having to worry about cars!
There are too many sights to list them all, but to give you an idea, you’ll have places like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna State Opera, the Albertina, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum all at your fingertips.
Given eveything above, there are really only two downsides to staying in the Innere Stadt: accommodation is very expensive, and parts of it are extremely touristy. If you stay anywhere around Kärntner Straße or other major streets/sights, you’ll find constant throngs of tourists, and all the usual mediocre restaurants and shops that cater to visitors.
Another thing to consider is that while this is a busy area during the day - there are tons of offices here -, most people live elsewhere in the city, so when work is over, they leave the neighborhood en masse. This means that it can feel very quiet at night, even a bit deserted.
If you decide to stay here, I have a few places I’d recommend checking out (beyond the most obvious touristic sights): I especially love the area around the Judenplatz - a peaceful square with a poignant Holocaust memorial and the excellent Jewish Museum-. Then there are the tranquil courtyards of the Palais Coburg, where you can escape the hustle and bustle.
And lastly, Franziskanerplatz is one of my favorite squares in the city, where I often go to grab a coffee at Melange at Kleines Cafe and sit on the square.
For dining, you’ve got some upscale spots like Steirereck, Cafe Central, and Figlmüller, as well as some of Vienna’s most elegant and classic cafes. For those the trio of Café Hawelka, Café Bräunerhof, and Café Tirolerhof are hard to beat. Of course, the historic Café Sacher, where people queue up just to try the famous Sachertorte, is another must-visit.
Where to stay
Hotel Imperial: Housed in a Neo-Renaissance building and initially built to be a duke’s palace, this is one of Vienna’s most historic hotels and probably its most exclusive - it has continuously hosted celebrities and royalty since its establishment. Staying here will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time into the heyday of the Austro Hungarian Empire. From $550 per night.
Hotel Sacher Wien: This is my absolute favorite hotel in the city. A 5-star option, it has been one of Vienna’s premier hotels since its founding in 1876. The building is historic and beautiful, the area surrounding it is lovely, and the interior perfectly preserves its old world charm while still being modern and updated. Rooms from $450 per night.
Hotel Topazz & Lamée: Two hotels in one (they’re just across the road from each other), Topazz and Lamée are two super stylish choices in central Vienna. They’re both elegant and extremely comfortable, but have made bold design choices with rich, dark colors, interesting accents, and a really interesting aesthetic. $350 per night.
Hollmann Beletage: A 4-star boutique hotel known for its stylish and spacious rooms and very good breakfast, this is a centrally located spot that’s excellent for anyone who wants to stay somewhere modern in the heart of Vienna. $300 per night.
2. Leopoldstadt (2nd District)
Pros: Right next to the Innere Stadt, tons of parks, lively and local atmosphere, affordable accommodation
Cons: Few major sights, some parts may feel a little grittier
Looking out over the neighborhood from the ferris wheel in Prater park. Photo: Ralf Roletschek , CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Daunbe Island. Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT, via Wikimedia Commons
Just across the Danube Canal from the Innere Stadt, and lying right next to the expansive Prater Park and Danube Island, Leopoldstadt is a fun and lively neighborhood that provides pretty incredible access to both the city center and multiple expansive green spaces.
I especially like this area because staying here doesn’t mean sacrificing liveliness in exchange for green spaces/calm (or vice versa). The neighborhood offers both of those, giving you a chance to have a bit of everything in one area. It’s also much more affordable than many of the other central neighborhoods.
The Prater, which is one of Vienna’s main attractions in its own right, is an enormous park that covers a large section of the district’s landmass. Built on land that was once imperial hunting grounds, the park includes an amusement park, the famed Riesenrad ferris wheel, and huge stretches of walking paths and green spaces (farther to the south).
For more greenery, just head a bit east and you’ll reach the Danube Island, which holds the city’s biggest and most popular park. Here, you’ll find beaches, picnic areas, jogging and cycling paths, as well as restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Then there’s the Augarten, a huge park right in the middle of the neighborhood, which has baroque gardens, a porcelain factory, and two imposing World War II flak towers.
As I said above, this is also a really lively area though, and all along the Danube Canal you’ll find bustling bars that fill up starting from sundown. Although they’re on the Innere Stadt side, be sure to check out some of the most famous ones, like Strandbar Hermann, a sand-covered beach next to the Urania observatory, or Badeschiff, a moored boat with a swimming pool and bar on top.
All around the Canal, is the neighborhood of Karmeliterviertel, which was the center of Jewish life in Vienna before World War II. There’s now a large Orthodox Jewish population but it’s also a very diverse area with lots of immigrants from around the world. It’s an interesting mix. The area is always busy and I think quite fun, with a diverse mix of independent shops and lots of great restaurants, bars, and cafes.
This is also where the charming Karmelitermarkt is located, one of the best places in the city to grab a meal or picnic supplies. The market takes place every day, but there’s a farmers market on Saturdays, which is worth making a special trip for.
As for restaurants, there are tons of options, including Michelin-starred spots like Mraz & Sohn, as well as some of my favorite lunch spots like Skopik & Lohn or the hip cafe Harvest Bistrot.
For getting around, U-Bahn lines U1 and U2 go through Leopoldstadt, and there is also an S-Bahn from the main train station that goes to Praterstern (the transport hub of the district). You can also get trams that will take you to Ringstraße.
Where to stay
SO/ Vienna: Housed in a strikingly modern building, this 5-star hotel is about as sleek and minimalist as it comes in Vienna. It has an excellent spa area (free for guests), and its 18th floor restaurant, with a wall of windows, offers unbelievable views out over the city. Around $300 USD per night.
Zoku Vienna: With Scandinavian minimalist designs, this is an apart-hotel where each room is a little studio with its own sitting and dining area, kitchenette, and lofted bedroom. The rooftop bar has great views. $180 per night.
voco Vienna Prater: A modern hotel with spacious rooms located close to the Prater. From $150 per night.
Hotel Stefanie: Right next to the Danube Canal, this 400-year old hotel (maybe the oldest in Vienna!) has charmingly decorated rooms that have been totally updated but still retain their historic character. The buffet breakfast is abundant and excellent. $150 per night.
Magdas Hotel: This is a unique hotel with a socially conscious approach and focus on sustainability. Each room is thoughtfully designed, and although much of the materials are recycled, they’re very high end. The garden terrace is also super pleasant. Around $120 per night.
3. Landstraße (3rd District)
Pros: More local area, affordable accommodation, good transit connections
Cons: Pretty quiet in the evenings, few big sights, not a ton to see and do
The Rochusmarkt in Landstraße. Photo: Gugerell, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
People hanging out in Stadtpark. Photo: Gugerell, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Situated just southeast of the city center and hugging the Danube Canal, Landstraße is a huge and mostly residential area that’s off most tourist’s radar. Quite popular with families, it’s a quiet area that’s low on big sights and action, but offers a low-key, relaxed, and mostly local Vienna experience.
This wouldn’t be a top recommendation of mine for most visitors, especially anyone here on a short visit, but if you’re staying for a while or after a quiet, residential, and family-friendly atmosphere, it can be a good choice.
This is the biggest of Vienna’s central neighborhoods though, so the atmosphere changes quite a bit depending on what part you’re in, and it’s important that you choose your base wisely.
The area is very well connected with public transit, but even so, I’d recommend trying to stay in the northern half, closer to the Innere Stadt. The outer portions of the neighborhood are actually very nice, but they’re better suited for living in than staying on a short visit, as there’s just not a lot going on and you’d be very far from all the places you’re likely to want to visit.
And since a lot of areas are mostly streets of apartments, you’ll also want to stay somewhere that has a good mix of commercial activity. For that, I’d suggest looking around the Stadtpark, on the border with the Innere Stadt, or along busy streets like Landstraßer Haupstraße or Erdbergstraße.
When it comes to getting around, the U3 line of the U-Bahn runs the length of the neighborhood right through its middle, and many tram lines do the same on side streets. The airport train line also stops at Wiene Mitte, which is in the neighborhood, making getting from and to the airport an absolute breeze.
As for sights in the neighborhood, I already mentioned the Stadtpark, an expansive green space on the border of the Innere Stadt, which is where you’ll find the famous Johan Strauss monument. The iconic Belvedere Palace is also here, with its gorgeous baroque facade, great art museum, opulent residences, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
The Kunst Haus Wien, is another neat visit in Landstraße. Dedicated to Friedensreich Hundertwasser's works, it’s a very quirky museum with tons of neat architectural features, very much in line with the artist’s work.
And if you want to see a less touristy market than the Naschmarkt, I really like the Rochusmarkt, a much smaller place that still has a good selection of fresh produce, local goods, and tasty (much better priced) meals.
Where to stay
Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna Hotel: As the name suggests, this hotel is set in the building that once housed the Imperial Riding School and the design is totally unique. Near the Belvedere Palace, the location is also great for sightseeing on foot. $220 per night.
Hotel Daniel Vienna: Housed in a sleek, modern building, this is a 4-star hotel right next to Belvedere Palace, Botanical Garden, Alpine Garden. The rooftop terrace has stunning views of the city. $200 per night.
HiLight Suites Hotel: Here, you get big comfortable suites with a modern aesthetic, along with on-site gym, sauna, and a good bar. It’s right next to the Stadtpark. $200 per night.
Hotel Urania: A family-run hotel close to the Danube Canal and a short walking distance from the Hundertwasserhaus. Each room has been decorated in a unique style. $130 per night.
grätzlhotel Belvedere: This is a unique set of ground-floor suites that are housed in former merchant shops. They’re pretty interesting spaces and were very nicely renovated by a group of young architects. $130 per night.
4. Wieden (4th District)
Pros: Youthful; hip; and local, grand architecture, a little “edgier” than its more polished neighbors
Cons: No real downsides
Majolikahaus in Wieden. Photo: Greymouser, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
The Naschmarkt. Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Just to the south of the Innere Stadt, Wieden is a surprisingly local area that that but simultaneously offers a lot of historic elegance along with a very modern and urban vibe. There’s just a little bit of an edge to the neighborhood, and the atmosphere is pleasantly relaxed, but never sleepy.
To that last point, I’d suggest staying in the north of Wieden, closer to the Innere Stadt, as this is the busier part of the neighborhood and much closer to places of touristic interest.
Wieden is filled with young people, partly owing to its proximity to the Technical University, but also because its become increasingly hip in recent years and has been steadily drawing in more and more students, young professionals, and artists. It’s a bit of a hipster haven, but not overwhelmingly so, and the vibe is pretty laid-back and pleasant. It’s definitely a cool area, but not in an in-your-face kind of way and it doesn’t feel like people are trying too hard to impress one another.
As for what you’ll find here, there’s a neat mix of independent shops, “vintage” clothing stores, art galleries, lots of bars and restaurants, a few clubs, and a couple of marquee tourist sights. The architecture is also a bit of a mishmash, with lots of older Baroque buildings mixed in with elegant 19th century ones and new construction. I think that’s one of the cooler things about Wieden, and I love hunting down all the neat buildings when there.
There are a couple of big sights in the neighborhood (Karlschirche and the Naschmarkt), as well as a huge number of other landmarks and attractions nearby, either in the Innere Stadt or adjacent neighborhod of Landstraße. This makes Wieden a super convenient base for sightseeing, with the added bonus that it’s much less touristy than the Innere Stadt.
When here, you of course need to check out the Karslchirche, a magnificent baroque cathedral with incredible frescoes and great city views (take the elevator up to the top). Right next to it, Karlsplatz is a really nice park that’s perfect to stop in at and relax for a bit while doing some people watching.
The Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous market, is also here, and although it’s very touristy, has tons of vendors selling produce, cheese and meats, traditional Viennese specialties, typical tourist knick knacks, and a bunch of restaurant stalls with food from around the world.
For a green escape, the Belvedere Gardens are just over the neighborhood’s border in adjacent Landstraße, so you can easily walk over to them any time you want.
Wieden is also exremely well-served by public transit, as its main hub, Karlsplatz, is where the U1, U2, and U4 U-Bahn lines intersect. Multiple tram lines pass through the neighborhood as well.
Where to stay
Hotel Kaiserhof: A traditional yet renovated hotel with nice spa facilities on site. $200 USD.
Hotel Erzherzog Rainer: In business for over 100 years, this 79-room hotel next to the Resselpark is a classic Vienna establishment. The hotel’s restaurant, Wiener Wirtschaft, is a good spot to try traditional Viennese food. $180 per night.
Hotel Saint Shermin: A family-run boutique hotel housed in a classic Viennese building, the rooms here are all inspired/themed around famous Viennese landmarks. They also serve an excellent breakfast with traditional Viennese coffee. $180 per night.
5. Mariahilf (6th District)
Pros: Great shopping, lots of nightlife, always busy and lively
Cons: Can be loud until quite late, fairly commercial, not much green space
Busy Mariahilfer Straße. Photo: Gugerell, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Gumpendorfer Straße. Photo: Gugerell, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Mariahilf is extremely lively and best known for its busy shopping streets and nightlife. It’s often thought of as Vienna’s shopping district, so if a bit of retail therapy is in any way a priority for you during your visit, this is an excellent area to stay. Just be aware that it often stays quite loud well into the night, so is definitely not the ideal choice if you’re in search of peace and quiet.
Mariahilfer Straße, which stretches the entire length of the neighborhood, is Vienna’s principal shopping street, and it’s filled with all kinds of stores and can accommodate any budget. You’ll mostly find global chains like Zara, H&M Pull & Bear, etc., along the street itself, but there’s a much more diverse and interesting mix of shops along the side streets branching off from it.
Sections of the street are entirely pedestrianized, so it’s great to stroll along even if you aren’t looking to buy anything. And just one street over, Gumpendorfer Straße is something of an alternative shopping and dining hub, with more unique stores and an absolute ton of good restaurants, many of them international.
The neighborhood is not all shops and crowds though, and when I need a break I take refuge in the tranquil Raimundhof passageway - a series of small courtyards filled with boutiques and cafes - or I’ll go catch some sun in Esterházypark. Speaking of which, the park is actually home to one of the most interesting sites in the district: the Haus des Meeres, a vertical aquarium set in a former Nazi flak tower.
I alluded to it above, but this is another great neighborhood when it comes to dining. There are tons of excellent international restaurants, great classic cafes, including Vienna’s most famous - Cafe Sperl -, and a good number of third-wave coffee houses like Kaffeefabrik and Brass Monkey.
Mariahilf also borders the Naschmarkt, which is Vienna’s most famous market. It’s very touristy, but there are over 100 stalls there, so there are lots of good places to eat amongst the more mediocre ones. It’s also a good spot to buy fresh groceries and hosts a neat flea market every Saturday.
Finally, there are lots of bars and even a few clubs here, so you’ll find no shortage of ways to extend your evenings until well into the night. Tanzcafe Jenseits, an opulent club that opened in a former brothel is a pretty well-known option, but there are plenty more.
When it comes to public transport, the U3 and U4 U-Bahn lines are your best bet, as they run the length of the neighborhood on either side.
Where to stay
Hotel Das Tyrol: The Hotel Das Tyrol is a 4-star boutique hotel with stylish rooms designed with modern Viennese art. Its central location on Mariahilfer Straße makes it a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions like the Museums Quartier. Rooms typically start at around $250 per night.
Hotel Josefine: This opulent hotel, decorated in dark purple and with marble columns in the foyer, perfectly combines Vienna’s old-world decadence with modern design. $200 per night.
Hotel Motto: Hotel Motto draws inspiration from the elegance of 1950’s Hollywood, but with a slight modern twist in its design. Although it’s on Mariahilfer Straße, rooms in the historic building are very well soundproofed, so the noise is never too bad. Rates from $200 a night.
Hotel NH Wien City: A modern hotel on Mariahilfer Straße, rooms here are spacious and many have living areas and even a kitchenette. The hotel has a spa center and relaxation room, and parking is also offered on-site. Nightly rates begin at approximately $120 per night.
Hotel Beethoven Wien: Located on a quiet side street close to the Naschmarkt and an easy walk to the center, this hotel is elegantly designed and housed in a Neo-Renaissance style building from the early 1900’s. If you stay on the weekend, you’ll also be treated to an evening classical-music concert along with a glass of sparkling wine. $150 per night.
6. Neubau (7th District)
Pros: Tons of art & culture, great dining & shopping, very cosmopolitan
Cons: Somewhat “youth-oriented”, doesn’t have many green spaces
An aerial view over the MuseumsQuartier. Photo: Kasa Fue, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spittleberg. Photo: Doris Antony, Berlin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Vienna’s trendy 7th District, Neubau, is without a doubt the “coolest” area in the city, and it’s an eclectic neighborhood known for its strong arts scene, unique and locally owned stores, and hip restaurants and cafes. The district is a central hub for Vienna’s creative community, and it’s filled with with galleries, artists studios, theaters, museums (more on this below), and designer boutiques.
If you’re looking to experience modern art and culture while in Vienna, this is probably the best neighborhood to do it. It’s also a pretty international area and is especially popular with young people (locals, expats, and tourists), so you may find it especially attractive if you’re on the younger side of 40. It has very good nightlife as well.
Back to museums, the enormous and incredible MuseumsQuartier is here, which covers over 90,000 square meters and contains 60 different cultural institutions. Opened in 2001, this is a palatial complex - housed in the former royal stables -, and there are facilities and exhibits covering fine art, architecture, design, photography, dance, theater, music, and much more.
For shopping, Neubaugasse is the biggest commercial street, offering a neat mix of designer shops and high-end boutiques alongside vintage stores selling second-hand items.
Architecturally, the whole neighborhood is very pretty, but the idyllic little Spittelberg quarter, with its narrow cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved Biedermeier houses is especially charming. It’s also a nice sort of “old world” contrast to the more modern and cosmopolitan scene that dominates most of the district.
Given that it’s a rather international and metropolitan area, Neubau also has a great dining scene. You’ll find classic Viennese-style eateries, places that are putting their own modern twists on local dishes, and tons of restaurants serving cuisines from around the globe. You will never be short of options.
The renowned Amerlingsbeisl is a great choice if you’re interested in modern versions of Viennese cuisine, the vegetarian gourmet spot TIAN Bistro am Spittelberg is a personal favorite of mine, and the picturesque brunch spot Adlerhof is always popular. For traditional Viennese food, head to Schniztelwirt, which makes some of the best Schnitzels in town. Very touristy but always a nice meal.
And when you want to head elsewhere in Vienna, the neighborhoods of Mariahilf, Josefstadt, and the Innere Stadt are all walking distance away, while the U2, U3, and U6 U-Bahn lines all run through or around the neighborhood. Tram lines 49 and 5 also cross through it.
Where to stay
Hotel Sans Souci: A luxurious hotel just behind the MuseumsQuartier, it has a nice spa and swimming pool. They serve a great breakfast on their veranda. $320 per night.
Hotel Altstadt Vienna: One of my favorite hotels in the district, the Altstadt Vienna is luxurious and comfortable, with some fun artistic flair. $180 per night.
25hours Hotel beim MuseumsQuartier: This is a funky and eclectic, design-forward hotel that perfectly captures Neubau's creative spirit. Each room is uniquely decorated with vibrant colors and lots of quirky details. $160 per night.
Hotel Kugel: A charming and affordable little boutique hotel right next to Spittelberg, the Museumsquartier, and Mariahilfer Strasse. It won’t be for everyone though, as it’s decorated with a strong feminine touch - think floral wallpaper and four-poster beds. The buffet breakfast is really good. $120 per night.
7. Alsergrund (9th District)
Pros: Very local, busy enough but still very residential and pleasant, great architecture, lots of green spaces
Cons: Not many hotel options
The University of Vienna. Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Sigmund Freud Park and the Votivkirche. Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped
If you’re looking for a historic and elegant but more intellectual side of town, then Alsergrund, Vienna’s 9th District, is a very good fit. Home to the University of Vienna and boasting an abundance of beautiful old architecture, this is a lively, mostly local area with a somewhat academic atmosphere.
There are also a number of hospitals and medical centers here, so the district is a nice mix of students, professors and university staff, and healthcare professionals (as well as all the myriad other people who choose to live here), which makes for a dynamic and interesting crowd. All around the neighborhood there are lecture halls, libraries, and research institutions, so it’s a place filled with activity and industry.
Parts of Alsergrund are quite upscale, and overall it’s a really pretty area with a lot of monumental and grand buildings. It’s also just north of the Innere Stadt and a very easy walk into it, so you’d think that it would be very popular with tourists, but for some reason it just isn’t. I don’t understand why that is, but it’s all the better for those of us that do come here!
The district also has some great cultural and historical landmarks: These are the former stomping grounds of Sigmund Freud, and his former home and office is now the Sigmund Freud Museum. Then there’s the Votivkirche, a beautiful neo-Gothic church with two towering steeples. I think it’s one of the most impressive churches in the city.
Right next to the church is Sigmund Freud park, a nice green space popular with students (but everyone really) that’s a lot of fun to hang out in and people watch. Continuing with green spaces, there’s also the Danube Canal on the eastern edge of the neighborhood, which is great for a stroll at any time of year but is especially pleasant in the warmer months when all the canal-side bars open up.
For green spaces, you’ve got the Donaukanal on the district’s eastern edge, which is a fun spot to stroll, especially in warmer months when the canal-side bars and pop-ups are open. Liechtensteinpark, a series of manicured gardens on the grounds of an 17th century Royal Palace, is also one of Vienna’s lovelier parks.
You can book a guided tour of the palace itself, which is incredibly opulent. It’s not as impressive as the Belvedere Palace, but considering it has a fraciton of the crowds, you may actually like it more.
Finally, you absolutely need to check out Servitenviertel, a little section of Alsergrund that’s incredibly picturesque and often called “Little Paris”. An area of narrow streets, beautifully preserved old buildings, and very nice shops and restaurants, it’s an absolutely charming place within an already charming neighborhood.
Where to stay
The only real downside to Alsergrund is that there ar every few hotels here, so you’ll mostly be limited to staying in short-term apartment rentals.
Hotel Regina: Housed in a beautiful 19th-century building, the rooms here are stylish and they have a rather charming garden area. Its central location near the Votivkirche and the University of Vienna makes it a good base. Rooms typically start at around $150 per night.