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Where to Stay in Vienna

Where to Stay in Vienna

Vienna Vienna, Austria Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Vienna features a complete selection of lodging, welcoming solo travelers, families, and couples.

Traditional Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly choices with dormitories and private rooms. Wombat's City Hostel or Hostel Ruthensteiner feature social atmospheres.

  • Guesthouses (Pensionen)

    Often family-run, these charming establishments add a personal touch, frequently including breakfast. They are mid-range.

  • Hotels

    Vienna has a wide range of hotels, from comfortable 2-star budget options to opulent 5-star luxury establishments.

  • Apart-hotels

    These apartment-style lodgings with hotel services blend independence with ease. They suit families or longer stays.

Unique & Alternative Stays

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Historical hotels in former palaces or imperial residences create a distinctive Viennese experience, with deep involvement in the city's rich past.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Platforms like Booking.com, Vrbo, and local agencies list numerous options. They are suitable for families, groups, or longer stays.

  • Homestay & Community-Based Tourism

    Homestays are less common but accessible via platforms such as TrustedHousesitters or Airbnb for cultural immersion.

  • Camping & Outdoor Accommodation

    Campsites on Vienna's outskirts (e.g., Camping Wien West) cater to RVs and tents, close to the city.

Neighborhood Guide

Each district shows another character, proximity to attractions, and price range.

Innere Stadt 1st District

Pros
  • Historic core
  • Major landmarks (St. Stephen's, Hofburg)
  • High-end shopping
  • Pedestrian-friendly
Cons
  • Most expensive
  • Can be crowded and noisy
  • High season impact

Leopoldstadt 2nd District

Pros
  • Prater park
  • Iconic Ferris wheel
  • Good balance of price
  • Local feel
Cons
  • May need more public transport
  • Slightly more distant from the central sights

Landstrasse 3rd District

Pros
  • Belvedere Palace, Hundertwasserhaus
  • Good transport links
  • Residential feel
  • Mid-range accommodation
Cons
  • May need more public transport

Considerations

Safety & General Appeal

All central districts are very safe. Exercise normal city precautions. Districts 2-9 provide a good balance of price, accessibility, and a native feel.

Transport & Ambiance

Innere Stadt is nearest to landmarks and has excellent U-Bahn connections. Districts 2-9 are well-connected by U-Bahn, tram, and bus. Innere Stadt can be lively and noisy; residential areas like Josefstadt are generally quieter.

Booking Strategies

Thoughtful planning for your accommodation secures the best experience.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High season (Summer, December): Reserve THREE-6 months ahead for selection and prices.
  • Shoulder season (Spring, Autumn): Book ONE-3 months ahead.
  • Low season (Winter excluding December): More flexibility, but book at least 1 month ahead.
  • This period typically sees high demand owing to weather conditions, festivals, and Christmas markets.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Utilize international platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, and Hotels.com. Airbnb features apartment rentals.
  • Direct booking on hotel websites sometimes gives the lowest fares or perks.
  • For unique local stays, check dedicated local agencies.
  • Always use reputable websites to secure your reservation.

Policies and Price Fluctuations

Deposit & Cancellation
  • Policies vary by accommodation and platform.
  • Always check specific terms before confirming.
  • Many options offer cancellable for free until a specific point.
Seasonal Price Changes
  • Accommodation prices are highest in summer.
  • Major events like the Vienna Opera Ball or Christmas markets see higher prices.
  • Lower prices are available in late autumn and early winter (Jan-Feb).

Important Note

Walk-in Rates

Negotiating walk-haggling is not typical for hotels in Vienna; prices are generally fixed.

Hotel Websites

Direct booking on hotel websites sometimes offers the best rates or additional perks.

VAT Refunds

Non-EU citizens can claim VAT refunds on purchases over a certain amount. Ask for "Duty-free" forms.

Accommodation Recommendations

Vienna has excellent choices across all budget levels, with specific options for various traveler types.

Budget to Mid-Range Stays

Budget Options

For economical stays.

  • Wombat's City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt
  • Hostel Ruthensteiner
  • A&O Wien Hauptbahnhof
Mid-Range Options

For a balance of comfort and value.

  • Hotel Schani Wien
  • Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna
  • Hotel Topazz & Lamee

Luxury & Family Options

Luxury Hotels

For opulent and luxury experiences.

  • Hotel Sacher Wien
  • Hotel Imperial
  • Grand Hotel Wien
  • Palais Hansen Kempinski
Family-Friendly Choices

Suitable for groups with children.

  • Arion Cityhotel Vienna (apartment hotel)
  • Hotels with dedicated family rooms
  • Hotels with connecting rooms
  • Vacation rentals with ample space

Solo & Extended Visits

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels with good common areas have social opportunities. Centrally located hotels with great transport links add ease and safety.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Apartment rentals (Airbnb) and apart-hotels are ideal for extended stays, with features such as kitchens and laundry facilities.

  • Consider Location

    For long stays, proximity to public transport and local amenities matters for daily living.

  • Booking Ahead

    Including for longer stays, booking in advance, especially in peak seasons, is advisable.

Cultural & Historical Significance

  • Hotel Sacher

    Famous as the inventor of the Sachertorte.

  • Hotel Imperial

    A former palace offering historic luxury.

  • Grand Hotel Wien

    Another historic luxury establishment.

  • Altstadt Vienna

    A boutique lodging in a historic building, with a diverse art collection.

Photo-Worthy Stays

Luxury Hotel Interiors

Many luxury hotels, like the Hotel Sacher and Hotel Imperial, feature opulent interiors and grand facades worthy of capture.

  • Grand ballrooms
  • Historic lobbies
  • Luxurious suites
  • Distinctive architecture
Charming Guesthouses

Smaller, family-run guesthouses often display charming area's personality and historic building elements.

  • Period furniture
  • Cozy courtyards
  • Artistic elements
  • Authentic Viennese charm

Check Availability

Book Hotels

Locate and book your ideal hotel with Booking.com or IHG Hotels.

Find Hostels

Explore budget-friendly options on Hostelworld.

Vacation Rentals

Discover unique homes on Vrbo.