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Where to Stay in Vienna

Where to Stay in 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)

    Usually family-operated-run, these charming establishments include 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 unique Viennese experience, with significant involvement in the city's rich past.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Platforms like Booking.com, Vrbo, and local agencies list numerous options. They work well 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 presents a different 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 further from main 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 resident feel.

Transport & Ambiance

Innere Stadt is closest to landmarks and has excellent U-Bahn connections. Districts 2-9 are well-linked 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): Book THREE-6 months ahead for selection and prices.
  • Shoulder season (Spring, Autumn): Reserve ONE-3 months ahead.
  • Low season (Winter excluding December): More flexibility, but book at least 1 month ahead.
  • This period typically sees high demand due to weather, 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 special 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-in rates is not common for hotels in Vienna; prices are usually not negotiable.

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 "Tax 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 premium 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 longer visits, including amenities such as kitchens and laundry facilities.

  • Consider Location

    For long stays, proximity to public transportation 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.

  • Luxurious Hotel Wien

    Another historic luxury establishment.

  • Altstadt Vienna

    A boutique hotel 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 reserve your ideal hotel with Booking.com or IHG Hotels.

Find Hostels

Explore budget-friendly options on Hostelworld.

Vacation Rentals

Discover unique homes on Vrbo.

Where to Stay in Vienna. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation