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written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 13.08.2024
Vienna has a long history, dating back to Roman times when it was a military camp known as Vindobona. Today the capital of Austria is renowned for its historical significance, and modern vibrancy. Vienna consistently ranks high in global quality of life surveys due to its excellent public services, safety, and overall livability, and attracts millions of visitors each year. Here is our guide to finding the best area to stay in Vienna for your next trip.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is divided into 23 districts, each with its own unique character. Known as "Bezirke" in German, these districts each have their own name and number and range from the bustling heart of the city to the more serene and suburban outskirts.
The Innere Stadt is the historic core, home to St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and a maze of medieval streets. Moving outwards, the 2nd District, Leopoldstadt, is a lively area with the famous Prater park and its iconic Ferris wheel. The 3rd District, Landstraße, hosts the magnificent Belvedere Palace and the Hundertwasserhaus, a quirky apartment complex.
In the 7th District, Neubau, you'll find a trendy area brimming with indie boutiques and the MuseumsQuartier, one of the world's largest cultural complexes. Each district from the 1st to the 23rd, like the wine-growing Döbling in the 19th or the industrial Simmering in the 11th, offers a different slice of Viennese life.
The Innere Stadt, Vienna's 1st District, is the historic centre of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This district is encircled by the Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard lined with impressive 19th-century buildings. During the day, the streets are filled with a mix of tourists admiring the architecture and locals going about their business.
Here you'll find the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The district is home to numerous palaces, including the Hofburg, the former imperial residence, which now houses museums and the Spanish Riding School.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Albertina and Kunsthistorisches Museum, both housing world-class collections. The pedestrian-friendly streets of Kärntner Straße and Graben offer high-end shopping and glimpses of beautiful baroque architecture. For a taste of Viennese cafe culture, the historic Cafe Central and Demel are must-visits. The district also boasts beautiful squares like the Michaelerplatz and Judenplatz, each with its own historical significance, that are great for people watching.
Why I love it: Walking down its cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with baroque palaces, hidden courtyards, and grand squares
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Leopoldstadt, Vienna's 2nd District, is an island surrounded by the Danube Canal and the Danube River.
The district is most famous for the Prater, a public park with vast green spaces perfect for spending a relaxing day. Within the park you’ll find the iconic Wurstelprater amusement park with its giant Ferris wheel, the Riesenrad.
Needing a breather, you can then head to the lush Augarten. This baroque park is a perfect spot for a family picnic. While the little ones burn off energy in the playgrounds, you can bask in the serene atmosphere, occasionally catching glimpses of the Vienna Boys' Choir rehearsing nearby.
This district is home to the Karmelitermarkt, a bustling local market. Here you can sample your way through various food stalls, introducing your kids to Viennese delicacies. The Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) is sure to be an instant hit!
If you’re planning your visit in the Summer, Schwedenplatz is lively area along the Danube Canal with food stalls and urban beaches. Those coming in the winter will want to stop at the Planetarium.
Why I love it: What I love most about this area is that it provides a more relaxed, local atmosphere.
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Neubau is known for its charming cobblestone streets and historic architecture, and is the perfect district for a romantic stroll. The vibe here is trendy and cosmopolitan, but in a relaxed, unpretentious way.
You'll find the area filled with cozy cafes, intimate restaurants, and stylish bars, making it ideal for romantic dinners or casual date nights. Neubau is the type of place where you might stumble upon a cutting-edge art gallery in a centuries-old building (like the Kunsthalle) or a traditional Viennese cafe next to a trendy cocktail bar.
On the eastern edge, you’ll find the MuseumsQuartier, one of the world's largest cultural complexes. It houses institutions like the Leopold Museum and MUMOK (Museum of Modern Art).
Neubau is also home to the charming Spittelberg quarter, known for its well-preserved Biedermeier architecture and boutique-filled alleyways. Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna's longest shopping street, forms the district's southern border.
For green spaces, the small but lovely Weghuberpark provides a quiet retreat. The district is dotted with independent galleries, vintage shops, and trendy cafes, especially along Neubaugasse and Kirchengasse.
Why I love it: Neubau's central location makes it easy to explore other parts of Vienna while offering a more relaxed, less touristy environment than the city center.
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Wieden is Vienna's cultural heartbeat, a district that effortlessly blends high art with everyday Viennese life. There’s a great balance between touristy spots and authentic local hangouts.
Its most famous landmark is Karlsplatz, a grand square that’s home to the stunning Karlskirche, a Baroque masterpiece. Art lovers will appreciate the Belvedere Palace, which houses an impressive collection of Austrian art, including Klimt's famous "The Kiss." For contemporary art, the Kunsthalle Wien at Karlsplatz showcases cutting-edge exhibitions.
The charming Freihausviertel area is dotted with independent boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Check out the concept store Samstag Shop for a curated selection of fashion and design items, and Galerie Hilger NEXT for works by emerging artists.
For a caffeine fix, Café Goldegg provides a traditional Viennese coffee house experience, while Vollpension offers a unique intergenerational concept where older Viennese bake cakes for guests. The trendy Café Anzengruber is known for its local crowd and hearty Austrian cuisine.
The district is also home to the Naschmarkt, Vienna's largest open-air market, which offers both local and international cuisines. Here, you can sample local delicacies or enjoy a meal at popular spots like Neni am Naschmarkt or Tewa.
Why I love it: Wieden maintains an authentic, local feel despite its wealth of attractions.
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If you want to experience Vienna beyond the postcard views, Favoriten provides an exciting and budget-friendly base.
The district is anchored by the impressive Hauptbahnhof, Vienna's main railway station, which serves as a modern transport hub and shopping center. For a cool hangout spot nearby, check out the Bahnorama observation tower for panoramic views of the city.
The district is also home to the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Austria's largest stadium, and the Amalienbad, an impressive Art Deco swimming pool. After a swim, head to nearby Cafe Kremser for a traditional Viennese coffee experience.
For a taste of local culture, the Viktor-Adler-Markt is a vibrant street market reflecting the district's multicultural character. Here, you can sample diverse cuisines at stands like Brunnenmarkt's Turkish gözleme or enjoy a beer at the market's Biergartl.
Cool hangout spots include the Weltcafe, a fair-trade coffee shop with a relaxed atmosphere, and the Sapore restaurant, known for its fusion of Austrian and Italian cuisines. For a unique experience, visit the F23.wir.fabriken, a former coffin factory turned into a cultural space hosting events and workshops.
Why I love it: Favoriten allows you to stretch your budget without compromising on experiences.
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Josefstadt, Vienna's smallest district, is a hidden gem known for its tranquil streets and elegant 18th and 19th-century architecture. It's Vienna's best-kept secret—a peaceful urban village that offers a glimpse into the city's more intimate side. This predominantly residential area offers a retreat just steps away from the bustling city center.
In Josefstadt, you can experience Vienna at a slower pace. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Cafe Eiles, a traditional Viennese coffeehouse with a history dating back to 1840. For a more modern twist, try the hip Cafe Der Dommayer. From there, explore hidden courtyards and small museums, like the quirky Phonomuseum, dedicated to the history of sound recording.
The district is home to the Theater in der Josefstadt, Vienna's oldest theater still in use, and the Palais Auersperg, a baroque palace that hosts classical concerts. The picturesque Josefstädter Straße, the main thoroughfare, is lined with charming cafes, boutiques, and local shops.
Why I love it: Its ability to transport you to a quieter, more elegant Vienna of the past, while still keeping you close to the heart of the modern city.
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Start by considering your interests and priorities — whether that be nightlife, cultural and historical sights, or budget.
Weather-wise, Vienna is lovely in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) can be warm and busy with tourists, while winter (November-March) brings chilly temperatures but also magical Christmas markets.
Many shops close early (around 6 PM), so plan your shopping accordingly. Stores are likely to be closed on Sundays as well, with the exception of restaurants.
Vienna is generally considered one of the safest major cities in Europe, with low crime rates and a high standard of living. While it's always wise to exercise standard precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and safeguarding your belongings in crowded tourist areas, visitors can typically explore the city with confidence both day and night.
You’ll want to consider purchasing a Vienna City Card for unlimited public transport and discounts on attractions.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 13.08.2024
Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.
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