Choosing where to stay is a daunting task — until the place lives up to your expectations. That was my experience at Aparthotel Adagio, part of the Accor group, which turned out to be exactly what I needed (more on that below). If you’re planning to visit Vienna for 2 days or more, you’ll want a solid base in this beautiful city. I’ve teamed up with fellow travel bloggers to bring you their favourite Vienna stays too — so this list covers everything from hostels to five-star suites and help you pick a great hotel from best places to stay in Vienna.
Covering Eastern Europe in a single trip? Check out my Prague and Budapest guides for planning your trip. Munich and Nurenberg are also not far from Vienna in case you’d like to visit.
Quick answer on Best Places to Stay in Vienna — if you’re short on time:
| If you want… | Book this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall / mid-range | Aparthotel Adagio Vienna City | Home-away-from-home comfort, kitchenette, central location |
| Best luxury | Le Meridien Vienna | 5-star, steps from the Opera House, felt very safe solo |
| Best for solo female travellers | Hotel Beethoven | Quiet safe street, central, walkable at night |
| Best budget hotel | Ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof | Modern, clean, ~$100/night |
| Best hostel | Hostel Ruthensteiner | Social vibe, volunteer programs, from ~$25/night |
| Best boutique/rooftop | Hotel Grand Ferdinand | Rooftop pool + bar, Ring Road location |
Where to Stay in Vienna: A Neighbourhood-by-Neighbourhood Guide
Vienna is split into 23 numbered districts (Bezirke), but as a first-timer we don’t need to know all of them, only 5 are enough. Here’s how I’d break them down if a friend asked me over coffee to tell me in brief.
Innere Stadt (1st District) — for first-timers who love to walk everywhere
This is Vienna’s historic center, encircled by the Ringstrasse. Stephansdom, Hofburg Palace, and the main shopping streets are all within a 10-minute walk of most hotels here. If it’s your first time here and have only 2 days in Vienna and you don’t want to think about transit at all, stay here.
Although it’s the most expensive district, it’s touristy, and it can feel a little quiet at night once the shops close, mostly around 6 pm (5pm in the winters). As a solo traveller budget matters for me, so like me this area might not be for you.
Wieden (4th District) — my actual pick for most travellers
Wieden is the district which is central enough that you’re a short walk or one tram from Innere Stadt, it’s home to Karlskirche and the Naschmarkt. Hotel prices are noticeably lower than the 1st district for a very similar level of convenience. It’s also got a nice mix of locals and tourists, which the Innere Stadt has largely lost.
Aparthotel Adagio (my #1 pick in this guide) sits right on the edge of this district, and budgeted Ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof is a short tram ride away.
Landstraße (3rd District) — for easy airport access
If you’re arriving via the City Airport Train, Landstraße (Landstrasse) is where it drops you, which makes this district genuinely convenient on both ends of your trip. It’s quieter than Wieden or Innere Stadt, sits close to Belvedere Palace, and has become popular with a newer wave of design-forward hotels (Ruby Sofie, further down this list, is here).
Mariahilf (6th–7th District) — for nightlife, shopping, and hostel budgets
Vienna’s big shopping street is in Mariahilf Strasse, and is right next to Westbahnhof station. This is where most of the city’s hostels and lower-priced hotels cluster, and it’s genuinely lively at night — good if you want some buzz outside your hotel door, less good if you want quiet.
Favoriten / near Hauptbahnhof (10th District) — for transit convenience on a budget
This is the newest-feeling part of the list — modern builds clustered around Vienna’s Central Station. You’ll pay noticeably less here than in the 1st or 4th districts. Also you’re well connected by train and tram, but you’re genuinely a 10–15 minute ride from the main sights rather than a walk. If you don’t mind exploring the city at a casual pace and see the city beyond typical touristy stuff, give this district a try.
A sixth option worth knowing about: Leopoldstadt (2nd District), just across the canal from Innere Stadt. It’s leafy, riverside, and increasingly popular with a newer crop of hotels — and typically runs noticeably cheaper than the 1st district for a similar level of central access.
Where to Stay in Vienna: Best Areas at a Glance
Before you pick a hotel, it helps to know where in Vienna you actually want to be. Here’s a quick breakdown of the neighbourhoods that come up throughout this guide:
| Details | Best For | Vibe | Typical Price Range |
| Innere Stadt (1st district) | First-time visitors, short 2-3 day trips, anyone prioritising walkability over price. | Historic core — Stephansdom, Hofburg, Kärntnerstraße all walkable | $–$$ |
| Wieden (4th district) | Balanced budget + location | Central, mix of locals and tourists, near Naschmarkt | -$ |
| Landstraße (3rd district) | Convenience from the airport (CAT train) | Quieter, close to Belvedere Palace | -$ |
| Mariahilf (6th–7th district) | Shopping, nightlife, budget stays (hostels) | Mariahilfer Strasse, near Westbahnhof, hostel-friendly | -$ |
| Favoriten / near Hauptbahnhof | Transit convenience, budget hotels | Modern builds near Central Station | -$ |
Check out my Vienna 2 day itinerary
Best Places to stay in Vienna – For all budgets
1. Aparthotel Adagio Vienna City — Best Overall
Aparthotel Adagio is built around a “home away from home” theme, and it genuinely delivers. The room size was quite generous, with a huge wardrobe and space for an iron and stand. The standout was the in-room mini kitchen — microwave, induction stove, pans, and all the basic cutlery I could ask for. So, the hotel definitely pans out to be one of the best places to stay in Vienna.
It’s a four-star hotel in the prime Innere Stadt district, well connected by tram and subway. If you book, ask for a high floor — the view is fantastic (if you’re not afraid of heights). St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a 15-minute walk, and Belvedere Palace is under 20 minutes by subway/tram.
Star: 4 | Price: $150–$180/night (~14000 – 17000₹) Check rates & reviews on Booking.com →
Planning to see UK in your Europe trip too? Check out my Edinburgh travel guide and some unusual things to do there.
2. Le Meridien Vienna — Best Luxury Pick
By Leigh Wilson of Campfires & Concierges
Le Meridien is one of my favourite places to stay in Vienna. As an SPG Gold member, I always look out for Starwood properties, and with a prepaid rate I paid under $150/night for a spacious room in this five-star hotel. The on-site Champagne Bar is popular, breakfast looked excellent, and there’s a gym and pool for anyone more disciplined than I was (I was busy with Sacher Torte and schnitzel).
Location-wise, it’s hard to beat — right on Opernring, under five minutes from the Vienna Opera House, with Naschmarkt, MuseumsQuartier, Mariahilfer Strasse, and Hofburg Palace all within a 10-minute walk. As a solo female traveller, I felt genuinely safe walking this neighbourhood even at night — I didn’t hesitate to grab a late-night kebab or just stroll.
Star: 5 | Price: $230–$280/night (~23000 - 27000₹)
3. The Ruby Sofie Hotel — Best “Lean Luxury”
By Carine & Derek of We Did It Our Way
Our favourite place to stay in Vienna is the Ruby Sofie Hotel. It’s right by Landstraße subway station, a short ride from the CAT airport train — ideal on arrival and for a fast dash back for a flight. It’s also close to Vienna’s landmarks and the business district, and felt very safe even walking around at night.
Ruby Hotels calls its concept “lean luxury” — smart, well-designed rooms (bed and sink in the main space, bathroom tucked away) with a Bluetooth speaker and a piece of vintage furniture in each room. Our favourite touch: a complimentary smartphone with data, so you can navigate the city and stay in touch without needing local data. Breakfast is a locally-sourced buffet in the main lounge, which doubles as a daily happy-hour spot with occasional live music. There’s also a summer sun deck, a meditation room with yoga mats, complimentary coffee and tea, and a late-night vending machine on each floor.
Star: 4 | Price: $150–$200/night (~14000 - 19000₹)
4. Hotel Kaiserhof — Best for a Homely Stay
By Carolyn of Holidays to Europe
On my first visit to Vienna, the 4.5-star Hotel Kaiserhof felt like home from the moment I walked in, thanks to friendly staff and a genuinely warm atmosphere. It sits on Frankenberggasse, a quiet street just ten minutes from the Vienna State Opera and Old Town, with plenty of public transport and restaurants nearby.
Housed in an elegant late-19th-century building, rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee makers. The full buffet breakfast included in the rate is one of the best I’ve had in Europe. There’s also a bar, sunroom, exercise room, and sauna — but it’s the staff’s genuine care that sets Kaiserhof apart.
Star: 4 | Price: $180–$200/night (~17000 - 19000₹)
5. Ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof — Best Budget Hotel
By Valentina Djordjevic of Valentina Destinations
This is a great “affordable luxury” option — modern, comfortable, and conveniently located, with high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, soundproof rooms, blackout curtains, and a desk in every room. Built in 2017, it still feels contemporary, and the beds are genuinely comfortable.
It is located right by Vienna Central Station in the trendy Wieden neighbourhood, popular with students from the nearby University of Technology. You’re a 10-minute walk away from Belvedere Palace and 20 minutes from Karlskirche. Staff were consistently helpful — they went out of their way to help with public transport directions. Bonus: reasonably priced late checkout is available beyond the standard noon cutoff.
IBIS has always my preferred choice to stay anywhere. So I recommend choosing IBIS as one of the best places to stay in Vienna.
Star: 3 | Price: ~$100/night (~10000₹)
Best Budget Hotels in Vienna (Under €100–120/night)
If Ibis and the Ruthensteiner hostel don’t quite fit, here are a few more decent picks that consistently come up well-reviewed without breaking €120/night:
Hotel Daniel Vienna — Right by the Hauptbahnhof, this one has an eco-conscious, design-forward feel that’s a step up from typical budget chains. Rooftop beehives, an urban garden, an on-site bakery, and even an Airstream trailer you can book in the garden. A good pick if you want budget prices without a budget-hotel feel.
Wombats City Hostel — Vienna has two locations (Westbahnhof and Naschmarkt), and both are considered the gold standard for hostel-style budget stays here: clean, well-designed, and social without being overwhelming. The Naschmarkt property’s rooftop bar is worth a visit even if you’re not staying there.
Gratzlhotel Belvedere — A five-room boutique pension near Belvedere Palace and the Freihausviertel nightlife strip, with complimentary bikes included. Small and personal rather than a chain feel, at a genuinely budget price point.
Hotel Zipser — Tucked on a quiet street in the 8th district (Josefstadt), this one turns up repeatedly in budget guides as a well-located, fairly priced pick that’s an easy walk or short tram from the centre.
Budget tip: prices across Vienna’s budget tier drop noticeably in the October–March low season, and staying in Leopoldstadt, Landstraße, or the outer 6th–9th districts instead of Innere Stadt can cut your accommodation cost by 30–50% without adding much travel time, since the U-Bahn is frequent and cheap.
6. Hotel Beethoven — Best for Solo Female Travellers
By Melissa Smuzynski of Parenthood and Passports
Hotel Beethoven is trendy, well-located, and — crucially for solo travellers or families — sits on a quiet, safe street that puts your mind at ease. It’s bright, colourful, and generous with complimentary touches, including a full-size Vienna chocolate bar as a welcome gift.
Breakfast is plentiful and included, there’s a bar downstairs plus a 24-hour complimentary coffee station, and rooms are spacious with a separate shower and soaker tub. The real highlight is location: a three-minute walk to Naschmarkt, and the Vienna Opera House is directly across the street — about five minutes on foot, with a metro station right there too. Ideal if you’re only in Vienna for a day, Hotel Beethoven is one of the best places to stay in Vienna.
Star: 4 | Price: $200/night (19000₹)
7. 25hours Hotel MuseumQuartier — Best for a Fun, Design-Forward Stay
By Michelle of The Munching Traveller
The 25hours Hotel MuseumQuartier is part of a small European chain known for obsessive attention to décor. The Vienna property is vibrant and eclectic, right down to the lifts, with rooms featuring colourful murals by Berlin-based illustrator Olaf Hayek.
It’s at Volkstheater Station, with plenty of transport options nearby — handy for solo travellers keeping costs down. The property sits in a quieter part of Vienna but along bright, walkable paths. The rooftop bar has great night views of the city, and since it’s on-site, getting back to your room safely after a drink or two is easy — a real plus for solo female travellers. There’s also a basement gym and sauna (free entry, towels included), and a top-notch buffet breakfast at The Foodmakers (an additional €16, not included).
Star: 4 | Price: $150–$200/night (~14000 - 20000₹)
8. Hostel Ruthensteiner — Best Hostel / Social Stay
By Parampara of Awara Diaries
Vienna is one of the best cities in Europe to actually live in for a few days, and staying in a hostel is a great way to meet fellow travellers and locals. Hostel Ruthensteiner is a couple of minutes’ walk from Westbahnhof Station, in the central Mariahilf district — well connected, with great eateries, supermarkets, and street food nearby.
The hostel is spacious and cosy, with rooms for 4, 8, or 10 people (shared bathrooms), plus board games, a keyboard, a kitchen, outdoor seating, and a decent range of beers and snacks alongside a solid breakfast spread. The hostel also runs volunteer programs where travellers cook meals for guests, adding a nice cultural exchange element — plus regular community activities during peak season. There are many other activities and sightseeing options available along with great tips at the reception.
After all, it’s always great to come back to a happy place after a long day of exploring. This is exactly why Hostel Ruthensteiner in Vienna is one of the best places to stay in Vienna while exploring the city!
Star: N/A | Price: ~$25/night (~2500 - 3000₹)
9. Hotel Grand Ferdinand — Best Rooftop / Boutique
By James of Travel Collecting
The Hotel Grand Ferdinand is a boutique hotel right on the famous Ring Road, about five minutes from the Opera House. It’s a newer build but designed in a grand, traditional style, with comfortable, elegant rooms. There’s a schnitzel restaurant on the ground floor with an open kitchen (you can even take a class in schnitzel or strudel-making) — but the real highlight is the Grande Etage on the top floor.
There’s a small pool right on the roof’s edge, an outdoor bar and restaurant with sweeping views over Vienna’s rooftops, and an indoor bar/restaurant with equally big windows. Breakfast is served here too. The Grande Etage floor is guests/members-only, making it a genuinely special spot for a gourmet meal or a glass of wine while taking in the views. You might not regret choosing Grand Ferdinand as the best place to stay in Vienna.
Star: 5 | Price: $300–$500/night (varies by season) (~28000 - 47000₹)
Airbnb / Homestays — Best for Flexibility
If none of the above quite fit, Airbnb or homestays are always worth considering. I’ve stayed in Airbnbs a few times and loved the feeling of having a home base in a new city — plus the freedom that comes with it. Vienna Airbnbs are usually centrally located and well-suited to families or groups of friends, with pricing that spans budget to luxury depending on style and amenities.
Star: N/A | Price: $50–$500/night, depending on style and amenities(~5000 - 47000₹)
Compare All 9 Places at a Glance
| Property | Star | Price/night | Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aparthotel Adagio | 4★ | $150–180 | Innere Stadt | Kitchenette, families |
| Le Meridien Vienna | 5★ | $230–280 | Opernring | Luxury, solo safety |
| Ruby Sofie Hotel | 4★ | $150–200 | Landstraße | Design + airport convenience |
| Hotel Kaiserhof | 4.5★ | $180–200 | Frankenberggasse | Homely service |
| Ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof | 3★ | ~$100 | Wieden | Budget + modern |
| Hotel Beethoven | 4★ | $200 | Near Opera House | Solo female travellers |
| 25hours MuseumQuartier | 4★ | $150–200 | Volkstheater | Design lovers, nightlife-adjacent |
| Hostel Ruthensteiner | N/A | ~$25 | Mariahilf | Social/backpacker |
| Grand Ferdinand | 5★ | $300–500 | Ring Road | Rooftop, boutique luxury |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors? Innere Stadt (the 1st district) puts you within walking distance of Stephansdom, Hofburg Palace, and the main shopping streets, making it the easiest base for a first trip. If you want a slightly more affordable but still central alternative, Wieden or Landstraße are strong picks.
Is Vienna expensive to stay in? It depends on the area and season. Budget hostels like Ruthensteiner start around $25/night, solid mid-range hotels run $150–$200/night, and five-star properties can go well past $300/night in peak season. Staying slightly outside Innere Stadt (in Wieden, Mariahilf, or near Hauptbahnhof) generally saves money without sacrificing much convenience.
Where should solo female travellers stay in Vienna? Central, well-lit neighbourhoods close to public transport — Hotel Beethoven (opposite the Opera House) and Le Meridien (on Opernring) both stood out for feeling safe even walking back late at night. The 25hours MuseumQuartier’s on-site rooftop bar is also a good pick if you want nightlife without needing a cab home.
How far in advance should I book a hotel in Vienna? For peak season (May–September and the Christmas market period in December), booking 2–3 months ahead gets you better rates and availability, especially for popular picks like Ruby Sofie and Grand Ferdinand.
What are the best budget hotels in Vienna? Ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof (~$100/night) and Hostel Ruthensteiner (~$25/night) are solid picks near the centre. For something under €120 with more character, Hotel Daniel Vienna, Wombats City Hostel, and Gratzlhotel Belvedere all offer good value — staying in Landstraße or Leopoldstadt instead of Innere Stadt also cuts costs by 30–50%.
Is it better to stay near Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)? It’s a good option if you’re arriving by train or want easy day trips out of the city — Ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof is a solid budget choice here. It’s about a 10–15 minute tram/walk from the main sights, so slightly less central than Innere Stadt or Wieden.
So, these are my recommendations about the best places to stay in Vienna for a few days or more.
HAVE YOU TAKEN A TRIP TO VIENNA? WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT IT? WHERE DID YOU STAY IN VIENNA? DID YOU LIKE MY RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN VIENNA? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
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Great list! Thanks for sharing this! Incredibly detailed. So helpful
Great list! I love all these affordable luxury options.
We always stay in apartments, because of our family gluten-free diet, but if I can pick two hotels just for me and my spouse (without children 😀 ) it will be:
Hotel Sacher with it’s roof apartment, IMHO the best place to stay in Vienna and Grand Ferdinand Vienna Hotel, again with roof apartment.
These are IMHO the most iconic hotels in Vienna and are worth the money 🙂
D.