Understanding the districts
Vienna is divided into 23 numbered districts, called Bezirke. The first district, the Innere Stadt, is the historic centre inside the Ringstrasse. Districts two to nine form a ring around it, and the outer districts stretch further towards the hills and the Danube. Addresses and postcodes usually tell you which district you are in.
Public transport is so good that almost anywhere inside the outer ring road, the Gürtel, will put you within easy reach of the main sights.
Areas just outside the Gürtel, such as Ottakring or Währing, tend to be cheaper and more residential, and still connect quickly with the centre by U-Bahn or tram.
Innere Stadt
Staying in the first district means you can walk to the cathedral, the Hofburg, the opera and countless coffee houses. It is the most atmospheric choice for a first visit, especially in the evening when the floodlit buildings glow. The downside is price, as hotels here are among the most expensive in the city, and some streets are busy with visitors.
If you do stay here, look at quieter lanes away from the main shopping streets, such as the area around the old university or the streets near the Danube Canal.
Neubau, Mariahilf and Josefstadt
West of the centre, the seventh district, Neubau, is known for independent boutiques, design shops, cafes and bars, particularly in the Spittelberg area with its cobbled lanes. Mariahilf, the sixth, includes the busy shopping street Mariahilfer Strasse and borders the Naschmarkt. Josefstadt, the eighth, is quieter and residential, with traditional cafes and theatres.
All three are within walking distance of the MuseumsQuartier and well connected by U-Bahn, making them excellent all-round bases.
Leopoldstadt and Wieden
Across the Danube Canal, Leopoldstadt, the second district, is home to the Prater park with its giant Ferris wheel and long tree-lined avenue. It has a lively mix of communities, a popular food market at the Karmelitermarkt and good value accommodation.
Wieden, the fourth district, sits south of the centre, close to the Naschmarkt and the Belvedere. Its Freihausviertel area has small galleries, cafes and restaurants and a relaxed feel.
AeroVista offers hotels across Vienna and Flight + Hotel packages to VIE, which can make it easier to compare districts and prices side by side.
Good to know
- Stay near a U-Bahn station for the quickest connections.
- Neubau and Josefstadt offer a good balance of price and location.
- Check the district number in the address before booking.