Where to stay in Vienna

Innere Stadt is the historical heart of Vienna, enveloped by the grand Ringstraße boulevard. As the first district, it’s home to major sites like St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Imperial Palace. While it offers a dreamlike walk through Vienna's illustrious past, accommodation here comes at a premium with upscale hotels and boutiques. The area can also be quite crowded with tourists, which some visitors may find overwhelming. In the evening, the area tends to be quieter as shops close and day-trippers leave.

Leopoldstadt, the city's second district, is an island between the Danube and the Danube Canal, known for its green spaces, amusement park, and historic Jewish quarter. Home to the Prater, a large public park, and the iconic Riesenrad Ferris wheel, it’s a locale that combines leisure with historical charm. The area has blossomed into a family-friendly neighborhood but also serves as a cultural hotspot with its diverse food scene and the famous Karmelitermarkt. Though generally considered safe, some visitors find parts of Leopoldstadt less polished compared to the more tourist-centric districts, noting that it can be quiet in the evenings. Nevertheless, this district offers an authentic taste of Vienna, with the advantage of lower accommodation prices and proximity to the city center.

Mariahilf is known for the Mariahilfer Straße, one of Vienna's main shopping streets filled with everything from flagship stores to small boutiques. The area is not only a shopper’s paradise but also holds a diverse food scene. On the downside, the hustle and bustle of this busy commercial district can be overwhelming, and it's certainly not the quietest place to stay.

Neubau is the hipster haven of Vienna, brimming with trendy cafes, unique boutiques, and creative spaces. It's especially popular with a younger crowd and offers a hip, vibrant atmosphere. The MuseumsQuartier cultural district is a highlight, though visitors may find that the area gets quite busy, especially during weekends. Accommodation styles vary from cool, independent hotels to designer apartments.

Josefstadt is Vienna's smallest district but is rich in charm and sophistication. Known for its intellectual vibe, owing partly to the proximity to the University of Vienna, it’s littered with cozy cafes and small theaters. It boasts a quieter, residential atmosphere, making it a great retreat from the busier tourist areas. However, visitors may find fewer 'exciting' nightlife options here. Accommodation tends to be mid-range concerning prices.

Wieden, just south of the Innere Stadt, is known for its artsy and liberal atmosphere. It’s a place where traditional coffee houses meet modern bars, and second-hand shops sit beside small galleries. The area is an excellent midpoint between being close to the centre's attractions and experiencing a more local side of Vienna. However, visitors should be aware that it can get noisy, especially on the weekends.

Alsergrund is where you can find a peaceful, academic feel with its connection to Vienna's General Hospital and various universities. The Freud Museum is an area highlight, and tranquil streets line this district. Visitors typically enjoy the quieter, more contemplative atmosphere, though it may not have the vibrancy or nightlife some travelers are seeking.

Margareten is an up-and-coming residential neighborhood that manages to stay off the typical tourist radar, offering a more authentic Viennese experience. It's admired for its community spirit and is home to many local artisans. While quieter and more affordable than the city center districts, some may find it lacks the grandeur and architectural beauty found elsewhere in Vienna.

Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus gives travelers an off-beat and economical place to stay. Known for its working-class roots, the area features a mix of different cultures and a very authentic local lifestyle. The Wiener Stadthalle, a venue for concerts and events, is located here. Some feel it lacks charm compared to Vienna's more polished districts and the area can seem grittier.

Ottakring has a more multicultural and edgy vibe, with its famous Brunnenmarkt offering a diverse array of ethnic foods and wares. It's further from the city center, providing a much more local experience at lower accommodation prices. However, be mindful that this distance means you’ll spend more time commuting to Vienna’s main attractions. The area also has a reputation for being less polished, which might not appeal to all visitors.

Landstraße is an eclectic mix of residential areas, international embassies, and attractions like the Belvedere Palace and Hundertwasser House, making it an appealing district for those seeking culture and quiet. However, the area can appear disjointed with its varying neighborhoods – some parts are distinctly upmarket, while others are more middle-class and less exciting.