The Austrian capital has always been dignified, but there's a thick layer of whipped cream around almost every corner. Its baroque architecture, art galleries and museums, rich musical heritage and cafés and cakes have been magnets for tourists since the days of the Grand Tour. Our selection of the best places to stay in Vienna varies from the Hotel Sacher, an institution where old world charm meets modern luxury to the Pension Suzanne, a family run guesthouse with superb service and an unbeatable central location, plus a good range of design hotels, family friendly hotels, spa hotels and boutique stays. If it's an apartment you're after, check out the choice with our online partner, Booking.com.
Part of the city's appeal is its compact centre ('innere stadt' is where you'll find many of our recommendations), which forms the 1st District. All the sights, restaurants and cafés and best places to stay in Vienna are within an easy walk. The medieval city is contained by a broad horseshoe-shaped road of 19th-century palaces, the Ringstrasse, where all the grand old hotels are found.
Although a 1st District address is plum, the neighbouring districts, such as 4th, 7th and 8th, are still convenient and the hotels often better value. Viennese hotels are, almost without exception, well-run and pristine (even the most modest pension has good quality linen), but many are decorated in an oppressive Biedermeier style. We have tried to ferret out the elegant ones, as well as recommending a number of fresh, contemporary boutique hotels.
The Christkindlmärkte always draw crowds when, from the end of November to Christmas, little huts spring up on streets throughout the city, selling presents, food and warming Glühwein. The city becomes a magical destination at this time of year and the best places to stay in Vienna get booked up well in advance, so get organised and plan well ahead.
Some of our Vienna Collections:
What not to miss
- Visit St Stephen's Cathedral towering above the streets of the Innere Stadt, this massive cathedral is the true centerpiece of Vienna
- Enjoy numerous works by the European Masters at the Museum of Fine Art including the likes of Titian, Velasquez, Van Dyke and Rubens
- Explore the majestic and imposing Schonbrunn Palace
- Get a true sense of the city at the bustling Naschmarkt
- Watch a suitably grand performance at the State Opera House
Its popularity has continued to grow and now, with budget airlines flying directly to the city, and to nearby Bratislava, Vienna has never been cheaper or easier to get to. The best places to stay in Vienna reflect this with an increasing number of properties popping up to suit even the strictest of budgets.