5 Must-See Vienna Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Get to grips with the best of Viennese art, architecture, food, and culture in these top 5 neighborhoods.

2 min read•Oct 03, 2019•By Peter Neely

5 Must-See Vienna Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Hi, I'm Peter!

Peter Neely is a Brooklyn-based writer and poet who's been bounding between cities for a decade, with stops in San Francisco, Budapest, Montreal, and Lyon. Changing NYC apartments like socks, Peter has lived in Harlem, Greenpoint, Sunnyside, and Crown Heights, though Coney Island is his spiritual homeland. Spot him reading on the subway, or complaining about the slice at your favorite pizzeria.

Known for its rich history, well-curated museums, and world-class music, Vienna is a city that offers visitors a sophisticated urban adventure. From bohemian Margareten to stately Innere Stadt and Hietzing, the city’s neighborhoods boast a variety of unique experiences. Here’s what you need to know to explore Vienna's top neighborhoods.

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Hietzing (13th District)

Art and music in regal surrounds.

Perhaps best known as the home of the Schönbrunn Palace, Hietzing is relatively far from the city center but well worth a visit. The palace offers tours of the imperial apartments, state rooms, and manicured gardens and often hosts performances of pieces by notable composers such as Mozart and Strauss. Other district highlights include the family-friendly Schönbrunn Zoo and the Villa Klimt, where Gustav Klimt painted several of his masterpieces.

The Schönbrunn Palace makes Hietzing well worth a visit. | Photo Credit: Jana Ašenbrennerová / Viator

Innere Stadt (1st District)

Central appeal and historic buildings.

This central district, surrounded by the 19th-century Ringstrasse, is the heart of the city. Visitors can view dozens of historic buildings including the Vienna State Opera, and St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche), which hosts frequent classical music concerts. A highlight of this somewhat touristy area is the university district, where you can find traditional coffee shops, including the celebrated Café Central.

Leopoldstadt (2nd District)

Jewish history and culture.

The largely gentrified Leopoldstadt area is both hip and historic. The neighborhood was once home to Vienna's Jewish population, and you can still find some kosher markets in the area. Highlights of the district include two beautiful parks, the Augarten and the Prater. Travelers shouldn't miss the Prater's amusement park, walking paths, and historic ferris wheel, which offers great views of the city.

Enjoy the Prater Amusement Park in Leopoldstadt. | Photo Credit: Preisler / Shutterstock

Döbling (19th District)

City views and outdoor appeal.

The bourgeois hilltop neighborhood of Döbling offers great city views and ample green space. Visitors to the area—known as a prime destination for escaping the bustle of the city—can hike in Vienna Woods or tour some of the area's wineries. Locals also enjoy clubbing here, so if you’re looking for nightlife, consider a pub-hopping excursion.

Margareten (5th District)

Architecture and markets combine.

Located south of the bustling Mariahilf shopping area, the trendy and bohemian Margareten is known for its art and design district and for the Wien River waterfront. Margareten is a great place to experience cutting edge design alongside distinctly Viennese architecture, and the Naschmarkt, which offers numerous food and produce vendors, is also an ideal destination for foodies.