Where to Stay in Vienna with Kids: Best Neighbourhoods and Family Hotels
Trying to figure out where to stay in Vienna with kids? You’re not alone — with 23 districts, dozens of neighbourhoods, and what feels like a million hotel options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
I felt the same way the first time we visited Vienna. I wasn’t sure which areas were family-friendly, which ones were close to the main sights, or how easy it would be to get around.
(Spoiler: it’s actually very easy — once you get the lay of the land.)
We’ve been to Vienna twice now and stayed in different areas each time. Both had their perks, and I’m glad we got to experience more than one part of the city.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best places to stay in Vienna with kids — from central districts near the top attractions to quieter neighbourhoods with more space and parks. I’ve also included hotels and apartment options at different price points, plus a few personal notes from our stays.
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How Vienna’s Districts Work (And Why It Matters for Families)
Vienna is divided into 23 districts that spiral out from the historic centre. At first glance, it might look confusing — but once you understand the layout, it actually makes planning a lot easier.
The 1st District, also called Innere Stadt, is the heart of the city. This is where you’ll find Vienna’s most famous sights, like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. It’s surrounded by the Ringstrasse, a wide circular boulevard that marks the edge of the historic centre.
As the district numbers increase, you’re moving further away from the centre. But that doesn’t mean you need to avoid the higher-numbered districts — some, like Leopoldstadt (2nd) or Neubau (7th), are still central and very family-friendly.
Each district has its own feel. Some are packed with history and major attractions, while others have quieter streets, local cafes, parks, or more apartment-style stays. Knowing the vibe of each area helps you pick one that fits your travel style.
📌 Quick Tip: If you see a hotel or apartment address listed with a number like “Wien 7” or “Vienna 7,” that’s referring to the 7th District (Neubau). It’s a helpful way to figure out how central a location really is.
Best Areas to Stay in Vienna with Kids
Vienna has 23 districts, but for most families, the best areas are the ones close to the centre. Staying in these areas means less time commuting, more time exploring, and easy access to parks, restaurants, and kid-friendly spots.
Here are five of the best districts in Vienna to stay in with kids — plus hotel and apartment recommendations for each.
Innere Stadt (1st District): Walk to the Top Sights
If it’s your first time in Vienna and you want to be right in the middle of everything, this is the place to stay. The Innere Stadt is packed with history, and most major attractions are just a short walk away. You’ll pay more for the location, but the convenience can be worth it — especially with younger kids who might need breaks throughout the day.
What to do in the area:
- Explore the Hofburg Palace
- Walk down the Graben and Kärntner Strasse
- Visit the State Opera House and Butterfly House
- Relax in the Burggarten or Volksgarten
- Stop by St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Where to Stay in the Innere Stadt:
Mid-Range: Vienna Marriott Hotel
Overlooking the Stadtpark and a short walk to the city centre, this hotel is a great pick for families. It has an indoor pool, spacious rooms, and an on-site restaurant. We liked the nearby park for an easy play break between sightseeing stops.
Mid-Range: Austria Trend Hotel Europa Wien
Located right on Kärntner Strasse, this hotel puts you close to shopping, cafés, and the metro. It’s a 5-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Opera House. The family rooms and included breakfast make it a great value.
Apartment: KH Opera Apartments
We stayed here and loved how central and convenient it was — especially with the Karlsplatz metro station right across the street. The apartment had a separate sleeping area, which is great when kids go to bed early, and having a kitchen helped us save on meals. There’s a SPAR supermarket around the corner for groceries and snacks.
If you’d rather be closer to the Cathedral, check out KH Apartments Stephansplatz — similar setup, just a block from the square.
Leopoldstadt (2nd District): Parks, Space, and the Prater
Leopoldstadt is just across the Danube Canal from the city centre, so you’re still close to the main sights, but in a quieter, more residential area. It’s a great choice if you want more space to unwind, access to green areas, and fun things for kids to do — like riding the giant Ferris wheel or running around the Prater.
We didn’t end up staying here, but it was one of the top areas I considered. It felt like a good balance — close enough to walk to the historic centre, with plenty of great playgrounds and green space for when you need a break from sightseeing.
What to do in Leopoldstadt:
- Have fun at the Prater Amusement Park
- Ride the Wiener Riesenrad (the iconic Ferris wheel)
- Relax or have a picnic in Augarten
- Visit the nearby Danube Island or take a boat ride
- Check out the playgrounds (there are plenty!)
Where to Stay in Leopoldstadt:
Luxury: SO/ Vienna
Located right by the Danube Canal, SO/ Vienna is a modern hotel with panoramic views over the city — especially from the upper-floor restaurant. It was formerly part of the Sofitel brand, and although we haven’t stayed at this one, we’ve had great experiences at other Sofitel hotels. While it’s not the most kid-focused option, the rooms are spacious and the location makes it easy to walk into the historic centre. It has a more grown-up feel overall, so it may not be the best fit for every family, but it’s a good option if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale.
Mid-Range: Novotel Wien City
A comfortable, family-friendly hotel located near the Ringstrasse and close to both the city centre and the Prater. Rooms are spacious, and there’s even a small play area in the hotel. The location is great for families — close enough to walk to major attractions, but just far enough out that it’s not as busy as the city center.
Mid-Range: Hotel Mercure Wien City
Just across the Danube Canal from the Innere Stadt, this hotel is a great choice if you want to stay close to the centre without paying top-tier prices. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the main sights in the historic core, but the quieter location makes it a good fit for families. Rooms are clean and modern, and the nearby tram and metro stops make it easy to get around.
Apartment: Vienna Stay Apartments Castellez 1020
If you prefer more space and the option to cook your own meals, these apartments are a great fit. Located near the Augarten and only a short walk to public transit, they offer a separate sleeping area, full kitchen, and sofa bed — all of which come in handy when travelling with kids.
Neubau (7th District): Museums and Cool Vibes
Neubau is Vienna’s artsy, museum-filled district — and one of the most interesting areas to stay just outside the city centre. It has a great mix of family-friendly museums, quiet side streets, and easy access to the historic core. During the day, the area is full of life with cafés, galleries, and shops, but it tends to quiet down at night — which can be great when travelling with kids.
What to do in Neubau:
- Explore the MuseumsQuartier (home to several museums and cafes)
- Visit the ZOOM Kindermuseum, an interactive museum perfect for kids
- Wander the cobblestone streets of the Spittelberg Quarter
Where to Stay in Neubau:
Luxury: Hotel Sans Souci Wien
Located just across from the MuseumsQuartier, this hotel blends elegant design with family-friendly amenities. It offers family suites with separate sleeping areas, childminding services, and even an indoor pool — a big plus after a day of sightseeing.
Mid‑Range: 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier
This hotel is full of quirky design touches and is located right next to the MuseumsQuartier, making it a great pick for families who want to be close to kid-friendly museums and cafés. It’s walkable to everything in the 7th District and just a short metro ride from the historic centre.
Apartments: NH Wien City
Although it’s technically a hotel, NH Wien City also offers apartment-style rooms — with a separate sleeping area and a small kitchenette. It’s right on Mariahilfer Strasse, close to shops, restaurants, and the metro. The extra space and option to prep simple meals make it a great pick for families wanting a bit more flexibility during their stay.
Landstrasse (3rd District): Culture and Quiet Streets
Landstrasse sits just outside the Ringstrasse and feels a bit more relaxed than the inner districts, but it’s still central and easy to get around. You’ll find wide streets, local cafés, and a few major sights like the Belvedere Palace and the colourful Hundertwasserhaus. It’s a quieter, more residential area that can be a great base for families who want to be close to everything without being right in the middle of the tourist zone.
What to do in Landstrasse:
- Visit Belvedere Palace (and the gardens!)
- Explore the Swiss Garden
- See the colourful architecture of Hundertwasserhaus
- Relax (or play) at Stadtpark, one of the city’s largest green spaces
- Hop on the U-Bahn or tram for quick access to the Innere Stadt
Where to Stay in Landstrasse:
Mid-Range: Lindner Hotel Am Belvedere
Located just beside Belvedere Palace, this hotel offers a quiet but convenient base for exploring Vienna. Rooms are bright and comfortable, and there are family-friendly options like connecting rooms available. It’s close to the tram and within walking distance of the palace gardens and Stadtpark.
Apartments: NH Wien Belvedere
Technically a hotel, but some rooms here are more like apartment-style suites, with kitchenettes and separate sleeping areas. The location is great for families — just steps from Belvedere Palace and close to transit for getting around the city. A good fit if you’re looking for flexibility with meals or a little extra space.
Mariahilf (6th District): Affordable and Central
Mariahilf is a lively, central neighbourhood known for shopping, cafés, and a more local feel. It’s home to Mariahilfer Strasse, one of the main shopping streets in Vienna, and it borders Neubau and the Innere Stadt, making it easy to get just about anywhere. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a more affordable area that’s still central — just note that it can be a bit noisier at night.
What to do in Mariahilf:
- Visit the Haus des Meeres, a unique aquarium inside a WWII flak tower
- Explore the Naschmarkt for snacks, fresh produce, or a picnic
- Stroll down Mariahilfer Strasse for shopping or people-watching
- Relax in Esterházypark, right behind the Haus des Meeres
- Walk or take a short metro ride into the historic centre
Where to Stay in Mariahilf:
Mid-Range: Leonardo Hotel Vienna
We haven’t stayed at this one, although it was one of my top choices, but we’ve stayed at other Leonardo hotels in Europe and always had a great experience. This location is right at the edge of Mariahilf, close to public transit and just a few minutes from Mariahilfer Strasse. The hotel offers spacious family rooms and a warm, welcoming vibe that works well for families.
Mid-Range: Hotel Haydn
This was another I almost booked. Hotel Haydn is a small, family-run hotel located right on Mariahilfer Strasse, just steps from the metro. It has apartment-style rooms with kitchens, which is a bonus if you’re looking to prep meals and save on food. The location is super convenient, with shops, restaurants, and transit right outside the door.
Mid-Range: Hotel Beethoven Wien
Tucked down a quiet side street near the Naschmarkt, this 4-star hotel is just a short walk from the Ringstrasse. Families will appreciate the quiet rooms, central location, and kid-friendly extras like board games and childminding services. It’s a good pick if you want to be close to the action without being right in the middle of it.
More Great Options for Families
If the five districts above don’t work for your travel dates or budget, here are two more solid picks that families often like.
Josefstadt (8th District): Quiet & Central
This is Vienna’s smallest district and it packs in charm with a quieter residential feel, cafes and boutique shops. It’s still very central, so you’ll feel tucked away but within easy reach of most attractions.
Where to stay: Levante Rathaus Apartments
Spacious apartments with full kitchens and plenty of room to spread out. Great for families staying longer or wanting a home‑style feel.
Near the Train Station
If you’re arriving by train or doing a short stop‑over, staying near the main station can make things easier — though it’s not always as scenic or peaceful as the more central districts.
Where to stay: a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof
We stayed here on our second visit to Vienna and it worked out really well. It’s a hostel–hotel hybrid with simple family rooms and a great location just a short walk from the main train station. There’s an activity room on the main floor with a pool table — my boys loved hanging out there and playing a few rounds. It’s not the most scenic area, but it’s a good budget-friendly option, or for a quick stay before catching a train or arriving late.
Note: We stayed at a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof and had a good experience, but the reviews have dropped since then. If you’re looking for a place near the train station, Motel One Wien-Hauptbahnhof might be a better option now.
Where Not to Stay in Vienna
Vienna is a very safe city, and there aren’t any truly “bad” areas — but some districts aren’t the best fit for families. Brigittenau (20th District) and Ottakring (16th District) are both farther from the centre and can feel a bit rougher or less convenient, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing.
Getting Around Vienna with Kids
Vienna is an easy city to navigate, even when travelling with younger kids. The historic centre is very walkable, with pedestrian-only zones and wide sidewalks, and the public transit system is safe, clean, and simple to use.
The U-Bahn (metro), trams, and buses run frequently and connect all the major sights. Stroller access is good on most lines, and many metro stations have elevators.
Kids under 6 ride for free, and older kids get a discounted fare.
Tip: If you’re using transit regularly, the Vienna City Card is worth checking out — it offers unlimited rides for 24, 48, or 72 hours, plus discounts on museums and attractions.
Getting from the airport to the city:
There are a few easy ways to get from Vienna Airport into the city. The City Airport Train (CAT) usually takes about 15 minutes to reach Wien Mitte, but when we visited, it wasn’t running due to rotating strikes — so we took the S-Bahn (S7) instead. It was just as straightforward, with trains running regularly and tickets much cheaper than the CAT. You can also book a private transfer if you prefer door-to-door service, especially after a long flight with kids.
Best Time to Visit Vienna with Kids
Vienna is a great city to visit year-round. We visited in December, and the Christmas markets made the whole city feel magical — just be sure to book accommodation early if you’re planning a winter trip.
We’ve also been to Austria in June and would love to spend more time in Vienna during the spring. It’s a great season to visit, with mild weather, lighter crowds, and plenty to see and do. Summer can be busy and more expensive, but you’ll find long days and lots of outdoor events.
FAQs for Families Traveling to Vienna
What area of Vienna is best for families?
The Innere Stadt (1st District) is great if you want to be right in the centre, close to the main sights. But districts like Leopoldstadt, Neubau, Landstrasse, and Mariahilf are also excellent — they’re more affordable, still central, and often have more space and parks nearby.
How many days do you need in Vienna with kids?
Three to four days in Vienna is ideal. That gives you enough time to see the main sights, visit a few museums, and still have downtime in parks or cafés. If you’re visiting Vienna in December, you’ll want at least three days to fully enjoy the Christmas markets too.
Where should we stay in Vienna for the Christmas markets?
Anywhere near the Innere Stadt will put you close to several markets, including the main one at Rathausplatz. We stayed near Karlsplatz and loved being able to walk to a few different markets — plus the views from our apartment window were pretty festive too.
Is Vienna stroller-friendly?
Yes! Vienna is very stroller-friendly. The sidewalks are wide, many pedestrian zones are car-free, and public transit is easy to navigate with a stroller. Most metro stations have elevators (though not all), and newer trams have low-floor entry, which makes getting around much easier.
Do kids need transit tickets in Vienna?
Kids under 6 ride for free on public transit. Older kids (up to 15) qualify for reduced fares. If you’re planning to use the metro, tram, or bus often, the Vienna City Card can be a good deal. It covers unlimited transit and offers discounts at many attractions.
⭐ If you’re not sure which tourist pass is a better option, this post covers the difference between the Vienna City Card and the Vienna Pass.
Our Take on Where to Stay in Vienna with Kids
Figuring out where to stay in Vienna can feel like a lot — especially with 23 districts to choose from. We’ve stayed in a few different areas, and each one offered something unique. Some were better for walking to the sights, others had more space or parks nearby — but all worked well for exploring the city with kids.
If I had to choose a favourite, I’d go with the Innere Stadt for the sheer convenience — being able to walk everywhere made a big difference. But Mariahilf and Neubau were also great picks, offering a nice balance between price, local feel, and easy access to the centre.
Whichever district you choose, Vienna is easy to get around, full of kid-friendly things to do, and has no shortage of great places to stay.
Looking for more ideas to help plan your trip to Vienna?
We’ve got a full Vienna with Kids guide with tips on getting around, what to do, and how to keep things fun (and manageable) while sightseeing. If you’re trying to map out your days, this 4-day Vienna itinerary lays everything out with a mix of must-sees and easy wins with kids. Visiting in winter? Don’t miss our post on Vienna in December, the Christmas markets are reason enough to go!
If you’re looking to explore more of the area, check out our tips for visiting Salzburg with Kids or how to get from Vienna to Bratislava — both are easy and family-friendly additions to your trip.
