Where To Stay In Vienna With Family – 4 Best Options
Wondering where to stay in Vienna with family? Look no further, because in this article, I try to answer your question as straight-forward as possible.
Having visited this city several times, I’m pretty confident that you will find something that match your preference after reading this relatively short text.
Vienna is culturally and historically rich city that offers impressive architecture in the old city centre, is known for its pastries and sweets and even has a large theme park near the centre that is an excellent attraction for young and old.
The several palaces offer a great experience for the whole family because it’s like you’re going back in time.
All these elements are an ideal mixture for a perfect city trip for the whole family.
Vienna feels like it’s straight out of a storybook, with its stunning palaces, nice parks, and rich culture that somehow manages to be both grand and super welcoming.
What really struck me was how family-friendly everything is—getting around is a breeze thanks to the efficient public transport, and there are so many activities that cater to kids of all ages without boring the adults.
From watching our kids’ faces light up at Schönbrunn Palace’s zoo (the oldest in the world!) to spending hours at the interactive ZOOM Children’s Museum, there’s something magical about how Vienna balances education, fun, and a touch of royal charm.
And let’s not forget the coffeehouse culture—because even parents need a break!
While the kids enjoyed their oversized Viennese hot chocolates, you can sip on a melange and soak in the laid-back vibe.
Vienna isn’t just beautiful—it’s easygoing, safe, and packed with memorable experiences that the whole family can enjoy.
It’s one of those cities that makes traveling with kids feel like less of a challenge and more of a joy.
And throughout the whole year, the city can be visited with each season offering a completely different environment.
Most of the city’s highlights are located in the old part of the city, but some palaces and other attractions are located a bit outside the tourist epicenter.
With the trains and metro lines, you’re able to travel conveniently to each part of the city.
That also allows you to stay in the less central, but far more affordable parts of Vienna with your family.
I’ll discuss that in the next paragraphs.
Keep in mind that each recommended area comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
At the end of each paragraph, I’ll summarize these pros and cons to give you a better overview.
But let’s first briefly discuss the recommended areas and what makes them so special.
The best areas to stay in Vienna with family are Leopoldstadt, Innere Stadt, Landstaße, and Josephstadt.
Although Innere Stadt is the area in Vienna with the most attractions, Leopoldstadt offers more space, and cheaper accommodations and is home to a theme park.
It’s the perfect area for families as you’re surrounded by family-friendly attractions while still remaining a central location.
Most importantly, all four recommended areas have good access to public transportation.
Let’s break each recommended area down in brief before we go into detail.
By tapping on the name of the recommended area, you go directly to that part of the article.
Leopoldstadt: Arguably the best area to stay in Vienna with family as this whole part of Vienna is designed for families. Many young families live here, so expect all the facilities you can think of. It’s still located relatively close to the tourist epicenter of Vienna. Expect plenty of spacious hotels and apartments to choose from. Just keep in mind that this area does not offer the historically rich architecture the Old City Center does offer.
Innerste Stadt: This is the Old City of Vienna, home to incredible architecture and many tourist attractions. You have perfect access to the metro and train lines, there are several shopping streets to discover, and the food scene is amazing. It’s the perfect area for tourists, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Also, family rooms here are often not the largest ones.
Landstaße: If you travel on a (strict) budget, then this is the best option you have. Although the area does not really cater to tourists, you can still plenty of budget-friendly hotels and apartments. But there is one golden rule when staying here: you must stay near a metro station, otherwise exploring the city will be more challenging.
Josephstadt: If you’re a family who wants to combine sightseeing with a bit of nightlife (exploring trendy restaurants, visiting a bar, etc.) then Josephstadt is the perfect option. Josephstadt is a relatively quiet area, though, but neighboring areas do offer a youthful experience. Ideal for younger families!
The best areas to stay in Vienna with family are:
1. Westerpark
When deciding on the best area to stay in Vienna for families, the choice often comes down to Leopoldstadt or the Innere Stadt.
The Innere Stadt, or Vienna’s historic center, is home to most of the city’s famous attractions.
However, it is also the busiest part of Vienna, with smaller hotel rooms and higher accommodation costs.
Leopoldstadt, located on an island northeast of the historic center, offers a more residential vibe.
Popular among young families, this neighborhood provides all the amenities a family could need.
The highlight of Leopoldstadt is the Prater, a charming old-world amusement park featuring the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, which dates back to 1897.
Getting to the heart of Vienna is straightforward—simply take the metro to Stephansplatz, and from there, you can easily explore the city center on foot.
While Leopoldstadt lacks the striking architecture found in other parts of Vienna, it compensates with spacious, affordable hotels and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The trade-off is a short commute to experience the city’s main highlights.
Keep in mind that Leopoldstadt feels more like a residential area with access to a huge park and doesn’t primarily cater to tourists.
It simply doesn’t feel like you’re staying in a historically rich city.
But in terms of comfortability for families, it’s hard to beat Leopoldstadt.
Pros
- A central area that fully caters to families.
- Accommodations here are designed for families.
- Central location with good access to public transport.
- Direct access to a huge park and the old-world amusement park Prater.
Cons
- Lacks the authenticity and beautiful architecture that Vienna is known for.
- This area caters more to residents than to tourists.
- You always need to travel a bit to reach the major highlights of Vienna, whether it’s the Old City or one of the palaces on the outskirts of the city’s old center.
How to get around in Vienna? Getting around Vienna is easy, thanks to its efficient metro and train systems.
If you’re staying outside the historic city center, the metro is the most convenient way to reach Vienna’s top attractions. The central metro hub at Stephansplatz is particularly handy, offering quick access to the sights of the Old Center as well as connections to other transportation routes for landmarks like the city’s grand palaces.
For instance, to visit Schönbrunn Palace, simply take the metro to Hietzing station, which places you right at the palace entrance.
When choosing accommodation—especially outside the Innere Stadt—ensure your hotel is near a metro station. While Vienna’s compact layout means most major attractions are concentrated around the City Center, you’ll still find yourself walking quite a bit. For families with younger children, the metro and trains are a lifesaver, making longer distances far more manageable.
Make sure to get the Vienna City Card via the Official Website. Here, you can easily buy day passes for public transport. With this card, you get loads of discounts at all sorts of venues. Also, it’s important to state that there is a hop-on-hop-off bus available to explore the city. The major advantage of that bus is that you will see the beauty of the city while traveling around. When using the metro, all you see is a tunnel.
2. Innere Stadt
The Innere Stadt is undeniably Vienna’s touristic epicenter, and if your budget allows, it’s the best area to stay in the city.
This district is home to most of Vienna’s iconic landmarks, surrounded by stunning architecture, vibrant shopping streets, and a wide array of restaurants to explore.
Staying here means immersing yourself in the heart of the action, with minimal need for public transportation—unless you’re heading to attractions like the city’s palaces or the Prater theme park.
However, keep in mind that accommodation in the Innere Stadt comes at a premium.
Many hotels are housed in gorgeous historic buildings and feature renowned luxury brands, but family rooms may not always be as spacious as those in other areas.
Unlike more residential neighborhoods, the Innere Stadt is a feast for the eyes wherever you go. A simple stroll through Rathauspark will lead you past iconic landmarks like the Rathaus, Parliament, and Volkstheater.
While it’s the most vibrant part of Vienna, this charm comes with a higher price tag.
If you are able to find something that fits your budget in this part of Vienna, and you do want to stay in the heart of the city, despite it being crowded, then stay here.
But keep in mind that with Vienna’s excellent metro system, it’s very easy to stay a bit outside of the city center where it’s calmer and more affordable.
Pros
- The most central area in Vienna.
- The most vibrant part of the city with plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Incredible architecture.
- For sightseeing purposes, the best area in all of Vienna.
Cons
- The priciest part of Vienna.
- More challenging to find a spacious family room.
- Busiest part of Vienna, during the day and evening.
3. Landstraße
Traveling with family can be costly, and family rooms often cost at least twice as much as standard rooms. Vienna is no exception, with hotel prices spiking during the summer and Christmas seasons.
Fortunately, Vienna’s efficient metro system makes it easy to stay in more affordable areas outside the tourist epicenter while still reaching the city center in just ten minutes.
For budget-conscious travelers, Landstraße is an excellent choice. This large district, located east of the Belvedere Palace—a key attraction in Vienna—offers a range of affordable accommodations.
Since Landstraße is a vast area, it’s best to choose a hotel near a metro station for convenient access to the city’s highlights. Aim for a station with connections to Wien Mitte, a major transportation hub. Rochusgasse metro station is a particularly good option.
While staying outside the city center does mean relying on public transport to visit Vienna’s main attractions, it also means experiencing a more residential side of the city. However, don’t expect bustling shopping streets or a wide variety of restaurants here—those are mainly found in the tourist areas like the Innere Stadt.
To make the most of your stay, plan to explore Vienna’s tourist hotspots during the day and enjoy shopping and dining in the city center. In return, you’ll benefit from spacious, affordable accommodations that offer better value than many hotels in the Innere Stadt.
Pros
- Excellent area to find affordable accommodation options.
- Best value-for-money.
Cons
- Compared to the previous two areas, this part of Vienna doesn’t have much to offer for tourists except affordable accommodation options.
- You will depend a lot on the metro, so make sure to stay close to a metro station.
4. Josefstadt
The final area we recommend for families in Vienna is Josefstadt.
This small, charming district lies just west of the Innere Stadt, tucked behind the Austrian Parliament Building and Rathaus.
Conveniently located near many of Vienna’s main attractions, Josefstadt offers a central base with slightly more affordable hotels than those in the heart of the city.
For a taste of Vienna’s nightlife, unique restaurants, and vibrant bars, head to the Naschmarkt, located about a 30-minute walk from Josefstadt.
If walking isn’t your preference, public transportation provides quick and easy access.
While areas like Mariahilf and Neubau are great alternatives, they are known for their bustling nightlife.
Josefstadt, on the other hand, is quieter and more family-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful stay with convenient access to the city’s highlights.
Josefstadt also offers family-friendly attractions, such as the Haus des Meeres, an impressive aquarium featuring over 10,000 creatures, including snakes, crocodiles, sharks, and a tropical house—perfect for a day out with kids.
This district strikes a balance between accessibility, tranquility, and nearby dining options, making it a great choice for families visiting Vienna.
Pros
- Great base to combine the tourist highlights of the city with the vibrant parts of Vienna.
- While you have good access to the nightlife areas (great for families who want to enjoy trendy restaurants and a cocktail afterward), you still stay in a relatively quiet area.
Cons
- Definitely not a budget-friendly area.