5 Must-See Vienna Neighborhoods and How to Visit

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.