Vienna’s Districts: A Guide to the City’s 23 Bezirke

Vienna's Districts


From imperial grandeur to hipster cool, get to know the diverse districts that make up Vienna — and where to stay, eat, and explore.

Vienna is divided into 23 districts, or Bezirke, each with its own unique character, charm, and rhythm. Whether you're planning your stay, apartment-hunting, or just curious about where to go beyond the city center, this guide will help you understand how the Austrian capital is organized — and what each district has to offer.

District 1: Innere Stadt

The historic heart of Vienna. Surrounded by the Ringstraße, this is where you’ll find St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, luxury shopping streets, and many of the city’s most famous landmarks. It’s walkable, elegant, and full of history. Ideal for first-time visitors.

District 2: Leopoldstadt

Set between the Danube and the Danube Canal, this green and diverse district is home to the Prater amusement park, the Giant Ferris Wheel, and plenty of riverside walks. A great mix of tradition and modern living, it’s popular with families and creatives alike.

District 3: Landstraße

Known for the Belvedere Palace and its extensive gardens, Landstraße is residential, well-connected, and home to many embassies. It's also where you'll find the Hundertwasser House, one of Vienna’s most colourful and unusual landmarks.

District 4: Wieden

Just south of the center, Wieden is a small, stylish district known for the Naschmarkt and Freihausviertel area — full of indie shops, cafés, and design studios. It blends classic architecture with a bohemian vibe.

District 5: Margareten

A down-to-earth district that’s becoming trendier every year. Margareten is known for its laid-back cafés, multicultural food scene, and local neighbourhood charm. Slightly off the tourist trail but very livable.

District 6: Mariahilf

This is where you’ll find Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s main shopping boulevard. Mariahilf is lively and urban, with a mix of young professionals, students, and families. It’s well connected and full of energy.

District 7: Neubau

Vienna’s “hipster district.” Neubau is creative, dynamic, and full of art galleries, vegan cafés, concept stores, and second-hand shops. The MuseumsQuartier sits at its edge, making it a cultural hotspot with a youthful spirit.

District 8: Josefstadt

Compact, elegant, and quietly intellectual, Josefstadt is home to small theatres, universities, and hidden courtyards. It’s popular with academics and young professionals who want to be close to the city centre without the crowds.

District 9: Alsergrund

A university district with lots of hospitals, museums, and historic buildings. Freud lived here, and the Medical University adds to the area’s scientific air. Residential with a student feel.

Districts 10–23: Outer Districts Overview

As you move further out, Vienna’s districts become more residential and relaxed. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

  • 10. Favoriten: The most populous district, multicultural and evolving quickly. Home to the new Hauptbahnhof and many modern developments.
  • 11. Simmering: Industrial heritage meets suburban charm. Known for Gasometer and large cemeteries.
  • 12. Meidling: Affordable, family-friendly, with strong local identity.
  • 13. Hietzing: Elegant and leafy, home to Schönbrunn Palace and quiet villa-lined streets.
  • 14. Penzing: Access to the Vienna Woods and ideal for nature lovers.
  • 15. Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus: Up-and-coming and diverse, with a growing cultural scene near Westbahnhof.
  • 16. Ottakring: Known for its breweries, Brunnenmarkt, and mix of cultures. Edgy but evolving.
  • 17. Hernals: A quiet residential district bordering the hills, popular with locals.
  • 18. Währing: Elegant and green, with parks, villas, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
  • 19. Döbling: Upscale and scenic, full of vineyards, Heuriger wine taverns, and panoramic views from the hills.
  • 20. Brigittenau: Densely populated and affordable, bordered by the Danube and popular with young renters.
  • 21. Floridsdorf: Suburban and spacious, with easy access to the Danube and outdoor recreation.
  • 22. Donaustadt: Vienna’s largest district by area — home to UNO City, the Danube Tower, and lots of green space and lakes.
  • 23. Liesing: A relaxed, family-oriented district on the city’s southern edge with vineyards, hiking trails, and residential suburbs.

How to Navigate Vienna’s Districts

District numbers spiral outward clockwise from District 1 in the city centre. You’ll often see addresses written like "1050 Vienna" — the first digit (1) denotes Vienna, and the next two (05) indicate the district (Margareten, in this case).

Public transport makes it easy to reach all districts. U-Bahn lines run to the outer zones, and trams connect inner areas with quick transfers and scenic routes.

Which District Should You Visit or Stay In?

  • First-time visitors: Stay in District 1 (Innere Stadt) or nearby in Districts 2, 3, or 7.
  • Culture & nightlife: Try Neubau (7), Mariahilf (6), or Wieden (4).
  • Families: Consider Hietzing (13), Währing (18), or Donaustadt (22).
  • Longer stays & local life: Explore Ottakring (16), Meidling (12), or Favoriten (10).