Where to Stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets: 5 Best areas

Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote articles about staying in Vienna for first-timers (I will put the links to them at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets.

I will provide you with a list of what I believe are the best areas to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Vienna and recommend some of the best hotels.

Vienna has many christmas Markets, but some of the best Vienna Christmas Markets are:

  • Christkindlmarkt on City Hall Square (10th Nov – 26th Dec at Rathausplatz)
  • Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square (15th Nov – 26th Dec at Maria-Theresien-Platz)
  • Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace (17th Nov – 26th Dec at Prinz-Eugen-Straße 27)
  • Christmas Village on the University Campus (10th Nov – 23th Dec at Alserstrasse/Spitalgasse)
  • Old Viennese Christmas Market (17th Nov – 23th Dec at Freyung)
  • Am Hof Advent Market ( 18th Nov – 23rd Dec at Am Hof)
  • Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace (18th Nov – 26th Dec)
  • Art Advent – Art & Crafts on Karlsplatz ( 24th Nov – 23rd Dec)
  • Christmas Market Spittelberg ( 16th Nov – 23rd Dec)
  • Stephansplatz Christmas Market (10th Nov – 26th Dec)
  • Winter Market Riesenradplatz (18th Nov- 7th Jan)
  • Winter at Museumsquartier (9th Nov – 23rd Dec)

Vienna’s Christmas markets are known for their beautiful decorations, including twinkling lights, ornate ornaments, and festive displays. Many markets have entertainment such as live music, choir performances, and nativity scenes. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture the holiday spirit.

Be sure to try traditional Austrian holiday treats like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, and sausages. You can also warm up with a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) or a mug of hot chocolate.

Vienna’s Christmas markets are the perfect place to shop for unique gifts. You’ll find handcrafted ornaments, local crafts, and a variety of holiday-themed items.

The city can be quite cold in December, so make sure to dress warmly. Layers, a good coat, a hat, and gloves are essential.

Christmas markets are popular, so expect crowds, especially during evenings and weekends. Try to visit during weekdays or earlier in the day to avoid the largest crowds.

I also recommend keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and be cautious with personal items. Vienna is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to take precautions.

If you arrive at Vienna International Airport, you can take a taxi, the City Airport Train (CAT), or the S-Bahn (suburban train) to the city center. 

If you arrive by train or bus, you will likely arrive at one of the main train or bus stations in Vienna. The most important train stations are Wien Hauptbahnhof, Wien Westbahnhof, and Wien Meidling. From these stations, you can easily use public transportation to reach your hotel.

Vienna has an excellent public transportation system, including trams and the U-Bahn (subway). You can consider purchasing a Vienna Card or day pass for unlimited travel on public transport.

Where to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets?

Map of the safe areas to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets
Map of the safe areas to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets

The best areas to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets are Innere Stadt (1st district), Neubau (7th district), Leopoldstadt (2nd district), Landstraße (3rd district), Mariahilf (6th district). They are central and well-connected areas, so you will have easy access to various markets on foot and by public transit.

Innere Stadt (1st district) is the historic center of Vienna and has the highest concentration of christmas markets. It is the most popular area in Vienna to book your accommodation if you want to be in the heart of the famous attractions and christmas markets, including Rathausplatz and Stephansplatz.

Leopoldstadt is home to the famous Prater amusement park and the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel. The Winter Market Riesenradplatz is one of the highlights in this district. This is a family-friendly, less touristy area with cheaper accommodation while still being well-connected to the city center.

Landstraße is a more residential area with budget-friendly accommodation. It is well-connected with the city center for easy access to major markets. You’ll be close to the art advent Christmas market Karlsplatz and the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace.

Mariahilf is a popular shopping district and a good choice if you enjoy shopping during the holiday season. The Christmas Market at MuseumsQuartier (MQ) is nearby. It’s a lively district with numerous restaurants and shops.

Neubau is known for its artsy and alternative scene, with many galleries, boutiques, and cafes. The Christmas Market at Spittelberg and Museumsquartier are charming markets in this district. If you prefer a more bohemian atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, Neubau might be a good fit.

On my trip to Vienna, I stayed in Vienna Old Town at the 4-star Boutique Hotel Das Tigra. Great central location for exploring all iconic attractions in Christmas markets in the historic center. It has Superb breakfast, family rooms, paid airport shuttle services, and 24-hour front desk.

Below is a map of the popular areas in Vienna for Christmas Markets. You can scroll down to view the live map.

5 Best areas to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets 

1. Innere Stadt (1st district)

Innere Stadt is the best area to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets, especially if you want to be in the heart of the action. You’ll be within walking distance from markets at the City Hall Square, Stephansplatz, Freyung, Am Hof, and Maria-Theresien-Platz.

You’ll also be surrounded by Vienna’s historic landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and many museums. These sites are beautifully decorated during the holiday season, creating a magical atmosphere.

Kärntner Straße and Graben, two of Vienna’s most famous shopping streets, are in the 1st district. You can enjoy holiday shopping and explore boutique stores.

The Innere Stadt offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes, making it convenient to enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine and seasonal treats.

The 1st district is well-connected to public transportation, allowing for easy access to other parts of Vienna and its Christmas markets.

However, it’s important to note that accommodations in the Innere Stadt can be on the pricier side, especially during the holiday season. Be sure to book well in advance for the best deals.

Best places to stay in Vienna in Innere Stadt for Christmas Markets:

  • Luxury ($$$): Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, great 5-star hotel located in prime location the heart of Vienna, close to  the U3 line Herrengasse metro station, within walking distance from major sights and christmas markets at the City Hall, Freyung, Am Hof, Stephansplatz, and Maria Theresien Square. It offers Fabulous breakfast and private parking.
  • Mid-range ($$): Radisson Blu Style Hotel, Vienna, 4-star hotel centrally located within walking distance from Hofburg Palace and Kohlmarkt shopping street. Easy access to Herrengasse station for train to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and to the City Airport Train.
  • Budget ($): Boutique Hotel Nossek, popular 3-star hotel in central Vienna, easy walk from many Christmas markets in the Old Town. Within a short distance from Graben/ Kohlmarkt Shopping Streets, as well as Hofburg Palace and the Staatsoper Opera.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN  INNERE STADT

2. Leopoldstadt (2nd district)

Leopoldstadt, Vienna’s 2nd district, is situated on an island between the Danube River and the Donaukanal, which gives it a unique geographic position. It is adjacent to the historic city center and is connected to other parts of Vienna by several bridges.

Leopoldstadt is home to the famous Prater amusement park, and during the Christmas season, the Prater gets transformed into a winter wonderland. The Prater Christmas Market, which features rides and games, is a fun and festive attraction.

The iconic Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) is a must-visit, offering panoramic views of Vienna’s winter scenery. It’s especially beautiful when illuminated at night.

Compared to the bustling city center, Leopoldstadt is generally quieter and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer a less crowded place to stay but still want easy access to a Christmas market, this district might be a good choice.

Leopoldstadt is well-connected to Vienna’s public transportation network, making it easy to reach other parts of the city and explore various Christmas markets.

Best places to stay in Vienna in Leopoldstadt for Christmas Markets:

  • Luxury ($$$): SO/ Vienna, 5-star hotel, conveniently located on the bank of the Danube Canal, within walking distance from a Schwedenplatz station on U1 and U4 lines, offering easy access to major christmas markets in Old town and the Winter Market Riesenradplatz.
  • Mid-range ($$): BASSENA Wien Messe Prater, popular 4-star hotel, located in district 2 of Vienna, well-connected to the city center by metro U2 underground line. It has Superb breakfast, family rooms, and easy access to the Winter Market at Riesenradplatz.
  • Budget ($): Hampton By Hilton Vienna Messe, great 3-star accommodation located close to the metro, as well as landmarks such as the Vienna Prater, Ernst Happel Stadium and Kunst Haus Wien – Museum Hundertwasse. 
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN LEOPOLDSTADT

3. Landstraße (3rd district)

Staying in Landstraße, Vienna’s 3rd district, during the Christmas season can be a good choice if you prefer a quieter and more residential neighborhood with budget-friendly accommodations while still having convenient access to the city’s holiday festivities. 

One of the district’s highlights is the Belvedere Palace and its beautiful gardens. During the Christmas season, Belvedere often hosts a Christmas market and illuminates the palace and gardens, creating a magical atmosphere.

Landstraße is well-connected to public transportation, so you can easily reach the city center with its Christmas markets, using trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (subway).

The main train station, Vienna Hauptbahnhof, is located in Landstraße. This can be advantageous if you plan to take day trips or arrive in Vienna by train, as it offers good connections to various destinations.

Best places to stay in Vienna in Landstraße for Christmas Markets:

  • Luxury ($$$): Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere – a concept by Hyatt, popular 5-star hotel, conveniently located close to Main Railway Station and Karlskirche. Easy access to the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace. Also well-connected to the metro for further exploration.
  • Mid-range ($$): Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna – 4 stars superior, 4-star accommodation located in Landstraße, right next to the Belvedere Palace with a christmas market and a famous collection of paintings of Klimt and Schiele. Also 2 mins walk to Rennweg Train Station for links to  Vienna Airport.
  • Budget ($): ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof, popular hotel, located close to the main train station and the  Belvedere Palace. It has Fabulous breakfast and 24-hour front desk.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN LANDSTRASSE

4. Mariahilf (6th district)

Mariahilf is known for its shopping district along Mariahilfer Strasse, one of Vienna’s most famous shopping streets. During the Christmas season, this area is beautifully decorated, making it a great place for holiday shopping and window shopping.

Mariahilf is located in the southwestern part of Vienna’s city center. It is a central district that is easily accessible by public transportation.

The MuseumsQuartier is a significant cultural complex located in the 7th district, bordering Mariahilf, typically hosts its own Christmas market with a creative and artsy twist. 

The district is home to cultural attractions like the Haus des Meeres (Aqua Terra Zoo) and the Raimund Theater. These can offer enjoyable indoor activities during the winter months.

Mariahilf has easy access to The Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous open-air market, known for its food stalls, restaurants, and international cuisine. It’s a great place to explore and enjoy a variety of culinary delights.

Best places to stay in Vienna in Mariahilf for Christmas Markets:

MORE HOTEL DEALS IN MARIAHILF

5. Neubau (7th district)

Staying in Neubau, Vienna’s 7th district, during the Christmas season can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more bohemian, artsy atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife.

Some notable places and attractions in the 7th district, Neubau, include the Museumsquartier (MQ), which is a large cultural complex with museums, art galleries, and exhibition spaces.

The Spittelberg area in Neubau is famous for its charming and intimate Christmas market, which features handicrafts, mulled wine, and a cozy ambiance. This market is a local favorite and a great place to experience a more authentic and intimate Christmas atmosphere.

Neubau offers a wide range of dining and shopping options, making it a lively and trendy part of Vienna.

Best places to stay in Vienna in Neubau for Christmas Markets:

  • Luxury ($$$): Hotel Sans Souci Wien, 5-star hotel, offering paid airport shuttle service, Exceptional breakfast, and indoor swimming pool. Within easy walking distance from the  Museum Quarter and Ringstraße Boulevard. Also close to numerous christmas markets including the ones at Spittelberg, Museumsquartier, and Maria-Theresien-Platz.
  • Mid-range ($$): K+K Hotel Maria Theresia, popular 4-star hotel, centrally located in a quiet location in the artists quarter of Spittelberg within walking distance from Volkstheater Underground Station and several christmas markets in the city center.
  • Budget ($): Hotel Pension Museum, 3-star hotel located right behind the Volkstheater and next to the Museumsquartier, easy access to metro, tram, bus, and of course many nearby christmas markets on foot.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN NEUBAU

In conclusion, Innere Stadt, Leopoldstadt, Landstraße, Mariahilf, and Neubau are the best places to stay in Vienna for Christmas Markets. These districts offer a wide range of accommodations for all budgets and provide easy access to all markets either on foot or by public transportation.

If you are traveling to Vienna for the first time, you can continue reading this article: Safest areas to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors.

I hope you enjoyed my article and find it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality travel guides.

About Author: Ocean Cameron

I'm Ocean, founder and main editor of travelhotelexpert.com. I’m a passionate traveler who specializes in uncovering the best hotels and locations in every city, especially for first-timers, all without the need for a car.

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