Explore the neighborhoods and discover our favorite spots in the area.
First District & Inner City
The Inner City is Vienna’s historic heart and a true open-air museum. Where city walls once stood, today you’ll find the magnificent Ringstrasse lined with imposing buildings. Since 2001, the 1st District has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing together centuries of Austrian history. A stroll through its narrow lanes reveals medieval traces, baroque palaces, and grand squares. Hidden gems like the Mölker Steig or the romantic Blutgasse are especially enchanting. From our centrally located accommodation, you can reach all these highlights on foot – the perfect way to experience the city’s historic charm. Choosing a holiday apartment in Vienna’s center means not only immersing yourself in history, but truly living in the midst of it.
History of the Inner City
The Inner City is the historic heart of Vienna – and the perfect starting point for anyone eager to experience history up close. Surrounded by the grand Ringstrasse, visitors can explore imperial architecture, narrow lanes with medieval flair, and magnificent squares. Once the entirety of Vienna itself, today this district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending tradition with vibrant modern life. From the City Stay Vienna Apartments, you can reach the most important historic landmarks on foot: whether it’s the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or the impressive city palaces – everything is just a few minutes away.
Experience the Sights Up Close
In our opinion, the entire First District of Vienna is worth seeing – but here we’ve gathered the true highlights of the Inner City.
To explore the outer edge, we recommend a brisk walk along the “Ring” (Vienna’s Ringstrasse). Here you can admire all of Vienna’s grand buildings. Best bring along your travel guide and read out loud as you go. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the historic Vienna “Ring Tram” with audio guides is a great option – it circles the Ringstrasse daily and provides fascinating insights into landmarks such as the City Hall, University, Parliament, and Hofburg Palace.
To discover the true center of the city, start your day at Stephansplatz and step inside the truly unique St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Climbing the South Tower’s 343 steps is a rewarding adventure for active visitors! Afterward, you have several choices: shopping enthusiasts can stroll along Kärntner Strasse or Rotenturm Strasse, while those craving more sightseeing should head to “the Graben.” Passing the Plague Column, turn left at the end to reach the Spanish Riding School, the Hofburg, and Heldenplatz. If you still have time, take the same route by horse-drawn Fiaker carriage and feel transported back to the baroque era.
Art & Culture
The baroque buildings of the 1st District invite you to step back in time. Wandering a little off the beaten track – for example through the Blutgasse quarter or the Wollzeile area – reveals many hidden courtyards where you can spot the typical “Pawlatschen” (wooden arcades).
For museum lovers, the Inner City is nothing short of paradise. The Albertina delights with modern exhibitions on art and film, the Hofburg offers deep insights into Vienna’s (political) history, and a visit to the Austrian National Library is enriching in every way. While Viennese still joke about confusing the Natural History Museum with the Art History Museum on Maria Theresa Square, you’ll be wiser – and simply visit both.
And for concert and musical fans, the 1st District is the place to be: the Ronacher Theatre. Let yourself be enchanted for an evening by vampires, lions, or even Mozart himself.
Culinary Delights & Viennese Coffeehouse Culture
There are some things in Vienna that simply can’t be changed – and that’s just the way it is. For example: the best Wiener Schnitzel is at Figlmüller, and the best Tafelspitz at Plachutta. Period.
But of course, the First District has so much more to offer than these two classics. “Motto am Fluss” is a local favorite, serving creative cuisine alongside stunning views of the Danube Canal. Excellent Italian dishes can be enjoyed at Il Melograno, and outstanding Japanese cuisine awaits at Shiki.
For a quick bite any time of the day, Viennese love their traditional Schwarzes Kameel – with an open-faced sandwich and a spritzer in hand, it’s the perfect spot to “see and be seen.”
Coffee lovers will certainly not be disappointed in the First District. Traditional coffeehouses include Café Diglas, Café Alt Wien, and the cozy Kleines Café. No sweet tooth will be left unsatisfied at the imperial Demel confectionery, and anyone craving a classic Sachertorte (worth the wait) should head straight to the Sacher Café of the legendary hotel.
Shopping & Nightlife
While Kärntner Strasse offers all the big international brands for the masses, the Graben is home to exclusive boutiques and designer labels. In Wollzeile, you can discover small independent shops and pick up unique souvenirs from Vienna.
In the evening, we highly recommend a visit to the American Loos Bar: this small, cozy bar with its stylish mirrored ceiling is well worth a stop. Pub fans should try the Bockshorn Irish Pub – you’ll be surprised at just how much quirky décor can fit into such a tiny space.
Night owls can head to the so-called “Bermuda Triangle” around Schwedenplatz, where Vienna’s bars and clubs keep the party going. Other local favorites include Säulenhalle, Platzhirsch, and Passage.