Location Question

Headed to Vienna for 4 days in mid-late December -- never been previously.

I am wondering about where to stay within the city. Conventional wisdom would suggest that staying inside zone one is best because it is closest to all the tourist attractions, but on the other hand I don%26#39;t necessarily want to be an a super-touristy, overcrowded spot. I%26#39;m not the type to prefer staying in Times Sqaure when in NYC, but at the same time I am looking for convenience and the ability to walk around the city from where we stay.

So, since I%26#39;ve never been to Vienna, I have to ask whether staying in zone one is the best way to get the true experience or if it can be too touristy and crowded... .and if so where else to look for the proper balance.

Any input welcome... thx

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Staying in the inner, historic city center would be the best! As you mentioned it is very convenient as most sights are walkable from there and you will have a wide choice of restaurants, shops, etc. as well. You cannot compare the city center of Vienna with the times Square area, so trust me, you will be glad with staying in the city center.

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Several suggestions for First District hotels on small streets that provide a %26quot;Feel of being in Vienna%26quot; and within walking distance of tourist sights, shopping , restaurants etc.

Kaiserin Elisabeth

www.kaiserinelisabeth.at

Romischer Kaiser

Konig Von Ungarn

all are listed in the hotel section of this Trip Advisor site with good information and reviews.

The numerous pedestrian only zones and narrow winding streets produce a nice background in the First District.

Certainly you will find the area in front of Stephansdom and the Hofburg Palace filled with tourists - but 100 meters away you quickly leave this and find a good Vienna .

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The Hollmann Beletage would be another choice in a not too tourity street:

http://www.hollmann-beletage.at/

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Fortunately, nothing in Vienna approaches Times Square%26#39;s level of crowds etc! But if you don%26#39;t like surging traffic, I would suggest not staying on the Ring. The grandest hotels are on the Ring, but unless you have an affection for six lanes of traffic roaring past at all times, I don%26#39;t think it%26#39;s a very relaxing place to stay. The Kaiserin Elisabeth or the Koenig von Ungarn in the little side streets near St Stephan%26#39;s would be much more pleasant - not too much vehicle or foot traffic thereabouts.

For more budget-conscious travellers, I like the part of the first district near Schwedenplatz - it has good access to most parts of the city through the Ubahn and tram connections but the area is still quiet, especially on the post-office side of the Rotenturmstrasse, away from the Bermuda triangle.

rol

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May we suggest Hotel Graf Stadion. Walking distance to everything. Small rooms but comfy and clean, great breakfast and good staff. Restaurants in the area, and several small markets too.

See our review on the hotels site.

Only used the metro/trams several times.....

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Just returned from a first trip to Vienna...We loved the K+K Hotel Maria Theresia (check tripadvisor reviews on this one)...It%26#39;s on a quiet street a few blocks from the Museum Quarter, the Metro, the Ring, and right around the corner from small cafes, galleries, antique shops, etc....a New York Tribecas-SoHo ambiance...Buffet breakfasts included with the room rate are the best you%26#39;ll find, and the staff is extremely helpful.

Be sure to ge a Vienna Card which entitles you to hop on and off buses, trolleys, and subways all day. Cards are sold, I believe, for two or three days and you can get them at the hotel.

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I am staying at the Small Luxury Hotel Das Tyrol on Mariahilfer strasse and the location has proven to be fantastic. Near the U bahn and the ring trams. I love it here!

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