Vienna's Inner East is an artificial island formed between the river and the Donaukanal. The island contains large expanses of parks and forests, including the famous Prater park with the permanent funfair including the Riesenrad ferris wheel. As most of the island was only reclaimed in the late 19th century, there is much modern architecture to be found in this area as well. Administratively, the island is divided into the districts of Leopoldstadt (2) and Brigittenau (20).

Understand

Leopoldstadt (2) is the southern half of the island that is formed between the Danube and the Danube Canal. It streches from the more wild forests of the Prater in the south up through the point where the Prater becomes a more formal park and amusement park where the transportation hub Praterstern is located. Going onward to the north are several neighborhoods from the Gründerzeit with dense housing including impressive Neo-Baroque buildings. Towards the north of the district along the Danube Canal across from Schwedenplatz is the Karmeliterviertel (Karmeliter Quarter) which was once a Jewish ghetto and today is the hub of Jewish life in Vienna. This area is indeed quite diverse across the board and is becoming gentrified. At the edge of that area is the Augarten. The area past that has been hand-picked for an intense development project that will turn several former freight yards into entire new neighborhoods. Along the Danube are numerous massive housing projects from the 1920s onward.

Brigittenau (20) is the northern half of the island between the Danube and the Danube canal. It consists mostly of land gained by the regulation of the Danube in 1870-75. Hence it does not contain any distinctive historical areas.

Get in

The Praterstern seen from the Prater Riesenrad

The main train station of the area is the 1 Praterstern, the ultra-modern multi-modal station opened in the new millennium, where bus, tram, U-Bahn, S-Bahn and long-distance train lines converge at a namesake intersection, from which the district's main streets project in a star-like fashion. You can reach it directly from Vienna International Airport with the S7 S-Bahn. Both U-Bahn lines serving the district,  U1  and  U2 , stop at the Praterstern, and pretty much all tram lines have a terminus there.

You can access the district on foot by crossing the Donaukanal, which runs along the border between the Innere Stadt and Leopoldstadt or Brigittenau via the numerous bridges. The  U4  line, which stops along the Donaukanal, can take you to Wien Mitte/Landstrasse, where you can drop your luggage (depending on the airline you travel on) and board the City Airport Train on your way out of Vienna. Tram lines 1 and 2 also run along the Donaukanal (and along the Ring), and continue to the Inner East – the line 2 to Brigittenau, while line 1 ends up in the middle of the Prater park.

Get around

The district is served by U-Bahn lines U1 (southwest-northeast from Innere Stadt to Donaustadt) and U2 (northwest-southeast from the Ring around the Innere Stadt to Aspern in Donaustadt). Both lines stop at the Praterstern.

The U1 is most useful to get to the Leopoldstadt from the old town and the Hauptbahnhof. U2 can be useful to get to the southern part of Donau's waterfront and the attractions there (Donaumarina), the Ernst-Happel-Stadium, as well as the Messe.

Tram lines run along the Taborstrasse/Dresdner Strasse (line 2), Wallensteinstrasse/Norwestabhnstrasse/Nordbahnstrasse (line 5), and numerous streets in the northern part of Leopoldstadt (extension of lines 2 and 5, as well as lines 31 and 33). Tram line 1 has a terminus in the southern end of the Prater park, at Prater Hauptallee.

The southern part of Leopoldstadt is scarcely served by public transportations and if you want to get in or out of there and you are not anywhere close to an U2 station, you need to use the buses, walk, drive or take a taxi.

See

Riesenrad

Otto Wagner Schützenhaus

Flak tower in Augarten

Brigittakirche

The "Library & Learning Center" at the Wirtschafts Universität, designed by Zaha Hadid

• 1 Prater, Leopoldstadt (U1, tram O, 5, 21 Praterstern, S1-S3, S7, S15 Wien Nord), ☏ +43 1 4000-8042. Daily 24 hrs. This large park began life as a carriage-riding area for the nobility, and is still a popular place to spend a weekend afternoon with family. Free. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 2 Wurstelprater, ☏ +43 1 728-05-16, fax: +43 1 728-52-74, info@wiener-prater.at. General park: open daily 24 hrs; rides and attractions: 15 Mar - 31 Oct 10:00-01:00. This year-round amusement park (map available here was established in the late 18th century, and is most famous for its Riesenrad (see listing below). The park also includes standard fun rides as well as a Madame Tussauds wax works cabinet and the Liliputbahn (a narrow-gauge railroad). Possibly the weirdest attraction though is the Kugelmugel (Antifaschismusplatz 2), a spherical house (diameter 7.68m) that, after failing to get a planning permit, declared independence from Austria. First built elsewhere and carted off to the Prater by Austrian authorities, it now sits uninhabited and fenced off with barbed wire. Free (general admission), €1.50-€5 (individual rides and attractions). (updated Feb 2017)
  • 3 Riesenrad (Giant Ferris Wheel), Riesenradplatz 1, ☏ +43 1 729 54 30, fax: +43 1 729 54 30 20, info@wienerriesenrad.com. Varies by season, usually 09:00/10:00-19:45/23:45. An English engineering firm (Walter Basset) built the giant ferris wheel from 1896-97. Others of the same era, built for world exhibitions and other parks in Chicago, London, Paris, etc. have long since been torn down. The Riesenrad has become a well-known symbol of Vienna, featured in many movies (most famously in The Third Man) and picture postcards. It has 15 gondolas, some of which are incredibly ornate and large enough to host an extended family inside, offering a spectacular panorama of the city. Additionally, the cabins are available to rent, for cocktails, dinners, or special events. €9 (adults 14+), €8 (Vienna Card), €4 (children 3-14).  
  • 4 Zeiss Planetarium Wien, Oswald-Thomas-Platz 1, ☏ +43 1 89 174 150 000, fax: +43 1 89 174 350 000, planetarium@vhs.at. Box office opens 45 min prior to the show. Offers a variety of shows, and guided tours. €7 (adults), €6 (seniors/students/Vienna Card), €5 (children).  
  • 5 Pratermuseum, Oswald-Thomas-Platz 1 (in the planetarium building, near the Riesenrad), ☏ +43 1 726 76 83, fax: +43 1 505 87 47 7201, office@wienmuseum.at. F-S and holidays 10:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00. A small museum devoted to the history of popular entertainment. €4 (adults), €3 (seniors, students, Vienna Card), free (children and youth under 19), free the first Sunday of every month. 
• 6 Johann Strauß Wohnung (Johann Strauss Apartment), Praterstraße 54, Leopoldstadt, ☏ +43 1 214 01 21, fax: +43 1 505 87 47 7201, office@wienmuseum.at. Tu-Su and holidays 10:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00. The 'Waltz King' lived in this elegant apartment from 1863 until 1870; his most famous piece 'An der schönen blauen Donau' (The Blue Danube) was composed during his time here. Included with the items on display is one of the composer's violins. €4 (adults), €3 (seniors, students, Vienna Card), free (children and youth under 19), free the first Sunday of every month.  
• 7 Wiener Kriminalmuseum (Vienna Criminal Museum), Große Sperlgasse 24, Leopoldstadt, ☏ +43 664 300 56 77. Tu-Su and holidays 10:00-17:00. This museum is dedicated to the history of police and the justice system, from the Middle Ages until World War II. Exhibits relating to famous Viennese criminals are included. €6 (adults), €5 (students). (updated Feb 2017)
• 8 Circus- und Clownmuseum (Circus and Clown Museum), Ilgplatz 7/1, Leopoldstadt (U2 Messe-Prater), ☏ +43 676 4068868, circus@bezirksmuseum.at. Su 10:00-13:00, every 1st and 3rd Th 19:00-21:00. This unusual museum houses a collection of props and costumes, with rotating exhibits. Free. 
• 9 Thyssen-Bronemisza Art Comtemporary (Augarten Contemporary/Gustinus Ambrosi-Museum), Scherzergasse 1A, Leopoldstadt (Augarten), ☏ +43 1 513 98 56-24, augarten@tba21.org. Tu-Su 12:00-19:00. The venue formerly known as Augarten Contemporary is now operated by the TBA21 Foundation, under contract with the Belvedere Museum. The building hosts special exhibits of contemporary art by Austrian and international artists, and has a permanent exhibit of the sculptures of Gustinus Ambrosi. €5 (adults), €3 (students/seniors), free (children under 18). 
• 10 Otto Wagner Schützenhaus, Obere Donaustraße 26, Leopoldstadt (U2 Schottenring), ☏ +43 1 21 24 222, reservierung@wienerschuetzenhaus.at. Daily 11:00-24:00. Designed by Otto Wagner, and built in 1908, this was part of a planned redevelopment of the Donaukanal. After many years of neglect the building was fully restored in 2010, and now houses a restaurant. 
• 11 Flaktürme VII (Flak towers), Augarten, Leopoldstadt, ☏ +43 1 332 26 94 (Augarten management), office@kultur.park.augarten.org. Daylight hours. This is a pair of anti-aircraft defense towers/bunkers, built by the Luftwaffe during World War II. During construction multiple rail tracks were laid across the park, and it is believed that hundreds of war victims were buried in mass graves on the grounds, still undiscovered. At 55m high, the round Gefechtsturm (G-Tower, or gun tower) is the highest flak tower built during the war. The pair have proven nearly impossible to remove, and are now protected because of their historic value. 
• 12 Millennium Tower, Handelskai 94-96, Brigittenau (U6 Handelskai). At 171 metres (561 feet), the tower was Vienna's the tallest building until the DC Tower was completed across the Danube, and continues to be a poignant landmark of the district. It was designed by the architects Gustav Peichl, Boris Podrecca and Rudolf Weber. The tower has 51 floors and houses the commercial complex known as "Millennium City".  

• 13 Bezirksmuseum Brigittenau (Brigittenau District Museum), Dresdner Straße 79, Brigittenau, ☏ +43 1 330 50 68, fax: +43 1 330 50 68, bm1200@bezirksmuseum.at. Su 10:00-12:00, Th 17:00-19:00, closed on holidays and school breaks. This little museum tells the story of the district itself through pictures, views and models. Free. (updated Oct 2017)
• 14 Brigittakirche, Brigittaplatz, Brigittenau. This Neogothic church is a landmark of the Brigittenau district. It was built between 1868 and 1874.  
• 15 New Campus of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (Neubau WU / Wirtschafts Universität Wien), Welthandelsplatz 1, Leopoldstadt. This stunning new campus opened in 2013, with buildings designed by international architecture firms from Spain, the UK, Germany, Japan, and Austria. The star of the campus is theLibrary & Learning Center, designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. 

Do

Harness race at Trabrennbahn Krieau

MuTh, the newest venue for the Wiener Sängerknaben

• 1 Trabrennbahn Krieau (Krieau Race Track), Nordportalstraße 247, Leopoldstadt, ☏ +43 1 728 00 46, info@krieau.at. In use since 1878, this race track is used for harness racing, hosting regional, national, and international races. The track schedule is available online .  
• 2 Wiener Sängerknaben (Vienna Boys Choir), Palais Augarten, Leopoldstadt. Not generally open to the public except on special occasions. Founded at the pleasure of the Habsburgs. On 20 July 1498, Emperor Maximilian decided to hire six singing boys, the first permanent boys choir attached to the court. He also made arrangements for their education – fringe benefits that are difficult to get from a modern employer. The choir served the monarchy until its demise at the beginning of the first World War. The last Imperial Chaplain, Monsignor Josef Schnitt reestablished the Boys Choir in 1924 as a private institution. To earn money, the choir began to perform outside the Imperial Chapel. Even though they are a not-for-profit organization, the rising costs of educating the choristers from a very young age as well as providing music required establishing the Verein Wiener Sängerknaben necessary. The choir sings high mass every Sunday morning (Sep-Jun) at the Hofburgkapelle (Imperial Chapel) in the Imperial Palace, and appears regularly at evening concerts in the Musikverein.  
  • 3 MuTh (Musik und Theater), Obere Augartenstrasse 1E, Leopoldstadt (U2 Taborstraße), tickets@muth.at. Box office: M-F 16:00-18:00, and 1hr before the start of a performance. A concert hall and multi-purpose auditorium for the Vienna Boys Choir, opened in 2012. A calendar of upcoming events is published here; tickets can be purchased at the door or online.  
• 4 Kino wie noch nie (Filmarchiv Austria), Obera Augartenstraße 1, Leopoldstadt (next to MuTh; U2 Taborstraße), ☏ +43 800 808 133, reservierung@kinowienochnie.at. An open-air film festival held annually from the beginning of July until mid-August, this festival hosted by the Filmarchiv Austria screens independent international films. Pre-purchased tickets can be picked up at the concerge at 19:30 before the screening. €8 (adults), €6 (seniors/students), €55 (block of 10 tickets). 
• 5 Messe Wien (U2 Messe/Prater or Krieau).

  Run by Reed Exhibitions, who operate fairgrounds throughout Austria, Vienna's fairgrounds are not as known for major events as the ones in Frankfurt, Munich or Hannover, but still play host to many events important to the Austrian, Central European and German-speaking markets. The fairgrounds were completely reconstructed at the turn of the millennium and a new rotunda with a part of the historic Messeturm lattice tower placed on top was built at the main entrance, providing a beacon visible from afar.

  The fairgrounds are quite large, with four main halls, a congress centre and three entrances, close to U-Bahn stations Messe/Prater and Krieau on the U2. If there is an interesting event there, this may serve as a rainy-day alternative for the Prater amusement park. Most events happen January through May and October/November. Check the calendar if the event is of interest and open to the public.

   
• 6 Ernst-Happel-Stadion (Praterstadion), 2., Meiereistraße 7 (U2 Stadion), ☏ +43 1 728 08 54, info@wienersportstaetten.at. Austria's biggest stadium (capacity 50.000) is frequently hosting major sports events like soccer (Austrian National Squad; Rapid Wien; Euro League and Champions League), track-and-fields, as well as the occasional concert (e.g. Bon Jovi, Helene Fischer). Vast training compound adjacent. (updated May 2016)

Buy

The tree-lined Praterstrasse is great for a walk

Main shopping streets

• 1 Taborstraße, Leopoldstadt (runs from Schwedenplatz through the district several kilometers, U2 Taborstraße, tram 2 runs its length). It offers a mix of Jewish and ethnic businesses as well as plenty of quirky independent shops, galleries and spaces in the side streets and a few streets directly parallel to it. As you get further away from the canal there are more ethnic businesses, like African wig shops.  
• Praterstraße, Leopoldstadt (runs through the Leopoldstadt from the Danube Canal at the Innere Stadt near Schwedenplatz to Praterstern; U1 Nestroyplatz, U1/U2/S Praterstern). There are plenty of interesting buildings and many cafes and local business located along this green boulevard.  
• 2 Wallensteinstraße, Brigettenau (U4 Friedesbrücke). Has been revitalized through a project called Lebendige (lively). There are lots of local shops along this street including some very impressive facades and open squares. Businesses reflect the diversity that a recent influx of Turkish immigrants has brought to the area also acclaimed restaurants can be found here.  

Marketplaces

Karmelitermarkt

• 3 Karmelitermarkt (Markt im Werd), Im Werd / Haidgasse / Leopoldsgasse / Krummbaumgasse (U2 Taborstraße). Market M-F 06:00-19:30, Sa 06:00-17:00; dining M-Sa 06:00-23:00. Closed Su and public holidays. This traditional fruits and vegetable market is the heart of the trendy, hip Karmeliterviertel neighbourhood. There are still some classic shops (including a horsemeat-butcher), but most of the stalls now house trendy restaurants and delicatessens. A fleamarket is here every Wednesday, and a farmers' market every Saturday. (updated May 2016)
• 4 Volkertmarkt, Volkertplatz (Streetcar 2 or 5 Am Tabor). Market M-F 06:00-19:30, Sa 06:00-17:00; dining M-Sa 06:00-23:00. Closed Su and public holidays. Yet still more basic and down to earth compared to the nearby Karmelitermarkt, the heart of the Volkertviertel neighbourhood is developing rapidly into hipster-land. (updated May 2016)
• 5 Hannovermarkt, Hannovergasse 20 (Streetcar 33 Brigittaplatz, 31 Gerhardusgasse, 5 Wallensteinplatz). Market M-F 06:00-19:30, Sa 06:00-17:00; dining M-Sa 06:00-23:00; closed Su and public holidays. When looking for a real food market, check out the Hannovermarkt. It has many stalls for fruit, vegetables, meat and fish – mostly run by migrants – and the purist will not be bothered by hipster-cafés. (updated May 2016)
• 6 Vorgartenmarkt, Ennsgasse 10 (U1 Vorgartenstraße). Market M-F 06:00-19:30, Sa 06:00-17:00; dining M-Sa 06:00-23:00. Closed Su and public holidays. With many food stalls selling also organic produce, one can find some nice cafés as well as a coffee speciality store. (updated May 2016)

Specific establishments

Hand painting porcelain at the Porzellanmanufaktur Augarten

• 7 Porzellanmanufaktur Augarten (Augarten Porcelain Factory), Obere Augartenstraße 1, Leopoldstadt, ☏ +43 1 512 14 94, fax: +32 1 512 94 92-75, wien2@augarten.at. M-Sa 10:00-18:00; tours M-F 10:15, 11:30 (reservations not required). Established in 1718, this is the second-oldest porcelain factory in Europe. Even today the porcelain is still hand-painted. There is a museum onsite, as well as a gift shop, and tours of the manufacturing process are offered twice daily. €12 (adults), €10 (seniors/students), €6 (students w/class).  
• 8 Kexfabrik, Dr. Natterergasse 6 (U2 Stadion), ☏ +43 1 729 17 17, office@kexfabrik.at. Sa 10:00-16:00. Sells more than 700 different forms to produce "Kekse". 
• 9 Del Fabro GmbH (Getränkehandel Del Fabro), Nordwestbahnstr. 10, Brigittenau, ☏ +43 1 330 22 00 33, getraenke@delfabro.at. M-F 07:30-17:00. The shop sells all kinds of alcoholic drinks including many Italian red wines. 
• 10 Maß-Greißlerei Lunzer, Heinestraße 35, Leopoldstadt, info@mass-greisslerei.at. M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 09:00-18:00. Sells various organic food while making sure that the bulk is not plastic wrapped but convenient for the buyer. 
• 11 Bäckerei Fadak, Otmargasse 36, Brigittenau (5, 31, 33 Wallensteinplatz), ☏ +43 1 9582150. M-Sa 08:00-19:00. Recommended is the "Vollkorn-Fladenbrot". 
• 12 Millennium City, Handelskai 94-96, Brigittenau (U6/S Handelskai), ☏ +43 1 24000-1000, office@millennium-city.at. M-W 09:00-19:00, Th 09:00-20:00, F 09:00-19:00, Sa 09:00-18:00. A medium-sized shopping mall located at the base of the Millennium Tower. 
• 13 Stadion Center, Olympiaplatz 2, Leopoldstadt (U2 Stadion), ☏ +43 1 726 51 29, fax: +43 726 51 29 299, info@stadioncenter.at. M-W 09:00-19:00, Th-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 09:00-18:00. A new small mall in Leopoldstadt with several lower-end clothing stores. 

Eat

Stelze and beer at the Schweizerhaus (see listing below in 'Drink')

Budget

• 1 Pizza Mari, Leopoldsgasse 23a, Leopoldstadt (U2 Taborstraße), ☏ +43 676 687 4994, office@pizzamari.at. Tu-F 12:00-24:00, pizza 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-23:00; Sa 12:00-24:00, pizza 12:00-23:00; Su/holidays 12:00-23:00, pizza 12:00-22:00. A very authentic and chic napolitanian pizza parlor. Large, delicious pizzas and a range of Italian food. The wine card has interesting Austrian white wine choices. Pizzas from €6. 

Mid-range

• 2 Harvest (The Vegetarian Bistro), Karmeliterplatz 1, ☏ +43 699 15 056 221, harvestbistrot@yahoo.com. M-Th 10:00-22:00, F Sa 10:00-01:00, Su 10:00-18:00. Vegan and vegetarian café serving good food. One can choose between interesting regional and international beers and wines. Lunch menu €9. 
• 3 Lusthaus, Freudenau 254, Leopoldstadt (at the end of the Prater Hauptallee), ☏ +43 1 728 95 65, fax: +43 1 253 303 313 17, office@lusthaus-wien.at. Oct-Apr: Th-Tu 12:00-18:00; May-Sep: M Tu Th F 12:00-23:00, Sa Su holidays 12:00-18:00. Built in 1784 as a lodge for imperial hunting parties, the unusual octagonal building has served as a restaurant since the end of the monarchy. Serves traditional Austrian fare.  
• 4 Möslinger, Stuwerstr. 14, Leopoldstadt, ☏ +43 1 728 01 95, office@gasthausmoeslinger.at. Tu-Sa 10:00-23:00, Su 10:00-15:00. This tavern serves food from the nearby Waldviertel region; specialties include carp, poppy seed cake, and beer. 
• 5 Pancho, Blumauergasse 1a, Leopoldstadt (U2 Taborstraße), ☏ +43 1 2125869, office@pancho.at. Daily 18:00-02:00; happy hour 18:00-20:00, 23:00-24:00. Decent Austro-Mex food, but come for the cocktails. 
• 6 Schöne Perle, Große Pfarrgasse 2, Leopoldstadt (in the Karmaliterviertel, U2 Taborstraße), ☏ +43 664 - 243 35 93. M-F 12:00-23:00, midday meal 12:00-18:00; Sa Su, holidays 10:00-13:00 (brunch). Contemporary Austrian and international food. Stylish yet informal restaurant with good lunch specials. English menu. Separate non-smoking section; takeout available. €7.20 (midday meal), no credit cards. 

Splurge

• 7 Restaurant Mraz Sohn, Wallensteinstraße 59, Brigittenau, ☏ +43 1 3304594, fax: +43 1 3501536, restaurant@mrazundsohn.at. M-F 19:00-24:00. Serves classic Viennese cuisine. 
• 8 Skopik & Lohn, Leopoldsgasse 17, Leopoldstadt (near the Karmaliterviertel, U2 Taborstraße), ☏ +43 1 219 89 77, office@skopikundlohn.at. Tu-Sa 18:00-01:00. A very low-key, classy yuppie restaurant. Entrées €10-20. 

Drink

Schweizerhaus

• 1 Schweizerhaus, Prater 116, Leopoldstadt (in the Prater), ☏ +43 1 7280152 0, fax: +43 1 7280152 29, info@schweizerhaus.at. 15 Mar - 31 Oct: daily 11:00-23:00. Large beer garden, some say they have the best beer in Vienna and they also offer traditional Austrian dishes at moderate prices. Also well-known for its excellent Stelze (knuckle of pork).  
• 2 Prater Dome, Riesenradplatz 7, Leopoldstadt (in the Prater amusement park, Praterstern U1, U2), ☏ +43 1 9081192900. Austria's largest club. Come dressed like euro-trash to get in. Thursday is ladies' night with free entry and drinks. Popular with the young conservative working class. 
• 3 Bricks, Taborstraße 38, Leopoldstadt (Taborstraße U2), ☏ +43 1 216 37 01, webmaster@bricks.co.at. Daily 20:00-04:00. A small bar with a DJ and dance floor. It is a very local place and the crowd is an array of people of all ages from the neighborhood. 
• 4 Fluc und Fluc Wanne, Praterstern 5, Leopoldstadt (between the Prater Park and Praterstern Station, U1, U2). An upstairs bar and its downstairs club-like half Fluc Wanne (meaning tub). Most of the club is underground in an former underpass, so do not miss it. More alternative with very diverse DJs and bands. 
• 5 Pratersauna, Waldsteingartenstraße 135, Leopoldstadt. Vienna's edgiest hot-spot club located well inside the Prater amusement park, it can be hard to find. Ask directions or take a cab. The club is a former sauna normally with a pool and sauna area depending on the current configuration. There are several dance floors, an outdoor area and a dark room. 
• 6 Café Potyka, Schmelzgasse 3 (U1 Nextroyplatz), ☏ +43 1 2120150, office@cafepotyka.at. Tu-F 09:00-24:00, Sa 10:00-24:00, Su 10:00-17:00. This modern Viennese café has seats from the 1960s and serves well brewed Naber coffee. 
• 7 Schank zum Reichsapfel, Karmeliterplatz 3, Leopoldstadt (2 Karmeliterplatz), ☏ +43 1 212 25 79, schank@zumreichsapfel.at. M–Sa 16:00–24:00. This Vienna Heurigen serves both excellent wines, native juices, Murauer beer and cold specialities from the Schneeberg or Carinthian Gailtal. 

Party on the riverbank

• Left Bank of the Donaukanal, Riverbank between Augartenbrücke and Franzensbrücke (Schottenring and Schwedenplatz metro stations). During the warm season, the riverbank gets incredibly lively in the evenings. Find a wide range of bars with artificial beaches serving cocktails, among them the very trendy Adria or Tel Aviv Beach. Or get some drinks from a supermarket and enjoy the party on low budget. Sit next to the river and impressive graffiti and enjoy a drink or two in the evening sun. (updated May 2016)

Sleep

The Schwedenbrücke over the Donaukanal at night, with the Sofitel on the left

Sofitel Wien, designed by Jean Nouvel

Budget

• 1 AllYouNeed Hotel Vienna2***, Große Schiffgasse 12, Leopoldstadt, ☏ +43 1 212 16 68, fax: +43 1 218 34 71, vienna2@allyouneedhotels.at. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. The 3-star seasonal hotel is open from 1 July to 30 September and has 122 non-smoking rooms en-suite with hairdryer, flat TV with satellite access and free internet, 2 handicapped-accessible rooms, garden, lift, lobby with seating, garage (extra charge), drinks and snacks machine, breakfast buffet, luggage storage, concierge service. 
• 2 Motel One Wien Prater, U2 Messe-Prater. Situated on a corner plot between the Prater park and the Messe Wien trade fair grounds, the Motel One is a chain hotel focusing on inexpensive accommodation in pleasant, modern settings. Expect the familiar brown-and-blue theme and small but functional rooms. Some rooms have views of the Riesenrad, but as the hotel does not differentiate between its rooms, you have to negotitate with the front desk to get one. The hotel only opened in December 2013, so it is relatively new amongst Vienna's hotels. €71, breakfast €7,50. 
• 3 ibis Wien Messe, U1 Vorgartenstrasse, the Praterstern train station within 300 m walk. Despite the name, the ibis Wien Messe is not really closer to the Messe than the Suite Novotel next door, and it is rather on the wide Lasallestrasse affording good connections to the Innere Stadt and Donaustadt. It is a rather modern ibis with a nice restaurant and typical ibis rooms. €69, breakfast €11. 
• 4 ibis budget Wien Messe, Lassallestraße 7. The ibis budget is the ultra-low-cost version of the ibis just next door. This is a newly-built hotel rather than a converted Etap Hotel, so it features the new-style green rooms, with a shower cabin directly accessible from the room and the sink right in the room. Rooms are 15 sqm and can accommodate up to three people (third in the bunk bed), and come with free WiFi but no breakfast. €45. 

Mid-range

• 5 Austria Classic Hotel Wien, Praterstrasse 72, Leopoldstadt, ☏ +43 1 211 30-0, fax: +43 1 211 30-72, info@classic-hotelwien.at. Formerly the Hotel Nordbahn, this is a good, friendly hotel and also the birthplace of Max Steiner, perhaps the most legendary of the pioneer film composers. The hotel offers 81 non-smoking rooms, all with shower or bath and WC, hairdryer, telephone, cable-TV with flat screen, radio, safety deposit box, minibar and free of charge WLAN, a small workout gym and a business-meeting room, breakfast buffet until 11:00. Most of the rooms are facing the quiet courtyard. €139+.  
• 6 Hotel Stefanie, Taborstrasse 12. Hotel Stefanie boasts to be the oldest hotel in Vienna, in operation for over 400 years. It features classic vienesse style, relatively small rooms of irregular shapes (most with view of a small courtyard) and sumptous breakfasts. Expect classic vienesse hospitality, with a hint of pride, rather than modern comforts.
  There is a tram stop in front of the hotel and a church next door, so it is not exactly the quietest hotel in Vienna.  
• 7 Novotel Wien City, Aspernbrückengasse 1. The Novotel is in a historic building with a modern, glazed extension on top, so it is hard to miss. Inside you will find typical Novotel rooms in the chain's older standard. Rooms that face the inner courtyard have not much of a view Otherwise there isn't much to be said about this hotel that would not apply to other Novotels. 
• 8 Suite Novotel Wien City (formerly "Wien Messe"), Radingerstrasse 2 (U1 Vorgartenstrasse). Not to be confused with the regular Novotel in the same district, the Suite Novotel offers fully furnished apartments with a mini-kitchenette suitable for longer stays. It is located on the district's main thoroughfare, the Lasallestrasse linking the Innere Stadt with the east bank of the Donau, next door to ibis and ibis budget, although the official address is that of a side street. This is one of the older-style Suite Novotels, with somewhat outdated decor. €99, breakfast €17. 
• 9 Courtyard by Marriott Wien Messe/Prater, Trabrennstraße 4 (U2 Krieau). The addition of "Prater" to the hotel's name may be a bit confusing, as the hotel is at the southern end of the Messe Wien trade fair grounds, far away from the Prater funfair. It is also far away from pretty much everything but the Messe. Otherwise, the location is pleasant, over an artificial pond in a new block of modern buildings on the fairgrounds' edge. €99, breakfast €20. 
• 10 Mercure Wien City, Hollandstraße 3 (Tram lines 1 and 2, stop Salztorbrucke across the Donaukanal). The Mercure is in the northwestern part of Leopoldstadt, in an inconspicious 1970s building close to the Donaukanal. The Superior and Privilege rooms are nice and modern, while the Standard rooms are garish with liberal use of red paint, so you will probably want to splurge on the €10 rate difference. WiFi is free throughout the hotel. €89, breakfast €17. 

Splurge

• 11 Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom, Praterstrasse 1. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00.

  The spectacular Sofitel, towering over the Donaukanal is one of the few tall buildings with direct view of the Innere Stadt and the towers of Stephansdom. Designed by the famed architect Jean Nouvel, it became a landmark itself, especially for the spectacular painted and lit ceilings over the 5th and top floors. The glazed Le Loft restaurant is visible from afar in the night and offers brilliant views throughout the days and nights so much that it is hard to get a table on most evenings.

  Other facilities include a spa and fitness centre and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is non-smoking throughout and accepts pets on request. Public parking €30/day.

  Doubles €220+. (updated Feb 2017)
• 12 Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront, Handelskai 269. The Hilton's name is absolutely correct, as it is the part of Vienna's waterfront. Vienna faces away from the Danube, so when staying there you are not really close to anything but the river. You do, however, get a very unusual experience for the densely built-up Vienna of staying in a waterfront hotel with relaxing terraces and even an outdoor pool. The rooms facing the river have a view of the green Donauinsel, which provides for a very non-urban experience. 

Stay Safe

This area of Vienna is very safe, even at night, and no problems should occur here at all.

The one exception to this is the Praterstern train station, which many Viennese locals tend to avoid at night. Although it gets quite shady at night and it's best to avoid it during that time, nothing should really happen to you as long as you have basic common sense. A police station is nearby as well. Its also wise to avoid the Prater at night.

Go next

The obvious place to go next inside of Vienna is Innere Stadt. The other possibility is to continue outside the Ring to Vienna/Outer East.