Landstraße

About this district

Landstraße is the quiet neighbor of the old town: stately streets around Schwarzenbergplatz, embassies behind wrought-iron fences, and in the Belvedere one of Europe's finest Baroque ensembles, home to Klimt's "The Kiss". A few corners further on it turns playful - the Hundertwasserhaus is probably the world's most photographed piece of social housing. The third district is not a place for strolling from shop to shop, but one for art, architecture and calm evenings.

For accommodation the district covers a surprising range: the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere is the modern design address with views across the city, Hotel Eurostars Embassy serves the embassy quarter in classic elegant style, Magdas Hotel on Ungargasse combines boutique character with a much-discussed social mission, and the family-run Gartenhotel Gabriel City scores with its own garden - a rarity in Vienna and a blessing for families. Prices usually sit below comparable houses in the first district, even though you are barely further from the center.

For transport the third district is a trump card: U3, U4 and the S-Bahn meet at Wien Mitte station, from where the CAT City Airport Train runs directly to the airport - arrivals and departures could hardly be easier. Trams towards the Ring round out the network. On foot you reach the old town from Stadtpark in a few minutes, and the walk down through the Belvedere gardens towards the center is a highlight in itself.

For day planning, much of it falls neatly into place: visit the Belvedere first thing in the morning, then the Hundertwasserhaus and the nearby Kunst Haus Wien make a logical walking route. Stadtpark works for a morning run, and around the Rochusmarkt you find everyday restaurants away from tourist pricing. You can easily fill two days in the third district without leaving it - and for concert or opera evenings you reach the Ring from the district's edge faster than the district number suggests.

The district is the right pick for art lovers, business travelers and anyone flying in who wants a fuss-free transfer. Peace-seekers are well served too: not much happens on the streets at night. That is also the flip side - if you want bars, trendy restaurants and buzz outside your door, the third district will feel dull, and you'll be happier in the fourth, sixth or seventh. Prices are mid-range to upscale.

Embassy quarter. You'll find 4 hotels and 2 sights here.