NeubauNeubau sits immediately west of Vienna’s central ring and is anchored by the large cultural complex of the MuseumsQuartier. The streets here are filled with small contemporary galleries, design shops and independent cafés rather than big tourist attractions. Mariahilfer Strasse forms a busy retail edge and side streets such as Neubaugasse and Siebensterngasse are where most of the boutiques and cafés cluster. By night the district fills with locals heading to Spittelberg’s narrow lanes and the bars around Burggasse and the MuseumsQuartier, creating a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Neubau at a Glance
Creative, design-led neighbourhood beside Vienna’s main museum quarter.
- Best for: Museums, contemporary culture and boutique shopping
- Vibe: Young, arty and slightly bohemian, creative but comfortable
- Nearest station: Volkstheater / Neubaugasse (U2/U3), a short walk to most sights
- Price level: Mid-range to upscale for hotels; cafés and bars mostly affordable ($-$$)
- To the main sights: Walking distance to the MuseumsQuartier and the Leopold Museum; quick U-Bahn into the historic centre
- Safety: Generally safe and busy; normal city precautions after dark
Who's Neubau For?
Great for:
- Art and museum lovers
- Design and boutique shoppers
- Café culture and brunch
- Young travellers who enjoy bars and live music
Maybe skip it if:
- You want grand imperial palaces and formal sightseeing
- You need a purely quiet, residential neighbourhood
Getting Your Bearings in Neubau
Neubau is the 7th district directly west of Vienna’s Innere Stadt; MuseumsQuartier and the MuseumsQuartier complex sit on its eastern edge, while Mariahilfer Strasse defines a busy southern border. The area is compact and very walkable between galleries, cafés and bars.
Plan Your Visit to Neubau
- Museum openings: Check opening days and times, some galleries close one weekday.
- Cash and cards: Cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash for small stalls.
- Market days: Visit the Lange Gasse and Mariahilf markets in the morning for best produce.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, some lanes are cobbled and narrow.
Things to Do in Neubau
- MuseumsQuartier: Large cultural complex with several museums, outdoor seating and festival events, a hub for contemporary art and people-watching.
- Leopold Museum: Major collection of Austrian modern art housed in the MuseumsQuartier, well worth a focused visit.
- Kunsthalle Wien: Contemporary exhibition space with changing programmes of experimental art and commissions.
- Spittelberg: A network of narrow, cobbled lanes with small bars, craft shops and seasonal Christmas market stalls.
How to Get to Neubau
- Vienna International Airport (Schwechat): Public transport - Take the City Airport Train (CAT) or S-Bahn S7 to Wien Mitte (Landstraße), then change for the U-Bahn or tram to Neubau (total journey around 35-50 minutes; expect a small regional fare, roughly in the low single-digit euros). Taxi/ride-hail - direct taxi to Neubau takes about 25-40 minutes depending on traffic; taxi fare typically higher than public transport but straightforward.
- From the main sights: From St Stephen’s Cathedral take the U3 westbound to Volkstheater or Neubaugasse (a few minutes) or walk across to the MuseumsQuartier in 15-25 minutes, both are easy options depending on your pace.
Getting Around Neubau
- On foot: Neubau is compact and extremely walkable; most galleries, cafés and shops are within a 5-20 minute stroll of each other.
- U-Bahn and trams: The area is served by nearby U-Bahn stations (Volkstheater and Neubaugasse on U2/U3) and several tram lines, use the U-Bahn for quick trips to the inner city.
- Bike and car: City bike schemes and e-scooters work well for short hops; driving is unnecessary and parking is limited.
Where to Stay in Neubau
Neubau has a concentration of well regarded boutique hotels and some excellent mid-range choices, plus a few hostels for budget travellers. Stay on or near Neubaugasse, Burggasse or by the MuseumsQuartier for the best access to cafés, galleries and nightlife.
Luxury
- Sans Souci: Upscale boutique hotel with design-led interiors and easy access to the MuseumsQuartier.
- Altstadt: Renowned design hotel housed in a period building; central and characterful.
- 25hours Hotel: Stylish, playful hotel popular with creative travellers and close to the MuseumsQuartier.
- NH Collection Wien Zentrum: Reliable higher-end chain hotel with comfortable rooms and good transport links.
Mid-range
- Hotel Motto: Contemporary mid-range option in the neighbourhood with modern rooms.
- The Levante Parliament: Comfortable mid-range hotel with a traditional feel, within easy walking distance of the museums.
- Max Brown 7th District: Boutique mid-range hotel with a trendy interior and handy location.
- Miiro Hotel Spittelberg: Small modern hotel close to the Spittelberg lanes and local bars.
Budget
- Youth Hostel International Myrthengasse: Popular hostel option a short walk from the MuseumsQuartier with dorms and private rooms.
- Seven Vienna: Central hostel with basic, budget-friendly accommodation near Neubaugasse.
- Lindenhof: Budget hostel offering simple rooms in the heart of the district.
- Believe It Or Not: Small, affordable hostel convenient for galleries and nightlife.
Where to Eat in Neubau
Neubau is full of cafés, bakeries and casual restaurants, good for coffee, brunch and affordable dinners. Head for Neubaugasse, Burggasse and the lane network around Spittelberg; prices range from cheap cafés ($) to solid mid-range restaurants ($$). Cafés are busiest late morning to mid-afternoon, while many restaurants serve dinner into the evening.
- Wandel: Regional tapas-style dishes; mid-price ($$).
- I Carusi: Italian restaurant close to the centre; moderate price ($$).
- 7Sternbräu: Traditional Austrian and grill fare in a popular local brewpub; moderate price ($$).
- Ströck: Bakery café for quick coffee and pastries; low price ($).
- Coffee Junkie: Specialist coffee shop ideal for a morning brew; low price ($).
- Ulrich: Comfortable neighbourhood spot serving regional dishes; moderate price ($$).
- Sajado: Casual Asian spot for quick meals and sharing plates; moderate price ($$).
- L’Amour du Pain: Bakery and café for pastries and light breakfast; low price ($).
Nightlife in Neubau
Nightlife in Neubau ranges from relaxed, design-led bars to lively pubs and a few late-night clubs. Most action concentrates around Spittelberg, Burggasse and the MuseumsQuartier, bars tend to be informal and priced from $ to $$. Expect peak activity from late evening until after midnight.
- Café 7*stern: Long-running local pub popular with students and artists; casual and inexpensive.
- Der Dachboden im 25hours Hotel beim MuseumsQuartier: Rooftop bar at the 25hours Hotel with a creative crowd and museum views; mid-price.
- Das Biero: Friendly craft-beer pub, dependable for a relaxed pint; affordable.
- Soulmate Bar: Small, stylish cocktail bar favoured by locals; mid-price.
- Morgenstern: Lively pub with a local vibe, good for an informal night out.
- The Short Hall: Atmospheric pub near the MuseumsQuartier with a varied drinks list.
Shopping in Neubau
Neubau mixes independent boutiques and vintage shops with a handful of larger stores and markets. Neubaugasse and the side streets host the design and clothing shops; for department-store shopping and bargains head to Mariahilfer Strasse or nearby Gerngross. Markets along Lange Gasse are best for local produce and speciality foods.
- Gerngross: Large shopping arcade offering fashion and department-store goods.
- TK Maxx: Discount department-store chain for branded clothing and homeware.
- Woolworth: General department store for affordable basics.
- Bauernmarkt Mariahilf: Local market with fresh produce and regional stalls.
- Bio- und Spezialitätenmarkt in der Lange Gasse: Speciality and organic market for food, cheese and deli items.