Stay within walking distance of the Hofburg, the sprawling imperial palace complex that served as the seat of Habsburg power for over six centuries. A 20-minute walk through Vienna's most beautiful streets, or a quick metro ride.
The Hofburg is Vienna's most significant historical landmark and one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Serving as the official residence and seat of government for the Habsburg dynasty from the 13th century until 1918, the palace grew organically over more than 700 years into a vast complex encompassing 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and approximately 2,600 rooms. Today, it houses the official offices of the Austrian Federal President, making it both a historic monument and a working seat of government.
The Hofburg complex contains some of Vienna's most important museums and cultural attractions. The Imperial Apartments (Kaiserappartements) allow visitors to walk through the rooms where Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) lived and worked. The Sisi Museum, dedicated to the beloved but tragic empress, is one of Vienna's most visited attractions. The Imperial Silver Collection (Silberkammer) displays the staggering wealth of the Habsburg table culture, with thousands of pieces of porcelain, silver, and crystal.
Within the Hofburg complex, you will also find the Austrian National Library, whose State Hall (Prunksaal) is considered one of the most beautiful library halls in the world, built in the Baroque period under Emperor Charles VI. The Spanish Riding School, home to the famous Lipizzaner stallions, has its historical arena within the Hofburg grounds and offers performances, morning exercises, and guided tours. The Hofburg Chapel (Burgkapelle) hosts performances by the Vienna Boys' Choir during Sunday Mass from September through June.
The palace's surroundings are equally impressive. Heldenplatz (Heroes' Square) opens onto the Ringstrasse with views of the Parliament building and the twin Kunsthistorisches and Naturhistorisches Museums. The Volksgarten (People's Garden), attached to the Hofburg, features a beautiful rose garden and the Theseus Temple. The Burggarten on the other side houses the famous Palmenhaus (Palm House) restaurant and the Mozart memorial statue.
The Hofburg sits in the heart of Vienna's 1st district, where hotel prices are among the highest in the city. A standard hotel room within walking distance of the Hofburg typically costs 180 to 400 euros per night, and the options in that price range are often small rooms without cooking facilities. Our apartments in Leopoldstadt offer a far more affordable and spacious alternative, with the Hofburg still comfortably reachable on foot.
The 20-minute walk from our apartments to the Hofburg is one of the most pleasant urban strolls you can take in any European city. From Herminengasse, you cross the Danube Canal (perhaps pausing to admire the street art), pass through the charming streets around Concordiaplatz, and enter the Innere Stadt via the historic lanes leading to Am Hof and through to the Hofburg. Every step of this route is through attractive, safe neighborhoods filled with architectural gems.
For visitors spending several days exploring Vienna's imperial heritage, having a fully equipped apartment as your base makes a real difference. You can start your days with a home-cooked breakfast rather than expensive hotel dining, store your shopping finds, and return to rest in a spacious living area rather than a cramped hotel room. Our pet-friendly policy also means your four-legged companion can join you, which is especially nice given that the Burggarten and Volksgarten near the Hofburg are pleasant places for dogs.
Walk south from Herminengasse to the Danube Canal (4 minutes), cross the Marienbrucke or Salztorbrucke bridge into the 1st district, and continue through the historic streets via Am Hof square or Wipplingerstrasse to reach the Hofburg via Michaelerplatz. The entire route passes through beautiful, pedestrian-friendly areas. This is the recommended way to go on pleasant days.
Take the U4 from Schottenring one stop to Schwedenplatz, then walk 12 minutes through the old town to the Hofburg. Alternatively, take the U2 from Schottenring to Schottentor (one stop), walk along the Ring past the University and the Votivkirche, and reach the Hofburg from the Volksgarten side. Both routes take about 15 to 18 minutes total.
Tram line 1 runs along the Ringstrasse and stops near the Hofburg at Burgring or Heldenplatz. You can catch tram 1 at Schwedenplatz or other Ring stops. The Ringstrasse tram route itself is a scenic experience, circling Vienna's monumental boulevard.
Between our apartments and the Hofburg, you will pass through areas rich with dining options:
| Destination | Distance | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|
| Schottenring Metro (U2/U4) | 150 m | 1 min walk |
| Hofburg Palace (Michaelerplatz) | 1.6 km | 20 min walk |
| Imperial Apartments / Sisi Museum | 1.6 km | 20 min walk |
| Spanish Riding School | 1.7 km | 21 min walk |
| Austrian National Library | 1.8 km | 22 min walk |
| Heldenplatz | 1.8 km | 22 min walk |
| Volksgarten | 1.5 km | 18 min walk |
| Stephansdom | 1.2 km | 15 min walk |
Experience imperial Vienna from an affordable, fully equipped apartment. Walk to the Hofburg and the entire 1st district. From 45 euros per night.
Check Availability & Book