Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Vienna
- Overall Best Hostel in Vienna – Wombats City Hostel Vienna
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Vienna – JO&JOE Vienna
- Best Cheap Hostel in Vienna – Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna
- Best Hostel for Couples in Vienna – A&O Wien Hauptbahnhof
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Vienna – Meininger Vienna Downtown Franz
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What to Expect from Hostels in Vienna
I’m aware that hostels are generally known for being one of the most affordable types of accommodation out there, not just in Vienna, but in practically every corner of the world. Nonetheless, the cost-effectiveness of staying at a hostel is just one of the many good reasons to consider it. What really makes Vienna’s hostels unique is the exceptional vibe and social aspect they offer. By heading to the common room, I can make new friends, share travel stories and tips, or just have a fantastic time with like-minded travellers from all around the globe – an experience that’s simply unparalleled in any other type of lodging.
Vienna’s hostel scene is genuinely one-of-a-kind. Some of the best hostels can be found in beautiful, historic buildings that truly embody Austrian culture. With Vienna being one of Europe’s most popular destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year, there’s no shortage of lodging options to choose from. If I plan on visiting during the high season, I would strongly advise booking a hostel in advance, particularly if I want to stay in proximity to the city centre and all the top thing to do. The most popular hostels in Vienna are in high demand!
Now let’s get down to brass tacks – the money and the rooms! In general, Vienna’s hostels offer three main types of accommodation: dorms, pods, and private rooms (though pods are relatively rare). Some hostels even offer sizable private rooms that can accommodate groups of friends. The general rule is straightforward: the more beds in a room, the lower the price. Naturally, I can expect to pay less for an 8-bed dorm than for a private room with a single bed. For a rough idea of Vienna’s prices, see the average figures below:
- Dorm room (mixed or female-only): $18-42 USD/night
- Private room: $68-82 USD/night
When I’m looking for Vienna hostels, I’ll find the best options on HOSTELWORLD. This platform offers you a super safe and efficient booking process. All hostels are displayed with a rating and previous guest reviews. You can also filter your personal travel needs easily and find the perfect place for you.
Vienna might not be the biggest city, but there are still quite a few charming neighbourhoods and areas that offer unique vibes. My personal tip? Make yourself familiar with the best places to visit in Vienna first. It’s important to know where you want to stay before you start your travels, so to make your life a bit easier, I’ve listed my favourites below:
Innere Stadt – this is the perfect spot for first-time visitors as it offers most of the historical sights (as the Vienna city hall) and great connections to all other areas from Vienna Central Station. (Which is by the way an awesome opportunity to embark on a new journey and discover other places and the best hostels in Europe.)
Wieden – Wieden is the first hipster area the city has known and is filled to the brim with cool vibes and an epic nightlife
Leopoldstadt – this is a great spot for families thanks to trendy cafés and great open spaces.
Now that you know what to expect from hostels in Vienna, let’s have a look at the best options…
Whether you’re spending a weekend in Vienna or the whole summer. Looking for the best Vienna youth hostel for solo travellers, a romantic Vienna hostel for couples, a top Vienna hostel for digital nomads close to Vienna Central Station, or the ultimate backpackers’ hostel for partying in Vienna – my list of the 20 best hostels in Vienna has got you covered. Believe me.
Make sure you’re well prepared by having the right travel budget before going to Vienna. Find out whether Vienna is expensive or not, and how to trick your way around a couple of expenses!
1. Wombats City Hostel Vienna – Overall Best Hostel in Vienna
My pick for the overall best hostel in Vienna, Wombats City Hostel Vienna is a sociable place to meet heaps of cool and interesting characters. There’ll be no kids running around spoiling the peace either—the hostel has a strict over-18s-only policy.
Run by travellers, for travellers, the bar keeps the cheap beer flowing, all guests get a free welcome drink, there’s a free walking tour, the affordable all-you-can-eat breakfast is a perfect start to any day, and the shared areas are pretty sick. There’s free wifi and the clean and secure hostel has self-catering facilities and a terrific location in the historic city centre within walking distance of the biggest market in Vienna.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Short walk from attractions
- Cheap drinks
- Multiple awards
It’s easy to see that this is an amazing hostel right in the city centre. A quick look at the reviews should do. With over 29.000 reviews and an incredible 9.2/10 rating, Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna might not only be the most popular place to stay in Vienna but all of Austria.
While it’s not the cheapest of the hostels in Vienna, you can be sure to get the best value possible. There are loads of freebies during your stay which makes up for the relatively average price, including free city maps, free luggage storage and free internet access.
If you’re on a tight budget, opt for the bunk beds in the charming dorm bedrooms and make some new friends with your fellow travellers. Otherwise, the private rooms are pretty epic as well. You can even book a private group room, ideal if you’re travelling with your friends.
2. JO&JOE Vienna – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Vienna
This hostel’s inside an Ikea – talk about a one-of-a-kind Vienna experience! With a bar and restaurant that serves up great vibes and a rooftop with killer city views, it’s got all the essentials. They throw events every night, so solo travellers looking to make new travel buds will fit right in here.
Dorms come with solid AC, comfy beds, and clean bathrooms. It’s one of the few hostels in Vienna with AC, which is a game-changer during those hot summer months. The common areas are super spacious, decked out with colourful walls and cool cartoons about Austria.
It’s a metro ride from the city centre, but you’re next to Westbahnhof train station, so getting around is a breeze. Plus, Lidl’s a short walk away, and there’s a kitchen for cooking up your own meals – perfect for saving those euros for the fun stuff.
3. Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna – Best Cheap Hostel in Vienna
Our winner for the best hostel in Vienna in 2022, the fab Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna has a great location close to Westbahnhof train station. It typically attracts sociable travellers who are up for plenty of fun times with new buddies. Whether you chill in the garden or jam in the music area, it’s all but impossible not to enjoy yourself here.
Share meals in the kitchen, throw some meat on the BBQ or grab a bite to eat from the onsite café-bar. Bikes can be rented for daytime explorations and you can rent a variety of tours.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Insanely good reviews
- Cute garden
- Musical instruments library
Digital Nomads will love this: There’s free wifi (and the signal reaches the rooms!) and there are computers you can use which also have free internet access. Other perks include the three hostelling “L”s: luggage storage, lockers, and laundry facilities. It’s a great all-rounder hostel that offers quite a bit of bang for your buck.
Another fact that really speaks for this hostel is the insanely good reviews. With over 12.000 reviews from previous travellers, Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna is still going super strong with an impressive 9.5/10 rating. But to be honest, if you look at what this place offers its guests, it’s really no surprise that everyone loves it!
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View on Osprey View on REI4. A&O Wien Hauptbahnhof – Best Hostel in Vienna for Couples
A classy recommended hostel in Vienna, A&O Wien Hauptbahnhof is more of a flashpackers’ pad than a budget base. Dorms can accommodate four or six, and there are separate female-only dorms too. Private rooms are also available.
Located in the heart of Vienna’s city centre, a major drawcard is the stylish SkyBar, which offers fabulous views, delicious drinks, tasty bar snacks, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Perhaps better suited to travelling couples and groups of friends, having a friendly game of pool or foosball, watching TV, and surfing the net with free wifi.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Daily newspaper
- Cheap all you can eat breakfast
- Pets allowed
If you’re not particularly keen on staying in an old, historical building, this hostel is the right one for you. As a newly built building that offers its guests plenty of modern spaces, travellers can enjoy stylish design, high-quality amenities and a young backpacker crowd.
The highlight of the a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof is to discover the buzz of a whole new hostel! Stay right in the historic city centre and enjoy all the advantages of a completely new building! You’re also pretty close to Vienna Central Station which is super convenient.
For the ones that want to explore Vienna’s small corners, head to the reception and grab a couple of insider tips from the friendly staff. They’re known to have the best hidden-gem knowledge of the city.
5. Meininger Vienna Downtown Franz – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Vienna
Meininger Vienna Downtown Franz is a calm and clean Vienna backpackers hostel close to Schottering station. My choice for the best hostel for digital nomads in Vienna, you can work at the free computers or access the free wifi on your own devices around the hostel. It’s one of the most stylish hostels in town, even your dorm room is something special. Forget bog-standard bunk beds, the pod style bed with curtains make it one of the best hostels in Vienna.
There are various peaceful spots where you can sit and work and you can get a good night’s sleep in the comfy dorms. Alternatively, if you’re a light sleeper, or need to burn the midnight oil to meet a deadline, there are also private single rooms. All work and no play can quickly get boring, though; head to the kitchen, games room, bar, or lobby for a break.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great location
- Ticket and activity desk
- Bike rental
We’d highly recommend this hostel, especially for Digital Nomads thanks to the calm atmosphere. Nothing is more annoying than having to get work done and people are constantly interrupting or irritating you. Sit down in the charming common area, co-work with your new friends and then enjoy some socialising afterwards.
Once you’re done with work, you can enjoy the charming neighbourhood with the free city maps. The MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Franz is located in lively Leopoldstadt. Here, in the former Jewish quarter and one of the town’s most popular areas, you can find ample green spaces and the Karmeliter Market with numerous stalls, cafes and restaurants that offer dishes from around the world in addition to local treats.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Vienna
Wait for it—there’s more! Here are some additional top-notch youth hostels in Vienna to really make sure you find the ideal city pad:
Are you looking to stay in a specific neighbourhood? Check out our guide to Vienna’s best areas to stay.
A&T Holiday Hostel – Another Cheap Hostel in Vienna
Maybe one of the coolest cheap hostels in Vienna, A&T Holiday Hostel is modern, colourful, and sociable. Mingle with other backpackers and make new pals in the bar, complete with a pool table and foosball. There’s no kitchen, but the café serves up a mean meal, and vending machines help to stave off midnight hunger pangs.
Besides, there are plenty of places to eat and drink close by. There are dorm rooms for four and private twin rooms. They offer female-only dorms too.
Space Homes – Best Hostel for Couples in Vienna
Space Homes is going to completely rock your world! This futuristic concept has been taken right from the wacky world of Japan and transplanted into the old world of Vienna! Wild! Here you can stay in your own intergalactic space pod complete with lockable doors, air conditioning and a safe inside.
Travelling with your partner? Each pod is big enough for two and with the changeable lighting, it offers a strangely romantic vibe! The only downside is that you probably won’t find it as easy to socialise as you won’t want to leave those amazing pods!
JO&JOE – Vienna – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Vienna
Offering incredibly easy access to public transport connections and with Vienna’s city centre just a hop, skip, and a jump away, JO&JOE – Vienna has every right to be proud of its fantastic location. A sociable top hostel in Vienna with cool facilities, play a game of pool, get travel tips and tricks from other guests in the bar, chill in the lobby, and have some light competition in the games room. There are private en suite rooms and modern pod style dorms with plenty of bathrooms—no hopping around while you wait in a queue!
A&O Wien Stadthalle
A well-equipped, modern, and comfortable Vienna backpackers hostel, A&O Wien Stadthalle has awesome members of staff, a cheap breakfast buffet where you can fill up on as much food as you can eat, free Wi-Fi, a tour desk, laundry facilities, and more.
Whether you’re staying in a dorm or private room, the lobby bar is a great place to meet other cool travellers and swap travelling tales. Perhaps you’d fancy a game of pool or foosball too? Housekeeping services and key card access make your stay that little bit sweeter.
Hostel Wien – Myrthengasse (HI)
Hostel Wien – Myrthengasse (HI) is one of the best budget hostels in Vienna. The six-bed dorms are single-gender and there are also private rooms for two. Breakfast and Wi-Fi (accessible in common areas) are free, and you can also benefit from free luggage storage on your arrival and departure days and free parking for bicycles. Do note that you’ll need to be a Hostelling International member to stay here.
Do Step Inn
Do Step Inn is a clean and cosy base in the heart of Vienna, close to the famous shopping street of Mariahilfer Strasse. Basic meals can be bought in the café-cum-bar, but the fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to cook exactly what you crave. The small bar is the hostel’s social hub, though you can also chill in the spacious lounge. Challenge your new pals to a game of pool or perhaps play gigantic chess in the courtyard. There are tons of free things too at this Vienna backpackers hostel, such as lockers, towels, city tours, Wi-Fi, and luggage storage.
Gartl Apartments and Hostel
Situated in a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle of city life yet close to public transportation links, Gartl Apartments and Hostel is an all-around top Vienna backpackers hostel for couples, friends, families, and solo travellers. There are female-only dorms as well as mixed dormitories, or you can book one of the private double rooms for more privacy at bedtime. Each dorm has its own bathroom and guests can keep their stuff in secure lockers. The peaceful interior courtyard is a pleasant place to chill.
Happy Hostel
Happy by name and happy by nature, Happy Hostel has a wide selection of private rooms of different sizes for families, friends, solo city explorers, and couples. This amazing hostel offers private bathrooms, kitchens, and other shared facilities. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with good storage space and cable TV. Wi-Fi is free and the hostel also has laundry services and luggage storage. It’s one of the best hostels in Vienna if you want somewhere chilled with your other half.
Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi
A posh place to stay in Vienna, Meininger Hotel Vienna Downtown Sissi has private apartments for one, two, three, and four, though the hostel-like facilities make it feel a bit more sociable than a sterile hotel. The apartments are sometimes rented as shared dorms too.
All rooms have a bathroom and a TV and the accommodation has free Wi-Fi, an onsite bar, a lounge with free-to-use computers, a communal kitchen, and luggage storage. Situated in the historic district of Leopoldstadt, you’ll find heaps to do right outside, though public transport links are also close.
Westend City Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Vienna
Westend City Hostel is a popular backpackers hostel in Vienna. While there are only a few options in Vienna that could truly be called party hostels, the selection of bars and clubs within walking distance of Westend City Hostel make this one of the best party hostels in Vienna.
Sure, other places may have an onsite bar, but who wants to stay in all the time?! The sociable team will point you in the right direction of the best parties around and when you come back you can sink into a cosy and comfy bed to recharge your batteries. The hostel has great amenities too including free city maps and is close to Vienna’s main shopping street. It’s one of the best hostels in Vienna for location and solo travellers.
Nest Natur Hostel – Another Cheap Hostel in Vienna
one of Vienna’s newest hostels! While it’s a bit far from the city center, the advantage is that it’s conveniently located just down the street from the train station, making it easy to reach the Vienna city centre. The staff is known for being incredibly helpful and friendly, and the hostel offers a nice and relaxing atmosphere surrounded by nature. With clean and comfortable accommodations, including mixed dorm rooms for $18 and single rooms for $35, it’s a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank. Don’t forget. We are still in Vienna.
What to Pack for your Vienna Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Vienna
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Vienna.
What are cheap hostels in Vienna?
One of the new ones to mention is the Nest Natur Hostel. Pretty cheap and surrounded by nature.
What’s the nicest hostel in Vienna?
To be honest. I really like the JO&JOE – Vienna. The interior is cool, it’s stylish and very modern. Cheapest option? Nope! But I can promise top-notch quality.
How much does a hostel cost in Vienna?
The average price of hostels in Vienna depends on the type of room. A dorm room (mixed or female-only) costs around $18-42 USD/night, while a private room costs $68-82 USD/night.
What are the best hostels in Vienna for couples?
A&O Wien Hauptbahnhof is an excellent hostel for couples in Vienna. It’s classy and conveniently located close to the Vienna Central Station.
What are the best hostels in Reykjavik near the airport?
Space Homes, a futuristic concept hostel, is 16.9 km from Vienna International Airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Vienna
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Do you know what is also beautiful? Having travel insurance…
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Austria and Europe
Hopefully, by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Vienna.
Planning an epic trip all across Austria or even Europe itself? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
Final Thoughts in the Best Hostels in Vienna
Do yourself a favour while in Vienna – grab a cappuccino, and enjoy the world pass by. Vienna will blow you away. Believe me.
Hopefully, with the help of this list of the best hostels in Vienna, you can book your hostel quickly, and focus on what matters – exploring this amazing and charming city, which I call home!
Remember, if you can’t pick one hostel, just book at Wombats City Hostel Vienna. There’s plenty to see and do at this best hostel in Vienna for a good price.
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Vienna for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Vienna covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Vienna before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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Updated July 2023
