Vienna is full of wonder. With its palaces, grand streets, ample galleries and more, the Austrian capital packs a lot of culture. Each street is opulently decorated and brimming with exquisite architecture.
As you might expect, a city as prestigious as Vienna isn’t a cheap one. It’s easy to overspend here, which is why we’ve come up with some hints & tips to help you save money on your travels.
In this guide, we’ve figured out the very best cheap hostels in Vienna to give you some inspiration for where to stay on a budget. From modern hotel-style stays in the city centre to charming hostels with their own microbreweries, there’s something affordable for everyone!
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1. Overall Best Hostel in Vienna – Wombats City Hostel Vienna – The Naschmarkt
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This is definitely one of the coolest hostels in Vienna, let alone one of the best value-for-money places to stay in the city centre. This cheap hostel is part of the famous Wombats hostel chain, it’s been decked out with super stylish interiors for a real boutique aesthetic. For one thing, this Vienna hostel is situated in a historic building in the Art Nouveau style that dates back to 1910 but it’s still a modern hostel too!
Complete with its lively and welcoming atmosphere, the helpful staff here really add to the friendly vibe going on here. Travellers who opt to stay here can enjoy a cheap beer in the bar, and chill out in the guest lounge on the free wifi. It’s maybe the best hostel for solo travellers looking to meet new people.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free guided walking tours
- Nightly parties
- Drinks deals
There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen, which is stocked with free food (basics like rice and noodles, etc.), which really helps to keep travel costs low. This fact alone easily makes this place one of the best cheap hostels in Vienna, no doubt about it.
In terms of location, this hostel is situated close to the Naschmarkt – Vienna’s biggest and most visited market area. In the neighbourhood, you’ll find a whole selection of shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and bars. Vienna city centre is a short stroll away. Alternatively, you can catch Line U4 from the nearby metro station and connect with Vienna central station making it easy to reach places like the Vienna State Opera and Schönbrunn Palace.
As you can see, it’s a strong start for the cheapest hostels in Vienna. The room rate itself may seem relatively high for a hostel, but it’s a steal given its location and amenities! The free food in the kitchen is definitely a big bonus which makes it stand out as the best hostel in town for us.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Best Hostel in Vienna for Location – Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna
This family-run, award-winning hostel makes for a great place to stay in Vienna, not only for saving money but also if you want to stay in a slice of the city’s history. The historic building has plenty of charm, with renovated but traditional interiors, it’s one of the best budget hostels for sure.
This Vienna hostel has actually been going strong since 1968, so you can be sure they know a thing or two about accommodating travellers. Don’t take it from us though – they won the award for Austria’s Best Hostel in 2019 and 2020.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Outdoor terrace
- Central location
- Homesly vibe
One of the best aspects of this admittedly awesome hostel is its garden. Described by many as an “oasis in the city centre”, it’s the perfect place for a few beers (from the hostel’s very own microbrewery no less) with the other guests, so perfect for solo travellers. If you’re looking for a more homely vibe then this is the best hostel for you!
Location-wise, this budget-friendly hostel in Vienna is situated in a central location just around the corner from Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s main shopping street. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops. The Westbahnhof metro and train station is also just a stone’s throw from here, providing a quick metro ride to some of Vienna’s top sights, including Schoenbrunn Palace as well as the amazing day trips from Vienna and Vienna international airport.
This hostel is one that feels more like a homely bed-and-breakfast than a budget hostel in Vienna. The team of multilingual staff makes sure everything runs smoothly, it’s got a top location, and the actual room rate is super cheap. If you’re visiting Vienna on a budget, this one is definitely worth considering.
3. Best Hostel in Vienna for Solo Travellers – A&T Holiday Hostel
Situated inside a large hotel-type building, there’s a whole lot going on inside A&T Holiday Hostel. Its colourful artwork, brightly painted walls, and traditional furnishings make it a really cool and sociable Vienna hostel.
Rooms at this purpose-built hostel come in a selection of sizes, with simple, straightforward dorms and cosy privates to choose from. It may be a large, hotel-esque sort of place, but it’s more sociable than you may think. All in all, it’s got one of the best vibes amongst the Vienna hostels on offer.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bar & Lounge
- Vending machines
- Key card access
Situated only 500 metres from Vienna’s Reumannplatz Square, A&T Holiday Hostel is within walking distance of many sights, including St Stephen’s Cathedral. There’s also a selection of metro and bus stops close by, so you can easily discover everything Vienna has to offer. It’s around four kilometres from here to the Naschmarkt, too.
The social atmosphere makes this Vienna hostel ideal for solo travellers, but it’s great for anyone looking to save money. And, as far as budget hostels in Vienna go, it’s one of the cheaper ones out there. For a bargain place to spend a night or two in Vienna, this one’s a great option.
4.Best Hostel in Vienna for Budget Travellers – MEININGER Vienna Downtown Franz
Staying in Vienna on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style, as is proven by this modern hostel. Part of the Meininger chain of hostels, this place provides budget-friendly accommodation for a range of different travellers, from backpackers to business peeps. It’s one of the most versatile of the Vienna hostels on this list.
There’s a huge selection of room choices to opt for here, including clean, contemporary dorms and hotel-quality private rooms. We’re betting that everyone’s going to be happy with the sleeping arrangements at this place.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Games room
- Cafe
- Bicycle rental (additional fee)
Providing excellent value for money, there’s also a ton of sociable spaces to use, from the lounge lobby to the games room and chill-out area with free wifi. There’s even a happening bar for a few drinks at the end of the day. All in all, you can expect hotel-style facilities but with feel-good hostel vibes.
This affordable hostel is in Vienna’s Leopoldstadt neighbourhood (i.e. Vienna’s second district). Here you’ll be close to the River Danube while staying in the heart of the old Jewish Quarter, surrounded by green spaces and creative, artistic hangouts. There’s a metro station around a 10-minute walk from the hostel, making it easy to explore the city centre and places like Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna State Opera and get to Vienna Central Station.
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5.Best Hostel in Vienna for Families – a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof
Like Meininger, a&o is another chain of big hostel/ hotels. This hostel caters to different people – from families to solo travellers. It features a rooftop terrace and a children’s play area, pretty uncommon for Vienna hostels! You’ll also find a mix of clean communal spaces and budget-friendly beds.
There’s nothing overly luxurious about this place, but everything is very well maintained. The staff are particularly friendly and will help you plan your time in Vienna.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site bar (serving 24-hour snacks)
- Rooftop terrace
- Free Wifi
This place is by no means a party hostel, but it’s a good place to get a peaceful night’s sleep for an affordable price. And considering how expensive Vienna can be, it’s great value for money.
One of the best things about this budget hostel in Vienna is its convenient location. It’s situated very near Vienna’s central train station, which is great for trips further afield. You’ll be in the Favoriten district, which isn’t the most happening neighbourhood in Vienna. However, the nearby train station allows you to travel around the city with ease.
Cheap Hostels in Vienna FAQ
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Final Thoughts on Cheap Hostels in Vienna
Vienna is a super exciting and interesting backpacking destination in Europe, and Vienna hostels are surprisingly affordable too.
Staying in one of Vienna’s cheap hostels means your trip to the Austrian capital won’t break the bank, leaving you more cash to spend on tasty food and good times.
Staying in a budget hostel won’t mean you have to scrimp on style, though. You’re practically spoilt for choice with so many cool, contemporary and sociable hostels offering beds at low prices.
Which hostel in Vienna will you choose? Let us know in the comments!
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