The land of schnitzel, the birthplace of Mozart, and the gateway to the Alps. Austria is one of Europe’s most enchanting countries. And luckily for all the extra broke backpackers reading this, when it comes to where to stay in Austria, it’s also one of the most reasonably priced in the region.
It’s a charming blend of historic cities, Alpine landscapes, and that cosy cafe culture that will make you want to linger well past the end of your ‘einspanner’ (a tasty espresso topped with cool whipped cream), and apple strudel.
Choosing the right town, city, or resort to visit is key here.
From the imperial palaces of Vienna to the dreamy lakeside town of Hallstatt, I’ve rounded up the five best places to visit in Austria, complete with standout accommodation recommendations to suit every traveller.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answers: Where is the Best Place to Stay in Austria?
- Vienna – Best Place to Stay in Austria for a First-Time Visit
- Innsbruck – Best Place to Stay in Austria on a Budget
- Salzburg – Best Area in Austria For Families
- Hallstatt – Best Area in Austria for Couples
- St. Anton am Arlberg – Best Area in Austria for Alpine Skiing
Map of Where to Stay in Austria
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Austria?
If planning to travel to Austria but have no clue where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll break down the best places to visit, where to stay in each and what the best things to do are.
However, if you are short on time and just want the highlights – here are my top picks for the best hotel, hostel and Airbnb in Austria:
Hotel Sans Souci Wien, Vienna | Best Hotel in Austria
Hotel San Souci Wien is the epitome of Central European regal elegance. It’s a five-star property just a short walk from the heart of Vienna, with rooms so luxurious you’ll feel like you’re staying in a royal palace.
Wrap yourself in a robe and stroll down to the spa to treat yourself to a massage and a soak in the indoor pool.
Montagu Hostel, Innsbruck | Best Hostel in Austria
As far as hostels go, this one feels suspiciously luxurious. It’s been recently refurbished with new private beds and wooden interiors, making it feel both authentically Austrian and modern – at the same time.
This hostel tends to draw in the more socially budget-conscious travellers, thanks to the underground bar that turns into a nightclub.
3-Bed Apartment with Terraces On the Lake, Hallstatt | Best Airbnb in Austria
If you’re looking for a with the most beautiful views, look no further. Set overlooking the Hallstätter See, this traditional Austrian lakeside chalet ticks all the boxes – views, history, and plenty of space to call your own.
Although it’s a 500-year-old house, it has been impeccably maintained and refurbished with all the modern amenities you might need to be as comfortable as you would in your own home.
Austria Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Austria
Vienna
Vienna is a cultural masterpiece. Every inch of this city is touched by history. It’s known as the ‘City of Music’ because it is where Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms all lived and composed their musical magic.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is an alpine city surrounded by some of the most beautiful Alpine mountains. As you might expect, it’s a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts – from hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter.
Salzburg
Visiting Salzburg is the closest I’ve come to stepping into the pages of a fairytale. It was the birthplace of Mozart, and once you see this stunning city, you’ll understand why he was so musically inspired and talented.
Hallstatt
Tucked away in the Upper Austrian Alps lies the picture-perfect town of Hallstatt. In fact, stop what you’re doing right now and do a quick Google search of this place.
St. Anton am Arlberg
St. Anton is to Austria, what Vail is to Colorado. It’s the country’s biggest ski resort, known for its huge expanse of terrain and lively apres-ski scene. Seriously, as far as winter resorts go, this one has it all.
Austria might be small in size. But don’t let that fool you – it is absolutely brimming with an incredible diversity of destinations and experiences.
Conveniently enough, it is also a part of Central Europe’s excellent rail system, which means you could jet from one part of the country to another in a matter of hours. One moment, you’re dipping fondue in the Alps; the next, you’re strolling the halls of one of Europe’s most impressive art museums.
The country’s capital, Vienna, is always worth a visit. It’s the crowning jewel of Austria and is best described in three words – cultural, elegant, and regal. The city is oozing with history, which all clicks into place once you lay eyes on the opulent Schonbrunn Palace. There are so many epic places to visit in Vienna.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Innsbruck, on the other hand, is an alpine wonderland of the Tyrol region. It’s a haven for winter sports and summer hiking trails, but instead of the small resort towns we associate with skiing, this one is a bustling city with culture, art, and a generous dose of history.
Salzburg is a Baroque city for romantics, music lovers, and film buffs. Think charming squares, interesting architecture, and a relaxed vibe that runs at a slower pace compared with the capital.
Visiting Hallstatt is pretty much like stepping into your screensaver. Jokes aside, this tiny lakeside town is beautiful no matter the season. And finally, St Anton takes the crown for housing one of Europe’s most prestigious ski resorts. Ski passes at Ski Arlberg go for under half of what you might expect to pay in the US, and here, you’ll have access to a whopping 85 lifts and cable cars. It’s pretty much an urban legend for skiers and snowboarders.
If you learned anything from the last two minutes of reading, let it be that Austria has something special to offer every type of traveller at any time of the year.
Austria’s Five Best Areas to Stay in
Let’s take a deeper dive into these five stunning places to stay in Austria with this comprehensive guide.
1. Vienna – Where to Stay in Austria for Your First Time
Like many European capitals, Vienna is a cultural masterpiece. Every inch of this city is touched by history. It’s known as the ‘City of Music’ because it is where Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms all lived and composed their musical magic. Centuries later, you can still feel the city’s creative energy.
It’s also perfect for history fans, art lovers, and anyone interested in architecture. Naturally, when it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of Baroque townhouses, boutique hotels, and even luxury palaces that you can stay in Vienna.
Artist Boutique Hotel | Best Boutique Hotel in Vienna
The Artist Boutique Hotel is exactly as it sounds. Small, intimate, and filled with art. From the elegant wallpapers to the antique touches, there is something to look at in every inch of this hotel.
Conveniently, they offer everything from double rooms to single rooms, making it a top option for solo travellers who want a change from the hostels in Vienna.
Hotel Sans Souci Wien | Most Luxurious Hotel in Vienna
Luxury emanates from the walls of this hotel. Set in a grand five-story building just minutes from the Ringstrasse high street, the rooms at Hotel San Souci Wien are all beautifully designed and decorated with art from well-known artists.
The spa and wellness centre is a big pull, with an indoor pool under crystal chandeliers and a starry sky-lit sauna.
Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna | Best Hostel in Vienna
Ideally located between Vienna city centre and the famous Schoenbrunn Palace, Hostel Ruthensteiner is the perfect place to stay in Austria’s capital for budget-conscious travellers. It’s got all the amenities you might need to live in the city but is most famous for its beautiful courtyard garden and comfortable lounges.
If you’re the type of traveller who likes to go home with more friends than souvenirs when backpacking in Vienna, this might be the spot for you!
Things to See and Do in Vienna
- Take a guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace and gardens
- Watch an orchestra performance at the Vienna Karlskirche
- Take a World War 2 historical walking tour
- Explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (Vienna Art Museum)
- Hop on the Ringstrasse tram and explore the city on foot
- Grab a schnitzel at the Naschmarkt
- Do a chocolate-making workshop at the Chocolate Museum
- Check out the Hofburg Palace and Imperial Treasury
- Experience a light show in the Votive Church
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Innsbruck – Best Place to Stay in Austria on a Budget
Innsbruck is an alpine city surrounded by some of the most beautiful Alpine mountains. As you might expect, it’s a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts – from epic Austrian hiking trails in the summer to skiing in the winter. But this isn’t your average resort town. It’s a busy city that perfectly balances the laid-back vibe of a ski resort with the rich cultural heritage of a big city.
Think of it as the gateway into the Tyrol mountainside, always there for an aperitif after a day spent in the Alps. Accommodations range from cosy chalets to modern hotels. But the best part is that there are plenty of affordable self-catering rentals to stay in Innsburk, too.
Hotel Innsbruck | Best Spa Hotel in Innsbruck
Hotel Innsbruck is the perfect mix of modern and historical. Things seem clean-cut and new, yet also oozing with stories of traditional life in the Alps.
For example, the rooms are beautifully done with wooden boarding and moody lighting. But it’s the stunning views of the surrounding mountains that really set this place apart from the rest.
Hoarachhof | Best Traditional Alpine Chalet in Innsbruck
If you’ve ever wanted to spend a vacation in a traditional Austrian chalet, this is your chance. Set in the highlands just above Innsbruck, Hoarachhof is a stunning bed-and-breakfast-style chalet with unparalleled mountain views.
Wooden interiors, curved ceilings, and timber furniture make it feel quintessentially Austrian. It’s not hard to see that the staff pay attention to all the little details around here.
Montagu Hostel | Best Hostel in Innsbruck
If you’re wondering where to stay in Austria’s Innsbruck without breaking the bank, check out Montagu Hostel. It’s got everything you might want from a hostel – clean rooms, good views, and abundant shared spaces.
If you’re in the mood for a little socializing, the hostel has its very own bar that turns into a buzzing nightclub. Can you think of a more convenient way to spend a night than going to a bar without even leaving the property?
Things to See and Do in Innsbruck
- Take the cable car to the top of the Nordkette mountains
- Visit the Swarovski Kristallwelten Crystal Museum
- Take an eBike tour around the city and surrounding mountains
- Tour the Imperial Palace and Court Church
- Hike through the Tyrolean Alps
- Walk the streets of Old Town Innsbruck on foot
- Watch athletes train at the Bergisel Ski Jump
- Go paragliding in the Stubai Valley
3. Salzburg – Best Neighborhood in Austria for Families to Stay In
Visiting Salzburg is the closest I’ve come to stepping into the pages of a fairytale. It was the birthplace of Mozart, and once you see this stunning city, you’ll understand why he was so musically inspired and talented. Aside from plenty of museums and landmarks dedicated to him and his work, Salzburg is also surrounded by some beautiful mountains that get plenty of snow over the winter months.
But as the fourth largest city in the country, it’s also got a dynamic city centre with a bustling nightlife scene. Oh, and don’t get me started on it’s history. If I had to name all the palaces and fortresses in this city, we would be here all day… there are so many incredible places to visit in Salzburg.
There are some interesting places to stay in Salzburg, ranging from family-run B&Bs to major-league luxury hotels.
B&B Villa Verde | Affordable Bed and Breakfast in Salzburg
A fifteen-minute walk from Salzburg’s Old Town, B&B Ville Verde is designed to make you feel like you’re in your own home. From the spacious rooms drenched in sunlight to the thoughtful touches like the boutique toiletries to the delicious home-cooked breakfast each morning, it’s got all the makings of home, just in the heart of the Austrian mountains.
Hotel Zum Hirschen Salzburg | Best Historic Family-Run Hotel in Salzburg
It’s hard to put a place like this into words. Each aspect of this family-run hotel is more beautiful than the next. The bespoke furniture, the unique lighting, the quirky art. Even though the interiors are brand new, each piece of furniture and art has personality and charm.
And then there’s the food. From the hand-poured cocktails to a restaurant run by an up-and-coming chef, you’ll struggle to find a better restaurant in the area.
Two-Bed Apartment with Mountain and Castle Views | Best Apartment for Digital Nomads in Salzburg
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Austria for a work away, this two-bed apartment is perfect for digital nomads. It has all the comforts of home, Wi-Fi and an ethernet connection, and plenty of spots to set up your home office in peace.
It feels spacious and private, with great views of the castle and mountains.
Things to See and Do in Salzburg
- Take a Sound of Music tour to check out the film’s different filming locations
- Explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Hop on a boat cruise along the Salzach River
- Lounge around in the Mirabell Gardens and explore the palace with a guided tour
- Attend a classical concert in the famous Marble Hall at Mirabell Palace
- Rent a bike and cycle along the Salzach River
- Take a tour of the Stiegl Brewery with a beer-tasting
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!4. Hallstatt – Best Area in Austria for Couples
Tucked away in the Upper Austrian Alps lies the picture-perfect town of Hallstatt. In fact, stop what you’re doing right now and do a quick Google search of this place. Photos don’t do it justice, but they sure do give you a bit of an idea of the sheer grandeur of the mountains and lake that make this town so damn beautiful.
It’s a quiet town with a relaxed atmosphere. Call it a village, if you will. Just about everything is within walking distance. There isn’t much nightlife, but there are plenty of great places to eat and explore in this Austrian town. It’s one of my favourite winter European destinations.
This is why I rate this as a romantic trip for two. It’s also a great jumping-off point for exploring the Dachstein Alps. No matter why you visit, Hallstatt has some gorgeous little pensions and B&Bs that will make you feel right at home in this quiet part of the country.
Pension Leopoldine | Best Traditional Austrian Pension in Hallstatt
The classic Pension Leopoldine is the perfect example of traditional Austrian hospitality. Owned by a local family, it’s more similar to a B&B than a hotel. It isn’t fancy, but it feels 100% homey.
The owners have slowly collected each piece of furniture over the years, resulting in an eclectic and authentic space that feels like staying at a good friend’s house.
Polreich Bed and Breakfast | Hotel with the Best Views in Hallstatt
The best way to describe this B&B is that it puts a modern twist on the classic Austrian style. And while its fresh wooden interiors and simple furnishings are beautiful, the most memorable part of your stay will be the views.
This B&B is practically on Lake Hallstatt. The views are so good, you could practically jump out of the window and land in the alpine lake. Yup, it’s that close to the water’s edge.
Boutiquehotel Strand Hallstatt | Top Adult-Only Hotel in Hallstatt
I bet you didn’t think you would be able to stay in a hotel so close to Lake Hallstatt. As you sit on the balcony with your morning coffee, you’ll feel a bit like you’re on a ship sailing through the calm waters. Across the lake, clear views of the surrounding Alps make this one of the most spectacular places to stay in Austria.
Three-Bed Apartment with Terraces On the Lake | Luxury Lakeside Apartment in Hallstatt
If there is one thing I can guarantee you about staying at this apartment on the lake, it’s that you’ll leave with your phone storage capped at full. Why? Well, because you’ll be snapping photos left, right, and centre of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Views aside, the historic home is well-kept, with antique touches and an enviable sun terrace overlooking the lake.
Things to See and Do in Hallstatt
- Tour the Hallstatt Salt Mines
- Take a boat cruise on the Hallstatt Lake and take as many photos as you can!
- Hike to the Dachstein Ice Caves
- Explore the World Heritage Skywalk for panoramic views
- Spend some time at the World Heritage Museum
- Rent a bike or join an eBike tour around the lake
5. St. Anton am Arlberg – Best Area in Austria for Alpine Skiing
St. Anton is to Austria, and Vail is to Colorado. It’s the country’s biggest ski resort, known for its huge expanse of terrain and lively apres-ski scene. Seriously, as far as winter resorts go, this is one of the best ski resorts in the world.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Austria’s Alps, St. Anton refers to the main village, where plenty of ski lifts and cable cars jet up into the mountains. But there are countless other smaller towns and villages around St. Anton that all connect to the same ski resort (called Arlberg Ski).
Basically, this means that if you want to visit the resort but can’t find the right place to stay in the main village, you could just as easily stay in a smaller village in the area and still access the same ski terrain.
Hotel Sonnenheim | Best Ski-In/Ski-Out Hotel in St. Anton am Arlberg
Any skier will know the luxury of staying at a ski-in/ski-out hotel. Well, Hotel Sonnenheim is one of the best in St. Anton. Not only is the hotel located steps from the ski lifts, but it also has an in-house ski pass sales point for the ultimate ski resort convenience.
Der Klostertalerhof | Family-Friendly Hotel in St. Anton am Arlberg
Located in a smaller village called Klosterle am Arlberg, a few miles from St. Anton (and within skiing range), Der Klosteralerhof is an incredible option for families. Traditionally Austrian, with simple yet comfortable suites, this hotel has double and triple rooms that can accommodate between one and four guests.
9-Bed Ski-In/Ski-Out Cabin | Best Cabin for a Big Group in St. Anton am Arlberg
St. Anton is one of the most popular places to stay in Austria with a group of friends, and with multiple-bedroom chalets like this on offer, it’s no wonder why. This stunning self-catering chalet can accommodate up to 23 people in nine rooms.
Daily housekeeping is included, as is a ski storage room with heated boot racks to dry your equipment overnight.
Things to See and Do in St. Anton am Arlberg
- Ski or snowboard the legendary Ski Arlberg slopes
- Join a guided snowshoeing tour through the Alps
- Take a cable car and enjoy lunch at a mountain-top restaurant
- Visit the St. Anton Museum to learn about the town’s skiing heritage
- Hike through the colourful meadows and mountains during summer
- Relax at the Arlberg Well.com Spa and Wellness Center
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Austria
Right then folks, do you need a few extra pointers before pulling the trigger? No worries, I’ve got you covered with this nifty lil FAQ I put together.
What To Pack For Austria
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 my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Austria
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Austria.
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.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Austria
If you take anything away from this article, let it be that there is no such thing as a bad view in Austria – just a better one waiting around the corner. It might sound cheesy, but I truly don’t think there are too many European countries that offer this level of beauty, style, and elegance at such affordable prices.
This European gem offers something for every type of traveller: the fashionista, the skier, the hiker, the coffee snob, and the spa fanatic When figuring out the best place to stay in Austria for you, consider what excites you most – history, nature, culture, or all of the above?
Each location has its own unique magic, from St. Anton’s shimmering slopeside accommodation like this Hotel Sonnenheim to Innsbruck’s laid-back Apartments like this Historic Lake View.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
