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Austria’s Vienna (Wien) is not the cheapest of European cities to stay in but that does not mean you should remove it from your backpacking bucket list!
This guide to the best hostels in Vienna will not only describe what each hostel has to offer, it will also identify the most popular districts for things to do. Looking for hotels? Click to read our guide.
» Short on time? Click to book one of Vienna’s top-rated hostels
Districts in Vienna
Vienna is a city broken into districts and there are 23 in total.
The most central district is the 1st also known as Innere Stadt.
Here you will find Ringstrasse, Vienna’s Ring Road, and many of the tourist attractions such as the Vienna State Opera, Rathaus (town hall) and St Stephen’s Cathedral. During winter one of Vienna’s biggest Christmas market is set up just in front of the Rathaus.
You won’t be surprised to hear that the closer you are to the heart of Vienna, the more expensive accommodation gets.
Luckily for affordable travel lovers, the 1st District is not the only district that visitors stay in and Vienna has an awesome public transport network connecting the outer districts with the top attractions.
If you are in Vienna to hit the bars, you might want to consider booking a hostel close to the cool 7th District, Neubau.
You can work out a hostel’s district location by looking at the middle two numbers so if the code says 1020, the accommodation is in the 2nd District, Leopoldstadt.
Public Transport in Vienna
We like to burn off the strudel and sausage calories by walking in Vienna and find that the 90% best things to do are less than a 40 minutes walk away from each other.
If you prefer to take public transport, or are short on time, there is a comprehensive network of buses, trains, trams and metro in Vienna.
Uber also runs in the city and taxis are widely available. You can also pick up an e-scooter on the street (once you download the app) to get to your next destination faster.
» You may also like: our popular post on things to do in Vienna
Vienna Hostels/Wien Hostels
Unless I mention it is not available, WiFi is included in the below hostels.
Personally, I feel guests have a right to this for free.
Many of the advertised hostels in Vienna aren’t actually hostels. We have selected affordable accommodation which has private, shared dorms and some kind of social space as to us, that is what hostel travel is all about.
Wombats City Hostel Vienna, The Lounge $$ – Modern Hostel
Wombats is a popular hotel chain which has great reviews throughout Europe. They have two in Vienna, one at Naschmarkt (see below) and this hostel at Westbahnhof.
Wombats City Hostel is located on Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna’s longest shopping street and close to Westbahnhof station.
The property has an on-site bar for those looking get to get social with the occasional live band. Some guests have highlighted the lack of social events, especially on a Saturday night. Regardless, staff are said to be friendly. The hostel also has a common area lounge for chilling out in.
Rooms are quiet, clean (two awards), spacious and the best are comfy. Smartcards operate the bedroom doors and personal lockers.
Kitchen is well stocked (free pasta, tea/coffee and spices) and buffet style breakfast is worth the additional cost.
√ Pros: Modern, location, social areas.
× Cons: WiFi continually reported to be weak.
» Address: Rechte Wienzeile 35, 1040 Wien.
Wombats City Hostel Naschmarkt $$ – Top Rated on Hostelworld
The location of the Wombats City Hotel Naschmarkt is one of the best out of all the hostels in Vienna as it is close to the famous Naschmarkt.
Top attractions such as Hofburg and the Vienna State Opera are less than 25 minutes walk away.
The hostel property is clean and safe. Although it is big, guests say it is easy to make new friends and that the hostel bar prices are cheap. A free welcome drink for every guest to help lubricate and build confidence if required!
Free walking tour, free maps and for an additional fee, ‘all you can eat’ breakfast which sounds like a challenge!
The rooms are spacious and each room has its own bathroom which guests appreciate. Many mention the excellent water pressure in the showers too. Use of laundry room and lockers on site.
Kitchen use is encouraged and there are grocery stores close to the hostel.
Overall ‘no curfew, no lockout and no stupid rules’.
√ Pros: Cool layout, great place to make friends, location, all ages.
× Cons: Pricey, no nightly social events (but there is a bar).
» Address: Rechte Wienzeile 35, 1040 Wien.
Hostel Ruthensteiner $$ – Great Outdoors Area
Hostel Ruthensteiner is (friends and) family run hostel renowned for its garden and music area which includes a guitar, piano and drums.
Location wise, Hostel Ruthensteiner is set between the city (30-minute walk) and Schönbrunn Palace (30-minute walk).
Westbahnhof train station is close by, connecting guests to all of Vienna’s attractions if they decide to leave.
The hostel also has bikes for rent if you prefer to pedal to Vienna’s hotspots. Cyclists welcome, large storage area for bikes. Guests are invited to use the well-stocked communal kitchen and BBQ area. Buffet breakfast available at an additional cost.
There is also a bar on site which sells the hostel home-brewed beer. Just thirsty? Free homemade lemonade for all guests.
Spacious rooms have lockers and good plug outlets for charging electricity.
Staff couldn’t be friendlier!
√ Pros: Great atmosphere, garden area, bar.
× Cons: Some remarks about cleanliness although overall, guests say it is clean.
» Address: Robert-Hamerling-Gasse 24, 1150 Wein.
» Visiting Vienna in winter? Here’s here our guide to Vienna at Christmas
MEININGER Vienna Downtown Franz $$ – Family Friendly
If you prefer a hotel feel with a social vibe, MEININGER Vienna Downtown Franz is the right hostel.
Located in the 2nd District (Leopoldstadt), the 1st District is in walking distance.
Alternatively, Schottenring U-Bahn station is close by.
Modern rooms have lots of space and a private bathroom. One review stated that a dorm bed may be two beds next to each other which means sleeping next to a stranger.
Kitchen use available and breakfast is served as an ‘all you can eat’ for an additional charge.
This is a family and pet-friendly hostel.
There is a games room with a snooker table for those who wish to meet others.
√ Pros: Modern amenities, communal kitchen.
× Cons: Free WiFi in public zones, not clear about bedrooms. Young children on the premises.
» Address: Rembrandtstraße 21, 1020 Wien.
MEININGER also has a more central hostel based on Favoritenstrasse shopping mile. Click here for more details.
HI Hostel Wien Myrthengasse $ – Cool Area
A basic but clean HI Hostel located in the hip Myrthengasse area of Vienna.
Breakfast is included in the price making it a great budget option for Vienna.
Lots of cute cafes nearby and access to the city via public transport.
Garden courtyard, billiard room and lounge for all guests to use.
Like all HI Hostels, members receive a cheaper rate than non-members.
√ Pros: Price, cool location, bicycle storage.
× Cons: Lack of electricity points.
» Address: Myrthengasse 7, 1070 Wien.
» Get out of the city! Read our recommended Vienna day trips
A&T Holiday Hostel $$ – Women Only Floor
A&T Holiday Hostel is a big hostel with spacious rooms.
Each room has its own bathroom and the showers are said to be awesome. Lockers are available for guests.
There is a floor for women only too.
There is an on-site bar, vending machine and dining room. Breakfast is not included.
√ Pros: Showers, price, staff, elevators.
× Cons: Location, WiFi in selected areas, no kitchen.
» Address: Leibnizgasse 66, 1100 Wien.
Youth Hostel Hütteldorf $ – Vienna’s First Hostel (Cheapest)
Youth Hostel Hütteldorf is Vienna’s first ever hostel with sixty years experience under its belt.
It is located a ten-minute walk to Hutteldorf station which is twenty minutes ride to downtown.
If you prefer to be amongst nature, this hostel is right next to a forest with walking trails.
Kitchen facilities are limited to a kettle and microwave.
Social areas include a garden with outdoor table tennis and an indoor lounge with TV.
√ Pros: Parking, price.
× Cons: No kitchen with stove, location is quite far out.
» Address: Schloßberggasse 8, 1130.
Apartments in Vienna
The average price for an apartment is 120 euros however here are some rentals for as low as 45 euro. Private rooms are more affordable averaging at 68 euros but going as low as 24 euro.
Vienna Travel Essential Information
Currency
Vienna uses the Euro and you can check the best rates here.
Vienna Airport to Vienna city
The airport and the city are very well connected by train. The CAT journey takes under 20 minutes for €20 one way, here before you go.
Vienna Packing List
- In Europe, it is all about the layers. Tops with sweatshirts and cardigans.
- 1 x jeans or trousers.
- Sunglasses to hide the Schnapps eyes.
- Leave the umbrella at home, invest in a decent waterproof like my brilliant Mountain Equipment Rupal US / UK.
- 1 x comfortable waterproof boots/shoes.
- 1 x eco water bottle like the TreeTribe US / UK. It keeps hot drinks hot and cool drinks cold.
- Electrolytes US / UK for the Schnapps hangovers.
- Phone battery pack like our Anker packs US / UK.
- Camera, charger and SD card.
Final Words
Vienna is a beautiful city packed with museums, bars and palaces! Although many of the attractions are located in or near the 1st District, the efficient transport system connects all of the districts so you can save money by staying further afield but not miss out on the fun. Do tell us which Vienna hostel you book in the comments below and let us know how you enjoy Vienna.
Pin to your Vienna board for later
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