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Where to Stay in Vienna on a Budget Trip: Best Hotels + Area
Not sure where to stay in Vienna on your first visit? I’ve been there—scrolling through hotel listings without a clue which neighbourhood actually suited my budget and plans while planning my 3 day trip to Vienna.
Vienna isn’t the cheapest city—but there are great places that balance comfort, access, and price if you know where to look.
I’ve explored Vienna by tram, metro, and foot, and stayed in a lovely district myself—so you’ll get honest suggestions based on real experience.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which Vienna district fits your travel style and budget.
Where to Stay in Vienna: Overview for Budget Travellers
Vienna is divided into 23 numbered districts, starting from District 1 – Innere Stadt, which is the historic heart of the city. But staying here comes at a cost. Even basic hotels in the city centre can set you back over €120 a night.
That’s why I created this guide—to help you choose the right neighbourhood based on your travel style and budget.
I have picked areas other than the famous Innere Stadt Leopoldstadt – The first two districts and most expensive ones which budget travellers can’t afford very likely.
In this post, I’ve focused on budget and mid-range options that I personally explored or stayed in during my own trip. Here’s how I’ve classified them:
Landstrasse in District 3
Ideal area to stay in Vienna for families
Landstrasse has a quieter, more residential feel while still being close to Belvedere Palace, Hundertwasserhaus (those colourful curved houses), and Stadtpark.
Trams and buses take major role in connecting this area to others than metro.
It’s not in the thick of tourist crowds, which makes it ideal if you’re visiting Vienna with kids or want a slower pace.
I passed through on my walks and loved the Hetzgasse’s wider roads, mix of classical plus modern architecture and quiet parks.
Accommodation here is mostly mid-range hotels and serviced apartments, being more spacious than what you’d get in the city centre.
Great if you’re staying for a few nights or want kitchen access.
Pros of staying in Landstrasse
Cons
Best Hotels in Landstrasse
Margareten in District 5
Chill local area with great access and fewer crowds
Margareten is a compact, residential district just southwest of the city centre. I walked through Margareten when I was on my way to Schonbrunn Palace, just to take a look at the historical Reinprechtsdorfer Brucke.
As an architect, I find these little bits of urban history really charming. My mum, more excited for Schonbrunn fountains and gardens, glanced at the bridge and asked, “What’s so special about this?”
It’s not overloaded with tourist attractions, which makes it a peaceful and affordable place to stay—especially if you prefer local cafés, small shops, and a more grounded Viennese experience.
The area is well connected by bus, tram, and U4 metro line, and you’re only a couple of stops away from places like Karlskirche, Naschmarkt, and Stephansplatz ( the most visited and buzzing part of Vienna)
Margareten also borders the nightlife-friendly Wieden and Mariahilf, so you get the best of both worlds.
Pros of staying in Margareten
Cons
Best Hotels in Margareten
Mariahilf in District 6
Best area to stay in Vienna on a budget
I stayed in Mariahilf, and it turned out to be the perfect spot for a mid-range budget traveller.
It’s located between Schonbrunn Palace—where I attended a late opera at 8.30PM and got back safely to my Mariahilf hotel by 10:30 PM—and Stephansplatz, which I could reach in about 10 minutes. Trams and the subway make both easily accessible.
It’s also home to Mariahilfer Strasse, the city’s main shopping street, and Westbahnhof, Vienna’s second-biggest railway station.
If you’re planning a day trip to Melk Abbey in Wachau Valley, trains leave from Westbahnhof, just a short walk away.
There’s no shortage of food joints—traditional cafés, bakeries, and even vegan-friendly spots ( There is even KFC serving veg burger!)
Many hotels here also have modern comforts like A/C—something you won’t always get in older buildings elsewhere in Vienna
Pros of staying in Mariahilf
Cons
Best Hotels in Mariahilf
Neubau in District 7
Coolest area to stay in Vienna for nightlife and hipster vibes
Neubau is Vienna’s creative hub—full of vintage shops, indie cafes, quirky museums, and casual bars where locals spend their evenings.
It’s right next to MuseumsQuartier (MQ). and also closer to one of the grandest + fun museums of Vienna “NHM”, so you’re never far from culture or cocktails.
I loved how the quiet streets would suddenly lead to hidden record stores or cosy bars.
The vibe is perfect for young travellers, solo explorers, or couples who want a lively yet authentic scene.
You’ll find boutique hotels, clean hostels, and offbeat pensions—great for stylish stays without spending too much.
Pros of staying in Neubau
Cons
Best Hotels in Neubau
Ottakring in District 16
Suitable for long stays and local vibe
Ottakring is a working-class, residential area known for being wallet-friendly and local in the best way. It’s ideal if you’re staying in Vienna for a week or more and want to feel less like a tourist and more like you live there.
You’ll still be connected—just make sure to stay near a metro or tram stop. Ottakringer Brewery is a local landmark that adds energy with street festivals and events.
It borders Vienna Woods—perfect if you want greenery or short hikes between sightseeing days.
Pros of staying in Ottakring
Cons
Best Hotels in Ottakring
Where to stay in Vienna based on your travel plans
Which district in Vienna is closest to most tourist attractions?
District 1, Innere Stadt, is packed with landmarks like Hofburg Palace and Stephansplatz. But it’s also the priciest area—budget hotels like Pension Suzanne start around €125 per night.
Best places to stay in Vienna near vineyards?
The 19th district Dobling is the best area to stay in Vienna with near to the vineyard. Apartment Vindobona is one of the most popular place for vineyard view.
Vineyard stays within Vienna are limited. For a true vineyard experience, head to Durnstein, Spitz, or Krems in the Wachau Valley, Lower Austria.
Affordable places to stay near Vienna central train station
Vienna central station is located in district 10 “Favoriten”. Most affordable yet good lodging options here are hostels like St Christopher’s Vienna – or Hotel Zeitgeist Vienna and a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof
Where to stay close to Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna
To stay close to Schonbrunn Palace on a budget, go for hotels in the Mariahilf neighbourhood, like Leonardo Hotel Westbahnof, which is just 2 km away.
Accommodation right next to Schonbrunn Palace (in District 13) is limited and often very expensive.
Staying right next to Schonbrunn Palace is expensive. The Grand Suite inside the palace can cost €2,000+.
While the cheapest nearby option—Hotel Viktoria—still costs around €220 per night.
Where to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets
Stay near the city centre (Innere Stadt, District 1) to be close to Vienna’s main Christmas markets like Rathausplatz and Stephansplatz – All these areas are expensive.
Tips to pick the right hotel and area in Vienna
Summary
FAQ
Where is best to stay in Vienna for first timers?
Stay in Mariahilf (District 6). It’s well-connected by metro, tram, and trains, and just 10 minutes from major attractions. Ideal balance of price, comfort, and access. Stay at: Leonardo Hotel Westbahnof – close to Westbahnhof, budget-friendly and comfortable.
Where to avoid staying in Vienna as a tourist?
Avoid District 13 and far-off areas like outer Donaustadt or Simmering unless you’re visiting someone. They’re far from key sights and have limited hotels or transport options.
Is it better to stay in a hotel or Airbnb in Vienna?
Stay in a hotel—many offer great location, support, and convenience. Budget hotels in areas like Mariahilf give you better value than Airbnbs near the centre.
How do tourists get around Vienna?
Tourists mostly use public transport—metro, trams, and buses and I did the same. Get a VOR travel pass for unlimited rides. It’s cheap, reliable, and covers the whole city.
Where to stay in Vienna on a budget?
Base yourself in Ottakring or Margareten—both are cheaper, safe, and connected by tram or metro. You’ll save more and still reach the centre in minutes. Try: Hotel Hadrigan (Ottakring) – simple, clean, and well linked to metro and bus.
Need more help in planning you Austria trip?
Not sure how to use Vienna’s public transport system? Here’s my simple guide with pass options, routes, and first-timer tips.
Wondering what to wear in Austria in summer? I’ve listed what I packed, what I wore—and what I wish I had.
Here’s the exact 3-day Vienna itinerary I followed with my mum—filled with budget-friendly sightseeing, food stops, and transport hacks.
