Vienna

Where to stay

Most budget hostels cluster in the 6th and 7th districts, Mariahilf and Neubau, within easy reach of Mariahilfer Strasse and several stops along the U3 line. The 2nd district, Leopoldstadt, is worth considering too. It runs along the Danube Canal, tends to be cheaper, and connects to the center quickly via the U1 at Praterstern.

Getting around

• Skip the City Airport Train from Schwechat. The S7 S-Bahn covers the same route to Wien Mitte for a fraction of the price using a standard airport-zone transit ticket.
• A 24-hour or 72-hour Wiener Linien pass covers the full U-Bahn, tram, and bus network and almost always costs less than buying single tickets, even for a half-day of sightseeing.
• The Naschmarkt flea market runs every Saturday at the Kettenbrückengasse end of the strip. Vendors start packing up by early afternoon, so arrive before noon if you want a real look around.

When to go

January and February are the quietest months with the lowest hostel rates. Prices climb and beds fill fast in July and August, and again in December when the Christmas markets draw large crowds.