10 Best Areas & Districts

The city of Austin is only a four-hour drive from where I live in Texas. Although I’m closer to Houston than Austin, the city whose slogan is “Keep It Weird” has always held a special place in my heart.

I’ve spent birthdays celebrating friends and family on the iconic 6th Street, heard live music at Austin City Limits, and eaten some of the best barbecue spots in Central Texas. Yes, stay weird Austin – you beautiful Texan unicorn.

In a city that prides itself on being at the top of music, arts, culture, inclusivity, and weirdness, there is no shortage of adventure and awe waiting for every type of traveler who chooses to stay in Austin and turn the corner into this vibrant region of the Lone Star State.

TL;DR – Our Favorite Accommodations in Austin, TX

Whether you are budget conscious, living for luxury, roughing it in the great outdoors, or traveling with your four-legged best friend, Austin is home to several of the best hotels, hostels, and rentals in Texas. Here is a list of the best accommodations and places to stay in Austin.

Areas to choose from within Austin, TX

Austin is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 11th-largest city in the United States. With a steadily growing population, it is quickly becoming a hot spot in Travis County.

For travelers and tourists looking to stay in Austin, the area has many neighborhoods to choose from when visiting. Downtown, East Austin, South Congress, Zilker, Red River Culture District, and 6th Street are among the best neighborhoods to stay in Austin.

• Best area for first-timers/tourists – Downtown Austin
• Best area for budget travelers – East Austin
• Best area for luxury travelers – Travis Heights
• Best area for safety – Hyde Park
• Best area for families – Zilker
• Best area for nightlife – Sixth Street
• Best area for culture/history – East Cesar Chavez
• Best area for shopping – SoCo
• Best area for entertainment & music – Red River Cultural District
• Best area for University of Texas students – North Loop

Where to Stay in Austin, TX

1. Downtown Austin: Best Area for First Timers/Tourists

Downtown Austin is centrally located in the city and is considered the epicenter of all that is Austin. Whether it’s the middle of the day or the middle of the night, there is always an adventure around the corner in one of the best places to stay in Austin.

During the day, visitors can check out the numerous museums, art galleries, local food trucks, tourist attractions, and historic landmarks. At night, the city becomes a blur of bars, live music, and festivities. A bustling spot in the heart of the city, Downtown Austin is an open book waiting to be explored.

Guests can experience the history of the Texas capital by walking through the doors of the many historical museums including the Bob Bullock Museum of Texas History. View the historic late 19th-century Texas State Capitol Building and spend time exploring the surrounding historical landmarks including the Texas African American History Memorial. Those with a keen eye for the arts can check out the Blanton Museum of Art, The Contemporary Austin, or the Mexic-Arte Museum in Downtown Austin.

Downtown Austin is also home to dozens of music venues, giving Austin its title as the live music capital of the world. Some of the iconic venues include Austin City Limits Live, Nutty Brown Amphitheater, Broken Spoke, and Little Longhorn Saloon. Other notable places of interest Downtown include the Paramount Theatre, Frost Bank Tower, the Willie Nelson statue, and Austin City Hall.

When considering where to lay your head down after a busy day in Austin, downtown hotels of note include the Firehouse Hostel, Fairmont Austin, Hilton Garden Inn, and JW Marriott Austin.

Fairmont Austin is a 1,048-room, 37-story hotel located in the Convention Center District. Its central location makes it the ideal spot for tourists who want to stay close to the Austin scene.

Inside, the hotel offers five restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, and a heated swimming pool. A step above Fairmont is one of the best luxury hotels — JW Marriot.

The JW Marriott is the largest JW in the United States and hosts the most spacious rooms in the city. Located on 2nd Street, JW features a rooftop retreat with private cabanas, skyline views, and a rooftop pool.

For those visiting Austin on a budget, the Firehouse Hostel is available from $47 to $140 a night. The historic hotel is located in the oldest standing fire station in Austin and offers a hidden lounge with a speakeasy feel.

So, no matter what the vibe, style, or budget, the Downtown District is hands down the best area for first-timers visiting Austin. Here, tourists can get a feel for the vibrant city in one fell swoop as it truly captures the heart and soul of Austin. Here are a few of our favorite things to see in Downtown Austin:

• Texas State Capitol Building
• Bob Bullock Museum of Texas History
• Lady Bird Lake
• Austin Children’s Museum
• ACL Live at the Moody Theater
• SFC Farmers’ Market
• Street Art Tour

 Best Accommodations

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Houston, Texas

2. East Austin: Best Area for Budget Travelers

Often considered one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Austin, East Austin is known for its eclectic spirit seen throughout its trendy shops, bustling restaurants, unique vibe, and fun culture. It is close enough to Austin Downtown but doesn’t boast a high price tag, which makes it one of the best areas to stay in Austin for those traveling on a budget.

East Austin has grown into a hot spot destination over the years. Previously thought of as the rough part of town, it has transformed into a location for great food, music, entertainment, and cool tourist attractions. This part of town is home to one of the last remaining drive-ins.

The Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In first opened in 2011. The location offers limited concessions but ordering your food or bringing a home-cooked meal is a good way to save money at this theatre.

The live music scene in East Austin is also alive with 10 different top venues including the Historic Scoot Inn, which is known as the oldest bar in Central Texas.

East Austin is also home to several quirky museums and historical museums with minimal or no entry fees including The Museum of Natural and Artificial Emphemerata, which is entirely dedicated to unconventional oddities like Marilyn Monroe’s lipstick-stained cigarette butt.

On the culinary side, East Austin offers a haven of cheap, but delicious, food trucks and gastro pubs offering everything from Asian delights, BBQ, Burgers, Cajun, and Creole to French, Mexican, Southern and vegan options.

All in all, East Austin is a haven for weirdos, counter-culture aficionados, and kids on a budget making it the perfect place to soak up Austin’s weirdness without breaking the bank. Visitors to East Austin can also stay in one of the best hotels in the area on a small budget.

The East Austin Hotel is a locally owned boutique hotel located on East 6th Street with great amenities, a delicious onsite restaurant, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool. The Native Hostel is another great choice. This luxury hostel is the first of its kind, combining the feel of staying in a luxury hotel with the typical hostel budget. Be sure to add the following spots to your East Austin itinerary:

• George Washington Carver Museum
• Pangea Lounge
• White Horse Saloon
• Austin Bouldering Project
• Sparky Pocket Park
• Austin Eats Food Tour
• Colorado River Wildlife Sanctuary
• Canopy Austin
• East Austin Murals

 Best Accommodations

3. Travis Heights: Best Place to Stay for Luxury Travel

Travis Heights is one of the most beloved neighborhoods in Austin. Sitting between Austin Downtown and South Austin, this location is a prime spot for those wanting to stay in Austin with a laid-back vibe and all the luxury amenities. It is also a hotspot for business travelers.

Location-wise, Travis Heights residents are in the central home base of Austin. It is within walking distance of the South Congress Avenue strip with local shops, dining, and live music. In the other direction is Town Lake, home to many outdoor activities.

While Travis Heights is one of the most affluent Austin neighborhoods to stay in Austin, when it comes to luxury entertainment, dining, and activities, there isn’t just one location that stands out, but several.

Some of the best luxury activities to test out in Austin include racing at one of the fastest Formula One racetracks this side of the Atlantic: the Circuit of the Americas. Here visitors can get behind the wheel of an Audi RS 3. Sure it’s a fair bit slower than an F1 car, but it’s much safer and far more comfortable! If F1 isn’t your jam, there are also NASCAR and motorcycle events that take place here too.

If a birds-eye view is on the itinerary, try out a helicopter tour with Helo Austin, but if you’d rather trade in rest for adrenaline, the Texas Wine Trail has an Access ATX VIP option that stops at 52 Texas wineries.

After a long day spent in the city or hill country, indulge in luxury culinary feats at some of the city’s best restaurants. Uchi Austin is home to James Bears award winner Tyson Cole. He serves up deliciously-crafted Asian food with a Japanese flair.

Uchi offers a 10-course om sake menu. Jeffrey’s of Austin is another staple for fine dining. This steakhouse features a 42-ounce Beeman Family Ranch porterhouse, Gulf fried oysters, and an extensive caviar menu.  

After dinner, return to one of the many most popular luxury hotels in the area. Most hotels are within a two-mile radius of Travis Heights ranging from South Congress to Downtown. Two of the best options near Travis Heights and Downtown include the Four Seasons Hotel and the vacation rental Travis Heights Modern I.

Located on San Jacinto Blvd., Four Seasons embodies luxury. The stunning rooms and suites offer lakeside views, a flat-screen tv, free parking, a swimming pool, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and in-room dining. For those with larger families, the Travis Heights Modern I is one of the best vacation homes I’ve found in Austin, Texas. Some of our favorite must-see attractions in Travis Heights include:

• Circuit of the Americas
• The Contemporary Austin -Jones Center
• Uchi Austin
• Travis Heights Art Trail
• Austin Boardwalk

 Best Accommodations

See Related: Best Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas

4. Hyde Park: Best Place to Stay for Safety

Hyde Park is a residential area tucked away behind tree-lined streets, bordering the North Loop neighborhood. As an inclusive and up-and-coming location lined with coffee shops, gyms, ice cream parlors, museums, and markets, it is one of the most enjoyable and safest places to stay in Austin. Visitors can enjoy time outside the hustle and bustle of Austin’s busy city limits.

 Austin’s Hyde Park is discovered best by bike or foot. It’s easy to find an Austin Bike Tour that guides cyclists around city streets showcasing the best landmarks, restaurants, and shops.

The Flightpath Coffeehouse is one of the oldest coffee houses in Austin. It is often frequented by college students and artists for its tranquility. Hyde Park Theatre is an arts center and hidden treasure full of actors, producers, writers, and artists.

Down the street is Hyde Park Market, a local shop with a quirky spin. Be sure to stop in The Flag Store, which sells a mix-and-match six-pack, desserts, cigars, flags, and snacks.

Yet another museum in an Austin neighborhood, the Elisabet Ney Museum is housed in the former studio of sculptor Elisabet Ney. It showcases her life and work.

Noteworthy hotels around Hyde Park include the five-star Commodore Perry Estate, Origin Hotel Austin, and Moxy Austin University. Although technically located on Red River Street, Commodore Perry Estate is a European-style resort tucked away behind 10 acres in Hyde Park. The hotel offers many luxury experiences including Mansion Wine Wednesdays, botanical drawing, and chef-prepared picnics on the grounds. To recap, our favorite spots in Hyde Park include:

• Elisabet Ney Museum
• Flightpath Coffeehouse
• Vino Vino
• Hyde Park Theatre
• Hyde Park Market
• Capital Plaza Shopping Center
• West Lake Beach
• Walking Tours

 Best Accommodations

5. Zilker: Best Place to Stay for Families

Zilker is a neighborhood Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, families with small children, and nature lovers. Often referred to as the “jewel in the heart of Austin,” it is a 351-acre park with natural spring-fed swimming pools, miles of hiking trails, and the famous Lady Bird Lake. Zilker Park boasts an unbeatable view of the Austin skyline day and night and this is why it is known as one of the best places to stay in Austin for families and nature lovers.

 To get the most out of Zilker, you’ll have to spend 99 percent of the day outdoors. Zilker Park is situated along the banks of the Colorado River and is home to just about every type of outdoor activity.

It also hosts some of the best major live music festivals that tourists from around the world come to experience including ACL, ABC Kite Festival, and the Trail of Lights – three major Austin celebrations.

The park also holds playgrounds, picnic spots, volleyball, and a hike and bike trail. The Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Gardens are two can’t-miss sights with fossilized dinosaur tracks to explore, a Japanese garden, and many outdoor exhibits.

Aside from being able to run amuck safely outdoors, Zilker is also one of the best places for children because of its educational tourist attractions. The Austin Nature and Science Center allows children to play in the sand and dig up fossils. Another fun adventure includes riding the miniature train.

When visiting in the hot summer months, Barton Springs Pool is the perfect spot to spend with families diving in the spring-fed outdoor pool, whose temperature is regulated year-round.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in the Zilker neighborhood, it all comes down to the best views and the best central location. The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is one such hotel that offers both.

This brand-spanking new hotel opened in October 2022 and is steadily gaining the love of visitors that choose to stay in Austin, Texas. With unparalleled views, luxury amenities, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool just outside of the bustle of downtown, it’s not hard to imagine how it gained favor so fast. If you’re staying in the Zilker area, be sure to check out:

• Zilker Park
• Umlauf Sculpture Garden
• Terry Black’s BBQ
• Zilker Botanical Garden
• Austin Nature and Science Center
• Lady Bird Lake
• Zilker Eagle Miniature Train
• Barton Springs Pool
• Zilker Hillside Theater
• Colorado River Bend State Park

 Best Accommodations

See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Dallas, Texas

6. Sixth Street: Best Spot for Nightlife

6th Street is one of the most iconic streets in Austin and hands down the best spot to stay in Austin for nightlife. Filled to the brim with bustling bars, live music venues, colorful restaurants, and vibrant entertainment centers no trip to Austin is complete without at least one night out on what locals call the “dirty 6th.”

Closed to through traffic Thursday through Saturday nights, the street is perfect for bar hoppers to dance the night away with more than a dozen options and genres lined from wall to wall just a short walk from each other.

Those looking for low-key bars should visit The Driskill Bar, Firehouse Lounge, and Midnight Cowboy for a low-lit speakeasy feel. A local favorite includes The Jackalope, which offers affordable drinks with a diverse crowd. Other notable club options include Maggie Mae’s, a 1978 bar with seven bars and three stages, Antone’s for the blues, and Cielo Nightclub for salsa and Latin music.

In addition to the classic bar scene, entertainment venues provide more than music but comedy, theatre, and bizarre musings. Esther’s Follies, according to the website, is a modern-day vaudeville theatre.

Shows incorporate acts of juggling, dancing, magic, and comedy. Any street in Austin also wouldn’t be complete without an eclectic museum — Museum of the Weird boasts bizarre and freaky showings.

There are a ton of hotels within a mile of 6th street and navigating which hotel is the best for you can be daunting after a long night out at the bar scene. Three of our favorites are the Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown, Omni Austin, and The Driskill – at any of those, you can’t go wrong.

The Driskill, built during the 1880s, is one of the city’s oldest, and most iconic, hotels. Built on history, but assembled with elegance, the hotel is a true timeless charm. The Driskill is also in a prime location as one of Austin’s downtown hotels just around the corner from 6th Street.

Some of the best things to see in Austin’s 6th Street District include:

• Museum of the Weird
• Iron Cactus
• Esther’s Follies
• The Hideout Theatre
• Midnight Cowboy
• The Driskill Bar
• Maggie Mae’s
• Voodoo Doughnuts

 Best Accommodations

7. East Cesar Chavez: Best Area for Culture & History

East Cesar Chavez is where the old and new come together to create an area that oozes history. Just east of the historic Rainey Street District, this is the best place to stay in Austin for culture, authenticity, and history.

This area of Austin is home to many local and family-owned restaurants and businesses. Nestled away from the main streets of Austin, East Cesar Chavez is known for holding onto its heritage and bringing life to the city’s many Latin American residents.

Some of the city’s most unique, and old, restaurants and shops reside in East Cesar Chavez. Central Machine Works, a beer hall, was converted from a 1940s machine shop that was used to build airplane parts during World War II.

The neighborhood is also home to the first cat café to open in Austin. Blue Cat serves a vegan-inspired menu. Guests can enjoy food, coffee, and tea while playing with friendly, adoptable cats.

The shops are just as distinctive as the local eateries with a host of vintage and whimsical options including Coco Coquette, a wig shop that features glittering jewels, vintage costumes, and over-the-top party dresses. The area is also home to two unique art galleries and studios called The Electric Church, a DIY venue and art studio, and the grayDUCK, a frequently rotating gallery that displays unique artistry.

East Cesar Chavez Street also houses the Austin Convention Center. The Austin Convention Center is home to the Texas Rollergirls, the state’s roller derby league and the sport’s spiritual home.

Visitors to the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood should also consider venturing to Rainey Street after the sun goes down. Born from a small neighborhood of historic bungalow-style homes, Rainey Street is now one of the best low-key strips in Austin. Often thought of as a more laid-back version of 6th Street, Rainey Street is lined with more than 20 bars and dozens of restaurants sporting happy hour and a good time. Farther away from the water, there are more shops, bars, and restaurants, plus a unique community event space called the Fair Market.

When considering where to stay on East Cesar Chavez check out the Heywood Hotel, or one of two Austin staples, ARRIVE Austin and HK Austin, which all over the basic amenities with fitness centers and free wifi. Each restaurant also has its own delicious on-site restaurant.

Searching for cool places to see in Austin’s East Cesar Chavez area? Here are our top picks:

• The Electric Church
• Cesar E. Chavez National Monument Visitor Center
• Cenote
• Tejano Walking Trails
• Fair Market
• Imagine Art
• Rainey Street Historic District Walking Tour

 Best Accommodations

See Related: Fun and Best Things to Do in Corpus Christi, Texas

8. South Congress Avenue: Best Area for Shopping

South Congress, also known as SoCo to locals, is one of the best spots for those visiting Austin for a brief time and who want to experience the best shopping, street art, restaurants, food trucks, and live music in the city. SoCo’s unique and diverse offerings make it one of the best places to stay in Austin.

Music Lane is one the newest developments in Austin, home to a diverse collection of boutiques, restaurants, and hotels; this is a great location to wine, dine and shop till you drop. Shops include jewelry stories such as Kendra Scott, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, and Oak Armstrong.

Heritage Boot Company and Allens Boots will outfit any native or non-native Texan wanting to complete the classic Lonestar State’s signature look with boots and jeans. Music Lane also includes a handful of candy parlors, gift shops, and clothing and houseware stores.

After shopping, visitors can spend the afternoon chasing some of Austin’s most iconic murals and street art or head to Congress Avenue Bridge where people come from all over to watch the world’s largest bat colony.

Other Congress Avenue activities include stopping at one of the avenue’s many bars or joining the block party that happens on the first Thursday of the month. Many stores, restaurants, and bars participate in First Thursdays on South Congress by staying open late, offering drink specials, and blaring live music.

The South Congress neighborhood is also home to some of the best hotels to stay in Austin. The neighborhood is home to the Austin Motel, South Congress Hotel, and Hotel Saint Cecilia.

It also houses some of the best boutique hotels in the city including Hotel Magdalena, which offers a 1970’s vibe. The hotel is located within walking distance of the avenue. Hotel San Jose is also a great option for those looking to spend a peaceful night in with a drink on the outdoor patios or margaritas at the outdoor swimming pool.

Need ideas for your days in South Congress? Check out these few Austin, Texas must-see attractions:

• Music Lane
• Congress Avenue Bridge
• Lonestar River Boat Bat Cruise
• Shop in SoCo
• First Thursdays

Best Accommodations

9. Red River Cultural District: Best Area for Entertainment & Music

Many neighborhoods in Austin can battle for the best area for live entertainment and live music venues. While each stay in Austin is different, there isn’t anything quite like the Red River Cultural District.

The eleven-block stretch in downtown Austin, between 4th and 15th streets, is known as the Live Musical Capital of Austin. Maintaining its rough and tough rock exterior as Austin’s music scene, the district is a place where tourists can not only see music but comedy and entertainment acts across all genres.

The Red River Cultural District is one of the best Austin neighborhoods because of its great location to see both new and big-name artists from country and rock to ’80s and EDM. To name just a few of the many stunning bars and music venues visitors can stop by some of the best include Elysium, Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlies, Swan Dive, and Empire Control Room. These varying venues offer horror-themed drag shows, outdoor stages, and rooftop patios with distinctive styles and flair.

Red River Cultural District also offers plenty of tasty food options within proximity for stray nightlife goers looking to fuel up before or after a show. Arlo’s Food Truck is a big hit offering delicious vegetarian and vegan options.

In contrast, Stubb’s BBQ is a meat-lovers paradise. Known for their satisfying fried green tomatoes and Post Oak brisket, this location also hosts a Sunday gospel brunch. Hoboken Pie offers the district’s visitors a quick and hearty pizza option.

Although known for its combination of live music and food, the Red River Cultural District does offer a glimpse of Texas history with the German-Heritage Society, a non-profit organization that shares the history of German Texans. Whatever the vibe, the Red River Cultural District is the coolest neighborhood to stay in Austin, Texas. What are the coolest spots in Red River? We think the following places are worth checking out:

• Elysium
• Mohawk
• Cheer Up Charlie
• Stubb’s BBQ
• Arlo’s Food Truck
• Hoboken Pie
• German-Heritage Society

Best Accommodations

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Lubbock, Texas

10. North Loop: Best Area for University Students

North and South Austin are often at odds with each other. While South Austin is known for its familiar catchphrase of “keeping it weird,” Northwest Austin provides more of your typical suburban atmosphere.

The North Loop, however, hosts the usual hoard of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks that are synonymous with Austin but with a more old-school and easygoing feel. The neighborhood is located just northeast of the University of Texas and is one of the best go-to spots for locals and students.

The Loop is lined with plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars catering to the typical college student which means lots of quick bites, local coffee shops, bookstores, and dive bars. One of the most popular student hangouts is Epoch Coffee, a 24/7 coffee shop serving espresso, lattes, and assorted bakery items.

Right next door to the outside area is East Side Pies, one of two pizza joints in the outdoor space. Tyson’s Tacos is another 24-hour eatery for students and staff working late nights.

As for shopping, Austin locals love thrifted vintage clothes, boots, and records. Blue Velvet, Ermine Vintage, and Room Service Vintage offer an array of clothes, shoes, jewelry, furniture, and knick-knacks dating back through the 1950s to the 80s.

To keep the vintage vibe alive and well, this street is also home to one of the few all-vinyl record stores left — Breakaway Records. Breakaway Records has thousands of selections including albums from iconic 50s, 60s, and 70s singers as well as R&B, Soul, Jazz, Punk, Rock, and more. They even sell vintage turntables.

For those not looking to take the music home with them, try visiting one of the Loop’s local dive bars or pubs. Workhorse Bar and Tigress Pub are both great options for beer on tap.

Workhorse bar offers over 30 rotating options and Tigress Pub serves up only local-Austin taps. The Barfly, a low-key dive bar, and DrinkWell, a gastropub, are also good options for cocktail lovers or those wanting to hide away and drink in peace.

Outside of coffee shops, bars, and vintage thrift stores, The Loop offers one entertainment venue. The ColdTowne Theatre is a comedy club and a massive hit among local students who need a laugh after a stressful school week. The theatre also provides improv classes.

Since the area is most frequented by locals, the hotel options within the boundaries of the North Loop fall under a modest budget and minimalist design. Hotels under $100 a night, depending on the time of year, include basic chain hotels such as Best Western Plus, Super 8, Motel 6, and Courtyard by Marriott. If you want to stay in a luxury hotel, the Commodore Perry Estate is about a five-minute drive outside of the loop. Some of our other favorite attractions in the North Loop of Austin include:

• The ColdTowne Theatre
• Breakway Records
• Epoch Coffee
• East Side Pies
• Blue Velvet
• Tyson’s Tacos
• Workhorse Bar
• Tigress Pub

Best Accommodations

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