Where To Stay In Austin: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Austin is not really a city where one neighborhood fits everyone. The right place to stay can entirely change the feel of your trip. Want live music and late nights? Downtown has you covered. Prefer boutiques, tacos and that classic Austin look? Head to South Congress. East Austin brings great food, bars and a more local feel, while Zilker is the obvious choice if Barton Springs and green space sound better than another cocktail bar.

Austin also has a few surprises. The city sits along the Colorado River, now known as Lady Bird Lake within the city, and millions of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under Congress Avenue Bridge around sunset during their seasonal stay. Then there is the University of Texas, which gives parts of the city a lively college-town edge.

We’ve rounded up the best neighborhoods to stay in Austin and what each one does best. Some are busy and walkable. Others are quieter and more residential. A few are all about food. Pick the one that matches your idea of a good Austin trip, and you’ll have a much easier time deciding where to book your hotel.

 

In this travel guide:

 

Downtown

Best area for: food, nightlife, shopping

Back in 1839, surveyor Edwin Waller plotted this whole zone as a tiny 14-block settlement called Waterloo. It grew quickly once Texas made it the state capital. Modern high-rises surround those original historic roots now.

The district blends business, high-density residential towers, and endless tourism. Local tech professionals walk dogs right alongside visiting crowds. The vibe switches instantly depending on which block you stand on.

We hit the iconic spots whenever we drop in. The towering pink-granite State Capitol sits right at the head of Congress Avenue. Near sunset, thousands gather south at the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch millions of bats fly into the night sky. East Sixth Street brings non-stop party noise, while Rainey Street offers a wild strip of old bungalow bars.

When we want to recharge, we swing by Houndstooth Coffee. They pull dynamic single-origin espressos inside a bright, minimalist space. It gives us the perfect caffeine boost before we jump back into the downtown heat.

Best place to stay in Downtown Austin

The Driskill Hotel by Hyatt. Address: 604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States of America.

 

East Austin

Best area for: nightlife, hipster, art

East Austin is one of those parts of the city where you notice the contrast straight away. Historic homes and longtime local businesses sit alongside new restaurants, cocktail bars and small design shops. It has changed a lot, but its roots are still easy to spot.

The area has deep African American and Mexican-American roots. East Austin became an important home for Black families during segregation, and places such as the George Washington Carver Museum still tell that story. Huston-Tillotson University, founded in the 19th century, is another important part of the neighborhood’s history.

These days, East Austin is both residential and a popular place to visit. East 6th and East 7th streets are packed with bars, restaurants, live music and independent shops. There are plenty of food trucks too. It is a good area to stay if you want something less polished than downtown, but still want to be close to the action.

Best place to stay in East Austin

ARRIVE East Austin. Address: 1813 East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702, United States of America.

 

East Cesar Chavez

Best area for: culture, history, diversity

This neighborhood started as a quiet, working-class Mexican-American enclave along the Colorado River. Today, it stands as one of the coolest pockets in the Eastern part of  Austin. It is mostly residential, but it draws huge crowds of locals and visitors daily.

Old-school family homes sit right next to vibrant wall murals, trendy cocktail spots, and art galleries. You get a real mix of deep historic roots and modern Austin energy here.

We always catch ourselves spending entire afternoons hanging out along the Lady Bird Lake Trail at the southern edge. The views of the skyline across the water are unmatched.

For food, we hit up Launderette. It is a stylish cafe built inside a converted 1960s Laundromat. Their legendary salty snack burgers and charred octopus never disappoint. It sums up the whole neighborhood vibe perfectly. Historic bones turned into something fresh, creative, and delicious.

Best place to stay in East Cesar Chavez

Heywood Hotel. Address: 1609 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702, United States of America.

 

Red River Cultural District

Best area for: nightlife, culture, hipster

The Red River Cultural District is one of the parts of Austin that feels properly alive. We noticed that pretty quickly. The area runs through downtown, but it feels less polished than some other parts of the city. There are music posters everywhere, old buildings, murals, bars and small venues packed into a few blocks.

Red River has been tied to Austin’s music scene for decades. In the 1960s, places around here helped launch the city’s psychedelic rock scene. Janis Joplin performed nearby, and the 13th Floor Elevators played one of their early shows on the street. Later, venues such as Emo’s and Stubb’s helped turn Red River into one of Austin’s best-known live music areas.

Today, this is much more of a nightlife and entertainment district than a residential neighborhood. We’d come here for a gig, a few drinks or a late dinner. The Mohawk is a good pick for live music. Stubb’s is another classic, especially if barbecue sounds good before a show. Cheer Up Charlies is worth checking out too. It has live music, DJs, drag shows and a big outdoor patio.

Best place to stay in Red River Cultural District

Hyatt House Austin. Address: 901 Neches Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States of America.

 

Zilker

Best area for: family, quiet life, parks

We spend a lot of time kicking around Zilker, easily one of the most vibrant spots in Austin. Local ice tycoon Andrew Zilker donated this massive chunk of land to the city back in the 1910s and 1930s. Today, it functions as a great mix of a relaxed residential neighborhood and a massive playground for visitors.

The main attraction is the 350-acre Zilker Metropolitan Park. It sits right next to downtown. People flock here for the famous ACL Music Festival in the fall. Year-round, we hit Barton Springs Pool inside the park. It is a massive, natural spring-fed pool that stays a refreshing 68 degrees no matter how hot Texas gets.

The surrounding streets are packed with cozy bungalows, modern homes, and incredible food spots.

Best place to stay in Zilker

The Carpenter Hotel. Address: 400 Josephine Street, Austin, TX 78704, United States of America.

 

Where travel critics stay in Austin

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Austin? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Austin.

 

Budget

Hotel The LINE.

“The LINE is big. Texan-style big. We are talking 428 rooms big. Though with Sydell’s knack for transforming spaces into landmarks of urban sophistication, it comes off as intimate and considered. The biggest selling point is location. The LINE is in the heart of downtown.” — CN Traveler.

Address: 111 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States of America.

 

Mid-range

Hotel Van Zandt.

“Just off the trendy Rainey night-life scene, Hotel Van Zandt has 319 well-appointed rooms and an enviable bar, restaurant and live-music venue in downtown Austin.” — New York Times.

Address: 605 Davis Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States of America.

 

Luxury

Heywood Hotel.

“The Heywood Hotel is Austin’s hippest boutique hotel. Set in a burgeoning section of East Austin, it offers one of my favorite stays. This modern but warm hotel, completed in 2011, started off as a 1920s bungalow. After being gutted and expanded, the hotel is an entirely new space, with just seven sparse and spacious rooms.” — Frommer’s.

Address: 1609 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702, United States of America.

 

FAQ: Austin hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Austin, or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Austin.

 

 

Best time to visit Austin

The best time to visit Austin is during spring, from March to May. During this time, you can enjoy the warm weather and explore the many outdoor attractions in the city.

You can also take advantage of the various festivals that are held during this time, such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and South by Southwest. The temperature during this time is usually mild and perfect for sightseeing.

The summer season, from June to August, is also a great time to visit Austin. During this time, the temperature is hot and humid, but there are still plenty of activities to do.

The summer months are the best time to enjoy Austin’s nightlife and visit its many live music venues. You can also visit Lady Bird Lake for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

 

Best things to do in Austin

There are numerous things to do in Austin and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Austin:

 

Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure

Cruise around Austin in style on a fat-tire electric minibike. These easy-to-ride bikes sit two people and travel at a top speed of 20mph. Price: $82. More info.

 

Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour with Hotel Pickup

Discover the wineries and rolling hills of Texas Hill Country on a full-day tour with hotel pickup from Downtown Austin or San Antonio. Explore the famous LBJ Ranch, stroll around historic Fredericksburg, and experience the magic and music of Luckenbach. Price: $109. More info.

 

Austin in a Nutshell Bike Tour

Get outfitted with your bike and helmet, then set out with your guide to see the best of Austin. Price: $65. More info.

 

More things to do in Austin

 

Deciding where to stay in Austin

In conclusion, this travel guide has covered the best areas and hotels in Austin and how to get around. Now it is up to you to decide which area suits your needs the most.

 

Top 5 areas to stay in Austin

• Downtown
• Red River Cultural District
• East Austin
• Zilker
• East Cesar Chavez

 

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Austin is important. Whether you stay in Downtown, Red River Cultural District, East Austin, Zilker or East Cesar Chavez, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Austin, Texas.

 

Austin overview

🏨 Hotel prices:	High
🛏 Budget hotel:	$145
💑 Boutique hotel:	$220
⭐ 5-star hotel:	$300
🌎 Best area for first visit:	East Austin
👪 Best area for families:	Zilker
💎 Best luxury hotel:	The Driskill
👫 Best boutique hotel:	Hotel San Jose
💰 Best cheap hotel:	Courtyard Austin by Marriott

 

More Austin tips

Check out our other guides about the best places to stay in Austin:

Recommended hotels in Austin

Boutique hotels in Austin

Luxury hotels in Austin

Cheap hotels in Austin

Sustainable hotels in Austin

Best things to do in Austin