The state capital of Texas, Austin is home to everything from skyscrapers to cool music venues. Famous for its coffee joints and foodie hangouts, it’s also the motto of this city that just about sums it up: “Keep Austin Weird!” Hipsters and eccentrics converge in this fun city.

It’s a bigger place than you might think, however. And each district is different. Knowing where to stay in Austin is important if you want to get the most out of your trip.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to the seven best neighbourhoods in Austin. Packed with the best places to stay and coolest things to do, we have you covered.

Without further ado… let’s do this!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Austin

• Where to stay in Austin for your first time? Central Austin
• Where to stay in Austin close for everything? Downtown
• Where to stay in Austin for nightlife? Warehouse District
• Best neighborhood in Austin for families? SoCo
• Where to stay in Austin on a budget? East Cesar Chavez
• Where to stay in Austin for couples? South Austin
• Where to stay in Austin for nature lovers? Barton Creek

Where to Stay in Austin

Want to stay in the best accommodation the city has to offer? Then have a look at our top picks for the most awesome places to stay in Austin.

Austin 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Austin isn’t just one place – it’s made up of many different areas, each one with its own character, its own feel. Let’s get down to the details of what’s in store in the seven best neighbourhoods in Austin!

Neighborhood #1 – Central Austin

Best neighborhood in Austin for your first time!

• COOLEST thing to do in Central Austin – hang out along the happening Anderson Lane
• BEST place to visit in Central Austin – head on down to the Red River Cultural District

Right in the middle of the city, and close to the University of Texas, staying in Central Austin means being surrounded by all the sights and sounds it has to offer: the perfect area for your first time in Austin.

Central Austin is also located well within easy reach of the buzzing Downtown district, it’s a great place to base yourself. There’s a wide choice of restaurants for wining and dining, as well as a laid back nightlife scene. Central Austin has a little bit of something for just about everyone.

• Visit the Elizabet Ney Museum – the former home of the late sculptor; you can take a tour around her studio
• Go for dinner and drinks inside a 1920s house in the leafy Hyde Park
• Grab a craft beer at Easy Tiger Bake Shop and Beer Garden, situated along 6th Street
• Try some vintage clothing on for size at one of the many boutiques and vintage stores along Burnet Road; one particular good shop is Blue Velvet
• Tuck into some delicious Filipino food at the excellently named Be More Pacific
• And grab an amazing burger at Hopdoddy if you’re still feeling hungry

Enjoy your stay in Austin! Check out our guide for what to do in Austin while you’re there!

Best Budget Hotel in Central Austin

The Railyard Condominiums

Those on a shoestring should consider staying at The Railyard Condominiums, a top option for a budget hotel in Central Austin. It’s a cosy, homely place to stay, consisting of clean and well-kept condominiums overlooking a central courtyard pool. There’s a kitchen to use to keep costs even lower!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Central Austin

Moxy Austin

This 3-star hotel offers some great value for money in Central Austin whilst also having swanky facilities including a chic fitness center, trendy shared lounge, and tasty restaurant area. For those traveling to Austin in the warmer months, the hotel also offers a beautiful sun terrace.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Central Austin

Hotel Ella

One of the best high-end hotels in Austin, Hotel Ella is all about style. This cool hotel in Central Austin is a fabulous place to stay: it’s set in a historic building, complete with exterior columns, high ceilings, polished marble bathrooms, wooden ceilings, and more. Hotel Ella is a chic place to stay.

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Recommended reading: Looking for the best boutique hotels in Austin? Check out our 2022 insider guide!

Neighborhood #2 – Downtown

Where to stay in Austin close to everything!

• COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – walk around and explore the history of the district
• BEST place to visit in Downtown – check out the grand Austin City Hall

A big, bold and dynamic area of the city, Downtown is where everything goes down. There are rows of historic houses, theatres, museums and an incredible amount of live music venues. From quirky roadside food trucks to classy dining, it’s an epic area of Austin – not just for the food, either.

Downtown is an epic place to stay in Austin that’s close to everything. There is always something going on here amongst the impressive skyscrapers; it’s home to the State Capitol Building as well as the Frostbank Tower and Paramount Theatre. Downtown is a mix of old and new.

• Hit the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Saturdays to get your fill of fresh produce, tasty cheeses, and a whole load of food trucks
• Learn about the history of Texas (which was at one point an interpreted republic!) at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, spread across three floors
• Go for a cocktail or two at the very fancy and cool bar, Swift’s Attic
• Pop in and out of the renovated bungalows along Rainey Street – these now house cafes, eateries and boutique in a marvel of regeneration
• Grab a beer and a sausage at the aptly named Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown

Super 8 by Wyndham Austin Downtown/Capitol Area

Super 8 is, without doubt, the best budget hotel in Downtown Austin. It’s a motel style accommodation, but with clean, simple rooms that feature wooden floors and en-suite bathrooms. There’s an outdoor pool here for guests to use, as well as a tasty breakfast served up each morning.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Downtown

Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue

One of the best aspects of this hotel has to be its beautiful rooftop terrace which not only has spectacular views overlooking the city but also has a chic and luxurious design with a range of sleek but comfortable seeing options for guests to take in the incredible views of Austin.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown

The Driskill – in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt

When it comes to high-end, The Driskill really is one of the best splurge hotels in Austin – period. Built in 1886, this grandiose, historic hotel has a bar offering live music each night as well as a cafe, bakery and restaurant. The beautiful rooms here are all about contemporary luxury.

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Neighborhood #3 – Warehouse District

Where to stay in Austin for nightlife!

• COOLEST thing to do in Warehouse District – hit up the LGBTQ bars in the area
• BEST place to visit in Warehouse District – soak up the city views from the rooftop of Hangar Lounge

Austin’s Warehouse District is part of the Downtown area but is a completely different district in itself. Warehouse District is where to go if you want to spend your time dancing the night away; you really will be spoilt for choice for fun events and theme nights.

This once industrial area has developed into a thriving neighbourhood, which is not only home to places to party, but also Austin’s LGBTQ community. It’s a diverse place to enjoy shopping, nights out, or just a fabulous dinner – easily the place to stay in Austin for nightlife.

• Be amazed at the renovated warehouses in the district, home to everything from boutique shopping to interesting museums
• Learn about a little bit about the Latino history of Texas at the Mexic-Arte Museum
• Go to Speakeasy and drift away into a dreamworld of authentic prohibition-era music straight out of the roaring ’20s
• Party on down at the very fun Highland Lounge
• Catch a drag show with a drink or two at Oilcan Harry’s for a raucous, hilarious night out
• Watch some live music at The Moody Theater

Will you also visit San Antonio? Check out where we like to stay in San Antonio!

Best Budget Hotel in Warehouse District

Stay Alfred

Staying at Stay Alfred is a good option if you’re travelling to the Texas capital on a shoestring: it’s the best budget hotel in the Warehouse District, after all. Crisp, clean linens, white walls are the order of the day for these spacious apartments, which also come with kitchenettes.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Warehouse District

Kasa 2nd Street Austin

Kasa 2nd Street Austin is a stunning 4-star hotel with modern and sleek amenities fitted throughout. The hotel also has a fantastic location set in the heart of Austin, in the trendy Warehouse District, meaning it has plenty of cool cafes, restaurants, and bars on its doorstep.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Warehouse District

Hotel ZaZa Austin

This place is ideal for anybody looking for luxury in the Warehouse District. A four-star hotel with all the trimmings to go with it, Hotel ZaZa Austin has a picturesque outdoor pool with views of the city, a fashionable bar and lounge, and large, well appointed rooms. The location is also ace.

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Neighborhood #4 – SoCo

Best neighborhood in Austin for families!

• COOLEST thing to do in SoCo – admire the famous murals of the SoCo area
• BEST place to visit in SoCo – go to the amazing Big Top candy store

SoCo is an abbreviation: South Congress. Set across the river from Downtown, SoCo is a fun and funky neighbourhood that’s seen a lease of new life in recent years. It’s the perfect place for a stroll on a sunny day and has a laid back, almost festival-like feel to it.

In Austin’s best neighbourhood for families, you can expect eateries packed full with people, loads of live music and street performers, as well as trendy and bakeries where you can pick up a tasty pastry or two. A community-minded place, where you can simply spend time enjoying the colourful streets.

• Have fun watching the buskers, mime artists, living statues and the other wholesale wacky collection of street performers around town
• Go and visit the kooky and quirky souvenir, toy, gift and all around novelty shop, Monkey See, Monkey Do
• Sit on the patio of Hotel San Jose and soak up a bit of live music – good for older children or younger ones who want to boogie!
• Check out some leftfield art at Yard Dog Art Gallery
• Admire the wax creations at Sfanthor House of Wax – dedicated to creating models of monsters and other fantasy creatures from all manner of sci-fi and horror films (one for older kids!)

Best Budget Hotel in SoCo

The Carpenter Hotel Austin

Not only is The Carpenter Hotel Austin possibly the coolest hostel in Austin, but it’s also (surprisingly) the best budget hotel in SoCo. With a sleek design, chic outdoor pool area, incredibly stylish rooms and an unwavering sense of cool, it’s got to be one of the best places to stay in Austin for design lovers.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Soco

Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress

Located in the vibrant South Congress neighborhood, you will find plenty of things to do within walking distance of this hotel, including unique shops, hip eateries, cool galleries, and live music venues. The hotel also has a complimentary, made-to-order hot breakfast, which is perfect to get your morning started.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Soco

Hyatt Regency Austin

Of course, the best splurge hotel in Austin’s SoCo district is going to be part of the high-end Hyatt Regency chain. But really: it is! Expect chic, spacious rooms with skyline views, a fitness centre, a sleek pool area, a fancy restaurant, and just about everything else you could think of.

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Neighborhood #5 – East Cesar Chavez

Where to stay in Austin on a budget!

• COOLEST thing to do in East Cesar Chavez – hit up Manor Road’s cool coffee shops
• BEST place to visit in East Cesar Chavez – go to Edward Rendon Sr. Park for people-watching

One of the biggest neighbourhoods in the city, East Cesar Chavez is home to a diverse population – which always means one thing: a whole lot of delicious cuisine. There are also a ton of different activities to get involved with here.

Voted the Safest Neighbourhood in Austin in 2016, for us it’s also where to stay on a budget in Austin. It’s a great spot for affordable accommodation, cheap eats and exploring a very local, very authentic district that’s a cool mix of residential, natural, commercial, and food-based areas.

• Stroll along East 6th Street and indulge in all the tasty snacks on offer from all over the world – in just one small area!
• Tuck into a hearty all-day breakfast at Cherrywood Coffeehouse; there’s even live music here on the weekend
• Have a refreshing swim in Martin Neighbourhood Pool – a perfect respite from the summer heat
• Chill out with the kitties at Austin’s very own cat cafe, Blue Cat Cafe
• Get on down for some good old-fashioned dancing at the White Horse Honky-tonk
• Go to Thinkery Children’s Museum and embrace your inner child as you reminisce about the old school toys on sale

Best Budget Hotel in East Cesar Chavez

Stay Alfred E6

A collection of contemporary apartments, Stay Alfred E6 is a great option if you’re travelling to East Cesar Chavez, Austin on a budget. It’s clean and well maintained and comes with its very own pool. The kitchenette gives you the option to cook your own meals and keep costs down.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in East Cesar Chavez

Heywood Hotel

This accommodation option is one of the best places to stay in East Cesar Chavez. Consisting of chic apartments complete with kitchens, modern bathrooms and cool, design-led seating areas, Guild East 6th @ The Indie is run by friendly people and has a great location, too.

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Best Luxury Hotel in East Cesar Chavez

ARRIVE Austin

ARRIVE Austin offers guests a luxurious selection of room options from queen-sized rooms perfect for couples to larger rooms perfect for families and small single rooms great if you’re traveling solo. It also offers some amazing shared facilities too including a sleek terrace area, a delicious restaurant, and a sociable bar.

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Neighborhood #6 – South Austin

Best neighborhood in Austin for couples!

• COOLEST thing to do in South Austin – make your way around the stalls of South First Food Court
• BEST place to visit in South Austin – soak up local art at Austin Art Garage

South Austin is a magnetic mix of all things modern and all things vintage. It’s the area that, arguably, “keeps Austin weird.” Motto aside, it’s a friendly part of the city, home to Austin’s mainstay music venues as well as up and coming eateries.

Our choice of the best neighbourhood in Austin for couples, South Austin is perfect slotting right in like a local and wandering around the district. There’s a lot to explore here, with artisanal coffee joints, a plethora of clothing stores and boutiques. Music, food, coffee: that’s what it’s all about.

• Hit up Broken Spoke, a steak joint that’s been serving up sizzling beef in South Lamar since 1964
• Go and watch a classic movie at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, with its crazy carpets and vintage interiors
• Tuck into some sushi and sashimi at Uchi, a stylish sushi restaurant
• Snap a selfie in front of the “Greetings From Austin” mural – it’s a thing
• And whilst you’re there go to the nearby Roadhouse Relics with all its vintage signs, pop culture relics and classic Americana oddities
• Grab a cup of joe at Seventh Flag Coffeehouse – an independent coffee shop in South Austin’s Coffee District

Best Budget Hotel in South Austin

Aiden by Best Western @ Austin City Hotel

A fun, colourful place – sort of like a modern take on the humble motel – this is the best budget hotel in South Austin. Some rooms are themed on the city’s musical history, while others are simpler but still clean and contemporary. There’s also an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness centre. It’s also dog-friendly!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in South Austin

Adorable 1BR cottage

It’s not a hostel, but as a great option for those travelling in a group, renting out a whole, centrally located cottage sounds like a great idea to us. It’s got modern artwork on the walls, old pictures, a modern kitchen and even an outside decking area. Sounds great!

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Best Luxury Hotel in South Austin

Guild Lamar Union

Part of a new development, Guild Lamar Union has modern interiors, quirky furniture, pop art on the wall and minimalist style, making it a funky place to stay. With a rooftop pool, there’s a lot to eat, drink and do just on the doorstep of this luxury hotel in Austin.

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Neighborhood #7 – Barton Creek

Best neighborhood in Austin for nature lovers!

• COOLEST thing to do in Barton Creek – head out on one of the hikes in the area
• BEST place to visit in Barton Creek – go to Twin Falls and witness the surging water

For nature lovers, Barton Creek is the best neighbourhood in Austin by a long shot. Technically part of Greater Austin, it’s one of the more scenic areas of town and is actually a protected area called Barton Creek Greenbelt. The habitat is home to an array of indigenous plant life and animals, in fact.

There are a surprising amount of hikes and activities you can do in this natural haven just a stone’s throw from Austin itself. During the rainy season, the waterways around Barton Creek are fantastic for kayaking and tubing; in drier months, it’s all about biking, bouldering and rock climbing.

• Cycle along the trail the starts at Zilker Park and follow it under the shade of trees
• Push yourself to climb the Hill of Life, complete with super steep ascent (300 feet over just half a mile)
• Go for a swim at the very pretty Barton Creek itself
• Try to climb the Urban Assault, a popular spot for rock climbing
• Plunge into the very refreshing Gus Fruh – an amazing swimming hole with limestone rock wall
• Hike along the Violet Trail; it leads all the way to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

Best Budget Hotel in Barton Creek

Heart of Texas Motel

A classic motel, Heart of Texas Motel is an ideal budget place to stay in Barton Creek. Modern and looked-after, this place also boasts an outdoor pool and even its very own putting green. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a budget stay whilst you’re exploring this area of Austin.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Barton Creek

Extended Stay America Austin Southwest

This hotel has competitive prices in a sought-after neighborhood! Not only is it easy on the budget, but it’s safe, has parking (great for road trips), and even a free breakfast on offer to fuel your outdoors adventures.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Barton Creek

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin

Spacious rooms, contemporary furnishings and a whole lot of amenities await at La Quinta Inn, the best splurge hotel in Austin’s Barton Breek area. There’s a gym, a pool, jacuzzi, bar, buffet breakfast, and more! And all that with the bonus of having friendly, helpful staff on hand during your stay.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Austin?

So there you have it – all the fun, food and freedom of Austin in a nutshell. With its quirky entertainment offerings, a plethora of eating options and even some picturesque, adventurous nature to get to grips with, each neighbourhood in Austin is as varied and interesting as the next.

The Warehouse District is our choice for the best. Cool renovated spaces, a raucous, anything-goes nightlife, and selection of nightspots, the LGBTQ-friendly Warehouse District is where it’s for partying.

It’s not for everyone though. All the top places to stay in Austin have their own different perks, so you will be bound to find somewhere for you that makes your trip go with a bang.

What have we missed? Any cool neighbourhoods or things to do? Let us know in the comments below!

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