Publication date: 22.09.23 | September 23, 2022
Austin may not be as exotic as it once was, but it's still a great city and one I'm proud to call my home. The city has changed a lot since I moved here seven years ago, especially after COVID, but it's still a great place with lots of outdoor activities, an ever-improving food and pub scene, the generosity of people doing innovative work and keeping you going. busy. To keep more.
Austin is not a big city. Most people come for a few days and you really have to get to know the place. As a visitor, I would recommend visiting a few places during your stay here.
To help you decide where to stay in Austin, I've provided information on the best neighborhoods in the city and the rooms they offer.
But before we get to that, answers to frequently asked questions about Austin:
What is the best gourmet site?
East Austin has some of the best restaurants in the city, and if you want to be close to food, you can't go wrong. Another option is South Congress Avenue, as this area is home to some of the best restaurants in the city.
What is the best area for families?
Downtown Austin has plenty of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep the kids occupied. It is also the center of everything.
What is the best area to spend time?
Located in downtown Austin, Rainey Street is bustling with nightlife and popular with weekend visitors. But if you want to go where the locals go, East Austin has some of the best bars in Austin and is packed on the weekends. Westerns are my sixth pastime in my twenties.
What are the best areas for outdoor enthusiasts?
Zilkar is not just the perfect park of the same name. It is an area with some interesting sights, including the sculpture gardens. Zilkar is all about greenery, so if you love nature, this area is for you.
What is the best area to shop?
The long strip of South Congress Avenue is full of fun shops, many of which sell good vintage items. Even if you don't feel like spending money, it's a lot of fun to walk around here.
Who is the best neighbor in general?
East Austin is the best part of the city. You will find some of the best restaurants, bars and atmosphere. This is my favorite place in the city. The second would be the Southern Congress. You can't go wrong with either.
To help you decide where to stay in Austin on your next visit, we've provided more detailed information on recommended lodging options for each area.
Overview of the Austin area
- where do you eat
- Where to stay for beginners
- Where to be outside
- Where to buy
Where to Stay in Austin Gourmet: East Austin
East Austin was a "bad neighborhood." When I first came here, there wasn't much to do in the area. But in the last decade, as the city expanded to the east, the area has been filled with new residents, buildings and restaurants. Today, East Austin is one of the best places to eat in the city (be sure to check out Fukumoto, Via 313, and Corner Cafe). East Sixth has some of the best bars in the city (like Whistler, Lazarus, Lolo Wine and Lucky Duck). Many people live here, so the area is always crowded.
Best places to stay in East Austin :
- Budget : One of the few budget options in the area, the Wingate by Wyndham is located on the border of East Austin and downtown. Also, the popular Franklin BBQ, one of the best barbecue spots on the planet, is just a short walk away. Comfortable hotels offer free breakfast.
- Mid-range : East Austin Hotel. This small hotel has 75 rooms with a simple (but pleasant) Scandinavian feel. Amenities include Casper mattresses, plush bathrobes, in-room coffee makers, and antique decor. It's centrally located, which is one of the coolest things about it.
- Luxury : Let's Go: This hotel has a courtyard restaurant and bar, Goan-style dining and a rooftop gin bar. Extra-spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, Bluetooth speakers, luxury toiletries, and bottled water coolers.
Where to stay for first-time visitors: Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin is not the busiest area of the city. Now there are many hotels and office buildings. It is centrally located, has many hotels and restaurants, and is close to the Capitol Building, Paramount Theater, University of Texas, LBJ Library and most of the city's attractions. Dirty Sixth, part of busy Sixth Street, is known for its snack bars.
Best places to stay in downtown Austin :
- Budget : The firemen's hostel is the only hostel in the city located in an old fire station. It is in the middle of everything, you can easily walk everywhere. The beds are comfortable and there is a "secret" cocktail bar that serves great old fashioned food.
- Mid- Range : Hotel Indigo is a good choice for downtown Austin. Indigo is a beautiful, cool and stylish place with a year-round pool. Rooms feature large work desks, large flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view channels, and luxurious amenities.
- Luxury : JW Marriott - This downtown hotel has some decent restaurants, including a burger bar and steakhouse, as well as a rooftop bar. Spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, large TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi and ample desk space. If you're looking for a hearty meal, here's a new Italian steakhouse.
Where to Stay in Austin for Outdoor Fun: Zilker
In 1918, Andrew Jackson donated 35 acres of land to the town of Zilker, and the neighborhood and park were established. Although the neighborhood's namesake park dominates, this South Central Austin neighborhood has plenty of interesting things to see and experience, including the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Barton Springs Pool. Here you can walk along the green belt and you will also be close to the lake. It also hosts the massive Austin City Limits Music Festival in October.
The best places to stay in Zilkar :
- Budget : Extended Stay America - Located just outside of Zilker, this hotel chain is the most budget-friendly in the area. Most rooms have a kitchen and dining area, so if you really want to save money, it's a good option to cook your own meals.
- In the middle: Embassy Suites by Hilton . Located at the confluence of the Zilker and Colorado Rivers, Embassy Suites offers rooms with city views, free breakfast, an indoor pool, a fitness center and a nightly reception with complimentary drinks.
- Luxury : Carpenter Hotel - One of the few hotels in the heart of the Zilkar district, the Carpenter Hotel is a quiet outdoor boutique hotel. The rooms are simple and very comfortable with lots of light wood details. All rooms have blackout curtains and some have balconies. The hotel also has a very nice swimming pool.
Where to stay while shopping in Austin: South Congress
SoCo, short for South Congress Avenue, is a bar filled with trendy shops selling vintage and retro clothing and furniture, as well as a number of popular restaurants, food trucks and nightclubs. This up-and-coming area is close to Lamar (another street full of restaurants and bars), the Lake, and Zilker Park. It's busier than East Austin, and while it doesn't have the same nightlife as other parts of the city, it's one of the best areas for restaurants and shopping. If I'm not in East Austin, I'm usually here.
Best places to stay in South Congress :
- Budget : Austin South - The Red Roof on South Congress has plenty of budget options, so this is your best bet if you're looking to save money in the area. The hotel is located on East Congress. It offers free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and free coffee in the lobby.
- Intermediate : Motel Austin. A famous 1930's Austin motel has been converted into a fun old hotel. There is a swimming pool, free parking and easy access to the Capitol.
- Luxury : South Congress Hotel - With three restaurants, two bars, a bakery, a coffee shop, two shops and even a motorcycle shop, this modern hotel is a world of its own. The lobby is full of locals hanging out (and looking at their laptops). Rooms feature custom-made bathrobes, a minibar stocked with local products, and a spacious rain shower.
Having lived here for 7 years, I can confidently say that Austin is one of the best cities in the country. No site is more than 20 minutes from another, making it easy to navigate as you explore. It is a perfect place for a 3-4 day trip. And since it's a small town, you won't have any problems walking to where you are.
Book your flight: tips and tricks for logistics
Book your flight
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. It's my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines from all over the world, so you always know nothing stays the same.
Reserve your seat
With Hostelworld you can book your hostel. If you want to stay somewhere other than hostels, use Booking.com, which consistently offers the lowest prices for accommodation and hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. This is full protection if something goes wrong. I've had to use it so many times in the past that I've never gone on a trip. Here are my favorite companies that offer the best service and value:
- Safety suit (best)
- My travel insurance (for over 70s)
- Midget (for extra sake)
Ready to book your flight?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when you travel. List all the things you used during the trip. They are best in class and you can't go wrong with them on your travels.
The post "Where to Stay in Austin: Best Places to Visit" appeared on travel site Nomadic Matt.