Posted : 09/23/22 | September 23, 2022
Austin may not be as hip as it used to be, but it's still a great city that I'm proud to live in. The city has changed a lot since I moved here over seven years ago, especially after COVID, but it's still a beautiful place with lots of outdoor activities, a thriving cuisine and bars that welcome the people... people who like innovative things and just a lot to keep you busy.
Austin is not a big city. Most people come to visit for a few days and to be honest it takes just as long to understand the place. As a visitor, there are few places I would recommend stopping while you are here.
To help you figure out where to live in Austin, here's a list of my top neighborhoods in town, along with recommended housing options for each.
But before we get to that, here are the answers to the questions I'm often asked about Austin:
What is the best Wednesday for foodies?
East Austin has some of the best restaurants in town, and if you need food nearby, you can't go wrong. Another option is South Congress Avenue, as this area is also home to some of the best restaurants in town.
What is the best environment for a family?
Downtown Austin has enough attractions, including shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep you and the kids busy. It is also the hub of everything.
What is the best setting for a party?
Rainey Street in downtown Austin is teeming with vibrant nightlife and popular with weekend visitors. However, if you want to go where the locals go, East Austin has some of Austin's best bars and gets crowded on weekends. West 6th is fun if you're in your twenties.
What are the best conditions for outdoor enthusiasts?
Zilker isn't just the nearly perfect park of the same name. The area also has interesting sites, such as the sculpture garden. At Zilker, everything revolves around green spaces. So if you love nature, this region is for you.
What is the best Wednesday for shopping?
The long strip of South Congress Avenue is lined with fun shops, many of which sell kitsch and retro items. Even if you don't want to spend any money, exploring here is great fun.
What is the best environment overall?
East Austin is the best neighborhood in town. You get some of the best restaurants, bars and atmosphere. This is my favorite neighborhood in town. The second is the Southern Congress. You wouldn't be wrong either.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of each borough with suggested accommodation options so you know exactly where to stay in Austin on your next trip.
Austin Environmental Review
- Where to stop to eat
- Overnight accommodation for new visitors
- Where to stay outside
- Where to stop for shopping
Where to Stay in Austin for Foodies: East Austin
East Austin was once a "bad neighborhood". When I got here there wasn't much to do in the area. Over the past decade, however, the area has seen a massive influx of new residents, buildings, and restaurants as the city expands eastward. Today, East Austin is one of the best places to eat in town (be sure to eat at Fukamoto, Via 313, and Corner Cafe). East Sixth Street is home to some of the best bars in town (like Whislers, Lazarus, Lolo Wine and Lucky Duck). Lots of people live here, so the neighborhood is always lively.
The best places to stay in East Austin :
- BUDGET : One of the few budget options in the area, the Wingate by Wyndham sits right on the border between East Austin and Downtown. Also just steps away is the famous Franklin's BBQ, one of the best places to barbecue in the world. This comfortable hotel offers a free breakfast.
- MIDDLE SECTION : East Austin Hotel. This small hotel has 75 rooms decorated in a minimalist (but cozy) Scandinavian style. Amenities include Casper mattresses, plush bathrobes, in-room coffeemakers, and vintage decor. It is centrally located and one of the best hotels in the area.
- LUXURY : Arrival - This hotel has a courtyard restaurant and bar, a Goan-style restaurant and a rooftop bar specializing in gin. Extra-spacious rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, Bluetooth speakers, premium toiletries, and refrigerators with bottled water.
Where to Stay in Austin for First Time Visitors: Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin isn't the busiest part of town. Now there are many hotels and office buildings. It is said to be in the heart of the city, has a wide range of hotels, many restaurants and is close to most of the city's attractions such as the Capitol, Paramount Theatre, University of Texas, the LBJ Library and the Dirty Museum ". Sixth", a section of Sixth Street known for its bars.
The best places to stay in downtown Austin :
- BUDGET : The Firehouse Hostel is the only hostel in town located in a former fire station. It's right in the heart of the action so you can easily walk anywhere. The beds are comfy and the hotel has a "secret" cocktail bar on-site that serves delicious old-fashioned food.
- MID-RANGE : Hotel Indigo is a great mid-range choice in downtown Austin. The Indigo is an elegant setting with a beautiful year-round swimming pool. Rooms have large work desks, large flat-screen TVs with premium channels, and luxury bath products.
- LUXURY : JW Marriott - This downtown hotel has several decent restaurants, including a burger bar and steakhouse, as well as a rooftop bar. Spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, large TVs, fast Wi-Fi, and large desks. There's a new Italian steakhouse here if you want to eat well.
Austin Lodging for Outdoor Fun: Zilker
In 1918, Andrew Jackson Zilker donated 35 acres of land to the city, and the neighborhood and the park were born. Although the neighborhood is dominated by the park of the same name, there are some great things to see and do in this South Austin neighborhood, including the Circle Sculpture Garden and Barton Springs Pool. You can also cross the green zone here and you are also close to the lake. It's also home to the gigantic Austin City Limits music festival, held in October.
The best places to relax in Zilker :
- BUDGET : Extended Stay America - This chain of hotels on the outskirts of Zilker is the most affordable in the area. Most rooms have a kitchenette and dining area. So if you really want to save money this is a good option because you can cook yourself.
- AVERAGE : Embassy Suites by Hilton. Located on the border where Zilker and the Colorado (Texas) River meet, the Embassy Suites hotel offers rooms with city views, free breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center and front desk. evening with free drinks.
- LUXURY : The Carpenter Hotel - One of the few hotels in the heart of the Zilker district, The Carpenter is a tranquil open-air boutique hotel. The rooms are simple, with lots of light wood details and very comfortable. All rooms have tinted windows and some have a terrace. There is also a very good swimming pool on the territory.
Where to stay in Austin for shopping: South Congress
SoCo, short for South Congress Avenue, is a strip full of trendy shops selling vintage and retro clothing, furniture, many of the best restaurants, food trucks and nightclubs. This booming neighborhood is close to Lamar (another street with restaurants and bars), the lake, and Zilker Park. It's much livelier than East Austin, and while it doesn't have as much nightlife as the rest of the city, it's one of the best areas for dining and shopping. When I'm not in East Austin, I'm usually here.
Best places to stay at Congress South :
- BUDGET : Red Roof Inn Austin South - There aren't many budget options in South Congress, so if you're looking to save some cash in the area, this is your best bet. This hotel is further towards East Congress. It offers free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and free coffee in the lobby.
- Middle section : Austin Motel. The famous Austin Motel, built in the 1930s, has been transformed into a fun retro hotel. There is a swimming pool, free parking and the Capitole is a stone's throw away.
- LUXURY : South Congress Hotel - This trendy hotel is a world apart with three restaurants, two bars, a bakery, a cafe, two shops and even a motorcycle shop. The lobby is packed with locals who sit here to chat (and play with their laptops). Rooms have custom bathrobes, minibars stocked with locally sourced items, and large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads.
Having lived here for 7 years, I can say Austin is one of the best cities in the country. Nothing is more than 20 minutes from anywhere else, making it easy to navigate and explore the city. It's a perfect place for a 3-4 day trip. And since it's a small town, you won't have any trouble getting around.
Book your trip: logistics tips and tricks
Book your flight
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. It's my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the world so you always know that no business need is overlooked.
Book your stay
You can book a hostel at Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they always offer the lowest prices for hotels and hostels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It is a total protection in case of problem. I have never traveled without as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value for money are:
- SafetyWing (best for everyone)
- Insure my trip (for people aged 70 and over)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation)
Are you ready to book your trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use while traveling. I list everything I use when I travel. They are best in class and you can't go wrong using them on your travels.
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