The 7 Best Places To Stay in Austin for a Memorable Trip

Discover the 7 best places to stay in Austin, Texas and what makes them great, including the best neighborhoods. Plus, learn about Austin’s top activities.

Austin: It’s a can’t-miss destination for foodies, music fans, and lovers of the great outdoors. And if you’re any of those three things, you might be planning (or at least, dreaming about) a visit to this central Texas city. 

Make the most of your trip by getting excellent accommodations close to all the action. Here’s a guide to the best places to stay in Austin, Texas and what to do while you’re there. 

Understanding Austin, Texas

Perhaps Austin came on your radar because of a music festival, BBQ joint, or art exhibit. But no matter what first caught your attention, it should stay on your radar. This city has it all — from stunning hikes to unparalleled nightlife. Here’s what Austin offers to the adventurous traveler or curious digital nomad.

Things To Do in Austin, Texas

Austin provides an endless list of activities, whatever your interests and speed. Here are some recommendations for spending your time in this city well:

• Check out the nightlife: Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World®, where you can experience country, indie acts, DJs, and jazz. The bar scene also won’t disappoint, with many craft breweries and creative cocktail bars.
• Explore the culinary scene: Austin is known for some of the world’s best barbecue joints and food trucks. Tex-Mex, Asian flavors, and smoky, slow-cooked meats await.  
• Get into nature: Austinites and visitors enjoy hiking in hill country and through limestone rock formations, as the city and its surroundings are home to shady trails of all difficulty levels. You can also live the “Lake life,” as Austin has plenty of swimming holes, so plan to spend at least one Sunday on a relaxing float. 
• See art: Austin has a reputation for being creative, quirky, and sometimes, downright weird. Thanks to that vibe, the city is full of galleries, yard art, and museums featuring all kinds of art, from contemporary pieces to an exhibit on the history of selfies. 
• Shop: Austin boasts malls with upscale brands, vintage shops, and funky boutiques, so you’re sure to discover a perfect find, no matter your style.

The Best Neighborhoods To Stay in Austin

You can hardly go wrong when choosing a place to stay in Austin since every neighborhood is rich with culinary and cultural attractions. But if it’s your first trip and you want to land in the middle of the action, here are some of the best areas to stay in Austin.

• East Austin: East Austin has an eclectic vibe and is home to some of the city’s best food, galleries, and bars. This neighborhood is perfect for the “indie” traveler who appreciates uniqueness and wants to live like a local. 
• Downtown: The heart of Austin pumps with nightlife and non-stop activity during the day. You’ll find upscale restaurants, live music and clubs, museums, and parks.
• North Loop: North Loop is known for its hip offerings, like artsy movie theaters, creative cuisine, and jukebox bars. It’s also the best area to stay in Austin if you’re looking for vintage finds. 
• South Lamar: If you’re the outdoorsy type, perhaps the best area of Austin to stay in is South Lamar, thanks to your proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. There’s also great barbecue, art offerings, and bustling nightlife in the nearby West 6th district.

So, Where Is the Best Place To Stay in Austin?

If you’re heading to Austin, where to stay depends on your interests. If your idea of fun is heading to museums and high-end restaurants, consider Downtown Austin (or the nearby South Congress neighborhood). South Lamar is a must for park goers who want to be close to the city center, but if you plan to explore the city’s funky side, check out North Loop and East Austin.

Where To Stay in Austin, Texas: 7 Unique Spaces

Whether you’re heading to Austin on vacation or a work trip, Landing has a turnkey, furnished apartment to make your experience more comfortable. Here are seven of Landing’s favorite rentals in the area. 

1. REVL on Lamar Apartments

Get close to North Loop action in the airy REVL on Lamar Apartments. When you’re not out exploring the neighborhood’s vintage or foodie scene, take advantage of REVL’s amenities. The building features a pool, rooftop, and grilling stations. You can even enjoy working from home in the co-working space or coffee bar. Plus, your dog won’t mind the move to Austin, either, as REVL has a dog park. 

2. SYNC at Mueller

Spread out in a spacious apartment in the SYNC at Mueller, a building not far from Central Austin and North Loop in the Mueller Tower District. SYNC has a unique range of amenities, including a yoga studio, art room, coffee bar, and pool. Plus, you’ll be comfortable working remotely, with community WiFi access, a conference room, and a business center. 

SYNC is in a very bikeable and walkable area, and it’s pet-friendly, too, so plan on enjoying some outings on your own or with the dogs.

 3. 404 Rio Grande

Stay in the heart of Downtown at 404 Rio Grande, a well-lit complex with open floor plans and amenities to make downtime more enjoyable. Hang out at the fire pit or pool before exploring your highly walkable Market District neighborhood and checking out the shopping and culinary scene. The 404 Rio Grande allows pets, and there’s an outdoor courtyard for them to roam so you can travel comfortably with your canine or feline friends. 

4. AMLI South Shore

Take in the riverfront views from your apartment balcony at AMLI South Shore, a complex close to Downtown Austin. AMLI puts amenities first, with a dog park, pool, rooftop lounge, and grilling stations available. When you’re not walking the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake or checking out East Austin’s hot spots across the river, you’ll have just as much fun on your evenings in. Arrive in your electric vehicle (the AMLI has charging stations) or by bike (there’s storage). 

5. The Guthrie 

East Austin’s culinary, nightlife, and artsy delights are just steps away at The Guthrie, an apartment building with a rock-and-roll feel. After a long day of exploring, sit by the complex’s pool, nap in a hammock, or fire up a grill. With WiFi in common areas, a conference space, co-working and business centers, The Guthrie was made to help you have a productive stay. 

6. Bell South Lamar

Enjoy living near nature at Bell South Lamar, a vibrant space with amenities like a pool, lounge, grills, and a fire pit. There’s even a pet spa. And while it’s comfortable enough to stay in every night, you’ll want to explore the walkable, bikeable neighborhood and its Tex-Mex scene. 

7. Farmhouse Apartments 

The Farmhouse Apartments are an excellent option if you’re seeking a rental off the beaten path. You’ll be further from the action of Austin’s downtown, but you’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind designer apartment in a pet-friendly building with a pool, yoga and spin studio, and sky deck. The Farmhouse Apartments are also close to the Onion Creek Greenbelt, where you can unwind in nature. 

Insider Austin Tips

Once you have a great place to stay and a list of the food trucks and music venues you want to try, you’re almost ready to get the most out of an Austin stay. Here are a few insider tips to maximize your experience.

• You’ll need a car (sometimes): If you plan on leaving your Austin neighborhood and exploring further, you’ll need a car to get around. Not all of the city is walkable and bikeable, distances can be significant, and the heat makes long treks hard (and sweaty). You can easily use a ridesharing app or public transit if you don’t have a car. 
• Dress like yourself: Austin is known for being weird, so anything goes as far as fashion. Pair your jean shorts with cowboy boots or flip-flops: whatever feels most like you. Just remember to check the weather to avoid overdressing before you head out as summertime temps soar — one of the only cons of Austin life.  
• Prepare to wait in line: Austin has excellent food, but you may have to wait for it. Lines at some of the city’s most popular spots last hours. Stay patient, wear sunscreen, and call ahead for a reservation or to order pickup when possible. 
• Enjoy a weekend getaway: Explore your Texan surroundings if you’re in Austin for a longer-term stay. Texas’s barbecue capital, Lockhart, is a short drive away, and laid-back San Antonio and its famed river walk is only a 90-minute trip. 

Moving to Austin With Landing

Make the dream of visiting Austin a reality. Stay at one of Landing’s fully furnished apartments in Austin, all with flexible lease dates, and have a comfortable place to cool down after a hike, store your vintage treasures, and sleep off a barbecue-induced food coma.