Austin skyline — Photograph: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone

Where to stay in Austin right now

A first-timer’s guide to Austin’s best neighborhoods, including where to stay, eat, drink, shop and see live music

Written by

James Wong

Contributors

Erin Kuschner

Lori A May

Monday December 11 2023

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New to Austin and not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place. The city’s activities are vast and varied…and they tend to cluster in pockets across town. Down-to-earth folks huddle East, where dive bars, vintage shopping, and bungalow restaurants reside. Outdoorsy types breathe in sweet nature out West, where the majority of hiking trails and lakeside gatherings can be found. And then there are the growing skylines of South Congress and South Lamar, booming in hipster hangouts and all that jazz.

Downtown’s an obvious starting point for most visitors, smack bang in the center of them all, but if you’re after a specific ATX vibe for your trip or you’re moving over, you may want to veer off the noise and find a base to your own beat. We’ve plucked five awesome neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm and character, but still packing plenty to do. Here are Austin’s very best places to stay right now.

RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Austin

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Where to stay in Austin

Photograph: Courtesy Texas State Capitol Building

1. Downtown

The first stop for a powerhouse weekend of fun, downtown Austin is where you’ll find bustling activity day and night. From the most romantic restaurants to eclectic sightseeing tours, the downtown core is compact enough for walking yet has no shortage of must-dos. Take a museum stroll early in the day, dine your way around town, and then be entertained at one of Austin's many comedy shows and live music venues before hitting up the downtown nightlife.

EAT

Fareground Food Hall

You know those giant platters that make life easier for the indecisive? That is Fareground in a nutshell. Austin’s first food hall, located at One Eleven Congress, carries the best of the city under one roof so you can food-hop for your starter, main, side, and dessert. Our top picks: Taco Pegaso for guac and queso, Austin Rôtisserie for rotisserie chicken, and Four Brothers for Venezuelan Arepas. Two on-site bars provide liquid refreshments.

DRINK

Higher Ground

Downtown’s trendiest nightlife spot promises a sinfully good time (it is spiritually themed, after all). The historic building is decked out in religious artifacts, stained glass windows, and a DJ booth made from a vintage organ. Located at 720 Congress, the second-floor lounge and club is open six days a week with DJs and drink specials all weekend.

DO

Paramount Theatre

As the Live Music Capital of Texas, Austin knows how to put on a show. The Paramount Theatre is Downtown’s most important stage for music, comedy, screenings, musicals, talks, drag performances and more. Opened in 1915, it is the oldest theatre in Austin, and legends from Miles Davis to Dr. Maya Angelou have graced the auditorium. Peruse their events calendar for your evening entertainment.

STAY

Fairmont Austin

This hotel has become as famous as the Texas State Capitol when it comes to social media’s most recognized downtown Austin landmark, and it's not just the all-glass outside that catches the light. Towering rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of social spaces you won't want to miss. The rooftop pool is the largest downtown, lined with palm trees and a very celebratory crowd, and downstairs, you'll find the acclaimed restaurant Garrison, famed for cooking Austin’s best steak.

If you do just one thing…

Duck into the Texas State Capitol, if only for a peek at the beautiful building (it is actually taller than our nation's capitol). Free daily tours are available, too.

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Photograph: James Wong for Time Out

2. East Austin

There is an amazing range of diversity in East Austin. For starters, you’ll find old-school dive bars in harmony with the best cocktails in town. Plus, this artsy hub has an abundance of galleries, colorful street art, independent stores, taquerias, and juice bars.

EAT

Old Thousand

There could be a thousand things Austinites love about Old Thousand, but just one is enough: they make the greatest Xiao Mian and Egg Rolls in the state (sorry, Houston). The hangout fuses Chinese and Texan charm, which makes for a tremendous night out, and they cater to veggie friends (Kung Pao Brussels? Yes, please) while also serving a killer cocktail program.

DRINK

Whisler's

This iconic spot boasts exposed stone walls lit by flickering candles. Led by veteran Austin bartender Scranton Twohey, it is the perfect place to wet your Whisler (ahem). In addition to the main inside bar and a large open patio, you'll find Mezcaleria Tobala upstairs—an intimate venue styled after the traditional Oaxacan mezcal bar.

DO

Urban Axes Austin

Whether or not you’ve got an axe to grind, Urban Axes will help you let off some steam. Get a friendly competition going as you go up against mates with 1.5-pound hatchets, each thrown at an archery-style target at the end of a fenced-in lane. Once you’re done, chill out with food and drink (BYO food, soda, beer, and wine) and discuss your techniques.

STAY

ARRIVE East Austin

ARRIVE East Austin makes a great first impression. Your check-in experience includes saddling up to the bar for a welcome drink and snack—on the house. There is an industrial-chic vibe here with polished marble that contrasts with concrete, airy windows alongside a wooden bar, and just the right balance between luxury and casual. Choose your fix between the on-site gin bar and Cartel Coffee Lab (both will give you a buzz).

If you do just one thing…

Get down to the White Horse Saloon honky tonk. This joint is frequented by a mix of people unafraid to get up close and personal during a two-step class on Friday and Saturday nights.

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Photograph: Courtesy Jay Huang

3. South Congress

Just across the river from downtown sits South Congress, a go-to destination even among locals. You’ll find funky boutiques and taco bars lining active streets alongside some of Austin’s most popular cafes. From March to November, the Congress Avenue bridge draws visitors to this part of town, hoping to see around 1.5 million bats take part in a nightly migration.

EAT

Nômadé

Veer off the main drag, a few streets over to South First, and you’ll stumble upon Austin’s most talked about recent opening. Nômadé restaurant has a verdant jungle garden dotted with romantic candlelit tables, and here, patrons dine on fresh seafood washed down with Agave-based cocktails. It’s a date night dream come sunset.

DRINK

Watertrade

South Congress Japanese restaurant Otoko has a trick up its sleeve: a sexy little speakeasy-style cocktail bar. Watertrade has a huge range of Japanese whiskies and sake, which can be crafted into delicious cocktails together with seasonal ingredients. A limited izakaya-inspired menu offers bites from the kitchen to accompany your pours.

DO

The Continental Club

The Continental Club opened its doors in 1955 on South Congress Avenue and has since hosted the likes of Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Wanda Jackson, and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons—up to standard for a place that regularly billed the likes of Double Trouble, Paul Ray & the Cobras, and Joe Ely back in the 1970s and ’80s. It’s a tiny stage in a small room, but the performances in front of the iconic red curtain make this the top spot for live music in SoCo.

STAY

Colton House Hotel

Since opening on SoCo, this residential-style boutique hotel has been all the rage. Interiors are designed by award-winning Austinite Patrice Rios, who splashes Texan charm with chic style for an elevated home-away-from-home experience. There are just 80 rooms—all of which are suites—that contain anything from kitchenettes or kitchens to dining spaces, large living rooms, and even washers and dryers. Social spaces include an outdoor hangout designed around three 80-year-old heritage oak trees, an open area to play bocce ball, croquet and lawn bowling with a heated outdoor swimming pool; and Simona’s, a coffee and cocktail bar.

If you do just one thing…

Time your visit to a Candlelight Concert at some of Austin’s most beautiful and historic houses. The SoCo edition at Vuka Bouldin Creek is certainly a local favorite. Check Fever for a calendar of events that take place here, as well as AFS (North Loop) and The Mansion (Mueller).

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Photograph: Courtesy AFS Cinema

4. North Loop

Just 10 miles north of downtown, North Loop is a relaxed neighborhood with one-of-a-kind cafes and shops. Vintage collectors will lose track of time at five popular resale shops that neighbor one another and sell selections of vinyl, fashion, and home decor. The Bohemian vibe around this northern nook makes it a perfect casual spot for visitors and locals alike.

EAT

Foreign & Domestic

The small North Loop restaurant is a coveted spot for casual gatherings and Sunday brunch. On the weekend, treat yourself to comfort food like fried chicken biscuits or a cast iron frittata. During evening outings, grab friends and sample a tasting menu, or dig into entrees like butternut risotto.

DRINK

Workhorse Bar

If you're a jukebox junkie, Workhorse Bar is right up your alley. This dive has a killer selection of music in addition to its comfort food-driven menu. Aim for the mac and cheese, hefty burgers, wings, and an oozing grilled cheese sandwich that will coat your stomach while knocking back a few beers—which you should definitely do, as the beer selection here is solid.

DO

AFS Cinema

Academy Award winner Richard Linklater has plenty of projects to his name, but the Austin Film Society is a particularly important endeavor. Founded by Linklater in 1985, AFS supports independent filmmakers from Texas and brings the world of cinema to Austin. Choose between flicks showing on two screens, both with fantastic sound systems. Don’t miss the film memorabilia store, too.

STAY

The Nest - Airbnb

North Loop is a local favorite and a residential area, meaning that the sexy hotels have yet to move in. Your best bet is an Airbnb, such as The Nest, a beautifully remodeled bungalow with lush green and cacti-laden garden, which you can enjoy from the porch swing. That’s not the only cool rental in town—we’ve also rounded up the best Airbnb in Austin, if home comforts are what you seek.

If you do just one thing…

Fill out your record collection at Breakaway Records. The owners have built a loyal following thanks to their role DJing at long-time local venues. This is a great spot to up your cool factor while discovering a new gem in a tried-and-true format.

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Photograph: Courtesy Aviary Wine and Kitchen/Cassandra Klepac

5. South Lamar

If staying near popular outdoor attractions like Barton Springs and Zilker Park is a priority, South Lamar is your best bet. The small but growing neighborhood is rife with fantastic restaurants, shops, and everyone's sweet obsession, Lick Honest Ice Creams. It is a quick jaunt from the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, the Long Center for the Performing Arts, and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Want to explore a lively area at night? Head across the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, and you'll be smack dab in the middle of the bustling West 6th district.

EAT

Jjim BBQ

Jjim BBQ is a welcome Korean treat that specializes in shareable braised ribs. Add-ons include glass noodles, braised kimchi, and mozzarella cheese (hey, the Texans love it), but if that all sounds too heavy to stomach, the Korean pancakes and spicy seafood tofu soup are also excellent choices.

DRINK

Aviary Wine and Kitchen

It was once a boutique decor store, now the quaint and cozy Aviary is ATX’s beloved spot for wine, really good wine. We’re talking about the best bottles from all over the world—Spain, South Africa, Italy, California, Germany, and France. If you’re in the mood to be surprised, they have a number of Slovenian bottles that give the big boys a run for their money. Accompany with small plates from the kitchen for the complete experience.

DO

ZACH Theatre

ZACH, a local non-profit, creates intimate theatre experiences that ignite the imagination, inspire the spirit, and engage the community. Here, the city's finest performing arts talent performs musicals and plays like Into The Little Mermaid and A Christmas Carol. The presentation is unlike anything on Broadway or the West End.

STAY

The Loren at Ladybird Lake

One of Austin’s newest hotels, The Loren, hangs over LBL with a full view of the downtown Austin skyline, making its rooftop bar, Nido, a great spot to catch the sunset for your gram. Rooms are on the pricier side, though, considering it's not actually downtown, and with few hotels on South Lamar, savvy travelers might want to scour Airbnb for a similar location experience for a fraction of the price.

If you do just one thing…

Take in a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, an excellent iteration of this popular chain where you can order food (plus booze and milkshakes!) from your seat while watching a film.

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