Vacation rentals in Austin
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Where to stay in Austin
Locals share their top neighborhood recommendations to help you find the one to call home for your vacation
Stay near Austin’s top sights
“The pink-granite building is the centerpiece of downtown Austin, perched on a hill at 12th Street and Congress Avenue. Free guided tours are held daily, starting in the South Foyer, but brochures are also available on the first floor for self-guided tours. The Texas Legislature meets every two years, so you’ll have to check the schedule if you want to see an actual session in progress.”
“A must-do, this famous lake is home to a wide variety of outdoors activities. Pro tip: rent a kayak, paddle board, canoe or boat around sunset time to watch 1.5+ Million bats go out from under the South Congress bridge! You may also make a reservation at a bat sightseeing boat which includes a guided tour. ”
Tips from Austin locals
Get advice about the city from the people who know it best. Local hosts share their tips and recommendations for travelers like you.
What should I pack?
What should I pack?
“Always bring water Hopefully you don't buy plastic water bottles still, but definitely bring water wherever you go. i'd invest in a yeti - b/c they're cool and they stay cold for forever!”
What's the best way to get around?
What's the best way to get around?
“Uber/lyft and local favorite ride austin are all easy to catch from our house. Taxi service is less reliable. all very economical since we live so close to austin's main attractions. public transport consists of buses. go to capmetro website if interested in bus routes.”
“Getting around -ride sharing would be the best way to get around if you don't have a car. -rent a car? download the park atx app so you can add time to the meter while you're out and about -the nearest metro (local bus) stop is 1.5miles from our hourse”
“Get to know the major street names in south austin. Manchaca, lamar, south congress, ben white (aka hwy 71) and mopac (aka loop 1 north) ---- if you get familiar with where these roads are on the map, you'll have an easy time finding your way around. also, it may be helpful to know "manchaca" is pronounced like "mancheck"”
“Uber and lyft are great for austin Download the apps and start riding”
What should I not miss?
What should I not miss?
“The bats under congress bridge! Head down to the congress bridge, or rent a canoe and park it under the congress bridge around sunset any day and prepare to be amazed with hundreds of thousands of bats as they head out for the night to feast!”
How can I save money on this trip?
How can I save money on this trip?
“Great travis county park (free!) Great primitive trails just ten minutes up 71 toward austin. southeast metropolitan park!”
What are some local customs?
What are some local customs?
“Matthew mcconaughey, famous austin native & resident says, "we don't honk in austin." We do drive very fast! so, plan ahead a little and it won't be too bad!”
“If you want to bbq on the porch, go to the food locker for farm fresh beef, pork & bacon.. They close at 6pm sharp..”
“If you see a tip jar, anywhere, it means the hourly wage is tragically low. please be generous. It's not just service staff. from sandwich-makers to counter clerks ($5/hour), tip jars alert you to the underpaid population of our town. don't forget the musicians!”
More local recommendations
All about Austin
A liberal city in a historically conservative state, the city’s residents fight to “Keep Austin Weird.” The capital city of Texas is beloved for its influential festivals, nightlife, BBQ joints, and access to the great outdoors. Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake attract those trying to cool off and beat Austin’s notorious heat. Visit between March and November, and you might catch a glimpse of the famous bats flying around the South Congress Bridge. To get a sense of some of the typical home styles in Austin, stay in a Spanish Colonial/Mexican, Texas Country, or Tudor house, or find a hidden Art Deco gem to use as your home base.
Getting there
If you’re flying into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), you have options. Public transportation, taxis, and rideshare are available. For the bus, follow public transportation signs after landing. You’ll head in via the 20—Manor/East Riverside bus. Alternatively, you can hail a cab or order a rideshare service. It takes about 15 minutes from the airport to downtown.
Weather
Austin has brief, breezy winters with temperatures that rarely dip below the 40s (Fahrenheit). The summers are long and hot—temperatures often rise to triple digits. The city is a reliable choice for year-round travel, although the months between late spring and early fall are best if you’re planning a lot of outdoor activities.
Annual events
Known as SXSW for short, Austin’s biggest festival of the year covers interactive technology, music, and film.
More than 400,000 people gather to celebrate Austin’s LGBTQ community with a festival and parade.
Movie buffs flock to the Austin Film Festival for eight days of solid programming giving particular love to independent screenwriters.
The city’s preeminent music festival attracts an international lineup of artists to perform across eight stages over two consecutive three-day weekends.
A city tradition of holiday light displays, food, and music for 55 years and counting, Austin Trail of Lights draws 400,000 people over 14 nights at Zilker Park.