May 31, 2024
6 min read
The Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Austin
We all know Austin is the capital of Southern Cool, and ATX truly has something for everyone. From the bat bridge to rock music drag shows, we're sure Austin's weird isn't going anywhere. There's a lot of information out there, so we've pulled together everything you need to know about Austin's best neighborhoods from the travel mavens we all know and trust.
Downtown
Downtown Austin is an upscale and hip area that is home to businesses, one of Austin's gayborhoods, and a vibrant foodie and nightlife scene.
"Downtown is landmarks central. There’s everything from the terra cotta-hued Texas State Capitol (which is even bigger than the United States Capitol, because, you know, Texas) and the Paramount Theater, a revival-style entertainment center with a blazing marquee, to the statue of the city’s patron saint, Willie Nelson, marking the entrance to ACL Live at the Moody Theater." -
Thrillist"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." -
Time Out"[Austin's] main LGBTIQ+ scene is concentrated downtown on West 4th Street. This makes it incredibly fun and easy to bar hop from place to place throughout the night...Ubers line up along the curb, friends hug before heading inside, and groups meander from club to club, giving the sidewalks a life of their own." -
Lonely Planet
East Austin
East Austin is a hip residential area, loved by locals for its inclusive and artistic vibe, and worth a visit for the food and nightlife scenes.
"East Austin...is easy to navigate without a car and guided by pedestrian sidewalks that take visitors from the Rosewood restaurant, located in a Victorian home, to the farmer's market and streets full of boutiques and old school Tex-Mex joints." -
Travel + Leisure"This is where the cool kids hang, although the neighborhood retains a down-to-earth feel. Head to East 6th and its offshoots for dinner and dive-bar hopping, plus two-stepping at the neighborhood honky-tonk. The nighttime food truck scene is excellent." -
Lonely Planet"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." -
Time OutThe Historic West Austin
The Historic West is an upscale residential area with a relaxed vibe and, obviously, a rich past.
"The Historic West Austin is a cluster of the city’s oldest little neighborhoods; Old West, Old Enfield, Bryker, and Windsor. The houses, marked by the brick facades and grand Colonial-style columns, certainly reflect that. Walk the streets, often populated with residents taking their Sunday strolls, to spot centuries-old oak trees and beautiful gardens at every turn. The family-friendly vibe is further personified by Pease District Park, an underrated green space gem that features volleyball and tennis courts as well as a treehouse observational pod." -
Thrillist"For a pretty sunset view, it's hard to beat Mt Bonnell – just know you probably won't have it to yourself. The city's highest point, it overlooks Lake Austin, a pleasant respite from the urban hustle and bustle." -
Lonely Planet
South Congress
South Congress is a vibrant and hip residential area, home to city landmarks and popular nightlife and music venues.
"South Austin is an offbeat and oh-so-Austin neighborhood that was pretty marginal just 25 or so years ago. Today, this quirky but festive area – especially along South Congress Ave – is the city's soul." -
Lonely Planet"One of the most recognizable areas of Austin to out-of-towners is South Congress, a revitalized shopping and dining district with views of the Texas State Capitol building. The neighborhood is also home to several now-famous Austin relics like the iconic "I Love You So Much" mural and other vintage neon signage. In short, this is the perfect spot to spend a weekend in Austin." -
Travel + Leisure"South Congress is easily one of Austin’s most enviable zip codes for many reasons. And it’s been this way since the 1970s when it famously laid claim to Armadillo World Headquarters, a music venue that hosted memorable performances by heavy-hitters like Stevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top. Although the Armadillo is sadly gone, the hip, eccentric vibe lives on in the (albeit increasingly expensive) brightly decorated bungalows beckoning from every side street." -
ThrillistNorth Loop
North Loop is a hip residential area with an eclectic food and vintage shopping scene.
"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. " -
Time Out"The North Loop area is funky yet approachable, and in particular North Loop Boulevard encompasses everything there is to love about this neighborhood—vintage furniture stores, cozy coffee shops, and innovative venues bursting with top-notch food and drink." -
Thrillist
