The 10 best Airbnbs in Austin for a one-of-a-kind vacation

Neighborhood: North Austin

This North Austin Airbnb has a strong “we’ll just have one drink in the backyard” energy, but good luck with that. The two-bedroom townhouse is bright and comfortable, but the real fun is out back, where there’s a fire pit, outdoor dining area and cornhole for settling those very important family/friendship rivalries. There’s plenty of space to spread out across two floors, with a king bedroom upstairs, a queen downstairs and a dedicated office for anyone who needs five minutes away from the rest of the gang.

Time Out tip: Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is about a 10-minute walk away if you fancy swapping cornhole for a proper leg stretch. The Domain is nearby for dining and shopping, while local breweries, Q2 Stadium and Topgolf are all within easy reach too.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private fenced backyard, fire pit, cornhole, outdoor dining area, two bathrooms, dedicated workspace, fast Wi-Fi and free driveway parking.

Price: From $770 for three nights. 

Neighborhood: Downtown Austin

This Bouldin Airbnb has somehow managed to make a house feel like a boutique hotel, a Tulum getaway and a very clever smart home all at once. There’s a private pool in the leafy backyard, a gas fire pit for evening lounging and a garage gym complete with a Lululemon Mirror that will cheerfully remind you that, yes, you did say you were going to work out on holiday. Inside, natural textures, earthy tones and huge windows keep things calm and cosy, while Bang & Olufsen speakers and smart-home lighting bring the tech. There’s also a seriously good bathtub, because sometimes wellness means doing absolutely nothing.

Time Out tip: South Congress is about a 10-minute walk away for shops, restaurants and bars, with Zilker Park and Barton Springs also nearby. If you fancy getting out on the water, Lady Bird Lake is close by too.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Private pool, landscaped backyard, gas fire pit, Lululemon Mirror gym, Bang & Olufsen speakers, smart-home lighting, dedicated workspace and free parking.

Price: From $2,600 for three nights. 

Neighborhood: East Austin

If your ideal holiday involves doing as little as humanly possible, this East Austin Airbnb is basically your calling card. The studio is a private wellness retreat with its own backyard spa, complete with a barrel sauna, steam shower, cedar soaking tubs and a cold plunge, because apparently one type of bath wasn’t enough. Inside, there are plush linens and robes, while complimentary spa rituals, snacks and yoga mats mean you can fully commit to the horizontal lifestyle. 

Time Out tip: You’re around a five-minute walk from some of East Austin’s best bars and eateries, while Festival Beach and Lady Bird Lake are right nearby. Basically, you can have your spa day and your Austin night out too.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Private backyard spa, barrel sauna, steam shower, heated cedar soaking tub, cold plunge, private hot tub, outdoor shower, complimentary spa rituals, yoga mats and free parking.

Price: From $1,480 for two nights. 

Neighborhood: Central East Austin

Kitchen design lovers, lock in. This East Austin Airbnb is going to keep you busy. The standalone casita has deep green built-in cabinetry, black-framed windows and skylights bringing loads of light into the two-floor space. Upstairs, the two queen bedrooms share a bright bathroom with a skylight and walk-in glass shower, while downstairs there’s an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that spills out onto a private porch under the trees. It’s all very considered without feeling fussy. And yes, you’ll probably want to steal a few ideas for your own home.

Time Out tip: You’re about a seven-minute drive from Downtown, while Nixta, Comadre Panaderia and El Tigre coffee are all within a short walk. The casita is on a quiet residential street, so it’s a good one if you want to be close to the action without sleeping in it.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Two queen bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, skylights, vaulted ceilings, private porch, built-in storage, fast fibre Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, washer/dryer, pet-friendly and free on-street parking.

Price: From $560 for two nights.

Neighborhood: North Loop Boulevard

A tiny cottage, a leafy private garden and a claw-foot tub? We’re already sold. This one-bedroom North Loop Airbnb is full of character, from the sage-green walls and slightly wonky kitchen to the cozy bedroom nook and little workspace. There’s a fireplace for evenings in, a private porch for that inevitable “one last coffee before we head out” moment and plenty of thoughtful details packed into the small space. 

Time Out tip: North Loop is particularly good for a wander, with independent shops, vintage stores, record shops and places to eat and drink dotted along the boulevard. Downtown, 6th Street, Rainey and Zilker Park are also a short drive away when you fancy going further afield.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private fenced garden, private porch, claw-foot tub, fireplace, two beds, dedicated workspace, smart TV, washer/dryer, air conditioning, pet-friendly and free on-street parking.

Price: From $220 for a night.

Neighborhood: Central East Austin

Bring the whole gang! This 1909 East Austin estate has room for a serious group trip, with five bedrooms, eight beds and plenty of space to spread out. The house has kept plenty of its old-school character, from the high ceilings and ornate mouldings to the eclectic art dotted throughout, while the formal dining room, spacious kitchen and huge backyard give everyone somewhere to gather. Outside, there’s a covered dining area, BBQ grill and fire pit for evenings spent hanging out together. And when you’re ready to take the party elsewhere, the Historic 6th Street District is around a 15-minute walk away.

Time Out tip: Plaza Saltillo and the Historic 6th Street Mural are both about a 10-minute walk away, with food trucks, cafés, bars and shops nearby. For a bigger night out, 6th Street is less than a mile from the house, close enough to walk, but far enough away that you can actually hear yourself think when you get home.

Sleeps: 14 guests.

Perks: Five bedrooms, eight beds, two bathrooms, spacious backyard, covered outdoor dining area, BBQ grill, fire pit, formal dining room, full kitchen, TV with Netflix, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, air conditioning and free parking on premises.

Price: From $1,400 for two nights. 

Neighborhood: Downtown Austin

Somehow, this place doesn’t cost a small fortune despite boasting a rooftop pool, city views and a full resort’s worth of amenities, all in a 700-square-foot apartment in the middle of Downtown Austin. The one-bedroom apartment has a king bed, sleeper sofa, full kitchen and plenty of living space, while downstairs there’s a heated outdoor pool, rooftop sun deck, fire pits and fitness centre to make the whole thing feel more like a hotel than a holiday rental. It’s a particularly good option if you want to be right in the middle of Austin without spending your entire budget on the accommodation.

Time Out tip: The Texas Governor’s Mansion and Republic Square are both around a five-minute walk away, while 2nd Street is close by for shopping and dining. Reviews also rave about the location for restaurants, live music and exploring Downtown on foot.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Heated outdoor pool, rooftop sun deck, fire pits, fitness centre, BBQ area, full kitchen, king bed, sleeper sofa, washer/dryer, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and balcony/patio.

Price: From $350 for a night.

Neighborhood: Travis Heights

A 1920s bungalow, three porches and South Congress just four blocks away: at this place you could probably leave the car parked for most of your trip. This two-bedroom home keeps plenty of its original character while giving you all the modern bits you actually want on holiday, including a fully equipped kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs and very comfortable beds. The king bedroom has its own ensuite and private patio, while the second bedroom has a queen bed and access to the front porch. Outside, the fully fenced yard and leafy surroundings make a peaceful change from the buzz of nearby South Congress.

Time Out tip: South Congress is just a four-block walk away, with cafés, boutiques, restaurants and music venues along the way. Little Stacy Park is even closer at two blocks away.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, three patios, fully fenced yard, private driveway parking for two cars, full kitchen, king bed with ensuite, fast fibre Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, Roku TVs, board games and dedicated workspace.

Price: From $900 for three nights. 

Neighborhood: West Lake Hills

Forget the usual four walls and a roof: the Bloomhouse is a 1970s architectural oddity tucked into the trees in West Lake Hills, with curving walls, no right angles and natural light coming at you from every direction. Originally designed by two UT architecture students as a rebellion against conventional house design, the sculptural home has been restored with its eccentric character firmly intact. Inside, there’s a cozy queen bedroom, sofa bed, fully equipped kitchen and plenty of little nooks to explore, while outside a private deck looks out into the surrounding trees. It’s peaceful and wonderfully weird, but Downtown Austin and Lake Austin are only minutes away.

Time Out tip: The Bloomhouse is in a quieter part of West Lake Hills, so you get a break from the city without being miles from it. South Congress and South First are nearby for food and drinks, while McKinney Falls State Park is a good shout if you want to swap the strange architecture for some time outdoors.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Iconic 1970s architecture, private deck, garden views, fully equipped kitchen, queen bed, sofa bed, fast Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, air conditioning, TV, washer/dryer and free parking.

Price: From $720 for a night.

Neighborhood: South Austin

You can enjoy pool days, BBQ dinners and enough beds for 10 at this South Austin Airbnb. The three-bedroom house has a big private pool out back, plus sun loungers, a covered patio, outdoor dining, a grill and a fire pit for when everyone eventually emerges from the water. Inside, there’s a vaulted-ceiling living room, fully equipped kitchen and a mix of king, queen, full and twin beds, making it a practical pick for families or groups who need a bit of room to spread out. There’s even a bunk room for kids, plus a dedicated workspace if someone needs to sneak in a few emails.

Time Out tip: South Congress and Zilker Park are both around a 10-minute drive away, while Barton Springs Pool takes about 12 minutes. Downtown is roughly 15 minutes by car, so you can spend the day exploring Austin before retreating to the pool for the afternoon.

Sleeps: 10 guests.

Perks: Private pool, fenced backyard, fire pit, covered patio, outdoor dining, BBQ grill, outdoor games, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, bunk room, fully equipped kitchen, dedicated workspace, fast Wi-Fi, washer/dryer and free garage and driveway parking.

Price: From $750 for a night.

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