Known as the “Music Capital of the World” and for the slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” Austin is by far our favorite city in Texas. Events like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits have made Austin one of the most popular destinations in the USA.
Regardless of whether you’re visiting for a bachelor party, music festival, or just to eat Texas barbecue (undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Texas) and listen to live music, you’ll find something happening in Austin every day of the week. This lively city is full of vintage stores, art galleries, hip record stores, and delicious food trucks. There’s also award-winning gastropubs, craft breweries, and exceptional restaurants.
And as the popularity of Austin has exploded so has the selection of cool Airbnbs and unique vacation rentals. When deciding where to stay in Texas’ capital city, you’ll be spoiled for choice. From a massive villa full of Mexican-inspired art to a renovated vintage airstream trailer, you’ll find hundreds of fun options.
To help you choose the perfect rental, we have hand-selected 12 of the best Airbnbs in Austin. So read on to find the perfect place to stay in Austin and make the most of your Texas holiday!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
Top 12 Things To Do in Austin
- Take a dip at Hamilton Pool, one of the best day trips from Austin. Located about 30 miles outside of the city, the Hamilton Pool nature reserve features an impressive 50-foot waterfall and several hiking trails. Take note that only a limited number of people are allowed to visit each day, so make an online reservation well in advance.
- Sample as many of Austin’s food trucks as you can! The options are endless but one incredibly popular fan-favorite is the award-winning EastSide King.
- With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it gets beyond hot in Austin so you’ll want to be near the water. Go stand-up paddleboarding at Lady Bird Lake, fishing at Lake Austin, or boating at Lake Travis.
- A visit to Zilker Park is another must-do in Austin! Stroll through the Botanical Gardens or go for a swim at Barton Springs.
- Catch a flick at the famous Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Taking the movie viewing experience to a fun new level, you’ll get food and drinks brought directly to your seat by a server. And if you’re lucky you might even catch one of their wild sing-alongs or quote-alongs.
- Watch the Austin bats take flight at sunset from their roost under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
- Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt. After working up a sweat, swim at one of the many natural swimming holes you’ll find along the trails.
- Go dancing at the Little Longhorn Saloon, the Continental Club, or the Broken Spoke – three of Austin’s best honky-tonks. The Broken Spoke is particularly famous and should be on everyone’s Texas bucket list!
- Listen to live music on 6th Street or Rainey Street or at countless music venues all throughout Austin.
- Go shopping in the South Congress (SoCo) neighborhood. There you’ll find vintage stores, costume stores, cowboy boots specialty stores, local boutiques, and even an old-timey candy store.
- Visit the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas. It showcases a large collection of contemporary American and Latin American art, as well as rotating exhibitions.
- Climb Mount Bonnell, the highest point in Austin, to get great views of the Texas Hill Country.
Why Stay in an Airbnb in Austin
While there are plenty of cool boutique hotels in Austin, there are also some great advantages to staying in an Airbnb. For starters, you can stay near some of Austin’s coolest areas like South Congress or Rainey Street. Airbnb gives you the opportunity to experience a local neighborhood and have a much more authentic Austin experience.
In Austin, you’ll have a seemingly endless selection of cool Airbnbs from which to choose – like a vintage Airstream trailer, a super unique tiny house, a funky farmhouse with a pet pig, or a palatial spanish-style villa with a heated pool in the courtyard.
The value of staying in an Airbnb can’t be beaten either. Most Austin vacation rentals are way more spacious than your average hotel room.
If you are traveling as a large group it’s much more cost-effective to split the price of a single vacation rental among everyone. If you opt for a hotel you’ll find yourself paying a premium for multiple rooms, especially during big events like SXSW or Austin City Limits.
Search Austin Hotels and Vacation Rentals
The 12 Best Airbnbs in Austin
Best Austin Airbnbs for Couples and Solo Travelers
1. Vintage Airstream near Zilker Park
One of the coolest Airbnbs in Austin is without a doubt this lovingly renovated vintage Argosy Airstream. The inside is really adorable and decorated with bright colors and antiques. Plus it’s quite affordable and in a super convenient location right near Zilker Park.
While it lacks a full kitchen, this unique vacation rental does come with retro kitchen appliances like an electric teapot, a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and a hot plate. Freshen up in the beautiful outdoor shower or the camper shower inside with hot water.
The double bed comes with a comfortable memory foam mattress. This unique Austin Airbnb is stylishly decorated with a throwback style and comes stocked with everything you might need during your trip. There’s air-conditioning for warm days and Barton Springs is just a short walk away if you want to cool off with a swim.
The camper sits in the back of the host’s house, among the trees with string lights for a festive feel. It’s within walking distance of restaurants, taco places, and coffee shops. The central location makes it an easy 10-minute drive to most Austin attractions.
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in Austin, you just can’t beat this cute little Airstream trailer!
2. The Beehive: A One-of-a-Kind Tiny Home on Austin’s Eastside
The Beehive is a two-story tiny home located in the trendy East Austin neighborhood. The unique angular design of the house definitely epitomizes the slogan “Keep Austin Weird.” Plus it was crafted using mainly upcycled materials.
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom home has vaulted cathedral ceilings which gives a sense of abundant space despite the tiny-house proportions. There’s even a roomy desk built into the second-floor loft, overlooking the living area, in case you need to catch up on work.
Every detail of this unique Austin Airbnb is thoughtfully designed down to the copper piping and vintage industrial knobs. Everywhere there are rich, textured materials like cedar, pine, and natural stucco. Other features include a roomy modern bathroom, all-new furnishings, and a comfy queen-sized bed and foldout couch.
The kitchen comes complete with a stove, an oven, a dishwasher, and beautiful reclaimed pine cabinetry. While there is no television, guests will find a library of interesting books and a record player with a stack of records to entertain themselves.
Even the outside space, which includes a private outdoor shower, is rejuvenating. There’s a thick bamboo wall separating the Airbnb from the host’s main house and lots of greenery for privacy from the neighbors as well.
The Beehive is in a very convenient location close to the main highway. There are a few bus stops nearby and the MetroRail is just 4 blocks away that will take you straight into downtown Austin.
3. Crystal Casita: Tiny Home with a Hot Tub
For a totally unique stay in Austin, book a few nights at this 2-bedroom tiny home that was featured on HGTV. This bright blue home includes 2 sleeping lofts with a skylight, a kitchenette, a spacious bathroom, and an inviting living room area. You’ll also have full access to the deck, patio, fire pit, and luxurious 5-person hot tub!
One of Austin’s most unique Airbnbs, the Crystal Casita, is located on the city’s east side, just a short walk from Congress Avenue. Inside, you’ll find a comfy living area with a sleeper sectional couch and a flat-screen TV with a built-in Roku for streaming. The kitchenette comes with all the gadgets you’ll need like a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, a blender, and a hot plate. It also comes with a high-powered split air-conditioning unit to keep you cool in the Texas heat.
This Austin Airbnb may seem small on the outside, but you’ll find the inside surprisingly spacious. The clever design includes two separate lofted sleeping areas above the main living space. One comes with a king-sized bed and gorgeous overhead skylight. On the opposite side, you’ll find the other loft space with a full-sized bed. It even includes a full-sized bathroom with a rain shower!
The Crystal Casita is surrounded by bamboo and an edible garden. Relax in the outdoor area, and unwind in the large, pristinely clean hot tub after a long day of exploring.
It’s within walking distance of major bus and train routes as well as lots of cool restaurants and pubs on E 6th Street. Plus, there is easy access to scooters and e-bikes that are available for rent via mobile apps.
4. Luxury South Congress Retreat with Saltwater Pool
Unassuming from the street, once you enter the gate you will find a hidden oasis complete with a heated saltwater pool surrounded by tropical plants and a private patio.
This luxurious 1-bedroom vacation rental is full of original artwork and custom furnishings. With consistently high ratings and an affordable nightly rate, you’ll feel like you have hit the Airbnb jackpot at this Austin vacation rental!
While this rental lacks a full kitchen, it does have a small kitchenette with a breakfast table, mini-fridge, and espresso machine. Who wants to cook anyways when you could be eating at Austin’s delicious food trucks?
In the bedroom, you’ll find a spacious king-sized bed with a pillow-top mattress, as well as cable TV. The stylish living room is decorated in shades of blues with blue accent walls and contemporary furniture.
This Airbnb is located in the Travis Heights neighborhood, just a few blocks to South Congress shops and restaurants. Nearby is Stacey Park where you’ll find well-maintained hiking trails and bike trails.
If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and want to have pool access, we think this is one of the best Airbnbs in Austin!
Best Austin Airbnbs for Small Groups and Families
5. Cute Upscale Apartment near Rainey Street
This lovely little 2-bedroom apartment is on the top floor of a 2-story house with a private entrance and keyless lock. The stylish apartment is located right next door to downtown Austin and within walking distance to Rainey Street and Lady Bird Lake.
This Airbnb is a perfect Austin getaway for 2 to 4 people. The entire space is clean, comfortable, and the extra touches included during your stay will definitely make it stand out. A book full of local recommendations, bonus snacks and drinks, lots of coffee options, and plush bedding make this one of the best Airbnbs in Austin.
Both bedrooms come with queen-size beds, memory foam mattresses, and luggage racks. The first bedroom has a nice little work area with a desk. The full-sized bathroom has plush towels, hand towels, makeup remover cloths, hairspray, toiletries, and everything you’ll need even if you forgot to pack any essential items.
The living room has a Netflix-equipped smart TV on a 360° swivel mount. And you’ll find everything you need to cook in the brightly-lit kitchen including a convection oven, induction hot plate, cookware, dishwasher, and a deep farmhouse sink.
Outside the apartment, you’ll find the cutest little library with books available to borrow and exchange and an outdoor seating area decorated with string lights. And even though this Austin Airbnb is in a quiet residential neighborhood, you’re within just a few short blocks of lots of Austin’s best music venues, bars, and restaurants.
6. Cabin-Inspired 2-Bedroom Bungalow
If you are looking for a unique Austin Airbnb that is both affordable and stylish, consider staying at this hip 2-bedroom bungalow. The excellent craftsmanship and warm wood interior make this vacation rental extra cozy and inviting. The bungalow is furnished with mid-century furniture, which gives it great modern appeal.
You’ll love all the details from the stained-glass windows to the custom woodwork. Throughout the Airbnb you’ll find renovated longleaf pine walls, oak flooring, vaulted ceilings, and concrete countertops. You’ll also have high-speed internet, a Roku TV, and a back deck for relaxing.
Both bedrooms have comfy beds and room-darkening shades. The first bedroom has a couch that folds into a double-sized bed and a travel crib. The second bedroom is smaller but has a queen-sized bed with a pillow top mattress. Both rooms have a mixture of eclectic and functional furniture giving the room a stylish feel. In the bathroom, the clawfoot bathtub is perfect for soaking after a long day exploring Austin.
The bungalow is located less than a mile from the University of Texas and just 2 miles from downtown Austin. This East Austin neighborhood is full of restaurants and nightlife and Houndstooth Coffee, just a couple blocks away, is perfect for your morning caffeine fix.
7. Unique Lake Travis Home with Wraparound Deck and Expansive Views
If you want to be near the water, then you can’t beat this fabulous vacation home overlooking Lake Travis! Inside you’ll find vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and hardwood floors. And outside is a huge wraparound deck with expansive views over the lake. Nicknamed “The Treehouse”, this Austin Airbnb is perfect for a peaceful Hill Country getaway.
The two bedrooms are large and roomy and come with comfortable beds and nice linens. One bedroom has a king-sized bed and the other has a queen-sized bed. There are also 2 bathrooms with beautiful elaborate tilework.
The fully-equipped kitchen has brand new appliances like a convection stove, microwave, cooktop, and coffeemaker. In the kitchen there’s also a granite top island for entertaining. The living room has an indoor fireplace and offers fantastic views of the lake.
There’s a shared area for barbecuing nearby with a large grill and several picnic tables for entertaining. On top of that, you’ll have access to a shady patio area, a pool, and a hot tub.
While this location on the edge of Lake Travis is a bit outside the city of Austin, it’s only a few minutes away from a variety of excellent restaurants, shops, hiking trails, and parks. That is if you can pull yourself away from this amazing house for an afternoon!
8. Austin Farmhouse with a Pet Pot-Bellied Pig
In true “Keep Austin Weird” style, this boho 3-bedroom farmhouse comes with a pet pot-bellied pig named Gerdeth! And is decorated with fun pig-inspired artwork. Gerdeth is housed in a separate outdoor area, and while you’re not responsible for taking care of the pig, you are welcome to feed her special treats and fresh vegetables.
Besides the pot-bellied pig, the real highlight of this unique Airbnb is its rustic charm and its location just a stone’s throw from South Congress. Don’t worry though, rustic doesn’t mean roughing it. This Airbnb has been renovated into a modern home with reclaimed wood, marble countertops, and a deluxe full-sized kitchen.
The master bedroom comes with a fancy glass chandelier, original artwork of Gerdeth, and a plush king-sized bed. Connected to the master bedroom is a second bedroom with bunk beds. The other bedroom comes with a comfy double-sized bed and, of course, more playful pig art. The full-sized bathroom has been renovated with sparkling white tile, gold fixtures, and a walk-in shower with a rain showerhead.
The shady backyard has outdoor seating to enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon beer. The best part of staying at this farmhouse (besides Gerdeth) is that it’s just one street from South Congress which is full of hip bars and restaurants.
If you love animals then you’ll definitely think this is the best Airbnb in Austin!
Best Austin Airbnbs for Large Groups and Events
9. Sapphire House: Colorful Family-Friendly Home in East Austin
The Sapphire House is a stylish 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath bungalow located in East Austin. The newly renovated living room includes original wood, bright blue pillows and furnishings, and a TV. You’ll also find an indoor fireplace, lots of plants, a record player, and an awesome vinyl collection.
In the 3 bedrooms are double-sized and queen-sized beds. The Blanco Hills room has a memory foam double-sized bed and lots of southern accents and decorations. The other bedrooms have two beds and there is also a sleeper couch in the living room.
The kitchen is equipped with everything you’ll need to make a meal at home. It’s decorated in a beautiful white subway tile with recessed lighting and everything you need for hot coffee in the morning. It’s perfect for lounging around and soaking up the Austin sunshine in the cute backyard and side porch areas.
This Austin Airbnb is perfect for families as it includes children’s books and toys, a crib, and a high-chair. If you’re traveling to Austin with kids and want a cool Airbnb that is still affordable, then the Sapphire House is for you!
This home is located in the vibrant East Austin neighborhood, just miles from downtown. You can find public transportation nearby, including the MetroRail Station a few blocks away. This charming Austin Airbnb is also walkable to many amazing restaurants and bars on Manor Road.
10. Casa Cartel: Epic Hispanic Villa with Heated Pool
Every detail in this epic 5-bedroom villa will make you feel like you’ve been transported south of the border. Aptly named “Casa Cartel“, the beautiful decor tells a story. Most of the furnishings and art are authentic pieces, handcrafted in Mexico. From the heated pool to the massive dining room table and the spacious master suite with a marble jacuzzi tub, the Casa Cartel is one of the coolest Airbnbs in Austin!
Many of the rooms have hand-painted colorful murals and beautiful tilework. The stunning entrance features a bright blue tropical leaf mural, a spiral staircase, and an ornate indoor fountain. Each of the five bedrooms is decorated with textiles, furniture, and colorful decor inspired by Mexican folk art.
The master bedroom has a king-sized bed with an elaborate baroque tufted headboard, vintage dressers, and retro lighting. The main bathroom has an extravagant marble jacuzzi soaking tub and a double vanity.
In the living room, you’ll find an embellished chandelier, a double-sided fireplace, and wooden chairs with intricate carvings. The rest of the house includes a massive formal dining area, a huge kitchen with beautiful tilework, and even a bright pink study.
Outside there are patios on both floors circling the entire property giving guests the option to sit outside on warm Austin evenings. There is an outdoor bar that overlooks the pool with seating and a mini-fridge.
This unique Austin Airbnb is only a short Uber ride to downtown or to East Austin, but you’ll be tempted to just stick around Casa Cartel and take advantage of everything this stunning property has to offer!
11. Wild and Wonderful Insta-Worthy Party Pad
If you’re looking for the perfect place for a bachelor or bachelorette party, look no further than this super cool Austin vacation rental! It is perfectly situated on Rainey Street, which is just minutes from downtown. It has 6 bedrooms and a total of 10 beds, for up to 15 guests. The best parts of the house are the covered back patio, the fenced-in backyard, and the rooftop deck. The back patio has a firepit as well as lawn games like cornhole and ring toss.
Each room is packed with personality. The living room is glitzy, with bright neon lights, contemporary furniture, and a huge TV with Bose speakers. There’s also a full kitchen with all the equipment you’ll need for cooking.
The 6 bedrooms are decorated with art and each has its own theme. From a beach tropical bedroom theme to a single bedroom decorated in a geometric theme, there is plenty of space for a large group of friends. There are even 3 bathrooms – one is attached to the master bedroom and offers a bathtub and a double walk-in shower.
The neighborhood is home to lots of cool restaurants, bars and coffee shops nearby. It’s also only two blocks from Ladybird Lake, which is great for walks along the river. And the home is just a 5-minute drive to downtown Austin.
12. Renovated Home with Hot Tub & Bonus Airstream Trailer
The perfect property for a big get together with family or friends, this unique Austin Airbnb includes a beautiful 3-bedroom home plus a retro 1977 Airstream Overlander in the backyard!
Between the spacious rooms in the home and the airstream, this Austin Airbnb will fit up to 11 guests comfortably. You’ll find plenty of amenities for parties in the festive courtyard including a hot tub, hammock, a BBQ grill, and a patio table.
The inside of this Airbnb is absolutely stunning. The main house features a brightly decorated open floor plan with original hardwood flooring. In the living room, there’s a 65″ Samsung flatscreen Smart TV equipped with streaming options, cable, and a sound system. The kitchen comes equipped with updated appliances, ample space for cooking, and a large island for entertaining.
The Airstream is a colorful hideaway that sleeps 2 additional guests on a queen-sized bed. Inside the camper, you’ll also enjoy a kitchenette with a small fridge, sink, microwave, and coffee maker, as well as a dining area and full bathroom complete with a shower and tub combo.
This totally unique Airbnb is located just 10 minutes from downtown Austin and steps away from several popular Eastside eateries. All-in-all, this home has everything you’d need for large groups so you can enjoy celebrating your special event!
That’s it – 12 of the coolest Airbnbs in Austin! Do you have a favorite Austin vacation rental? Let us know in the comments.
Didn’t find the perfect Austin Airbnb? Try searching here:
Planning a trip to Austin? Check out our favorite books and travel guides.
