Places to Stay

The Best Airbnbs in Austin, From Lake Houses to Bungalows

Whether you want to stay on Lake Travis or near South Congress, there's a vacation rental for everyone.

January 26, 2024

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Your search for the perfect Austin Airbnb ends here. We’ve selected a roster of stays that do what Austin does best: go above and beyond. The “Live Music Capital of the World” offers a variety of stays as diverse as its music, restaurant, and arts scenes. Complement your trip to Texas with an Eastside tiny home or a studio with its own private spa. Whether you're searching for a downtown stay in the center of the action for bachelorette festivities, or crave a relaxing escape on Lake Travis, we’ve pulled the weird and the wonderful for you. So welcoming are these spaces that, much like many visitors to the sunny city, you may decide to extend your stay. Discover the rich history, top-notch barbecue, belly-roaring comedy, and striking nature of Austin, then return to your chosen retreat.

FAQ:

When is the best time to visit Austin?

While Austin stays warm and sunny nearly all year, the prime visiting months are September through November and March through May. During these pleasant fall and spring seasons, daytime temperatures tend to hover between 70 and 80 degrees.

In June through August, temperatures rise into the 90s and can often climb over 100 degrees. December through February tends to be a quieter time to visit and offers a mild winter with temperatures averaging in the low 60s.

Where should I stay in Austin?

The neighborhoods of Austin each offer their own particular appeal. Tasteful apartments in downtown Austin, eclectic houses in East Austin, historic abodes on South Congress, and outdoorsy Barton Springs’ haunts are all among Austin’s best areas to stay. For ideas on what to do and where to eat in whichever neighborhood you stay, check out our picks for the best things to do in Austin, the best hikes in Austin, and the best restaurants in Austin.

How much does it cost to rent an Airbnb in Austin?

The selections on this list fall between $84 and $1.7K per night. Overall, Airbnb rentals range from as low as $45 per night for a single private room in an Austin home to as high as $10k per night for something like a villa rental. Although Austin ranked as the third most expensive city in the US for Airbnb rentals in a recent study conducted by the Chamber of Commerce with a $373 average daily rate, there are options for a range of travel types.

We've selected these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Glass house on Lake Travis
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Open-air rain shower, oversized hot tub, three balconies
Neighborhood: Apache Shores on Lake Travis
Screened in the movie Abilene and on HGTV, this all-glass house is the striking architectural gem of your dreams. Ascend the limestone steps adorned with string lights, and admire the natural beauty of the surrounding Texas hills from inside. The creekside stay is surrounded by lush greenery and located 45 minutes from downtown Austin. Privacy awaits couples and small groups looking to recharge. This place can be appreciated not only for its exterior grandeur, but also for special details like a butler’s pantry, Italian leather furniture, an in-bedroom coffee and tea bar, and an electric bedroom fireplace.
$289 at Airbnb (starting price)
Old-school bungalow
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Top amenities: Spacious balcony, disco ball, unique furniture
Neighborhood: East Cesar Chavez
Charming and eclectic, this 1930s remodel is sure to inspire with its funky artistic touches. Perfect for a group trip, the Eastside home has a unique bedroom for each member of your party. Walk through a hallway plastered in prints of various creatures to bedrooms that feature everything from a wall-sized map to a taxidermy duck. Wind up the spiral staircase into an all-white room featuring a disco ball, poufs, and a huge circle window above a reading perch. On the opposite end of the loft, open the door to the balcony for city views and starry skies.
$293 at Airbnb (starting price)

Lake house hideaway
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Antique clawfoot bathtub, reading loft, lake views
Neighborhood: Comanche Trail on Lake Travis
Time travel to the 1970s at this handcrafted lakeside cabin. The rustic retreat is situated on the shores of iconic Lake Travis and steps away from the quintessentially Austin clothing-optional beach, Hippie Hollow. Windy Point Park is also within walking distance, a go-to spot for Texas scuba divers and kayakers. Sip tea and wander the light-filled house, admiring the handmade textiles and intricate woodwork, then head to the patio to enjoy a Hill Country sunset. There’s even an outdoor tub and garden furniture where you can completely unwind.
$271 at Airbnb (starting price)
Luxe smart home
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Top amenities: Private lap pool, gym, freestanding tub
Neighborhood: Bouldin Creek
Open spaces, neutral tones, and high-tech comforts welcome you to this Scandinavian-inspired home. Mornings look like a lap in the pool followed by sunbathing on a beanbag chaise lounge. Transition to the kitchen to whip up breakfast as you soak up the natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, or take a short walk to one of the many nearby restaurants on S 1st Street or South Congress. The whole scene will be synced with your favorite playlist over the Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers.
$1,060 at Airbnb (starting price)

Urban wellness retreat
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Barrel sauna, cedar soaking tubs, outdoor shower
Neighborhood: Holly
Wrap yourself in a plush bathrobe and relax in seclusion at your own private spa. This serene studio is the ultimate recharge for both local staycationers and travelers seeking to explore vibrant, eclectic East Austin. Bike the scenic lake trail on one of the provided bikes and return to your bungalow for an array of tranquil activities. Light some incense, dip into the hot and cold cedar plunge tubs, sweat it out in the barrel sauna, and conclude with your choice of steam or an outdoor shower.
$529 at Airbnb (starting price)
Courtesy Airbnb
Fairytale abode off-the-beaten-path
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Flowing open-plan space, outdoor shower
Neighborhood: Westlake Highlands
This magical retreat originally built in the ’70s and since restored is a peaceful escape from the city. It's tucked away in the forest hills just 15 minutes from downtown, but it will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fantasyland. The white stone exterior of this kooky, abstract, architectural gem evokes the face of a dragon, and its entryway resembles a path lined with bouncy mushrooms. Inside, it has smooth, sculptural walls that mold to the contours of the land it sits on. A round, whimsical fireplace in the living room warmly awaits the solo traveler or couple who is checking into the rental. But the sleek, wood-carved mini bar that curves along the walls and is equipped with cushy leather barstools is among the features we love most in this one-bedroom.
$628 at Airbnb (Starting Price)

Three-story East Austin home
The vibe: Trendy, walkable home base for a group
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Colorful floor pillows, globally-inspired decor
Neighborhood: East Austin
Punchy pops of bright colors in the paintings, rugs, and pillows accent this welcoming and internationally-decorated three-story space. Beige Japanese parasols dangle above the headboard in a bedroom with a neutral palette, while another bedroom boasts a string of postcards above the bed and an en suite bathroom complete with a soaking tub. A chandelier dripping from the ceiling makes a statement in the third bedroom, which is decorated with bursts of vibrant colors and features a full bathroom with a walk-in shower and sparkling white double sink.
$285 at Airbnb (Starting Price)
Bungalow with a cowboy pool
The vibe: Backyard hang with the whole crew
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Cowboy pool, abundant lounging areas (including bean bag chairs)
Neighborhood: East Austin
Groups who love taking over a space like it's their own personal living room will rejoice at this boho-chic, multi-space abode featuring a main home, a studio, and a detached bedroom all connected by an expansive backyard. The cowboy pool may be the main outdoor attraction, but games of cornhole or kick-backs with your crew on the bean bags and Adirondack chairs are not to be missed. If duty must draw you away from play, a comfortable workstation can be found steps away from the back patio situated in one of the modern, Southwest-inspired bedrooms.
$333 at Airbnb (starting price)

Private, waterfront retreat on Lake Travis
The vibe: Airy and spacious, with million-dollar views
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Top amenities: Infinity pool, outdoor sectional
Neighborhood: Rocky Ridge on Lake Travis
If you're looking for a sprawling home to host a large group, you'll love this beautiful lakefront property. The four-bedroom home sits on a huge two-acre lot and the living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows give you a stunning view of the glistening water and towering trees right outside the door. In the backyard, you'll find an infinity swimming pool, a heated spa, and a comfortable lounge area. The property also includes access to a private boat dock. If you're looking for rest, relaxation, and a chance to reconnect with nature, this Austin Airbnb fits the bill—and when you're ready to hit the town, you'll find downtown 35 minutes away by car.
$753 at Airbnb (Starting Price)
Colorful midcentury modern abode
The vibe: Retro 1950s revamp
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Funky furniture, covered patio
Neighborhood: Chestnut in East Austin
This recently remodeled home has three bedrooms and an open-plan living area decked out with midcentury modern furniture, vibrant textiles, and lively artwork. Outside you'll find a covered patio that's just the spot for a morning coffee or evening cocktail. It's a spirited home base for an unforgettable stay in central Austin.
$220 at Airbnb (Starting Price)

Modern East Side hideaway
The vibe: East Austin eclectic
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms (plus a VW Camper Van bed), 1.5 baths
Top amenities: Patio, stock tank pool
Neighborhood: East Austin
This modern two-bedroom home sits on a gated, tree-filled lot. Inside, the home is filled with eclectic, boho decor. Be sure to spend time on the screened-in porch or in the nine-foot stock tank pool. The home is in a quiet neighborhood that's just a five-minute drive from the University of Texas campus and bustling nightlife of East 6th Street.
$309 at Airbnb (Starting Price)
Cozy tiny home with a spacious backyard
The vibe: Contemporary cube
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Hot tub, vegetable garden
Neighborhood: Johnston Terrace in East Austin
This new build has a contemporary interior, cozy living space, and a loft with a bed. (If you need another bed, the host can provide an additional queen-size air mattress.) While the interior square footage is small, the backyard is chock full of amenities, like a hot tub, grill, fire pit, and garden. If you’re not sure where to start planning your excursions, the host has you covered with a binder full of all the best nearby eateries and sights.
$165 at Airbnb (Starting Price)

Peaceful East Austin tiny house
The vibe: Modern cabin surrounded by trees
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Loft life, on-site parking
Neighborhood: MLK in East Austin
We had to include one more tiny home. Embrace the tiny living life in style in this petite pick. What it lacks in square footage, it makes up for in style. The entire home is impeccably designed and decorated. The open-floor plan features a full kitchen and living area, and a staircase leads you to a peaceful sleeping loft with a queen-size bed.
$119 at Airbnb (Starting Price)
Hip guesthouse for solo travelers
The vibe: Clean and bright
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Top amenities: Record player, vinyls, catalogue-worthy light fixtures
Neighborhood: Rosewood
This light-filled guest house is in a quiet part of East Austin about five minutes from downtown. The immaculate studio is a comfortable home away from home and you'll find luxe, contemporary touches throughout, including subway tiles and Edison light fixtures. They've even got a record player and extensive vinyl collection for guests to enjoy.
$131 at Airbnb (Starting Price)

Extravagant estate in Hill Country
The vibe: Reimagined farmhouse villa in the hills
Bed & bath: 7 bedrooms, 6.5 baths
Top amenities: Swimming pool, al fresco living and dining areas, formal dining area with seating for 16
Neighborhood: Cedar Valley
Once you set foot in this villa, you may never want to leave. It's designed with indoor-outdoor living in mind, with a backyard that boasts a covered lounge area with a television and fireplace, multiple dining areas, fire pit, al fresco shower, outdoor kitchen, and a sparkling pool. The luxury continues as you move inside, with soaring vaulted ceilings, statement artwork, designer furniture, and high-end finishes everywhere you turn. This massive estate has six bedrooms and 18 beds throughout. Plus, there's plenty of beautiful nature to explore on the 11-acre grounds.
$1,469 at Airbnb (Starting Price)
Courtesy Airbnb
Historic manor in the heart of Texas
The vibe: Inside an old photograph
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Top amenities: Stunning chandeliers, vintage and freestanding bathtub
Neighborhood: East Austin
If you're looking for classic Texas living, this colorful historic home fits the bill. You'll find traditional features, including marble busts, crystal chandeliers, and velvet furniture that give this manor a romantic vintage feel. There are five bedrooms, so big families and large groups will have plenty of room. Make sure to spend some time in the backyard, where you'll find a covered dining table, a fire pit surrounded by chairs, huge fruit trees, and even Hula hoops for guests to enjoy.
$743 at Airbnb (Starting Price)

Courtesy Airbnb
Zilker Park getaway with a pool
The vibe: Phenomenally pristine
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths
Top amenities: Dual showerhead rain shower, posh LED light pool
Neighborhood: Barton Hills
This four-bedroom Austin vacation rental is stunning inside and out. The interior is airy and contemporary, and there are five bedrooms throughout the farmhouse. Outside, you'll find lounging areas, a BBQ, firepit, a private swimming pool, and a hot tub. During the winter months, the pool isn't automatically heated—but you can arrange to have it warmed up during your stay for an additional fee.
$792 at Airbnb (starting price)

Kristi Kellogg is a content strategist and journalist whose writing has been featured on Condé Nast Traveler, Epicurious, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Brides, Glamour, Allure, GQ, and Architectural Digest. Her favorite topics to cover? Tech, lifestyle, weddings, and food. Kellogg lives in Los Angeles, but her heart's forever in New York.... Read more

Alexandra is a travel writer and poet based in Austin, Texas, who writes about solo travel, cool places to stay, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Unique places she's called home include a horse ranch in Göreme National Park, Turkey; a historic Gothic apartment in Florence, Italy; a “hobbit home” in Peru's Sacred... Read more

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