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Rainey Street started quiet, but now it’s a must-visit hotspot—red-brick facades, open-air bars, craft markets. Every photo feels like a moment stolen from real life.
Everything you need to know about Rainey St
The Driskill Hotel is a top choice, offering historic elegance and modern luxury just a 5-minute walk from Rainey Street. Its rooms provide panoramic views of downtown Austin, with easy access to the area’s vibrant bars, art galleries, and live music venues.
Another standout is Hotel Van Zandt, which blends Texas country charm with contemporary design. Guests enjoy curated local music events and a rooftop lounge perfect for sunset views.
Transportation is convenient: CapMetro buses run nearby, and multiple electric scooter routes serve the district. For quick access, use Lyft or Uber—ideal for reaching UT Austin or South Loop.
Unique experiences include the nightly Rainey Street Night Walk, featuring pop-up art installations and live performances. Daytime visitors can join an Austin Urban Bike Tour, cycling along the Colorado River Trail to soak in the city’s laid-back, creative spirit.
Yes, several family-friendly options line Rainey Street. Hyatt House Austin Downtown offers connecting rooms, indoor pool, and game room—perfect for kids. Located just a 10-minute walk away, it’s ideal for families wanting to enjoy street art, live music, and outdoor festivals.
Staybridge Suites Austin Downtown features full kitchens and laundry facilities, great for extended stays. The neighborhood is safe, green, and close to Zilker Park, where families can picnic or ride bikes.
Transportation is excellent: nearby CapMetro light rail stops make trips to UT Austin and tech museums easy. Many hotels also offer free bike rentals, enabling families to explore Austin at their own pace.
The fastest option is Uber or Lyft, taking 15–20 minutes and costing $30–$40. For budget travelers, take the CapMetro Airport Express Bus from Terminal 2, heading directly to downtown, then transfer to the UT-Austin Light Rail at East Cesar Chavez Station—just a 10-minute walk to Rainey Street.
Unique Experience: Upon arrival, join the Rainey Street Scavenger Hunt via a mobile app, discovering hidden street art installations through interactive clues—great for groups and families.
Tip: Rainey Street gets crowded at night; avoid driving. Many hotels offer airport shuttle services—check availability when HopeGoo for added convenience.
Don’t miss Rainey Street Live Music Nights every Friday, featuring jazz, blues, and indie bands at local bars—energetic and authentically Austin.
Join the Street Art & Design Walk, led by local artists, exploring murals, sculptures, and public installations. Scan QR codes to watch artist interviews and behind-the-scenes stories.
On Sundays, visit the Farmers Market at the street entrance, offering fresh produce, handmade pastries, and local coffee.
At night, experience the Nightlight Lantern Parade, where locals and visitors parade with handcrafted lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—walking is extensive. Some events require advance registration via the Visit Austin Official App.
See what other travelers say about Rainey St
Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Austin-University Area was a fantastic experience overall. The room was clean, modern, and very comfortable, with excellent bedding that made for a restful night's sleep. The hotel’s cleanliness throughout the property—especially in common areas and hallways—was impressive. One small note: the bottled water provided in the room was a bit limited in quantity, so I ended up refilling at the lobby station. That said, it’s a minor detail. The location is perfect for exploring the University District and downtown Austin, with easy access to public transit. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall value for money is outstanding. I’d definitely stay here again.
Stayed at this hotel and was thoroughly impressed—everything ran smoothly with no issues at all. The location is excellent, right in the heart of the University Area, making it super convenient for exploring downtown Austin via public transit. The room was clean, modern, and comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. Free Wi-Fi was fast and reliable—perfect for work or streaming. Staff were friendly and efficient throughout check-in and check-out. What stood out most was the value for money—luxury feel without the premium price tag. I’d definitely recommend this place to friends and family visiting Austin, and I’ll be booking again on my next trip.
The staff went above and beyond with their friendly and welcoming attitude—truly made the experience special. The hotel was spotless, well-maintained, and had a great flow throughout. I especially loved the happy hour—it was the perfect way to unwind after a long day. Clean rooms, excellent service, and an inviting atmosphere make this place stand out. If I could rate it higher than 10, I definitely would. A must-stay for anyone visiting Austin!
The East Austin Hotel is perfectly located for exploring the city—great for walking around and checking out local spots. The neighborhood is vibrant and safe, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops just steps away. Our room was clean, modern, and quiet, making it a relaxing retreat after a busy day of sightseeing. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Highly recommend this hotel for travelers who want convenience, comfort, and a true local vibe.
The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful, the room was spotless and surprisingly spacious for the price. I especially appreciated the quiet location near the university area—perfect for a relaxing stay. The only minor note is that the double room didn’t include a seating area with a sofa, but that didn’t take away from the overall excellent experience. Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—definitely a place I’d return to on my next trip to Austin.
Staying at this Holiday Inn Express & Suites was an absolute pleasure. The location is perfect—just a short walk from Sixth Street and the Texas State Capitol, making it ideal for exploring downtown Austin. The room was spotless, comfortable, and well-maintained with modern touches. Breakfast was excellent—fresh, varied, and satisfying. The outdoor pool area is a great place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Every detail felt thoughtfully considered. I couldn’t find anything to complain about—this is a top-tier choice for anyone visiting Austin.
Staying at Firehouse Hostel was an absolute highlight of my trip to Austin! The vibe is incredibly social and welcoming—staff go above and beyond to organize fun events like themed nights, local tours, and game sessions that really bring guests together. I loved how active and friendly everyone was, making it easy to strike up conversations and even make new friends. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of downtown, steps away from restaurants, bars, and attractions. Rooms are clean, well-maintained, and offer great value for the price. It’s clear the team puts heart into every detail. I’d 100% recommend this hostel to solo travelers, backpackers, or anyone looking to connect with fellow explorers. A true gem in Austin!
My wife has mobility challenges, and the front desk went out of their way to ensure we were assigned the most accessible room upon check-in—truly thoughtful. The rooms were surprisingly spacious for the price, and with our two adult kids, we all had plenty of room to spread out comfortably. Breakfast was basic—eggs, sausage biscuits, waffles—but it was hot, fresh, and completely adequate considering it was included. No complaints here. Overall, a great value stay with excellent service, especially for guests with accessibility needs. Would definitely recommend and stay again.
I absolutely loved staying at Hotel Magdalena—every single detail exceeded my expectations. The location is unbeatable: I could walk to all the main attractions, restaurants, and shops in downtown Austin without needing to rely on rideshares. The room itself was stunning, with a chic, modern design that felt both luxurious and cozy. The bathroom tiles were a standout feature—elegant, clean, and perfectly matched the overall aesthetic. I especially enjoyed having my own private balcony; it was the perfect spot to relax with a morning coffee or enjoy the evening breeze. Despite being a stylish boutique hotel, it offered great value for money compared to other options in the area. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this place strikes the perfect balance between comfort, convenience, and affordability. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.
Staying at this Canopy by Hilton was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of downtown Austin, with countless bars, restaurants, and local hotspots just steps away. I loved how walkable everything was, especially for dinner and evening drinks. The staff went above and beyond with their friendly, professional service—always smiling, always helpful. My room was clean, modern, and incredibly comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and value. This place truly delivers on every level. Definitely planning to come back.
Staying at Moxy Austin - University was a fantastic experience! The location is perfect if you're visiting Austin—walking distance to campus, local cafes, and downtown. The room is cozy and thoughtfully designed with modern touches, and it's spotless. I loved the free coffee station and mini-fridge in the room—small perks that made a big difference. The staff were friendly and helpful, making check-in and check-out smooth. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want style, comfort, and value without the luxury price tag. Would definitely stay here again.
Staying at this Hilton Garden Inn was an excellent experience from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the University of Texas and right next to the Texas State Capitol, making it perfect for exploring downtown Austin on foot. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, professional, and always willing to help. It's clear they take pride in their service. Cleanliness, convenience, and hospitality all hit top marks. This hotel offers fantastic value and I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting Austin.
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