There’s a good reason why Austin is one of the top tourist and traveler destinations in the world. There’s art and music everywhere you look, the food is to die for and the culture is unlike anywhere else on earth! And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to experience this wonderfully weird city as a local, why not skip the hotel room and book a stay at one of the many amazing Air bnbs around Austin. These rental abodes are offer ambience, all the modern amenities and incomparable views of the city. So whether you’re in town for a legendary Music festival or just visiting the live music capitol of the world, sleep in comfort and style at these unique Air Bnb’s that are a little slice of Austin weird.

Garden Cottage in East Austin
Sleeps: 2 Rate: $65/Night Pets: No
Set in the 1⁄2 acre backyard of a quaint east Austin abode, this Airbnb cottage is the definition of farmhouse chic. The recently renovated interior of the cottage is so ridiculously charming you’ll think you stumbled into a fairytale. The ceiling is covered in a hodge-podge of old doors and window shutters, the floors are rich dark hardwood and the walls are filled with a quirky melange of maps and atlases. This one bedroom one bath backyard dwelling includes a plush queen sized bed, fully stocked bathroom with walk in shower and closet, basic kitchen appliances, AC/heating and free WiFi for unlimited web surfing. But you probably won’t spend much time indoors since the rental also includes a private entrance to the property’s massive 1⁄2 backyard with a hammock and Adirondack chairs, along with a few furry and feathered inhabitants like chickens, bunnies, a duck and a friendly pot belly pig! And when you’re ready to venture out in Austin, downtown is just 3 1⁄2 miles away, with a conveniently located bus stop right up the street. This urban cottage retreat is perfect for animal lovers and adventuring couples looking for a relaxing retreat from the city.

“Miss Daisy” at CamperVan Austin
Sleeps: 2 Rate: $65/Night Pets: No
Perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts and sociable travelers, CamperVan Austin is a funky RV community in the OG “Keep Austin Weird” North Loop neighborhood. Located near the airport, this hipster trailer park includes 3 restored trailers set around a giant stone fire pit with twinkle lights strung overhead. Guests can book all three trailers (fits up to 10 total) or share the Austin experience with other campers from around the world.

Though these trailers are tiny, guests are by no means roughing it with all the modern amenities and plush perks they come with. The popular “Miss Daisy” trailer sleeps two people comfortably and includes a full size bed and single sleeper, 19” TV with premium HD cable, Keurig style Coffee Maker, Hot plate, toaster oven, microwave and, most importantly, air conditioning and free WiFi. If you need a private bathroom then this place probably isn’t for you, since the only onsite bathroom is communal. But it does have all the necessary amenities like AC and a full size shower, so it’s still not technically “roughing it”. Outside you can find a handful of fun outdoor games to keep you entertained. And when you’re ready for a change of scenery, exciting downtown Austin is a short 10 minute drive away.

Eastside Container

Sleeps: 2 Rate: $50/night Pets: No
Located in the heart of eclectic east Austin, this tiny Container house is brand new and comes with a ton of modern amenities and Austin attitude! Built inside an actual 40 foot shipping container, this sleek guest house has everything you could possibly need, including a queen size bed, full kitchen, custom-tiled full bath, LED flatscreen smart TV and a full washer and dryer.

The home’s interior is modern and stylish, with high quality leather furniture, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, original wood and metal flooring, lots of windows and a tri-panel set of 8 foot doors that slide and pivot to open the living area into the private fenced in backyard with a deck. The rental also includes linens, towels, dishes, cookware, coffee, soaps and bath products so you hardly have to bring anything! This property is also protected by a full-perimeter fence with an automatic gate, so you can chillax in total peace. This is hands down the most luxurious shipping container you’ll ever step inside! And downtown is just a 5 minute drive or $10 rideshare away.

Hyde Park Gallery Getaway
Sleeps: 3 Rate: $89/Night Pets: No
An ideal retreat for artists and musicians, the Hyde Park Gallery getaway is an artsy bungalow in central Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Run by an uber creative couple comprised of an acclaimed music video director and painter/production designer, this fashionable rental is oozing art and culture. The cozy open concept includes a queen sized bed, small living area with a single sleeper sofa, kitchenette and bathroom with standing shower.

But the real appeal comes from the original sculptures and works of art from the hosts and their friends that adorn the space, as well as a vinyl player and an impressive record library that guests are welcome to peruse. Other amenities include a fridge, DeLonghi toaster oven, induction cooktop, microwave, coffee maker, espresso maker and tea pot with a variety of teas. If you’re feeling peckish you can visit one of the many restaurants, coffee shops and bars located within walking distance of the property – or you can rent a bike from the hosts. And if it’s culture you’re craving, North Loop is rife with weird Austin vibes and shops to check out. Plus the bungalow hosts always love to share their local knowledge and insight of what to do and see around town, so feel free to hit them up for an insider’s guide to this wonderfully weird city.

Glamping at MLF Community First Village
Sleeps: 7 Rate: $25/Night Pets: Yes
One thing visitors should know about Austin is that the homeless community is a huge party of the city’s fabric. Unfortunately, there are countless people in Austin without homes, and the MLF Community First Village provides much needed lodging and assistance to the chronically homeless around the city. But this philanthropic camping site is also open to the public, and they receive thousands of visitors from around the world every year who want to reconnect with nature and maybe spend some time giving back.

This massive 27-acre compound includes lush gardens abundant in flora and fauna, wildlife including chickens, goats, donkeys and bees (contained, of course) and a collection of authentic American Indian tipis to where you can fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature right outside your door. There’s also a handful of interesting onsite activities to explore like blacksmithing and timber framing, and guests are welcome to explore the community’s onsite market and walking trails. If you’re feeling charitable, you can sign up for one of the site’s volunteer programs including Mobile Loaves and Fishes, which helps feed the homeless. There’s plenty of fire pits to sit around after a long day of adventures, a dog park for your pet pal and a variety of tipis that range from canvas cottages to traditional tipis. The private tipis include an outdoor kitchen and individual style bathhouse. Plus each tipi is located directly in front of an outdoor amphitheater, where they play free movies every Friday evening. Nearby there’s a Mexican grocery store with bomb breakfast tacos, plus BBQ at Donn’s right down the road and the iconic Alamo Drafthouse is right next door.

Calcasieu Cottage
Sleeps: 4 Rate: $95/Night Pets: No
Originally built by the Calcasieu Lumber Company of Austin in the 1920s, these central Eastside cottages are a true piece of Austin history. The Calcasieu Lumber Company was founded in Austin all the way back in the 1880s, and a few of their small log dwellings still remain standing thanks to the tireless preservation efforts of the Austin Historic Commission. While carefully maintaining the original architecture and integrity of these historic monuments, the Calcasieu cottages have been fully renovated into modern, airy rentals loaded with all the creature comforts and luxuries you could ask for! The interior of the cottage is a mix of mid-century and modern, with hardwood floors, a groove pine vaulted ceiling, lots of windows and eclectic furniture that pays homage to the home’s antique feel while adding a touch of style and coziness. This little cabin retreat has cable, high speed internet, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, heating and AC, a cushy queen size bed in the upstairs loft and lots of windows for natural light. There’s also a coffee maker with coffee and fresh linens and towels to make you feel right at home. If you’re craving some fresh air you can enjoy your coffee al fresco on the outdoor patio with antique wrought iron furniture. Or venture out into central Austin for some unique shopping, dining and exploring.

Backyard Land Yacht in Cherrywood
Sleeps: 2 Rate: $47/Night Pets: No
Remember “Into the Wild” when the guy moves into an abandoned bus in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness? Ya, things didn’t turn out so great for that guy. But if he had chosen this deluxe, renovated backyard land yacht in Austin instead, the story would have had a much happier ending! Parked in the open backyard of a quiet residential home in the Cherrywood neighborhood, this old school bus is like a tiny suite wrapped in metal! Only in Austin would someone rent out an old land yacht in their backyard…and it’s pretty freakin awesome!

Don’t be fooled by the modest, bright yellow exterior, because once you step inside you’ll find a fully redone living space with wall-to-wall wood paneling, a full kitchen and bathroom, small dining space and a comfy bed for two. There’s also an AC unit in both the front and the back of the bus for those extra hot Texas days and propane heating in the winter – which, lets face it, you probably won’t need! The kitchen has everything you need from utensils and cookware to appliances like a fridge, stovetop and oven. And in the bathroom you’ll find a flushing toilet, standing shower and large sink for all your ablutions. They even added adorable accents like sconces, hanging plants and bookshelves lined with books to make this land yacht extra cozy. And when you want to stretch your legs – since it’s only 6’1” inside the bus – you can use your private access through the property’s side gate to head out into the Cherrywood district for coffee, drinks or dinner.