Home to America’s most well-known highway, Route 66 stretches across Oklahoma for over 400 miles. From small towns to urban centres, the contrasts along the road are diverse, to say the least.
But for the sake of this guide, I will focus in on the capital of the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City. Known as ‘The Big Friendly’, the city is busy, modern, and full of friendly humans!
Oklahoma contrasts very hot and humid summers with freezing winters, so it’s best to visit in spring or autumn when you can enjoy the city’s outdoor activities.
However, no matter what season you visit, the city has great food and nightlife as well as lots of interesting attractions to explore. So, you’ll be more than entertained!
Deciding where to stay in Oklahoma City is an important task. Not every area in the city is ideal for travellers. You’ll want to stay somewhere that is suited to you, your travel needs, and of course, your budget.
That’s where I come in! I’m here to help you figure it all out.
I’ve created this ultimate guide on Oklahoma City’s best areas, places to stay and things to do – for any travel style and budget. By the end of this article, YOU will be the expert on the areas of Oklahoma City.
So, let’s get down to business and find out where in Oklahoma City is best for you.
- Where to Stay in Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma City Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma City’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Oklahoma City
- What To Pack For Oklahoma City
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Oklahoma City
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Oklahoma City
Where to Stay in Oklahoma City
Not too fussed which area of Oklahoma City you stay in? Check out our top accommodation picks.
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Mid-Century Modern Getaway | Best Airbnb in Oklahoma City
This guesthouse sits in the Plaza District and sleeps up to two guests. It offers bright, cheerful spaces and is surrounded by shops and restaurants. The property is also a stone’s throw away from Downtown, so you’ll have plenty to explore.
Candlewood Suites Oklahoma City | Best Hotel in Oklahoma City
Located in Bricktown, this three-star hotel has free parking, Wi-Fi, family rooms, and a great fitness center. The rooms are comfortable and spacious and contain all the usual amenities.
Cozy Updated House in Perfect Location | Best Luxury Airbnb in Oklahoma City
This lovely house is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Oklahoma City for families. It’s located in a quiet neighborhood and has a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and space for up to six guests. It’s also got a yard, making it great if you’re bringing Fido along!
Oklahoma City Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Oklahoma City
Downtown
Busy, modern, and filled with attractions, shops, and restaurants, Downtown is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Oklahoma City for one night or on your first trip. Staying in this area means you’ll be able to see the city’s best attractions quickly.
North Oklahoma City
North Oklahoma City encompasses several neighborhoods that are fairly close together and close to the attractions in this part of the city. This area is close to the Downtown but far enough away that you’ll find lots of budget accommodation options.
Bricktown
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Bricktown with kids who need to be entertained, then you’ll love Bricktown. Located close to the center of the city, Bricktown was once an industrial area turned into the most trendy and lively part of the city.
Oklahoma City is a fairly large, modern city and it has good public transport options across the central area. However, if you plan to spend a lot of time outside the city (and you should if you want to enjoy the outdoor activities), then you might want to hire a car to get around.
The Downtown area is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Oklahoma City for the first time. It has a good collection of attractions, nightclubs, restaurants, and shops, as well as public transport links to other parts of town.
If you’re traveling on a budget, then try the area north of Downtown. This area is local but still filled with attractions and great restaurants. Best of all, you’ll be able to take advantage of local prices while you’re there!
The final area on this list is Bricktown. This compact part of the city contains all the best restaurants and shops, so it’s ideal when you’re traveling with kids who need plenty of entertainment throughout the day.
Oklahoma City’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, let’s take a closer look at where you can find the best accommodation in Oklahoma City.
1. Downtown – Where to Stay in Oklahoma City for your First Visit
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Downtown – See a game or a concert at the Chesapeake Arena.
- BEST Place to Visit in Downtown – The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame for a look at the history of sports in the state.
Busy, modern, and filled with attractions, shops, and restaurants, Downtown is ideal when you’re deciding where to stay in Oklahoma City on your first visit. Basing yourself in this area means you’ll be able to easily explore Oklahoma’s best attractions. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding connections out of the city to explore the natural landscape either, which also makes it the ideal jumping-off point for exploring Route 66.
The Downtown area also offers some of the best hotels in the city, so you should be able to find somewhere to stay no matter what your budget is like.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Best Hotel in Downtown
This three-star bed and breakfast hotel in Oklahoma is close to pretty much everything Downtown. It has a restaurant and bar on-site, although it’s also close to some of the best eateries in the city. The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast daily, so you can fuel up before a day of exploring.
MidLiv | Best Airbnb in Downtown
This cozy home sleeps six guests across three bedrooms. It has a kitchen, free parking, and a fireplace – basically everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. It sits in the heart of Downtown, so you’ll have plenty to see and do on your doorstep.
Downtown Patio Views | Best Luxury Airbnb in Downtown
This gorgeous apartment has breathtaking views of the city and a third-story terrace from which to enjoy them. The inside space has large windows, vintage woods, and an industrial modern design that’s both gorgeous and welcoming.
Things to See and Do in Downtown:
- Remember the victims of the Murrah Building Bombing at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
- Head out for a drink with friends at the O Bar or Skinny Slim’s.
- Learn about the history of American art at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
- Get back to nature at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
- Have a meal at Grey Sweater, the Black Walnut, or Deep Deuce Grill.
- Listen to some local music at the Civic Center Music Hall or the Auditorium at The Douglass.
- Take the kids to enjoy the rides at Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. North Oklahoma City – Where to Stay in Oklahoma City on a Budget
- COOLEST Thing to Do in North Oklahoma City – Take the kids to enjoy the displays at The Oklahoma Science Museum.
- BEST Place to Visit in North Oklahoma City – Frontier City for rides and thrills that everyone in your travel group will love.
North Oklahoma City encompasses several neighborhoods that are fairly close together. The area is close to downtown but far enough away that you’ll find lots of cheaper places to stay.
This part of the city also offers good transport links, so you can easily get around and explore. There are also several popular restaurants and shopping areas that are mostly for the locals. That means better prices during your trip!
Centrally Located Guest Suite on 2 Acres | Best Airbnb in North Oklahoma City
This guest suite is all about the outdoor spaces. Set on two acres of private land, it offers room for visitors to enjoy the outdoors yet is just minutes from the attractions of North Oklahoma City. It’s suitable for two guests, has a private entrance, and a lovely outdoor area.
TLC Comfy Cozy Nest | Best Luxury Airbnb in North Oklahoma City
Located close to the Adventure District, this home has three bedrooms and can sleep up to eight guests. It’s just moments from local attractions and offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that the whole family will love!
Hyatt Place OKC | Best Hotel in North Oklahoma City
This Oklahoma City hotel has its own bar where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing. It’s close to local restaurants and offers comfortable and stylish rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom.
Things to See and Do in North Oklahoma City:
- Immerse yourself in the Wild West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
- Practice your swing at the Lincoln Park Golf Course.
- Learn about the often-hidden side of the city at the Oklahoma Black Museum & Performing Arts Center.
- Learn about the history of softball at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex.
- Marvel at firefighting equipment from the 18th century at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum.
- Take a break and eat something delicious at Poe Boyz House, Ice Events Center & Grill, or Bedlam BAR-B-Q Dine in and patio.
- Test your nerves at the Lost Lakes Haunted Forest.
3. Bricktown – Best Neighborhood in Oklahoma City for Families
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Bricktown – Take a Bricktown Water Taxi along the Canal to see the city from a different viewpoint.
- BEST Place to Visit in Bricktown – Bricktown River Walk Park for walking trails, restaurants, and outdoor art.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Bricktown with kids who need to be entertained, then you’ll love Bricktown. Located close to the center of the city, Bricktown was once an industrial area turned into the trendiest and liveliest neighborhood.
This is a small area, but it’s literally packed with shops, restaurants, piano lounges, and everything else you could want for entertainment. This is what also makes it the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Oklahoma City for nightlife. Despite being one of the liveliest districts in the city, it remains a safe place to be for families.
Spacious Studio in Deep Deuce | Best Airbnb in Bricktown
This spacious studio sleeps two guests and offers modern facilities. It sits just outside central Bricktown and is ideally situated close to town amenities.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites | Best Hotel in Bricktown
This hotel is one of the best places to stay in Oklahoma City as it offers great amenities at a budget price. It has an indoor pool, fitness center, and rooms with fridges and microwaves. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast every morning and is also surrounded by shops and restaurants.
OKC Arts District Condo | Best Luxury Airbnb in Bricktown
This condo is within walking distance of all the attractions of Bricktown and sleeps three guests. It has minimalist decor along with a balcony, modern kitchen, and laundry facilities and is just steps from some great shops and restaurants!
Things to See and Do in Bricktown:
- Have some laughs at the Bricktown Comedy Club.
- Take the kids to see a movie or see one yourself at the Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16.
- Try some old-fashioned bowling and have a meal at HeyDay Entertainment.
- Play laser tag, pool, or mini-golf at Brickopolis Entertainment.
- Enjoy some burgers at beer at Bricktown Brewery.
- Learn about this peculiar instrument at the American Banjo Museum.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Oklahoma City
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Oklahoma City and where to stay.
What To Pack For Oklahoma City
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Oklahoma City
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s best neighborhoods have a combination of great accommodation and restaurants as well as easy access to fun attractions. So the next time you’re looking for a new place for a weekend break or a longer vacation, why not check out this city? You’ll love the combination of the natural beauty surrounding the city and the slightly unusual culture inside it.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
