Downtown Austin Travel Guide

Austin

Downtown Austin showing street scenes and an administrative building
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin

This happening area is the place to go for the top-quality entertainment, dining and shopping that has made Austin famous.

Austin is one of the hippest cities in the United States, and Downtown Austin is at the center of it all. Explore the nexus of the state capital of Texas and discover its inimitable live music scene and interesting shops.

Come to Sixth Street for a night on the town. This is Austin’s undisputed entertainment district for tourists and locals. Listen to live music or go dancing. With dozens of bars lining the street, you have plenty of choice when it comes to finding your favorite drink.

For a more upscale evening of entertainment, visit the Warehouse District, sometimes called “Sixth Street for grown-ups.” Choose from trendy restaurants and swanky clubs, most of which are housed in converted warehouses.

You’ll need several days, or perhaps even weeks, to experience all of Austin’s top entertainment venues. Attend a performance in the historic Paramount Theatre. Look up when you’re inside the art nouveau interior features a gorgeous ornate ceiling. See a headliner performance at the well-known Moody Theater, where a clever layout ensures you’re never far from the stage. Enjoy delicious barbecue and high-profile entertainment at Stubb’s BBQ.

Purchase a souvenir in the Second Street shopping district. Browse specialty shops, boutiques and high-end stores.

You can’t miss the pink granite Texas State Capitol. Perched on a hill, this magnificent building lords over Downtown Austin. Join a guided tour to learn more about the city and examine the building’s splendid Renaissance Revival architecture up close.

Steel yourself for flying fun at Congress Avenue Bridge. The bridge, which spans Lady Bird Lake, may not look like much at first glance but it is home to one of the largest urban bat colonies in the world. Watch up to 1.5 million bats emerge from the bridge at sundown each night between March and October.

Downtown Austin is in the heart of the city and very pedestrian friendly. Walk to many of the city’s top destinations. If you prefer, take a taxi or Capital Metro bus lines.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Austin

citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is ฿3,368 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
฿3,368
฿4,020 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,916 reviews)
5 days in Austin
"All the staff were incredibly accommodating and helpful. Would definitely stay again. Would have like a steamer in the room. Ice machine would also help and water refill on each floor. Minor inconveniences because the rest of the stay was perfect."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

citizenM Austin Downtown
Fairmont Austin

Fairmont Austin

4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,847 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
฿5,847
฿8,375 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Austin. Enjoy a full-service spa, 6 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,144 reviews)
"Excellent stay for me and my wife. Very romantic- recommend the upgraded corner view."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Fairmont Austin
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
211 E 3rd St, Austin, TX
The price is ฿3,612 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿3,612
฿4,333 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,154 reviews)
"Just stayed at this great hotel in Austin and was genuinely impressed. The location was perfect! The staff were welcoming and went out of their way to make the stay comfortable - especially the valet named Dallas! My room was clean and spacious. Me and My kids loved breakfast here."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Austin Downtown
Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

4 out of 5
605 Davis Street, Austin, TX
The price is ฿4,905 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿4,905
฿7,096 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (856 reviews)
Stay here
"Great place. Really liked it. Recommend to any and everyone."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Hotel Van Zandt
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
68 Eeast Ave, Austin, TX
The price is ฿3,451 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿3,451
฿4,119 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,480 reviews)
"It was amazing and clean"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel

Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel

4 out of 5
701 E 11th Street, Austin, TX
The price is ฿3,727 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
฿3,727
฿4,448 total
8 Aug - 9 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (550 reviews)
"This hotel has a retro vibe but that we really enjoyed, maybe it is dated but they lean into it in a really fun way. Food was great and all the staff were friendly. Walking distance to 6th st which was our destination. Was very happy with our stay"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Austin

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Congress Avenue Historic District

If you're spending some time in Congress Avenue Historic District, Sixth Street and Frost Bank Tower are top sights worth seeing.

Congress Avenue Historic District
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Waller Creek District

While you're in Waller Creek District, take in top sights like Sixth Street and jump on the metro at Downtown Station to see more of the city.

Waller Creek District
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Central East Austin

If you're spending some time in Central East Austin, George Washington Carver Museum and Franklin Barbecue are top sights worth seeing.

Central East Austin
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East Cesar Chavez

While you're in East Cesar Chavez, take in top sights like East Sixth Street and jump on the metro at Plaza Saltillo Station to see more of the city.

East Cesar Chavez
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Bouldin Creek

While visiting Bouldin Creek, you might make a stop by sights like South First Street and Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Bouldin Creek
South Congress featuring signage

South River City

If you're spending some time in South River City, South Congress Avenue and Lady Bird Lake are top sights worth seeing.

South River City


Downtown Austin Travel Guide