Downtown Austin Travel Guide

Austin

A city street with a large domed building in the background, surrounded by trees and various vehicles.
A city skyline with a river and bridges.
A modern urban street with tall buildings, traffic lights, and a crosswalk.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a pedestrian path, and a river.
A tree-lined urban street with parked cars and a building with a rainbow flag.

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 centre 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 favourite 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 Theatre, 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.


Stay near popular Downtown Austin attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Austin

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street Austin TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,199 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
฿4,199
฿5,039 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,883 reviews)
"Muchas gracias todo muy bien el lugar muy accesible! Súper recomendado!!!"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2026

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST Austin TX
The price is ฿3,413 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
฿3,413
฿4,073 total
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,737 reviews)
"it was great"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2026

citizenM Austin Downtown
Fairmont Austin

Fairmont Austin

4 out of 5
101 Red River St Austin TX
The price is ฿6,759 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
฿6,759
฿9,498 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Austin. Enjoy a full-service spa, 6 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Fairmont Austin
Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

4 out of 5
605 Davis Street Austin TX
The price is ฿5,901 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
฿5,901
฿8,503 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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 ...
Hotel Van Zandt
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG

2.5 out of 5
810 Red River St Austin TX
The price is ฿4,199 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿4,199
฿5,261 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
68 Eeast Ave Austin TX
The price is ฿4,443 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
฿4,443
฿5,330 total
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
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.

Where to stay in Downtown Austin

Find the best Downtown Austin areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Austin
Learn more about Downtown Austin

Lower Basin Lake Travis

If you're spending some time in Lower Basin Lake Travis, Lake Travis and Hippie Hollow are top sights worth seeing.

The Domain

Great live music beloved sports teams and top sights from Domain Northside to Cap City Comedy Club – discover The Domain, a destination also famous for its entertainment.

South Congress

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to South Congress. A stop by South Congress Avenue or South First Street might round out your trip.

Lago Vista

Lago Vista is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lake Travis and Lago Vista Golf Course.

Bouldin Creek

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



Downtown Austin Travel Guide