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 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.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Austin

Omni Austin Hotel

Omni Austin Hotel

4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin TX
The price is ฿5,942 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
฿5,942
฿8,049 total
7 Dec - 8 Dec
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 breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,913 reviews)
This hotel was lovely! The staff was absolutely amazing and helped with anything we needed. Very clean room. Would definitely stay here again!

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025

Omni Austin Hotel
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street Austin TX
The price is ฿3,474 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
฿3,474
฿4,173 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,170 reviews)
Everything so clean and the staff so friendly.

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST Austin TX
The price is ฿3,179 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
฿3,179
฿3,793 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,224 reviews)
Love

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025

citizenM Austin Downtown
The LINE Austin

The LINE Austin

4 out of 5
111 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,525 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
฿4,525
฿6,585 total
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,050 reviews)
Staff was excellent. Rooms however

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

The LINE Austin
Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown

3.5 out of 5
500 N Interstate 35 Austin TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,722 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
฿2,722
฿3,273 total
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Austin. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
Great experience but be warned breakfast is not included and you will be charged $80 per day for parking that is not mentioned until you arrive.

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
68 Eeast Ave Austin TX
The price is ฿3,474 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿3,474
฿4,146 total
24 Nov - 25 Nov
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,737 reviews)
Awesome view

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025

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.

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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Rainey Street Historic District

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Rainey Street Historic District. A stop by Rainey Street or Lady Bird Lake might round out your trip.

Rainey Street Historic District
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Central East Austin

If you're spending some time in Central East Austin, George Washington Carver Museum and UFCU Disch-Falk Field 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


Downtown Austin Travel Guide