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
The price is ฿5,252 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
฿5,252
฿6,296 total
1 Nov - 2 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,027 reviews)
"Everything was awesome again"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2026

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

4 out of 5
605 Davis Street Austin TX
The price is ฿7,612 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
฿7,612
฿10,572 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
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
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
68 Eeast Ave Austin TX
The price is ฿5,981 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
฿5,981
฿7,175 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST Austin TX
The price is ฿5,724 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿5,724
฿6,830 total
2 Nov - 3 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 ...
citizenM Austin Downtown
Tommie Austin, part of Jdv by Hyatt

Tommie Austin, part of Jdv by Hyatt

3.5 out of 5
506 San Jacinto Blvd Austin TX
The price is ฿7,729 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
฿7,729
฿9,277 total
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
Tommie Austin, part of Jdv by Hyatt
Placemakr Austin Downtown, Apartments by Hilton

Placemakr Austin Downtown, Apartments by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
710 E 3rd St Austin TX
The price is ฿5,419 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
฿5,419
฿6,340 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Sixth Street and Rainey Street ...
Placemakr Austin Downtown, Apartments by Hilton
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

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.

Bouldin Creek

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

East Cesar Chavez

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

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.



Downtown Austin Travel Guide