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

citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is ฿3,171 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
฿3,171
฿3,785 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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! (2,203 reviews)
-quick, easy check-in -friendly and helpful staff -room was small but clean and sufficient (t.v., bed, desk & chair, storage/closet area, safe)

Reviewed on 6 Nov 2025

citizenM Austin Downtown
Omni Austin Hotel

Omni Austin Hotel

4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
The price is ฿5,152 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
฿5,152
฿7,091 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,909 reviews)
Courteous staff. Nice location. Rooms clean

Reviewed on 4 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 ฿3,204 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
฿3,204
฿3,851 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,155 reviews)
The room was comfortable and clean. I appreciated friendliness of the staff. We come to Austin regularly and this is the only place i will stay at.

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown

3.5 out of 5
500 N Interstate 35, Austin, TX
The price is ฿3,215 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
฿3,215
฿3,865 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Austin. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
The service was excellent.

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown
The LINE Austin

The LINE Austin

4 out of 5
111 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX
The price is ฿5,097 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
฿5,097
฿7,266 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,049 reviews)
The Bar have good drinks

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

The LINE Austin
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
68 Eeast Ave, Austin, TX
The price is ฿3,466 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
฿3,466
฿4,136 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,727 reviews)
It was a beautiful place to stay. Very clean and comfortable

Reviewed on 8 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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