Downtown Austin Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Austin Hotel Deals

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street Austin TX
The price is NZ$259 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$259
18 Aug - 19 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! (2,887 reviews)
"Excellent service and good location."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2026

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST Austin TX
The price is NZ$205 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$205
30 Aug - 31 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! (2,757 reviews)
"Loved everything would definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2026

citizenM Austin Downtown
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 NZ$231 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
NZ$231
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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 Darrell K. ...
Placemakr Austin Downtown, Apartments by Hilton
Hotel Van Zandt

Hotel Van Zandt

4 out of 5
605 Davis Street Austin TX
The price is NZ$378 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
NZ$378
13 Aug - 14 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,166 reviews)
"The pool party was for non hotel guests. Ruined the trip"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2026

Hotel Van Zandt
Fairmont Austin

Fairmont Austin

4 out of 5
101 Red River St Austin TX
The price is NZ$512 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
NZ$512
14 Aug - 15 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. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,371 reviews)
"Staying at the Fairmont Austin felt like stepping into a little pocket of luxury where the city buzz meets vacation magic. ✨ From the moment we walked in, everything felt warm, polished, and effortlessly welcoming. The rooms were beautiful and comfortable, the views were gorgeous, and the whole hotel ..."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2026

Fairmont Austin
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 NZ$270 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
NZ$270
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,338 reviews)
"Being our first time to Austin we wanted to find a hotel that allowed us to walk to most of the attractions we wanted to see. The Holiday Inn Express fit this bill. Unfortunately we had to pay $45 per night to park in the hotel parking lot, which is a common theme in Austin and for that money, upon ..."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG
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.

Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Austin

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

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.

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 East Sixth Street and jump on the metro at Plaza Saltillo Station to see more of the city.



Downtown Austin Travel Guide

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