Downtown Austin Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Austin
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

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Austin Hotel Deals

Omni Austin Hotel

Omni Austin Hotel

4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin TX
The price is NZ$466 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
NZ$466
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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! (1,938 reviews)
Everything was great except for the half naked woman knocking at our door at 1 AM in the morning

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026

Omni Austin Hotel
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street Austin TX
The price is NZ$311 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
NZ$311
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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! (2,559 reviews)
Clean rooms, great location and staff

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
68 Eeast Ave Austin TX
The price is NZ$295 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
NZ$295
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown

2 out of 5
300 E 11th St Austin TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$109 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$109
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in their ...
4.8/10 (2,143 reviews)
Honestly, last resource, only if homeless and it’s raining

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University by IHG

2.5 out of 5
805 Neches Street Austin TX
The price is NZ$231 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
NZ$231
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,143 reviews)
Clean room, helpful and friendly staff! Pool was freezing

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026

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

Fairmont Austin

4 out of 5
101 Red River St Austin TX
The price is NZ$584 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$584
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,294 reviews)
High end hotel, worth price and high-quality staff to match

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026

Fairmont Austin
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

Congress Avenue Historic District

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
Waller Creek District

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
Austin_RaineyStreetHistoricDistrict_553248633938969404-5

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
Austin, Texas

Central East Austin

If you're spending some time in Central East Austin, UFCU Disch-Falk Field and George Washington Carver Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Central East Austin
Austin, Texas- Panoramic cityscape and Colorado River against the sunset sky

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
Vibrant Austin Texas city panoramic skyline, and modern buildings reflections on the rainwater over the Congress Avenue Bridge Road over the Lady Bird Lake in Colorado River

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

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