Downtown Austin Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Austin which includes 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

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$387 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
NZ$387
25 Nov - 26 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,909 reviews)
Courteous staff. Nice location. Rooms clean

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025

Omni Austin Hotel
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is NZ$207 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$207
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, 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
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
The price is NZ$210 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$210
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,159 reviews)
Good location, room was nice.

Reviewed on 10 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 NZ$179 per night from 13 Dec to 14 Dec
NZ$179
13 Dec - 14 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Austin. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 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 NZ$412 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
NZ$412
25 Nov - 26 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 NZ$226 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
NZ$226
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, 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

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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 Franklin Barbecue 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