Austin Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Austin
One of the new music capitals of the world, this Texas city also has a great presidential library, handsome Capitol building and pretty parks.

The city of Austin is the home of South by Southwest (SXSW), a huge festival of music, film and other performances by new and established talents. Come for the weeklong festival in March or explore the city’s attractions at any time of year.

Zilker Park is a large public space just west of Downtown Austin. During Austin’s warm spring to fall seasons, swim here in Barton Springs. The stream travels through the city, with a 900-foot (270-meter) long pool created between limestone sides before Barton Creek empties into the Colorado River. The pool itself is a massive 3-acre (1.2-hectare) expanse of water, surrounded by grassy areas for sunbathing and picnicking. Watch closely along the shoreline for several species of endangered salamander.

Visit Austin’s varied museums. The French Legation Museum, an 1841 wooden structure, was once a diplomatic residence. Show your kids your favorite childhood playthings at the Austin Toy Museum, with more than 20,000 pieces from the 1900s onward. Let them have hands-on fun at the Texas Museum of Science and Technology, which features a planetarium and a T. rex skull, among other attractions. Learn about Texas history at the Texas Memorial Museum and the free Brush Square Museums.

Tour the beautiful red-granite, domed Texas State Capitol building. The LBJ Presidential Library reveals the life and times of the 36th president, Lyndon Baines Johnson. A portion of the Colorado River is named Lady Bird Lake, honoring LBJ’s wife. Follow the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trailfor 10 miles (16 kilometers) along the lake.

While SXSW is one of the city’s biggest musical events, Austin earns its title of Live Music Capital of the World with more than 250 live music venues and 1,900 music acts. Enjoy everything from ballet to blues, rock, Latino, jazz, country,handbell, Gilbert & Sullivan and Indian classical music.

Fly to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport or drive here in just 2.5 hours from Houston or 1.5 hours from San Antonio.

Where to stay in Austin

Downtown Austin showing street scenes and an administrative building

Downtown Austin

4/5(23 area reviews)

Downtown Austin is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Sixth Street and Paramount Theatre, and you can get around town on the metro at Downtown Station.

Downtown Austin
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The Domain

Great live music beloved sports teams and top sights from Domain Northside to Museum of Ice Cream – discover The Domain, a destination also famous for its entertainment.

The Domain
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South Congress

4/5(10 area reviews)

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 Lady Bird Lake might round out your trip.

South Congress
North Central Austin featuring a bridge and forests

North Central Austin

Consider a visit to Highland Village Shopping Center and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in North Central Austin. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Crestview Station or Highland Station.

North Central 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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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.

Lower Basin Lake Travis
citizenM Austin Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown
4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is NZ$250 per night from 22 May to 23 May
NZ$250
per night
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sixth Street and Moody Theater are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (283 reviews)
"Really nice place, most staff were friendly and helpful. Great location with a beautiful view, nice rooftop pool, cozy rooms. Walking distance to everything. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

citizenM Austin Downtown
Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin
4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
The price is NZ$448 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$448
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Austin. Enjoy a full-service spa, 6 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,016 reviews)
"I enjoyed my stay. It made my getaway perfect, relaxing, and enjoyable 💙"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Fairmont Austin
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
The price is NZ$329 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$329
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,305 reviews)
"I would definitely book again, and pass on the good stay."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Hyatt House 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.
Sentral East Austin at 1630 E. Sixth
Sentral East Austin at 1630 E. Sixth
4 out of 5
1630 East 6th Street, Austin, TX
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (256 reviews)
Great getaway in Austin
"We enjoyed our stay. GREAT location things to do and eat all around us. Room was clean and perfect for our stay! Laddies in the lobby were very helpful as well."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Sentral East Austin at 1630 E. Sixth
Austin Condo Hotel
Austin Condo Hotel
4.5 out of 5
48 East Ave, Austin, TX
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury condo in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (215 reviews)
"I loved it! Had a Wonderful Stay! Valet was excellent!"

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Austin Condo Hotel
Sonder at East 5th
Sonder at East 5th
3.5 out of 5
1211 East 5th Street, Austin, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Sixth Street and Rainey Street ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (148 reviews)
Pretty Good
"Nice property but, the elevators being out and the building layout are not great. It’s hard to find the stairs and only one elevator works…. That’s a problem The apartment was comfortable and large. Location was pretty good, QUIET and that’s a whole two stars."

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Sonder at East 5th
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Austin

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
23
" "5 - Excellent 60.526315789473685%
4 - Good
12
" "4 - Good 31.57894736842105%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 7.894736842105263%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
24 Sep 2019

Lots of music, travel by electric scooter and strap in for more bbq brisket your tummy can handle!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Sep 2019

Great (& possibly the best) city in the state of Texas to visit.......hands done.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Sep 2019

The bats on Congress Av at dusk are amazing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Aug 2019

I thought Austin was a nice city with a good balance between buildings and green space. The people and general atmosphere was also pleasant

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
10 Aug 2019

Texans are great people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Jul 2019

Awesome for the young person who wants to have a great time

Cities near Austin