Austin Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Austin
Austin
Austin
Austin
Austin

Austin Travel Guide Video

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 South First Street might round out your trip.

South Congress
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
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

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
Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin
4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
The price is AU$366 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$366
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,959 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Great staff. Walkable to everything in downtown Austin. Good vibes/food. Live music every night! Great rooftop bar! Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2025

Fairmont Austin
Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
2 out of 5
9121 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX
The price is AU$118 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$118
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,340 reviews)
"Every thing was simple and easy"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
citizenM Austin Downtown
citizenM Austin Downtown
4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is AU$302 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$302
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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! (1,477 reviews)
"The stay was nice, the room was clean and the vibe was cute."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

citizenM 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.
Placemakr Downtown Austin
Placemakr Downtown Austin
4 out of 5
710 E 3rd St, Austin, TX
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sixth Street and Rainey Street ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (293 reviews)
Excellent hotel
"Great location, clean accommodations and superb staff. I wasn’t sure what to expect for the rate we were getting but I was pleasantly surprised."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

Placemakr Downtown Austin
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 in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (315 reviews)
"It’s closer to downtown and walkable."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2025

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 helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (374 reviews)
"Loved the view. Felt very safe on the deck."

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2025

Austin Condo Hotel
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 61%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The bats on Congress Av at dusk are amazing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Texans are great people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Austin