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

4.5/5(36 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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Marshall's Point

Though Marshall's Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lake Travis and Volente Beach Water Park.

Marshall's Point
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Lago Vista

Lago Vista is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lake Travis and Colorado River.

Lago Vista
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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 South First Street might round out your trip.

South Congress
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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
Austin Southpark Hotel

Austin Southpark Hotel

3.5 out of 5
4140 Governors Row, Austin, TX
The price is £114 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
£114
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Cool
"It is definitely a good place to stay nice and cozy with dope amenities and a good size the staff were nice."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Austin Southpark Hotel
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is £97 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£97
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,916 reviews)
5 days in Austin
"All the staff were incredibly accommodating and helpful. Would definitely stay again. Would have like a steamer in the room. Ice machine would also help and water refill on each floor. Minor inconveniences because the rest of the stay was perfect."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

citizenM Austin Downtown
Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown

Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown

2 out of 5
9121 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX
The price is £54 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£54
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,515 reviews)
"The establishment provided a truly remarkable experience, and it was a pleasure to have stayed there. The accommodations were impeccably maintained, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Furthermore, the complimentary breakfast was delicious and a great way to start the day. Overall, it was ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Sixth Street and Moody Theater ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (392 reviews)
"Property was clean, easily accessible and living space sufficient for 2-person. Street parking could be a challenge but we were still able to find spots (Pay until midnight on most days and free on Sundays)"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Placemakr Downtown Austin
Sentral East Austin at 1614 E. Sixth

Sentral East Austin at 1614 E. Sixth

4 out of 5
1614 E 6th Street, Austin, TX
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Austin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 coffee shops/cafes and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (253 reviews)
"An amazing property. I will definitely be returning."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Sentral East Austin at 1614 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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (411 reviews)
"Everything was amazing!!"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 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.

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