Austin, TX

Travel Guide

Lady Bird Lake featuring a city, a river or creek and a statue or sculpture
Travis Heights featuring landscape views and a city
Downtown Austin which includes a city
South Congress Avenue featuring a city, a sunset and landscape views
Congress Avenue Historic District showing signage and a city
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 Trail for 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 buidling

Downtown Austin

4/5(3,367 area reviews)

Central business district with high-rise buildings, Downtown Austin offers shopping at Second Street District and Sixth Street, art at Contemporary Austin Jones Center, and sights like Texas State Capitol. Accessible via Capital MetroRail.

Downtown Austin
Sundae with Boba

The Domain

Dubbed as "Austin's second downtown," this high-density center boasts upscale retail stores, diverse dining options, and residential apartments. Explore Domain NORTHSIDE, Rock Rose district, and Q2 Stadium, with easy access to future Broadmoor and McKalla Place stations.

The Domain
Austin showing signage

South Congress

4/5(656 area reviews)

Eclectic small retailers, diverse dining options, and vibrant music and art venues define this shopping and cultural district. Hop on MetroRapid Route 801 for easy city access, or explore the square's food trucks for tasty treats.

South Congress
Steiner Ranch which includes a small town or village

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
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Lago Vista

Lakeside community on the northern shores of Lake Travis, Lago Vista boasts steep limestone hills and canyons. Accessible via RM 1431 and CapMetro bus services, it's near Balcones Canyonlands and tech hubs.

Lago Vista
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Bouldin Creek

If you're spending some time in Bouldin Creek, South First Street and Long Center for the Performing Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Bouldin Creek
citizenM Austin Downtown

citizenM Austin Downtown

4 out of 5
617 COLORADO ST, Austin, TX
The price is ¥16,028 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥16,028
¥19,128 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (2,020 reviews)
"Funky cool hotel with energetic attentive staff and affordable rates Would definitely return"

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025

citizenM Austin Downtown
Omni Austin Hotel

Omni Austin Hotel

4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
The price is ¥26,323 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥26,323
¥35,748 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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 ...
Omni Austin Hotel
Aloft Austin Downtown

Aloft Austin Downtown

3 out of 5
109 E 7th St, Austin, TX
The price is ¥23,381 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥23,381
¥28,051 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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 ...
Aloft 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, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Sixth Street and Moody Theater ...
Placemakr Downtown Austin
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 ...
Austin Condo Hotel
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy East 5th Apartments East Austin

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy East 5th Apartments East Austin

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 Moody Theater ...
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy East 5th Apartments East 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.

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