Austin

Travel Guide
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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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
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The Domain

You'll love the great live music in The Domain, and you might want to stick around to check out Domain Northside, a top place to visit.

The Domain
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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Bouldin Creek

While visiting Bouldin Creek, you might make a stop by sights like Long Center for the Performing Arts and South Congress Avenue.

Bouldin Creek
Wyndham Garden Hotel Austin
Wyndham Garden Hotel Austin
3.5 out of 5
3401 South I-35, Austin, TX
The price is €106 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€106
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and comfortable. The restaurant just reopened and the staff wasn’t prepared for the customer"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Wyndham Garden Hotel Austin
Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin
4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
The price is €262 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€262
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Austin. Enjoy 6 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,168 reviews)
"Amazing pool and hot tub. Only down fall was some of the treadmills were down in the gym."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Fairmont Austin
Omni Austin Hotel
Omni Austin Hotel
4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
The price is €233 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€233
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Austin. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,459 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Staff was super friendly and extremely helpful."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Omni Austin 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.
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 onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
"Very nice and lively area with great food options. The neighborhood got quiet around 11pm which we didn’t mind. Very clean apartment with an easy check in. Great views from our balcony. Had a great time in the area. We will definitely return"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 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! (195 reviews)
"Great condo. The only problem we had was the Wi-Fi and Rainey street is not for having dinner. It is only bars. We should have researched more. Great views of the river and awesome pool. Parking is expensive everywhere"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Austin Condo Hotel
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 WiFi, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (130 reviews)
"It was great for walking to wonderful restaurants. Vibrant night life!!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Sentral East Austin at 1614 E. Sixth
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

Things to do

Reviews of Austin

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
32
" "5 - Excellent 57.142857142857146%
4 - Good
18
" "4 - Good 32.142857142857146%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 8.928571428571429%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1.7857142857142858%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Jan 2020

Austin is an incredible city with a lot to offer. We booked this hotel out of convenience but I’ve stayed in a lot of airport and budget hotels and this was by far the worst.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
4 Jan 2020

Hardly any celebrations in the city for New Years.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
13 Nov 2019

To much traffic

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Nov 2019

Austin itself is a great place. This hotel is on the outskirts. With no way of getting in or out unless you drive

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Nov 2019

Vibrant city with welcoming people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Nov 2019

Easy to get around and people friendly and helpful. Service everywhere was great...