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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
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

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 Rp1.799.917 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
Rp1.799.917
Rp2.148.021 total
5 Aug - 6 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! (1,924 reviews)
"Nice location, less expensive than expected for downtown Austin."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

citizenM Austin Downtown
Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown

Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown

2 out of 5
9121 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX
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! (2,520 reviews)
"great"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Orangewood Inn & Suites Midtown
Fairmont Austin

Fairmont Austin

4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
The price is Rp3.120.957 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp3.120.957
Rp4.436.129 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,138 reviews)
Lovely stay in an awesome hotel!
"We had an enjoyable stay in a beautiful room with a soft bed and a gorgeous view!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Fairmont 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.
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! (393 reviews)
"Great place and location."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (413 reviews)
"Everything was amazing!!"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

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 centre, laundry facilities and concierge services. Popular attractions Sixth Street and Moody Theater ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (283 reviews)
"Excellent spot for the money. Great pool !"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do