Downtown Austin has an irrepressible energy, with its high-rising condo complexes juxtaposed with music venues, record stores and art spaces. The suburb’s aesthetics have changed rapidly in recent years as Downtown Austin has risen skyward, but the district has retained a quirky style and proud originality. It’s a destination for listening to live bands, exploring a unique food truck scene, and uncovering a vast outdoor playground. Downtown Austin stretches from Lady Bird Lake to 15th Street, between Mopac and Interstate 35.
One of the district’s two main entertainment hubs can be found in and around 2nd Street, where Austin City Hall is surrounded by an abundance of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. The other is Sixth Street, with West Sixth Street home to many live music venues and East Sixth Street packed full of bars and clubs. Texan history can be uncovered at Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum while the Austin Museum of Art has a range of innovative galleries. Visitors are encouraged to paint their own street art at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, an area of murals and colours that change daily with the sweep of paintbrushes.
Austin Bergstrom International Airport is approximately 10 kilometres south-east of Downtown Austin. Metro buses and local taxis can be found outside the terminal for the short journey. When arriving by car, it’s easiest to use Interstate 35. Various bus companies have terminals within Downtown Austin, including those offering services travelling south to Mexico. The whole district is pedestrian friendly, and the area around 2nd Street is surprisingly compact. It’s also possible to get around in local pedicabs.
Two of the USA’s most popular music festivals are hosted in Downtown Austin. South by Southwest sees over 2,000 performers play across 90 of the district’s music venues, while the Austin City Limits Festival is beamed across the country.