For a more detailed description of the places referenced in this Quick Guide, please check out my blog Best of Austin-Ultimate Guide here.
Best Places To Stay:
There are several different "Districts" in downtown Austin that each have their own distinct vibe. You should pick a hotel that is located in the District that is situated closest to the things you are most interested in. Here is a summary of some of the more popular entertainment Districts:
Congress Ave Historical District
Sixth Street Entertainment District
Rainey Street District
Red River Cultural District
Second Street District
I stayed at the Driskill Hotel in the Sixth Street Entertainment District which is the oldest operating hotel in Austin. For a complete description of each district and more details on the Driskill, read my blog here.
Best Things To Do:
Congress Street Bats
State Capitol Tours
Lady Bird Lake
University of Texas-Austin Campus
South Congress ("SoCo") Shopping
Esther's Follies
Bars on Sixth Street
Zilker Park/Barton Springs Pool/Zilker Botanical Gardens