Avoid the 6th street area alone at night. I'd say that the Warehouse District is safer, but I wouldn't go there alone at night either.

What kinds of things do you like to do?

The Doubletree is a nice location.

P_M, unfortunately, I won't be at the Austin airport. I originally booked open jaw, into DFW and out of AUS, but the one way surcharge for the car rental made that prohibitive, so I'll have to return to Dallas to fly home.

Austin, thanks for the heads up about the nighttime. I assumed that 6th Street would be well populated at night. Isn't that where much of the city's nightlife is?

I will have such a short time there that I'll be lucky to hit some of the highlights. I love to explore a new city on foot, and I love to be outdoors, though I understand I might need to come inside a bit due to the weather! I love to visit places that will teach me of the history and culture of the city; I love good food and good music and enjoy things original to the area. What are your suggestions?

I think 6th Street itself is OK since there are so many people around, but if you park nearby (especially around 8th St as I mentioned above) then be careful going back and forth to the car. A taxi might be a better alternative, it can take you straight to 6th St then you can enjoy a few drinks with no worries.

6th St has the show Esther's Follies as I mentioned in my earlier post, otherwise 6th St is mostly a college crowd. The Warehouse District is for those of us who are slightly more mature. That is in the 4th St area, a block or 2 west of Congress.

Thanks, P_M. Try as I may, don't think I could even keep up with the college crowd anymore!

Could you please recommend someplace for me to park my car? If I can, I'd like to do better than the hotel's self parking fee of $17/day. The hotel is located at 303 W. 15th.

Thanks!

oooh, that's a tough one, Iregeo, and one of the problems with staying downtown. Unfortunately, I don't know of much in the way of an alternative for you.

There's a few "in the open" lots but I sure wouldn't leave my car there overnight. Perhaps some street parking on some of the residential areas within a few blocks of your hotel would work overnight??? The Bob Bullock Texas History Museum has a garage - I think it's like $5 - but I don't know if you can stay there overnight.

Tow trucks are very pro-active downtown, so just be sure to keep the meter filled or park where it's legal. Not fun to come back after a day out and find your car gone!!

Happy travels!

Iregeo, I don't think you can beat that price unless you want to compromise safety or risk being towed. Most parking lots and garages in that area are for state workers and not open to the public and they will tow you or at least ticket you if you park there. There are metered spaces but they have to be renewed every 2 hours or so and that's too much of a hassle. Swisshiker mentioned open lots but I wouldn't do that overnight, even if it is allowed. I know the hotel parking is pricey but there aren't any better options, sorry.

I work right next door to the Bob Bullock Museum which is between 18th and 19th at Congress. That is a few blocks from your hotel but if you want to make the trek I will call the museum and ask if they allow overnight parking for a fee.

The more I think about it, if you will be out alone at night I do not recommend parking anywhere but the hotel. Not that it's terribly unsafe but it's not worth the savings to walk a few blocks alone at night. Stick with the hotel parking.

I hope you will enjoy your time in Austin.

Thank you both. I will absolutely heed your advice and stick with hotel parking.

Good morning from Austin, Texas! I have to tell you all that though I've only been here a short time, I've had a great time, and I WILL be back, DH in tow. All your recommendations have been spot on, and Austin hospitality is infectious! Mini trip report to follow.

Thanks, y'all!

Welcome Iregeo. I'm so glad you are enjoying your time in Austin and I'll look forward to your report.

Hey Iregeo - I was thinking about you last night. DH and I went downtown for dinner (Scholz Garten). On our way home, we drove down 15th Street past your hotel. Had I known you were already here...oh well!

Hope the weather holds for you.

I LOVE Austin so I am glad you are enjoying your time there. Can't wait to read your trip report.