According to forum posts, the Driskill Hotel is highly recommended for its historic significance and central location, making it ideal for exploring downtown Austin. The Hyatt Regency is favored for its slightly quieter location just south of the river, providing easier access and less hustle compared to downtown.

For many users, staying in or near downtown Austin is suggested to enjoy the city's vibrant music, dining, and nightlife scenes. South Congress, often referred to as SoCo, is also recommended for its frequent bus connections to downtown and its array of dining and shopping options.

Some travelers said that Airbnb is a popular choice in Austin, with downtown and South Congress being preferred areas due to their proximity to major attractions. Rainey Street is mentioned for its walkability and vibrant nightlife, although some caution is advised regarding the selection of well-reviewed properties due to varying neighborhood safety.

According to forum posts, Austin is renowned for its live music scene, with classic venues like the Broken Spoke and Continental Club highlighted. Travelers have suggested checking out local live performances via the Austin Chronicle for the latest listings.

Some travelers said that Austin offers a variety of outdoor activities, including exploring the hike and bike trails around Lady Bird Lake and paddleboarding on the lake itself. Enchanted Rock and Hamilton Pool are also recommended for short day trips.

For many users, Austin's street art and historical sites are a must-see. The Texas Capitol, the LBJ Presidential Library, and the Bullock Texas State History Museum are frequently mentioned. The vibrant street art scene in areas like SoCo adds a unique cultural flavor to the city.

According to forum posts, Austin's culinary scene is diverse, with an emphasis on BBQ and Tex-Mex cuisine. Places like Terry Black's BBQ are often recommended. Additionally, travelers have called out unique dining experiences such as watching sunsets at The Oasis restaurant despite its mixed reviews on food quality.

According to forum posts, Terry Blacks BBQ and Interstellar BBQ are popular choices among travelers for BBQ in Austin. Terry Blacks is favored for its location and selection, while Interstellar BBQ is ranked #1 by Texas Monthly, noted for its high quality.

For those looking to avoid the typical tourist spots, Micklethwait Craft Meats and Kerlin BBQ offer excellent alternatives with less wait time. Both locations have received positive reviews for their unique offerings and quality of food.

Franklin BBQ remains a highly recommended spot despite the long lines, often cited for its superior brisket. Many travelers consider the wait part of the experience, suggesting an early arrival for the best options.

Some travelers mentioned Antone’s, Elephant Room, and Continental as notable venues for live music in Austin. These spots are known for hosting a variety of genres including jazz, blues, rock, and country.

According to forum posts, Sixth Street is a vibrant area with early live music options, starting as early as 1:00 PM. This area is highly walkable, allowing visitors to explore different venues without cover charges. Additionally, Stubbs and Emos are recommended by locals for their live performances.

For those interested in indie music, venues like Stubbs, Mohawk, Swan Dive, and Empire Garage were highlighted. These are located along Red River and are popular among travelers looking for local indie performances.

Travelers have advised using the Austin Chronicle as a reliable source for finding live music events across the city, noting it as particularly useful for checking the latest shows and venue details.

According to forum posts, staying downtown is highly recommended when visiting the Moody Center due to the availability of multiple transportation options and proximity to the venue. Travelers can walk or use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. However, it's noted that after concerts, securing a rideshare can be challenging due to high demand and surge pricing.

For those concerned about the availability or cost of rideshare services after events, some travelers suggested booking pedicabs in advance. This could provide a planned and possibly more economical way to return to accommodations post-event.

Several posts mentioned that the area around the Moody Center becomes highly congested after events, which can significantly impact the wait times for transportation. Planning ahead by staying close enough to walk or arranging a pedicab could alleviate some of these issues.

According to forum posts, there is no direct mention of specific car rental companies available at Austin Airport. However, travelers have discussed various rental options and experiences, indicating that multiple car rental services operate from the airport.

Travelers have called out that car rentals at Austin Airport are subject to multiple fees and taxes, making them significantly more expensive compared to non-airport locations. One user mentioned that Austin has the third highest car rental rates in Texas, with prices being about 55% higher at the airport.

Some travelers said that car rental experiences at the airport can be frustrating due to long waits and poor service, especially during times of high demand or staff shortages. For instance, one traveler reported a long wait time and inadequate staffing when picking up a rental car from a service provider at the airport.

For many users, exploring options like using rideshare services or renting from downtown locations after arriving could be more cost-effective and less stressful than renting directly at the airport.

According to forum posts, Austin offers many outdoor activities for families. The Central Market on North Lamar features a vast green space with a playscape for children, making it a popular destination for families. Additionally, Zilker Park is recommended for its large play area and scenic walking trails.

For many users, Austin's live music scene provides family-friendly options. The Broken Spoke and Central Market are highlighted as venues that welcome children and host live music events. Additionally, Gruene Hall, a historic dance hall near Austin, is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere and live music offerings.

Some travelers have recommended The Thinkery, a children's museum in Austin, which offers interactive exhibits suitable for young visitors. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is also mentioned as a good option for families, providing exhibits that engage all ages.

Travelers have called out specific unique activities such as visiting the Austin Zoo, which operates as an animal rescue facility, and exploring local caves like Inner Space Cavern, offering a cool retreat and educational experience.

Some travelers mentioned using Spothero.com to find parking spots near the Austin Convention Center, with hotel parking rates hovering around $50 per night. Alternatively, one user found a parking garage via Google Maps charging $10 per night, significantly cheaper than nearby hotel rates.

For those looking to avoid high downtown parking costs, some have suggested parking at Capital Metro Park and Ride stations, like the South Congress Transit Center, which offers free parking and direct bus service to downtown. Others have recommended parking at airport lots, where rates can be as low as $10 a day.

According to forum posts, ParkMe and Parkopedia are useful apps for finding parking in Austin, providing details on availability and pricing. The Park ATX app is also mentioned for meter parking, applicable to most city meters, although some areas like the University of Texas or the State Historical Commission areas do not accept it.