Shopping in Austin

Unlike American cities such as Los Angeles and New York City, Austin isn't known for luxury shopping. Instead, look for locally-made goods, clothing and crafts. The city is renowned for its craft fairs and marketplaces.

Key areas

Popular areas to shop at are located in and around the Downtown area. South Congress is one of Austin's main destinations for boutique shopping, hip souvenirs and antiques. Sixth Street at Lamar Boulevard is another attractive shopping area featuring several independently-owned book stores, music shops and clothing stores.

Markets

Every month, the Palmer Events Center at 900 Barton Springs Road hosts the city-wide Garage Sale, a marketplace brimming with antiques. Visitors pay $5 to peruse the rows of booths offering jewellery, collectibles, furniture and more. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Austin Country Flea Market is held in rural northeast Austin at 9500 Highway 290 East. This scruffy market is where buyers search for steals on everything from tyres to clothing. Admission is free to the public and live music and a concession stand are offered.

Shopping centres

Austin has several indoor and outdoor shopping markets, including The Domain, a luxury pedestrian mall located at 11410 Century Oaks Terrace in North Austin, Barton Creek Square, an indoor mall with department stores located at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy in South Austin, and Lakeline Mall, an additional indoor mall with department and chain stores located in the Austin suburb of Cedar Park.

Opening hours

Standard shopping hours in Austin are Monday through Sunday, opening anywhere from 0900-1100 and closing anywhere from 1700-2100. Some businesses may be closed on Sunday or open late and close early.

Souvenirs

Austin has a number of souvenir shops located in the Downtown area on Congress Avenue, Sixth Street and at the Texas Capitol, but if you're looking for local mementos that aren't kitsch, shops that feature locally-made goods on South Congress offer a nice alternative. Pick up hip graphic tees with local sayings, local art or the Austin City Limits paraphernalia.

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Four Seasons

The Four Seasons offers beautiful views of Lady Bird Lake with direct access to the Hike and Bike Trail. Located in Downtown Austin the Four Seasons offers a heated saltwater pool babysitting eucalyptus steam room and complimentary electric car charging station.

Hotel San Jose

Once a flophouse in the middle of what used to be a downtrodden neighbourhood, Hotel San Jose is now one of the premiere boutique hotels in all of Austin. Featuring hacienda-style rooms with access to a romantic courtyard with drink service and pool, Hotel San Jose is not only loved by guests, but by locals who enjoy sipping on cocktails in the warm atmosphere.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Owned by the same proprietors as Hotel San Jose, this quaint boutique hotel located in a gorgeous Travis Heights estate was named after the patron saint of music and poetry. Hotel Saint Cecilia offers 14 impeccable guest suites and a photo-worthy pool with a neon sign illuminating it. Favoured by celebrities.

Heywood Hotel

Arguably East Austin's first modern boutique hotel, this seven-room converted home features coffee service, Wi-Fi, bicycles, parking and an internet jukebox. For travellers who enjoy simple and sleek designs or to be in walking distance to the hot spots of East Austin and Downtown, the Heywood Hotel is a perfecting resting place.

Holiday Inn - Town Lake

Located on Lady Bird Lake (formerly called Town Lake) and I-35, this chain hotel is in a prime location for accessibility to Austin. It's easy to jump on the Hike and Bike Trail where you can head down to Congress Avenue Bridge to see the bats or South Congress to go souvenir shopping. Nearby the hotel, it's easy to rent a kayak or bike to enjoy on the lake. This hotel offers beautiful views of the area as well.

Doubletree Suites

This chain hotel is located in the heart of Downtown, within walking distance to some of the city's main central attractions and the UT campus. Though not as charming as the boutique hotels listed here, it offers nice amenities and polished rooms perfect for families and business people.

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