Downtown especially off 6th street is the lively part of town with all the bars. UT is just up the block. The complete other side of the river, on South Congress is like the artsy district.
Staying anywhere along or near Congress should be fine.
The farther out of the city proper you do, the more you will need a car although they do have Uber & Lyft. Public transportation wasn't that great
Restaurants: Texas Chilli Parlor - get the tester size (sampler has 3 tester sizes). Chuys - Tex-Mex. Food trucks - Gourdoughs, Torch Taco.
To do - Zilker park and Barton Springs, Dancing (free dance class Thursday nights) at Cowboys, 6th street at night for music/bars, South Congress shops especially Lucy in Disguise.
Re: Austin
Staying anywhere along or near Congress should be fine.
The farther out of the city proper you do, the more you will need a car although they do have Uber & Lyft. Public transportation wasn't that great
Restaurants: Texas Chilli Parlor - get the tester size (sampler has 3 tester sizes). Chuys - Tex-Mex. Food trucks - Gourdoughs, Torch Taco.
To do - Zilker park and Barton Springs, Dancing (free dance class Thursday nights) at Cowboys, 6th street at night for music/bars, South Congress shops especially Lucy in Disguise.