6th Street
Austin's iconic entertainment district, a legendary stretch of bars, live music, and vibrant nightlife across East and West 6th Street.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak energy and live music
6th Street
Best Time
Peak energy and live music

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Austin's iconic entertainment district, a legendary stretch of bars, live music, and vibrant nightlife across East and West 6th Street.
"6th Street is the heart of Austin's nightlife, offering an unforgettable experience with endless bars and music."
🗺️ Choose Your 6th Street
Dirty 6th for wild nights, West 6th for upscale, East 6th for local vibes. Pick your adventure!
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dirty 6th Street
The heart of Austin's nightlife, packed with diverse bars and live music venues. Expect a high-energy, unforgettable experience.

West 6th Street
Offers a more sophisticated bar scene with craft cocktails and a slightly more mature crowd. Great for a relaxed evening out.

East 6th Street
Known for its eclectic mix of dive bars, live music, and unique eateries. A true taste of Austin's local flavor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating 6th Street's Vibe
Timing is Everything on 6th Street
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Choose Your 6th Street
Dirty 6th for wild nights, West 6th for upscale, East 6th for local vibes. Pick your adventure!
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
📱 Stay Connected
Keep your phone charged for navigation and meeting up with friends. Consider a portable charger.
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Especially during warmer months, drink plenty of water between drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Choose Your 6th Street
Dirty 6th for wild nights, West 6th for upscale, East 6th for local vibes. Pick your adventure!
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
📱 Stay Connected
Keep your phone charged for navigation and meeting up with friends. Consider a portable charger.
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Especially during warmer months, drink plenty of water between drinks.
💰 Budget Wisely
Cover charges and drink prices can add up. Set a budget before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
6th Street is a legendary Austin destination known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse bar scene, offering everything from rowdy fun on Dirty 6th to more sophisticated options on West 6th. While many praise the energy and variety, some find the crowds overwhelming and the atmosphere can be intense on busy nights.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
6th Street is located in downtown Austin. You can easily reach it by rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), taxis, or public transportation. Parking can be challenging and expensive, so rideshares are often recommended. Some areas may have street closures on weekends, impacting drop-off points.
Yes, 6th Street is designed for walking, especially the main entertainment sections. However, on busy nights, the sidewalks can become very crowded, making movement difficult.
West 6th and East 6th offer different walking experiences.Walking is the primary way to explore the bars and venues along 6th Street. For longer distances between East and West 6th, consider a short rideshare or a brisk walk if you're up for it.
Yes, there are several parking garages in the downtown Austin area near 6th Street. However, they can be pricey, especially on weekends. It's often more convenient and cost-effective to use rideshare services.
Absolutely! Several CapMetro bus routes serve the downtown Austin area, with stops conveniently located near 6th Street. Check the CapMetro website for specific routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most bars on 6th Street do not require advance tickets for general entry. However, some venues may have cover charges, especially on weekends or for special events. It's always a good idea to check the specific venue's policy.
Cover charges can vary widely, from $0 to $20 or more, depending on the venue, the night of the week, and any special events. Weekends and holidays usually have higher cover charges.
Most bars on 6th Street are open until 2 AM, the legal closing time in Texas. Some venues might open earlier in the day for happy hour or early evening entertainment.
You must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol. Most bars will require a valid government-issued ID for entry, even if you are not drinking.
While not common for most bars, some larger venues or special events on 6th Street might offer pre-purchased tickets or VIP packages. It's best to check the individual venue's website or social media for details.
🎫 🍸 Onsite Experience
6th Street offers a diverse range of music genres. You'll find live rock, country, blues, pop, and electronic music. Some bars specialize in 90s/00s throwbacks, which are popular for dancing.
East 6th (Dirty 6th) is known for its high-energy, often rowdier atmosphere with a concentration of bars and clubs. West 6th offers a more refined experience with upscale bars, lounges, and restaurants, attracting a slightly older crowd.
Absolutely! Beyond the bars, 6th Street has a fantastic food scene. You'll find everything from late-night taco joints and food trucks to sit-down restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
Like any busy entertainment district, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Stick with your group, keep valuables secure, and be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Austin PD is present, but vigilance is always recommended.
Recommendations vary, but popular spots include The White Horse (honky-tonk), Barbarella (dance club), and various bars on East 6th for live music. West 6th offers places like The Roosevelt Room for cocktails.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant neon signs, the bustling crowds, and the unique architecture. The iconic '6th Street' sign is a classic photo op. Look for street art and lively street performers for dynamic shots.
On busy nights, navigating with a camera can be challenging. Consider using your phone for quick snaps or be patient and strategic with your shots. Early evenings or weekdays offer fewer crowds for photography.
Golden hour just before sunset can offer beautiful lighting on the buildings. However, the true magic of 6th Street comes alive at night with all the lights, making it ideal for capturing the vibrant atmosphere.
The historic theaters, the various themed bars with their unique facades, and the general streetscape itself offer plenty of visual interest. Keep an eye out for murals and public art installations.
For low-light photography, use a wider aperture (lower f-number) to let in more light, increase your ISO cautiously to avoid excessive noise, and use a tripod or image stabilization if possible. Many phone cameras have excellent night modes now.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎶 Music Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 6th Street Districts
West 6th Street offers a more polished and upscale atmosphere. Here, you'll discover craft cocktail bars, sophisticated lounges, and restaurants catering to a slightly older demographic. It's a great option if you're looking for a more relaxed evening with quality drinks and conversation, away from the intense crowds of Dirty 6th.
East 6th Street (distinct from 'Dirty 6th' though often conflated) is a bit more eclectic and local, featuring a mix of dive bars, unique eateries, and live music spots that lean towards a more alternative or indie scene. It provides a different flavor of Austin's nightlife, often with a more laid-back and authentic feel.
Navigating 6th Street Crowds and Safety
Safety on 6th Street is a common concern. While Austin PD patrols the area, it's essential to exercise caution. Keep your belongings secure, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone, especially late at night. Hydration is also key, as the Texas heat combined with alcohol can lead to dehydration. Many visitors recommend using rideshare services to and from 6th Street to avoid parking hassles and potential safety issues associated with walking long distances late at night.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit