City guideUnited States

Austin

Austin travel guide · North America

ContinentNorth AmericaLanguageEnglishCurrencyUSDLocal specialtyTexas BBQFree to read

Austin is the vibrant capital of Texas, known worldwide as the Live Music Capital of the World with hundreds of live music venues. A unique blend of college town energy, alternative culture, and rapid growth, Austin proudly embraces its motto 'Keep Austin Weird.' Nestled on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, it offers stunning outdoor spaces alongside a thriving arts, food, and tech scene.

01

Best time to visit Austin

marchapriloctobernovember

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather, avoiding the intense summer heat (90-100°F) and the rare but possible winter ice storms. March also hosts the iconic SXSW festival and October features the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

02

What to see in Austin

01monument

Texas State Capitol

The iconic Texas State Capitol is open to the public seven days a week and is a must-see for any visitor to Austin. It is one of the most welcoming state capitols in the US.

FreeAbout 60 minhistoryculture
02park

Barton Springs Pool

A beloved natural spring-fed swimming pool located in Zilker Park, offering a refreshing escape from Austin's intense summer heat. A local institution and gathering place.

Paid entryAbout 120 minnature & outdoorsrelaxation
03park

Zilker Park

Austin's premier urban park along the Colorado River, home to Barton Springs Pool, the ABC Kite Festival, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Popular with locals for hiking, biking, and relaxing.

FreeAbout 120 minnature & outdoorsrelaxationculture
04other

University of Texas at Austin

A sprawling and beautiful campus in the heart of Austin, home to world-class museums, public art, and the iconic UT Tower with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

FreeAbout 120 minculturehistorynature & outdoors
05museum

Blanton Museum of Art

Located on the University of Texas campus, the Blanton is one of the largest university art museums in the US, featuring an impressive collection of European paintings, modern and contemporary art.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistory
06neighborhood

South Congress Avenue

Austin's most iconic street, lined with eclectic boutiques, restaurants, food trucks, and live music venues. Offers one of the best views of the downtown skyline across the Colorado River.

FreeAbout 90 minshoppingfood & diningculture
07neighborhood

Sixth Street Entertainment District

Austin's legendary entertainment strip, packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues. The heart of Austin's nightlife and the Live Music Capital of the World experience.

FreeAbout 180 minnightlifeculturefood & dining
03

Where to eat in Austin

01Brewery

Independence Brewing Co.

Austin's beloved local microbrewery offering tours and tastings on the first Saturday of each month. A great place to sample locally crafted beers in a relaxed setting.

Price $$

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04

Things to do in Austin

South by Southwest (SXSW)

showPaid entryAbout 480 min

One of the biggest music, film, and interactive festivals in the United States, held every March in Austin. Features over 1,400 performers, film screenings, and cutting-edge technology showcases across dozens of venues.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

showPaid entryAbout 480 min

A major annual music festival held in Zilker Park every October, featuring world-class artists across multiple stages. One of the premier outdoor music events in the United States.

ABC Kite Festival at Zilker Park

otherFreeAbout 180 min

The oldest continuous kite festival in the USA, held the first Sunday of March in Zilker Park. Features kite ballet, kite battles, giant kites, and competitions for all ages. Free admission.

Rocket Electrics Electric Bike Tours

bikePaid entryAbout 180 min

Austin's only all-electric bike shop offers guided tours of the city, including a foodie tour and a Live Music Capital of the World Tour led by full-time Austin musicians with a live performance included.

DoubleDeckerAustin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

tourPaid entryAbout 120 min

A guided hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tour of Austin's main attractions, departing from the Austin Visitor Center. A great way to get oriented and see the city's highlights.

Texas Wine Country Tours

tourPaid entryAbout 360 min

Half and full-day chauffeured tours of the nearby Texas Hill Country wine region, departing from Austin. Explore local wineries, distilleries, and breweries in the scenic Hill Country landscape.

Twisted Texas Tour

tourPaid entryAbout 180 min

Austin's wildest bus tour featuring a live band on board, with brunch/food tours and brewery tours departing on weekends from the Austin Visitor Center. A uniquely fun Austin experience.

05

Where to go near Austin

San Antonio

Car 1h30

Home to the Alamo and the famous River Walk, San Antonio is a major Texas city rich in history and culture, easily reachable from Austin.

Dallas

Car 3h

Texas's second-largest city, offering world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and major sports teams. A key destination in the Texas triangle.

Houston

Car 3h

The largest city in Texas and home to NASA's Johnson Space Center, a diverse culinary scene, and major cultural institutions.

Round Rock

Car 30min

A northern suburb of Austin home to Dell Diamond stadium, where the Round Rock Express minor league baseball team plays, and the H-E-B Center for basketball and hockey.

Cedar Park

Car 30min

A suburb north of Austin home to the H-E-B Center, which hosts the Austin Spurs (NBA G League) and the Texas Stars (AHL hockey).

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