Austin travel guide
Austin Tourism | Austin Guide
You're Going to Love Austin
Austin is an incredible place and one of America’s true cultural capitals. It’s the place to go for anyone who loves indie music, independent films, comedy, quirky theater, puppet shows, jazz, and dance. Actually, if you love almost any form of culture, Austin is the ideal destination.
It’s an ideal place to build your vacation around a specific festival. Visit during South by Southwest festival and check out established and new music acts from every corner of the globe, organize a fall trip to watch major bands in the Austin City Limits Festival, or head to the Out Bounds Festival to watch leading global comedy performers.
However, you can visit this laid-back bohemian city at any time of year and spend your days enjoying Tex-Mex cuisine, shopping for art and craft souvenirs, or cheering on the Longhorns.
There’s plenty of reasons to head to the Texan capital. From sport and comedy to shopping and music – Austin is one of America’s greatest city break destinations.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Austin
1. Music
Austin is one of the U.S.A.’s live music capitals, hosting the South By Southwest indie festival every March and putting on blistering blues and rock shows every week at bars like the Mohawk, Sahara Lounge, and the White Horse.
2. Nature
The Texas landscape is breath-taking around Austin, and the city is full of natural attractions. Within the city limits, there are the 26 acres of the Zilker Botanical Garden, while it's also easy to reach beautiful spots like the waterfalls at McKinney Falls State Park.
3. Tex-Mex Food
Tex-Mex food includes mouth-watering dishes like grilled steak fajitas, nachos piled with cheese, and scorching chili con carne. Find all these dishes and more at leading restaurants like Trudy’s Texas Star and Habaneros.
4. Comedy
Music isn’t the only cultural attraction that Austin has to offer. You’ll also find a cluster of fantastic comedy clubs, including the Hideout Theater, the Velveeta Room, and Capitol City.
5. Grand Prix Racing
Just south of Austin you’ll find the Circuit of the Americas, home to the U.S. Grand Prix, which attracts 240,000 fans every year. Motorcycling fans can also catch the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.
What to do in Austin
1. Texas State Capitol: American Politics 101
The official offices of the Texas State Governor and Legislature are found in this commanding building at the heart of Austin. Modeled after the world-famous Washington D.C. Capitol building, this domed masterpiece is one of the most impressive structures in the state. Decorations inside are just as regal as the ornamentation of the grandiose exterior, and tours through the building highlight a rich state history. Walk the lush grounds outside to find more historical monuments.
2. Zilker Botanical Garden: Natural Beauty
This oasis on the Colorado River boasts a spectacular variety of gardens. With sections arranged scenically between babbling streams, visitors wander effortlessly from one themed area to the next. Between the Rose, Herb, Cactus, Japanese and Children's Gardens, there is something for everyone in this floral wonderland. To make a day of it, stop by the ZBG on your way down the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail - the scenic path takes you merrily down the riverside.
3. Bullock Texas State History Museum: A Texan Tale
The second largest state in America, Texas, boasts a character that is strong, proud and individual. Discover the origins of this southern giant through the comprehensive exhibitions at the Bullock Museum. Discover the thrilling history of how the Republic of Texas became an official state, and come to understand how these roots are linked to the identity of its citizens today. For a change of pace, visit the Blanton Museum of Art across the street to experience some top-of-the-line fine art galleries.
4. Lady Bird Lake: A Recreational Core
As the Colorado River flows through Austin, it becomes a picturesque reservoir called Lady Bird Lake. Kayaking, canoeing and rowing these calm waters are favorite activities among locals and tourists alike, and on land, there is even more to do, as lush parklands surround the glistening water. Between Zilker Park and the Roy Guerrero Colorado River Park, there are facilities for every sport from golfing to softball. And for a relaxing walk, check out the Boardwalk with its scenic views.
5. Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum: The LBJ Legacy
Lyndon B. Johnson was first the Vice President to John F. Kennedy, and later inaugurated as President himself - from the Civil Rights Movement to the Vietnam War; he led during deeply tumultuous times. In this library and museum, the details of the decade come to life through authentic documents and artifacts. History is at your fingertips as the Presidential narrative chronicles the course of American Politics throughout the 1960s.
1. Texas State Capitol: American Politics 101
The official offices of the Texas State Governor and Legislature are found in this commanding building at the heart of Austin. Modeled after the world-famous Washington D.C. Capitol building, this domed masterpiece is one of the most impressive structures in the state. Decorations inside are just as regal as the ornamentation of the grandiose exterior, and tours through the building highlight a rich state history. Walk the lush grounds outside to find more historical monuments.
2. Zilker Botanical Garden: Natural Beauty
This oasis on the Colorado River boasts a spectacular variety of gardens. With sections arranged scenically between babbling streams, visitors wander effortlessly from one themed area to the next. Between the Rose, Herb, Cactus, Japanese and Children's Gardens, there is something for everyone in this floral wonderland. To make a day of it, stop by the ZBG on your way down the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail - the scenic path takes you merrily down the riverside.
3. Bullock Texas State History Museum: A Texan Tale
The second largest state in America, Texas, boasts a character that is strong, proud and individual. Discover the origins of this southern giant through the comprehensive exhibitions at the Bullock Museum. Discover the thrilling history of how the Republic of Texas became an official state, and come to understand how these roots are linked to the identity of its citizens today. For a change of pace, visit the Blanton Museum of Art across the street to experience some top-of-the-line fine art galleries.
4. Lady Bird Lake: A Recreational Core
As the Colorado River flows through Austin, it becomes a picturesque reservoir called Lady Bird Lake. Kayaking, canoeing and rowing these calm waters are favorite activities among locals and tourists alike, and on land, there is even more to do, as lush parklands surround the glistening water. Between Zilker Park and the Roy Guerrero Colorado River Park, there are facilities for every sport from golfing to softball. And for a relaxing walk, check out the Boardwalk with its scenic views.
5. Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum: The LBJ Legacy
Lyndon B. Johnson was first the Vice President to John F. Kennedy, and later inaugurated as President himself - from the Civil Rights Movement to the Vietnam War; he led during deeply tumultuous times. In this library and museum, the details of the decade come to life through authentic documents and artifacts. History is at your fingertips as the Presidential narrative chronicles the course of American Politics throughout the 1960s.
1. Texas State Capitol: American Politics 101
The official offices of the Texas State Governor and Legislature are found in this commanding building at the heart of Austin. Modeled after the world-famous Washington D.C. Capitol building, this domed masterpiece is one of the most impressive structures in the state. Decorations inside are just as regal as the ornamentation of the grandiose exterior, and tours through the building highlight a rich state history. Walk the lush grounds outside to find more historical monuments.
2. Zilker Botanical Garden: Natural Beauty
This oasis on the Colorado River boasts a spectacular variety of gardens. With sections arranged scenically between babbling streams, visitors wander effortlessly from one themed area to the next. Between the Rose, Herb, Cactus, Japanese and Children's Gardens, there is something for everyone in this floral wonderland. To make a day of it, stop by the ZBG on your way down the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail - the scenic path takes you merrily down the riverside.
3. Bullock Texas State History Museum: A Texan Tale
The second largest state in America, Texas, boasts a character that is strong, proud and individual. Discover the origins of this southern giant through the comprehensive exhibitions at the Bullock Museum. Discover the thrilling history of how the Republic of Texas became an official state, and come to understand how these roots are linked to the identity of its citizens today. For a change of pace, visit the Blanton Museum of Art across the street to experience some top-of-the-line fine art galleries.
Where to Eat in Austin
If you love Tex-Mex food, Austin is crammed with great places to eat. Don’t miss the fajitas rancheras at Habanero Café, the beef fajitas at Pappasito’s, or the shrimp tacos at Matt’s El Rancho. There are also authentic Italian restaurants like La Traviata in Downtown, traditional southern food pubs like Roaring Fork, and Japanese restaurants like Uchi. Street food is another attraction. Fill up on the sausages at Best Wurst or the burgers at Casino el Camino for great food on the move. Expect to pay $15-20 for a medium range meal and anything above $40 in the most up-market restaurants.
When to visit Austin
Spring is the best time to visit Austin. High summer can be uncomfortably hot, but the weather is just right between March and May. It’s also the cultural season of the year thanks to the massive SXSW music festival and a great time to get outdoors. Fall is almost as attractive, with similarly comfortable temperatures and the Austin City Limits Festival, which attracts big music names like the Cure and the Kings of Leon.
How to Get to Austin
Plane
Flying to Austin Bergstrom International Airport is the easiest way for most visitors to get to Austin. It’s a unique place too, with live music events and small local stores represented on the concourse. To get into town, simply catch the MetroAirport bus, which costs $1.75. Taxis from the airport are a convenient alternative, but will cost around $30 to reach downtown Austin.
Train
Austin’s Amtrak station is located at 250 North Lamar Blvd and is linked to Chicago via the Texas Eagle Line, which also stops at major cities like Dallas and St. Louis.
Car
If you are driving to Austin from other parts of the U.S., you will probably approach the city via I-35, which connects the city with Dallas and San Antonio. US-290 links Austin with Houston and destinations to the east.
Bus
Greyhound is the major bus operator into Austin and their main stop is just outside Highland Mall. They provide direct connections to all major Texan cities and indirect services to almost anywhere in the U.S.A.
Other bus companies providing services to Austin include:
Shofur – which provides luxury bus connections to regional cities like Houston, San Antonio and Dallas.
Vontane – links Austin with Dallas and Houston.
Megabus – provides budget connections to Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio and from there to more distant U.S. cities.
Airlines serving Austin
Where to stay in Austin
Downtown – The center of Austin’s business life, Downtown is also full of bars, music venues, and restaurants, not to mention museums like the Austin Museum of Art. Favorite local spots include the Violet Crown Cinema, which has a high-quality schedule of art-house movies and Best Wurst, Austin’s finest bratwurst restaurant.
Popular Districts
The Drag – The Drag is one of Austin’s liveliest shopping and dining areas. It’s also close to the University of Texas, where you can check out the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum and the Texas Memorial Museum. Thanks to the large student population, the area is a great place to enjoy a drink, with buzzing bars like Cactus Café and the Hole in the Wall. Arcade UFO is also a chill place to unwind, with a huge selection of video games.
East Austin – East Austin is a diverse, creative part of town, with some of the city’s best dance, music, and theater venues. You’ll find cutting-edge theater at the Vortex, puppet shows at the Salvage Vanguard, and musical events at the Off Center. You’ll also find some superb restaurants like Juan in a Million or the Colombian eatery Casa Colombia.
Where to stay in popular areas of Austin
Most booked hotels in Austin
How to Get Around Austin
Public Transportation
Municipal bus company Capital Metro links all of the major tourist districts and the center of town. Each bus journey costs $1.25, but a much better option is the $2.50 all-day bus pass (buy on board the vehicle). There are also handy Night Owl buses for late-night journeys, and a less helpful MetroRail network which only serves the northwestern parts of town (fares are $3.50 per journey). Another alternative is to head to bicycle rental outlets like Yellow Bike Project, which can provide a bike for as little as $5 per day.
Taxis
Taxis in Austin have a meter drop of $2.50, then $0.40 for every sixth of a mile up to the first mile. After that, there’s a charge of $2.40 per mile. The cheapest Uber fares can deliver significant savings, with a basic fare of $1 and $1 per mile after that.
Car
Austin is a pretty easy city to navigate, making car rental an attractive option. Expect to pay around $20 per day. Parking isn’t generally a problem in Downtown Austin, as long as you can find on-street meters, which cost $1 per hour. At busy times, private parking lots may be the only way to go. Expect to pay as much as $6 per hour in these locations. It’s probably more sensible to use lots slightly out of town, which charge $8 per day, and then take the bus into the city.
The Cost of Living in Austin
Shopping Streets
Austin’s great appeal for shoppers is the wide variety of strange and off-beat boutiques. It’s a bohemian place with a huge community of music fans, so record shops like Waterloo Records or End of an Ear are worth a look. You’ll find unique, vintage toys at Hogwild and plenty of apparel boutiques on South Congress Street, including Blackmail and Parts & Labor. There are also conventional malls, including Barton Creek (with a Macy’s and J.C. Penney) and Prime Outlets San Marcos, where 200 cut-price stores offer a huge selection of bargain clothing.
Groceries and Other
Austin has a lower cost of living than most other U.S. cities of its size, partly thanks to lower state taxes on groceries. This means that shopping for food and drink is affordable almost everywhere in the city. Major supermarkets include independent stores like Central Markets and chains like Wal-Mart, Safeway and H-E-B.