Austin stands out as the spirited capital of Texas, combining a laid-back attitude with a thriving cultural scene. Known as the 'Live Music Capital of the World,' the city draws visitors with its eclectic mix of world-renowned festivals, vibrant street art, and an infectious independent spirit. Whether you're strolling down South Congress or kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, Austin surprises with an irresistible mix of urban energy and natural beauty.
The city’s most iconic attractions include the Texas State Capitol, the lively Sixth Street entertainment district, and the sprawling Zilker Metropolitan Park, home to Barton Springs Pool. Art lovers can explore the Blanton Museum of Art, while food enthusiasts savor everything from legendary barbecue joints to inventive food trucks scattered throughout the city. Don’t miss a dusk visit to Congress Avenue Bridge between March and October, where you can watch North America’s largest urban bat colony take flight.
Austin’s culture is defined by its creative community, relaxed lifestyle, and strong sense of inclusivity. Street musicians and muralists energize nearly every corner, and locals take the city’s unofficial motto, 'Keep Austin Weird,' seriously. Visitors find friendly locals, a strong appreciation for outdoor living, and a steady stream of live music spanning genres from country to indie rock.
Getting around is relatively easy thanks to bike-friendly streets, a growing light rail system, and accessible ride-sharing options. The downtown area offers a range of accommodations, from boutique hotels with rooftop pools to charming bed-and-breakfasts. The culinary scene impresses with everything from Tex-Mex favorites to sophisticated farm-to-table dining, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and the city’s calendar stocked with events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Book lodging early during these periods, as Austin fills up fast. For an insider experience, venture into East Austin for local breweries and murals, or spend time along Town Lake’s trails for a taste of the city’s outdoorsy side.
The city’s most iconic attractions include the Texas State Capitol, the lively Sixth Street entertainment district, and the sprawling Zilker Metropolitan Park, home to Barton Springs Pool. Art lovers can explore the Blanton Museum of Art, while food enthusiasts savor everything from legendary barbecue joints to inventive food trucks scattered throughout the city. Don’t miss a dusk visit to Congress Avenue Bridge between March and October, where you can watch North America’s largest urban bat colony take flight.
Austin’s culture is defined by its creative community, relaxed lifestyle, and strong sense of inclusivity. Street musicians and muralists energize nearly every corner, and locals take the city’s unofficial motto, 'Keep Austin Weird,' seriously. Visitors find friendly locals, a strong appreciation for outdoor living, and a steady stream of live music spanning genres from country to indie rock.
Getting around is relatively easy thanks to bike-friendly streets, a growing light rail system, and accessible ride-sharing options. The downtown area offers a range of accommodations, from boutique hotels with rooftop pools to charming bed-and-breakfasts. The culinary scene impresses with everything from Tex-Mex favorites to sophisticated farm-to-table dining, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and the city’s calendar stocked with events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Book lodging early during these periods, as Austin fills up fast. For an insider experience, venture into East Austin for local breweries and murals, or spend time along Town Lake’s trails for a taste of the city’s outdoorsy side.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900–$1400 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Catch a live music show on Sixth Street
- Swim at Barton Springs Pool
- Kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake
- Explore the street art and murals in East Austin
- Tour the Texas State Capitol
- Sample tacos and barbecue from famous food trucks
- Visit the Blanton Museum of Art
- Watch the bats emerge from Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset
Notable Sites
- Texas State Capitol
- Zilker Metropolitan Park
- Barton Springs Pool
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Sixth Street
- Lady Bird Lake
- Congress Avenue Bridge
- Bullock Texas State History Museum
General Advice
Austin is a welcoming, energetic city where creativity thrives and visitors feel at home. Embrace the city’s casual dress code, bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring, and get ready to sample everything from live music to local coffee shops. While Austin is generally easy to navigate, certain events and festivals can draw large crowds, so book accommodations in advance if your trip coincides with peak times.
Security & Safety
Austin is considered safe for visitors, but as with any popular city, it’s smart to stay alert in busy downtown areas, especially late at night. Keep your valuables secure in crowded venues and always lock your bicycle if renting one. If using rideshare apps, double-check vehicle details before getting in, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Travel Tips
- Public transport (buses and trains) is reliable but rideshares are often quicker downtown.
- Renting a bike or e-scooter is a fun way to explore central neighborhoods.
- Stay downtown or in South Congress for easy access to nightlife and food.
- Book popular attractions and restaurants early during major music festivals.
- Bring sunscreen and reusable water bottles—Austin gets hot and sunny.
- Try local food markets for fresh produce and breakfast tacos.
- Traffic can be heavy during rush hours; plan accordingly.
- Tipping (15–20%) is standard for restaurants and bars.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in April 2024
Austin's music scene blew me away! We hopped between bars on Sixth Street and discovered some fantastic local bands. The city felt very safe, but it did get pretty busy on weekend nights.
Stayed in November 2023
Loved exploring South Congress for shopping and food trucks. Barton Springs Pool was refreshing even though the water was a bit chilly. Parking was tricky downtown, so we used scooters to get around.
Traveled here in March 2024
I came for SXSW and the energy was off the charts! Great food everywhere and every night felt like a party. Next time, I'll visit when it's less crowded so I can see more museums at my own pace.
Visited in May 2024
Had a work trip but managed to enjoy Lady Bird Lake in the mornings. The parks and trails were really peaceful. Some restaurants required advance reservations, so plan ahead especially on weekends.
Visited in October 2023
We traveled as a family and our kids loved the Blanton Museum’s interactive exhibits. Watching the bats at Congress Avenue Bridge was a highlight. Be prepared for big crowds during events, though.
Traveled here in December 2023
Street art in East Austin was incredibly cool! I spent an entire afternoon snapping photos and trying different tacos. It did rain one day, but there were enough indoor cafes and galleries to keep us busy.
Visited in February 2024
Austin has a fun, relaxed vibe that made solo travel easy. I felt very welcome as a visitor and loved the variety of live music on offer. Public transport worked fine, but sometimes I just walked everywhere.
Visited in July 2023
It was so hot in the summer that we spent most afternoons inside museums or at the pool. Still, the food and nightlife totally made up for it. Wish there were more shaded spots in the parks.
Stayed in March 2024
South Congress Avenue had plenty of quirky shops and great coffee. The live music culture here is unmatched. I found traffic heavy going into downtown on Friday, so took the MetroRail.
Traveled here in January 2024
Visited Austin for the first time and the Capitol tour was super interesting. Nightlife gets rowdy on the weekends, but options for quieter bars exist if you look around. I appreciated the city’s walkability.
Visited in June 2024
The lake trails were perfect for morning runs, and our kayaking trip was fun and peaceful. My husband and I tried three different barbecue spots—each one was better than the last! Friendly folks everywhere.
Visited in August 2023
Summer concerts and food trucks made my trip memorable. Stayed in East Austin and wandered into a pop-up art market one evening. City gets crowded during big festivals, so I recommend booking hotels early.
Stayed in September 2023
Austin is full of creative energy and welcoming people. The Bullock Museum was surprisingly interesting and I learned a lot about Texas history. I’d love more vegetarian options at traditional barbecue spots.
Traveled here in May 2024
Came for a guys’ weekend and we hit up tons of live music bars. The bat watching at Congress Bridge was cooler than I expected. Some venues only accepted cash, so bring a bit just in case.
Visited in March 2024
South by Southwest was wild—so many events and things to see. Despite the huge crowds, everything felt organized and locals gave great recommendations. Would absolutely come back to explore more.
Stayed in November 2023
The art scene was amazing—I joined a mural walking tour and it was the best part of my trip. The weather was pleasant, but restaurants were often packed around dinnertime. Make reservations if you can.
Visited in February 2024
Our family enjoyed Zilker Park and rented bikes to ride along Lady Bird Lake. The local markets were fun for picking up unique gifts. It’s easy to see why people fall in love with Austin’s vibe.
Traveled here in October 2023
Nice city with loads of live music options, but it was pricier than expected for a group of friends. Still, we loved the outdoor spaces and late-night eats. Wish transportation ran later into the night.
Visited in April 2024
I joined a food tour and tried some of the best tacos I’ve ever had. Locals were so friendly when I got turned around downtown. Wish I'd had time to try paddleboarding on the lake.
Visited in January 2024
Business brought me to Austin, but I squeezed in a visit to Blanton Museum and a night out on Rainey Street. City is creative, easy-going, and loaded with good food. Next time I’ll bring my family.
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