Austin Texas
Austin Texas Stadtführer
A city where live music echoes in every corner and the smell of delicious barbecue fills the air with smoke. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin attracts music enthusiasts who enjoy listening to blues, rock, and indie music at venues like the Continental Club. There are also food stalls and barbecue venues here where you can taste delicacies such as Tex-Mex tacos and delicious beef brisket, which are indispensable for Texas cuisine. Don't forget that the city is ideal for spending time outdoors, with the natural beauty of the shores of Lady Bird Lake and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. From cultural festivals to historical monuments, Austin offers a dynamic array of experiences that engage the senses. Pack up your closet and get ready to discover Austin's unique charm and energy!
Things To Know Before Going To Austin
- "Keeping Austin Weird" is the city’s unofficial motto, reflecting its unique and quirky charm.
- Austin is renowned as the "Live Music Capital of the World," with numerous live music venues and festivals throughout the year.
- Austin's traffic is notorious and has been compared to LA. It's often best to avoid relying on Google Maps, as it frequently readjusts during drives.
- Austin has a relatively small airport. Despite recent expansions, it can still be crowded, especially during festivals.
- Austin is the birthplace of Whole Foods and also home to Dell's headquarters.
Austin Tips From Locals
- The Purple Rita is a beautiful yet potent drink filled with tequila, Everclear, and blue Curacao. These drinks are rationed, so it's best to limit yourself to just one.
- Austin is very outdoorsy, offering a wide range of activities such as trail biking, hiking, rafting, tubing, spelunking, running, rowing, boating, fishing, and hunting. Zilker Park is always bustling with things to do.
- Austin is very kid-friendly and family-oriented. The locals are generally friendly and laid-back.
- In bars, conflicts can escalate quickly, so it's best to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid confrontations.
- Austin's wildlife includes bats, possums, rattlesnakes, pronghorns, jackrabbits, coyotes, and giant flying cockroaches.
- Austin is part of the Bible Belt, and church is a deeply embedded part of Texas culture.
Where is Austin?
Austin is the capital of Texas State, USA, and the seat of Travis country. It is located where the Colorado River crosses the Balcones Escarpment in the south-central part of the state, about 80 miles northeast of San Antonio.
Where To Stay In Austin?
Here’s a quick table of which areas in Austin are great for tourists:
District | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Downtown | Central location Nightlife Dining | 6th Street Texas State Capitol Paramount Theatre | $200-500+ per night |
East Austin | Trendy bars and restaurants Street art | East 6th Street Rainey Street Historic District Hops & Grain Brewery | $150-400 per night |
South Congress (SoCo) | Shopping Food trucks Live music | South Congress Avenue Continental Club Jo's Coffee | $150-400 per night |
North Loop | Quirky shops Dive bars | Epoch Coffee Toy Joy Kula Yoga | $100-300 per night |
South Lamar (SoLa) | Outdoor recreation Dining | Barton Creek Greenbelt Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Barley Swine | $150-400 per night |
Rainey Street | Nightlife Food trucks | Rainey Street bars Container Bar Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden | $200-500+ per night |
Best Hotels in Austin
Hotel | District | Affordability | Why To Stay There? |
---|---|---|---|
Four Seasons Hotel Austin | Downtown | Luxury | Luxurious hotel with a prime location on Lady Bird Lake Offers an outdoor pool, spa, and acclaimed restaurant |
Hotel Saint Cecilia | South Congress | Luxury | Intimate boutique hotel with a unique, artistic vibe Located on South Congress Avenue, close to shops and restaurants |
Miraval Austin Resort & Spa | Balcones Canyonlands | Luxury | Luxury wellness resort with a focus on mindfulness and relaxation Offers a variety of spa treatments, fitness classes, and outdoor activities |
Hyatt Place Austin Arboretum | North Austin | Mid-range | Affordable hotel with comfortable rooms, free WiFi, fitness center, and pool, offering a peaceful retreat from the city. |
Aiden by Best Western @ City Austin Hotel | South Austin | Mid-range | Boutique hotel with modern rooms, free breakfast, and a rooftop pool, providing a stylish and relaxing stay. |
Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown | Downtown | Mid-range | Walking distance to the Austin Convention Center and 6th Street entertainment district Features an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and modern amenities |
Motel 6 Austin Central | Central Austin | Budget | Affordable rates, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location near downtown attractions and the University of Texas at Austin campus. |
Hyatt Place Austin Airport | Airport Area | Budget | Conveniently located less than a mile from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Offers an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and free breakfast |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Airport | Airport Area | Budget | Located just 2.8 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Provides a free airport shuttle and complimentary breakfast |
Find cheap hotels in Austineasily!
Places To Visit In Austin
Here’s the list of some top Austin attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit:
- Texas State Capitol: Explore the stunning Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark and the headquarters of the Texas government.
- Lady Bird Lake: Enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or jogging along the scenic trails surrounding the lake.
- Zilker Park: Spend a day at Zilker Park, home to Barton Springs Pool, the Zilker Botanical Garden, and the Austin Nature & Science Center. Don't miss the Austin City Limits Music Festival if you're visiting in October.
- South Congress Avenue: It is a vibrant area where you can explore eclectic shops, vibrant street art, live music venues, and delicious eateries.
- Bullock Texas State History Museum: Learn about the rich history of Texas through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and films at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
- The Domain: Explore a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options at The Domain, a top-tier outdoor shopping center that showcases high-end stores and restaurants.
- 6th Street: Explore Austin's renowned nightlife scene on 6th Street, featuring bars, clubs, live music venues, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Mount Bonnell: Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the Colorado River from the summit of Mount Bonnell, one of Austin's highest vantage points.
- Hamilton Pool Preserve: Venture just outside the city to Hamilton Pool Preserve, a natural swimming hole with a stunning waterfall and limestone formations.
- The University of Texas at Austin: It offers a chance to explore the campus, visit the Blanton Museum of Art, and catch a Longhorns game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Is Austin Safe?
Austin is considered a safe city; Downtown Austin, in particular, is highlighted as one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. It is considered relatively safe compared to many other cities in the United States.
Is Austin Expensive To Visit?
Austin is considered more expensive than the national average but not significantly so. If you are planning to visit Austin, you may find it slightly more expensive than other areas.
Austin Currency
The official currency of New Orleans is the US dollar. Both card payments and cash payments are relevant in Austin. While there is a preference for card payments in Austin due to its technology-driven environment and convenience, cash is still widely accepted in bars, restaurants, and businesses in the city
Austin Language
The predominant spoken language in Austin is English. Additionally, a significant portion of the population in the city speaks Spanish. Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic are some of the spoken languages in Austin.
How Many Days To Visit Austin?
If you have limited time to explore the city, it is recommended to spend at least 3 days in Austin. However, for a more in-depth exploration or to visit additional museums and surrounding areas, a longer stay of around 5 days to a week may be preferable.
What To Do in Austin?
- Visit the Texas State Capitol, a historic site with impressive architecture and significance.
- Explore the Blanton Museum of Art for a diverse collection of classic and contemporary art.
- Discover the Bullock Texas State History Museum to learn about the state's rich history.
- Enjoy the outdoor beauty of Zilker Metropolitan Park, a popular spot for recreation and relaxation.
- Experience the unique and quirky Museum of the Weird on East 6th Street.
- Explore the natural beauty of McKinney Falls State Park for hiking, picnicking, and swimming.
- Visit the Austin Zoo for a fun day with exotic animals.
- Relax in the serene surroundings of Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve.
- Witness the nightly flight of bats under the Congress Avenue Bridge, a unique Austin ritual.
When Is The Best Time To Stay In Austin?
Austin offers visitors its charm in every season. However, spring and fall seasons can be better choices due to their mild weather and colorful festivals. Here's the breakdown of seasons in Austin:
- Spring: It offers mild weather along with vibrant cultural festivals such as the Southwest Festival.
- Summer: Austin can be hot in summer , but you can enjoy poolside lounging and lively nights.
- Fall: It provides pleasant temperatures and amazing festivals, including the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
- Winter: If you are looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, winter can be a good choice for you.
What To Pack For Your Visit To Austin?
Here’s the packing list for Austin depending on which season you plan to visit the city:
- Spring (March to May): Bring your t-shirts, tank tops and shorts, a light jacket or sweater for mornings or evenings, an umbrella, a raincoat, and rain boots.
- Summer (June to August): Lightweight clothing like tank tops and shorts, comfortable, lightweight shoes, and sunscreen.
- Fall (September to November): Jeans or pants, light sweaters, jacket for layering, and comfortable shoes.
- Winter (December to February): Jeans or pants, light sweaters, long-sleeve tops, vests or jackets, comfortable shoes or boots, and a scarf.
Austin Food
Austin is renowned for its diverse and vibrant food scene, especially with traditional Texas barbecues. Here are some of the must-try food in Austin:
- Barbecue: Franklin Barbecue or La Barbecue for top-notch smoked meats.
- Breakfast Tacos: When it comes to authentic Tex-Mex flavors in breakfast tacos, you can choose between Veracruz All Natural or Tacodeli.
- Tex-Mex: Matt's El Rancho or Chuy's for classic Tex-Mex dishes.
- Craft Beer and Food Pairings: Try local breweries such as Austin Beerworks with nearby food trucks.
- Farm-to-Table Dining: Odd Duck or Launderette for seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
- Trendy Eateries: Suerte, Uchi, or Loro offer innovative dining experiences.
- Burgers: When it comes to gourmet burgers, you can choose between Hopdoddy Burger Bar or P. Terry's Burger Stand.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Fare: Consider The Vegan Nom or Bouldin Creek Cafe for plant-based options.
Austin Nightlife
Austin's nightlife is legendary, offering a diverse array of experiences for every taste. Here are some of the best places to spend your night in Austin:
- Live Music: Experience Austin's renowned music scene at venues like the Continental Club or Antone's.
- Craft Cocktails: Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails at speakeasies such as Midnight Cowboy or The Roosevelt Room.
- Dance Clubs: Groove to different beats at dance clubs like Barbarella or Kingdom.
- Rooftop Bars: Take in city views at rooftop bars like The Rooftop at the Van Zandt.
- Dive Bars: Embrace Austin's casual vibe at dive bars like The White Horse or Shangri-La.
- Cultural Events: Attend themed parties at venues like The Belmont or The Sahara Lounge.