Best Time to Visit
March to May (SXSW), October to November
Currency
US Dollar ($)
Language
English
Timezone
CST (UTC-6)
Discover Austin
Austin isn't just the capital of Texas; it's the capital of 'keeping it weird,' a vibrant collision of live music, tech innovation, and smoky barbecue that creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. You'll feel it the moment you stroll down South Congress Avenue, past funky boutiques and the iconic 'I love you so much' mural, with the sounds of a guitar riff spilling from a bar and the scent of brisket from a legendary food truck like Franklin Barbecue or Micklethwait Craft Meats wafting through the air.
This is a city where you can paddleboard on the spring-fed waters of Barton Springs Pool in the morning, tour the grand pink granite Texas State Capitol at noon, and lose yourself in the electric energy of Sixth Street's live music venues by night. It's a place where creativity is the local currency, celebrated in world-class festivals like SXSW and ACL, and in the everyday weirdness that makes Austin authentically, wonderfully itself.
Why Visit Austin?
The Live Music Capital of the World: Experience legendary venues like the Continental Club and Antone's, where you can catch everything from blues and country to indie rock any night of the week, culminating in massive festivals like Austin City Limits Music Festival.
A BBQ Pilgrimage: Embark on a culinary quest for the perfect brisket at hallowed institutions like Franklin Barbecue (be prepared to queue), Terry Black's Barbecue, or La Barbecue, where smoked meat is treated with near-religious reverence.
Embrace the 'Keep Austin Weedy' Vibe: Discover the city's unique character through its iconic murals, eclectic South Congress shops like Allen's Boots, and quirky events like watching the Congress Avenue Bridge bats emerge at dusk.
Outdoor Adventures in the City: Swim in the constant 68-70°F (20-21°C) waters of Barton Springs Pool, hike or bike the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake, or kayak under the downtown skyline.
A Festival for Every Passion: Time your visit for the interactive, film, and music convergence of SXSW, the two-weekend spectacle of ACL Fest, or the weird and wonderful Eeyore's Birthday Party in Pease Park.
A Thriving Food Truck Revolution: Graze your way through entire parks dedicated to mobile cuisine, like The Picnic on Barton Springs Road, for everything from gourmet donuts (Gourdough's) to inventive fusion tacos (Veracruz All Natural).
Austin is Known For
Ready to explore Austin?
Austin Neighborhoods
Downtown & Sixth Street
The bustling heart of the city, home to the historic entertainment district and the state's political center. By day, it's a mix of government business and tourist sights; by night, Sixth Street transforms into a vibrant, pedestrian-only party zone.
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Best for:
South Congress (SoCo)
The epicenter of Austin's iconic, funky vibe. This walkable strip is lined with vintage shops, trendy boutiques, iconic murals, and some of the city's most famous food trucks, all with a view of the Capitol.
Highlights:
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East Austin
The city's rapidly evolving, hipster haven, where craft cocktail bars, innovative restaurants, and colorful street art have taken root in once-industrial spaces and historic neighborhoods.
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Zilker & Barton Springs
Austin's outdoor playground, centered around the massive Zilker Metropolitan Park. This area is all about recreation, from swimming in natural springs to attending large-scale festivals under the Texas sun.
Highlights:
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Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •For Franklin Barbecue, arrive by 8 AM (or earlier) to get in line, or pre-order 5+ lbs of meat weeks in advance online to skip the queue entirely.
- •Rent a bike or use the city's BCycle stations - the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is the best way to see Lady Bird Lake and downtown.
- •The 'Dirty Sixth' (east end of 6th Street) is for rowdy bars and cheap drinks. For a more mature vibe, head to 'West Sixth' for craft cocktails or the Rainey Street historic bungalow bars.
- •Always check the calendar for major festivals (SXSW, ACL, F1). Hotel prices triple and the city gets packed, but the energy is incredible.
- •Don't just look for breakfast tacos in the morning. Spots like Veracruz All Natural or Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ serve incredible migas and brisket tacos all day.
- •Parking downtown is expensive and scarce. Use a parking app, park in a garage, or better yet, use rideshares or scooters for evening outings.
- •The bats under Congress Avenue Bridge are most active from March to October. The best viewing is from the bridge sidewalk or on a kayak tour on the lake.
- •Many of the best restaurants are cashless. While most places take cards, it's wise to have a little cash for some food trucks and dive bars.
- •Texas sun is no joke. Even in spring and fall, wear sunscreen, a hat, and carry a reusable water bottle everywhere you go.
- •'Austin time' is a real thing, especially for weekend brunch. Expect a wait at popular spots. Put your name in and explore the neighborhood while you wait.
Austin Food Scene
Austin's food scene is a delicious rebellion, where fine dining and food truck culture exist in perfect harmony. It's globally famous for Central Texas-style barbecue—slow-smoked over post oak—but the taco scene, from breakfast to late-night, is the soul food of the city.
Must-Try Dishes
Barbecue
- • Franklin Barbecue (Brisket)
- • Interstellar BBQ (Beef Rib)
- • La Barbecue (Sausage)
Meat is sold by weight, often until it runs out. Go early, bring a chair for the line, and order a mix of brisket, ribs, and sausage.
Tex-Mex & Tacos
- • Veracruz All Natural (Migas Taco)
- • Fonda San Miguel (Interior Mexican)
- • Torchy's Tacos (Trailer Park 'Trashy')
Breakfast tacos are an all-day affair. Always get queso as a starter, and don't skip the house-made salsas.
Food Trucks
- • Micklethwait Craft Meats (BBQ)
- • Gourdough's (Donuts)
- • Spicy Boys (Fried Chicken)
Find clusters of trucks at parks like The Picnic or at breweries like Meanwhile Brewing Co. for a one-stop food and drink tour.
Fine Dining
- • Uchi/Uchiko (Japanese)
- • Olamaie (Modern Southern)
- • Suerte (Masa-based Mexican)
Reservations are essential, often booked weeks in advance. Consider sitting at the bar for a more casual, often reservation-free experience.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Austin
Spring
Spring is glorious, with wildflowers (especially bluebonnets) blooming and perfect festival weather. This is peak season, especially during SXSW (March).
Pros:
- + Ideal temperatures (20-27°C / 68-80°F)
- + Wildflower season
- + SXSW festival energy
Cons:
- - Highest hotel prices
- - Crowded during festivals
- - Potential for severe thunderstorms
Summer
Long, hot, and sunny days define a Texas summer. It's great for lake activities, but the heat can be intense, often exceeding 35°C (95°F).
Pros:
- + Long daylight hours
- + Best for swimming at Barton Springs
- + Lively poolside bar scene
Cons:
- - Extreme heat and humidity
- - High UV index
- - Outdoor activities best done early AM or late PM
Autumn
Another prime season, with heat finally breaking and the city buzzing with the Austin City Limits Music Festival. October weather is often perfect.
Pros:
- + Pleasant, warm days and cool nights
- + ACL Fest and other events
- + Beautiful fall light
Cons:
- - Another busy festival period
- - Can still be warm early in the season
- - Popular time for travel
Winter
Mild and unpredictable, with occasional cold fronts. It's the quietest tourist season, offering a more local experience and holiday lights.
Pros:
- + Fewer crowds and lower prices
- + Mild weather for exploring
- + Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
Cons:
- - Weather can be chilly and damp
- - Some outdoor swimming spots are cold
- - Shorter daylight hours
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Book Activities in Austin
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Day Trips from Austin
San Antonio
1 hour 20 min by car
Dive into deeper Texas history at the iconic Alamo and stroll along the famous River Walk, a network of canals lined with restaurants and shops below street level.
Texas Hill Country (Fredericksburg)
1 hour 30 min by car
Escape to a German-heritage town in the heart of wine country. Sample local vintages at dozens of wineries and explore wildflower-dotted landscapes.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
45 min by car
Visit a breathtaking natural grotto and collapsed cave with a jade-green pool and a 50-foot waterfall. Reservations are required for entry.
Austin Budget Guide
Austin is a moderately priced US city, but costs can spike during major festivals. Food and drink offer great value, especially from food trucks, while downtown hotels are a significant expense.
Budget
$75-125 per person for hostels, food trucks, and free activities.
per day
Mid-Range
$150-300 per person for a central hotel, sit-down meals, rideshares, and paid attractions.
per day
Luxury
$400+ per person for boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours, and premium festival tickets.
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Save on food by hitting food truck parks for lunch and happy hour specials at bars.
- •Many top attractions are free: hiking the Greenbelt, touring the Capitol, seeing the bats, exploring Zilker Park.
- •Use rideshare or scooters for short downtown trips instead of renting a car and paying for parking.
- •Visit outside of SXSW and ACL Fest for dramatically lower accommodation rates.
- •Look for hotels in areas like South Lamar or The Domain for better value than downtown, if you don't mind a short drive/ride.
Austin Hidden Gems
The Cathedral of Junk
A massive, ever-evolving sculpture in a South Austin backyard, built from over 60 tons of recycled objects.
It's the ultimate embodiment of 'Keep Austin Weird,' a folk art masterpiece you must call ahead to visit in a residential neighborhood.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
A tranquil park with historic cottage gardens, lily ponds, and a flock of free-roaming peacocks.
A serene escape from the city buzz, perfect for a peaceful walk and unique wildlife photos just minutes from downtown.
Barton Creek Greenbelt (Twin Falls & Sculpture Falls)
A 7.9-mile hiking and biking trail system with access to secluded swimming holes and limestone cliffs.
Locals' favorite secret for a refreshing swim or hike, especially beautiful after a rain when the waterfalls are flowing.
Central Library Rooftop Garden
The stunning, modern central library features a rooftop garden with panoramic views of downtown and Lady Bird Lake.
Offers one of the best free views in the city in a beautiful, air-conditioned building—a perfect midday retreat.
Radio Coffee & Beer
A sprawling coffee shop by day and beer garden by night, home to the legendary Veracruz All Natural food truck.
The ultimate local hangout spot where you can experience Austin's coffee, craft beer, and best taco culture all in one laid-back venue.
Austin Culture & Customs
Austin culture is a friendly, casual blend of Southern hospitality, creative entrepreneurialism, and a deep love for the outdoors. It's progressive within a conservative state, with a strong focus on local businesses, live music, and a 'come as you are' attitude.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Tipping is expected: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars.
- •Casual dress is the norm almost everywhere, even at nice restaurants.
- •Be patient and friendly; 'Southern nice' is the standard mode of interaction.
- •Respect the line at barbecue joints—it's a sacred social ritual.
- •If someone says 'Howdy,' a 'Howdy' or 'Hello' back is perfectly appropriate.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Austin
Is Austin a walkable city?
Individual neighborhoods like Downtown, South Congress, and East Austin are very walkable. However, the city is spread out, so you'll need a car, rideshare, or scooter to travel efficiently between these districts and to attractions like Barton Springs or the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Do I need to rent a car in Austin?
If you're staying downtown and only visiting central neighborhoods and festivals, you can manage with rideshares, scooters, and buses. For maximum flexibility, day trips to the Hill Country, or visits to farther-flung restaurants, a rental car is highly recommended.
What's the best way to experience Austin's live music?
Skip the big, branded venues on Dirty Sixth and seek out historic rooms like the Continental Club, Antone's, or the Saxon Pub. Check the Austin Chronicle's music listings, and don't be afraid to pop into a random bar with a band playing—you might discover your new favorite artist.
How do I deal with the famous barbecue lines?
For Franklin Barbecue, commit to the multi-hour wait (it's an event) or pre-order online. For others like Terry Black's or Stiles Switch, they have efficient cafeteria-style service with minimal wait. Go for an early lunch (11 AM) or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
What should I pack for a trip to Austin?
Pack for casual comfort: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, a swimsuit, and sturdy shoes for walking/hiking. Always include a light jacket or sweater for overly air-conditioned spaces and cooler evenings. A hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are absolute essentials year-round.
Is Austin safe for tourists?
Austin is generally very safe for tourists. Exercise standard city precautions: be aware of your surroundings in crowded nightlife areas like Sixth Street at night, secure valuables in your car, and use rideshares after dark if you're unsure of the area. Most visits are trouble-free.
Can I swim in Barton Springs Pool year-round?
Yes, the pool is fed by natural springs maintaining a constant 68-70°F (20-21°C). It's open year-round, but hours vary by season. It's most popular in the scorching summer, but 'Polar Bear' swimmers enjoy it on cold winter mornings too.
What's the difference between SXSW and ACL Fest?
SXSW (March) is a massive, multi-week conference and festival focused on interactive tech, film, and music, with hundreds of official and unofficial events spread across downtown. ACL Fest (October) is a more traditional, two-weekend music festival held in Zilker Park with set headliners and a carnival-like atmosphere.
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