Your guide to Austin
Austin highlights
Live music capital
Austin earns its global musical reputation with hundreds of live venues, concert halls and festivals. Trips to Austin offer opportunities to visit legendary venues like the Continental Club or blues-infused Antone’s Nightclub. The Red River Cultural District cultivates an indie vibe, with honky-tonk traditions too. Every spring, the South by Southwest festival combines music, film and tech for a glorious creative celebration.
Outdoor oasis
Austin offers more than your typical city break. The Barton Creek Greenbelt has miles of hiking and biking trails, with hidden waterfalls and swimming spots to explore. Lady Bird Lake is a recreation hub where you can kayak and paddleboard against an urban backdrop. And for panoramic views of the city skyline, hike up Mount Bonnel.
Historical landmarks
You’ll find numerous historical landmarks scattered across the city, including The Driskill hotel and the oldest surviving theatre in Austin, the Paramount. The Texas State Capitol showcases the state’s heritage and political significance. Pop inside to view treasured artworks. Outside, crane your neck to spot the Goddess of Liberty statue atop the tall dome.
Austin: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT) |
| High season | May - July |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to Austin
Weather in Austin
March – May: Spring is mild and lovely, with a handful of days that feel like summer. May is Austin’s rainiest month, so be sure to pack a light raincoat or umbrella.
June – August: Austin’s summers are hot and humid — temperatures usually climb into the 30s°C. The heat lasts all the way into early autumn, when you’re likely to experience some rain.
September – November : Temperatures take a dip in autumn but are still warm during the day. This is the best time to explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
December – February: Although these are the city’s chilliest months, daytime temperatures are still often pleasant (around 15°C). Bundle up at night, and don’t be surprised if you get caught in a rainstorm or two.
Events in Austin
Austin Marathon (February): One of the most festive marathons in the US, this lively race cuts through the city’s downtown and hillsides, with musical performances set up along the route. Local food trucks and a beer garden greet runners at the finish line.
South by Southwest (March): This multi-day film, music and culture festival draws everyone from former presidents to punk bands. Bounce between talks on technology, live music performances and movie premieres.
Austin City Limits (October): For two weekends in October, thousands of music fans descend on Zilker Park for live shows from midday to late night. Expect both big-name and indie musicians across pop, folk, country and hip-hop.
The best neighbourhoods in Austin
South Congress
South Congress is the best neighbourhood to stay in Austin for the discerning hipster. Stroll along South Congress Avenue, lined with retro boutiques. Feast on spicy Tex-Mex at taco joints, and enjoy candlelit dinners at high-end restaurants. As dusk falls, ‘SoCo’ becomes a lively nightlife hub, with live jazz and blues blaring from venues like Continental Club and C-Boy’s.
Good for: Shopping, live music, dining
East Austin
Historically home to African American and Latino communities, East Austin is a great place to find street art, jazz-filled dive bars, and food trucks selling cuisine from around the world. Here, century-old buildings blend with contemporary condos, murals and cocktail bars. Local museums and galleries also celebrate Austin’s musical heritage and showcase Texan artists.
Good for: Street art, food trucks, bars
Rainey Street Historic District
Rainey Street Historic District is where to stay if you want to be near the action and late-night bars. Late 19th-century bungalows have been carefully renovated into trendy bars and restaurants that retain their old-world charm. Hit the bars along with many cocktail lounges and live music joints like the dog-friendly Lustre Pearl.
Good for: History, live music, bars
Things to do in Austin
Family friendly things to do
From outdoor recreation to museums, you’ll find plenty of things to do with family in Austin. Start at Zilker Park, where kids can splash in the balmy Barton Springs Pool and ride the miniature train. For wildlife, visit the Austin Nature & Science Center for hands-on exhibits and animal encounters. Thinkery (formerly the Austin Children’s Museum) also offers interactive STEM activities.
Shopping
For the best shopping in Austin, head to South Congress Avenue for boutiques like Allens Boots, which sells Western wear, and Uncommon Objects. Explore the 2nd Street District for upmarket shopping at Kendra Scott’s flagship store, and find local designers at Austin Rocks. Local produce and crafts handmade by regional artisans can be found at SoCo Market and HOPE Farmers Market.
Take in the culture
Enjoy the vast selection of galleries and museums in Austin. The Blanton Museum of Art showcases over 18,000 ancient and contemporary works. Explore the Mexic-Arte Museum for exhibitions celebrating Latin American art and culture. Visit Yard Dog Art Gallery for American folk art by local talent. And dive into history at Bullock Texas State History Museum, which features interactive exhibits and IMAX films.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Austin is world-renowned. Start on South Congress and 6th Street, where popular venues like The Continental Club and Antone’s Nightclub host live bands every night. Explore Rainey Street, a historic district turned hip nightlife hub with bungalow bars like Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden and Container Bar.
Places to eat
Feast on Tex-Mex and Southern favourites at the many exciting restaurants in Austin. Begin at Franklin Barbecue, famed for its tender brisket and hours-long queues. Visit foodie haunt East Austin for an exploding food truck scene. With fusions of international and local dishes, you’ll definitely find something to fill your belly and feed your soul. In South Congress, you'll also find craft brews, burgers and dessert trucks.
Free things to do
For travellers on a budget, there’s a host of free things to do in Austin. Head to Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to watch a massive urban bat population take flight. On select days, take advantage of free admission to galleries, including the Blanton Museum of Art. And watch the free Austin Symphony’s Concerts in the Park series.
Get ready for Austin
Budget
Even the savings are bigger in Texas if you know how to plan. Visiting Austin on a budget is easy thanks to plenty of affordable restaurants and a great public transport system. An inexpensive sit-down meal will set you back around 18 US dollars ($), while a domestic beer is roughly $6. Looking for a lift to your next spot? A short taxi fare will usually cost around $9.
Day trips from Austin
Less than two hours from Austin, the historic city of San Antonio is full of Spanish Colonial buildings, a river walk and several missions, including the Alamo. Nature lovers can hit the trails of Pedernales Falls or tube down the San Marcos River. Or visit the nearby town of Lockhart, known as the state’s barbecue capital, to get your fill of smoky, slow-cooked meat.
Getting around Austin
As with many cities in the United States, driving offers the most flexibility — you can hire cars from Austin’s international airport. Affordable CapMetro buses cover the city’s major routes, and MetroRail provides commuter service between Downtown and northern suburbs. Download the BCycle app to find and hire a MetroBike, or hop on a Lime e-scooter to whizz around the suburbs.
