bigtravelbuzzAustin is the capital city of Texas and a popular tourist destination. Here are some places to visit and things to do in Austin:
Visit the Texas State Capitol: The Texas State Capitol building is an iconic landmark in Austin and offers guided tours.
Explore the music scene: Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” so be sure to check out the local music scene at venues like the Continental Club or Stubbs BBQ.
Visit the Lady Bird Lake: Lady Bird Lake is a beautiful lake in the heart of the city that offers walking, biking, and paddleboarding.
Take a stroll on South Congress Avenue: South Congress Avenue is a popular shopping and dining destination with many unique shops and restaurants.
See the bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge: Every evening from March to November, the Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, and you can see them fly out at dusk.
Visit the University of Texas at Austin: The University of Texas at Austin is a beautiful campus with many historic buildings and museums.
See the murals: Austin is home to many beautiful murals, including the “Greetings from Austin” mural and the “I love you so much” mural.
Check out the food scene: Austin is known for its great food, including barbecue, Tex-Mex, and food trucks, so be sure to try some of the local cuisine while you’re there.
Visit the Barton Springs Pool: The Barton Springs Pool is a natural spring-fed swimming pool that is a popular spot to cool off in the summer.
Take a day trip to the nearby Hill Country: The Texas Hill Country is a beautiful region just outside of Austin with many small towns, wineries, and scenic drives.
Best Time To Visit Austin
The best time to visit Austin is from March to May or September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and there are several outdoor events and festivals taking place. Summers in Austin can be hot and humid, with temperatures often soaring above 100°F (38°C), so it’s best to avoid visiting between June and August. Winter temperatures are mild, but there may be occasional chilly days, so it’s still a good time to visit if you’re not interested in outdoor activities.
How to get around in Austin
There are several ways to get around in Austin:
Car: Renting a car is a popular option for getting around in Austin. There are several car rental agencies at the airport and in the downtown area.
Public Transit: Capital Metro is Austin’s public transit system, which includes buses and a light rail line. Fares are affordable, and there are several bus routes that cover the city.
Bike: Austin has several bike rental companies, and there are several bike-sharing programs available throughout the city. There are also several bike lanes and trails that make it easy to get around on two wheels.
Ride-sharing: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Austin.
Walking: Austin’s downtown area is very walkable, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Where to eat in Austin
Austin is known for its diverse culinary scene, ranging from Tex-Mex and barbecue to fusion and international cuisine. Here are some popular places to eat in Austin:
Franklin Barbecue – A must-visit for barbecue lovers, Franklin Barbecue is known for its perfectly smoked brisket and ribs.
Torchy’s Tacos – Torchy’s Tacos serves up creative and delicious tacos, including the famous Trailer Park taco.
Uchi – Uchi offers innovative Japanese cuisine with a focus on sushi and seafood.
La Barbecue – Another great option for barbecue, La Barbecue offers brisket, ribs, and sausage cooked to perfection.
Veracruz All Natural – Veracruz All Natural serves up some of the best breakfast tacos in Austin, as well as other Mexican favorites like quesadillas and chilaquiles.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Hopdoddy Burger Bar offers creative burger options, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Ramen Tatsu-ya – Ramen Tatsu-ya is a must-visit for ramen lovers, with several varieties of ramen and other Japanese dishes.
Home Slice Pizza – Home Slice Pizza serves up delicious New York-style pizza, as well as salads, sandwiches, and calzones.
These are just a few of the many great dining options in Austin, so be sure to explore the city’s culinary scene to discover more hidden gems.
Famous street stalls in Austin
Austin is known for its vibrant street food scene, with many food trucks and stalls serving up delicious eats. Some of the most famous street stalls in Austin include:
Torchy’s Tacos – This popular food truck serves up creative and tasty tacos, including their famous “Trailer Park” taco.
Veracruz All Natural – Known for their fresh and healthy Mexican fare, this food truck is a favorite among locals.
East Side King – With multiple locations throughout Austin, this food truck serves up Asian-inspired dishes like pork belly buns and fried chicken karaage.
Chi’Lantro – This fusion food truck combines Korean and Mexican flavors, offering dishes like kimchi fries and bulgogi tacos.
Gourdough’s – A must-visit for dessert lovers, this food truck serves up over-the-top donuts like the “Fat Elvis” (peanut butter, bacon, and banana).
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ – This food truck combines two Texas favorites: barbecue and Tex-Mex. Try their smoked brisket tacos or their “Real Deal Holyfield” sandwich.
The Peached Tortilla – This food truck offers a unique blend of Southern and Asian flavors, with dishes like banh mi tacos and green curry mac and cheese.
Kerlin BBQ – A favorite among barbecue lovers, this food truck serves up delicious smoked meats like brisket and pork ribs.
Dee Dee – This food truck specializes in Thai street food, offering dishes like papaya salad and khao soi.
La Barbecue – Another popular barbecue spot, this food truck offers delicious smoked meats and sides like mac and cheese and jalapeno cheese grits.
Where to stay in Austin
Luxury accommodation
Austin, Texas is known for its luxury accommodations. Some of the best options for luxury hotels in Austin include:
Four Seasons Hotel Austin: Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel offers a luxurious oasis with a lakeside setting, elegant rooms, and an outdoor pool.
The Driskill: This historic hotel dates back to 1886 and offers a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities. Located in downtown Austin, the hotel is walking distance to many popular attractions.
Fairmont Austin: This hotel offers sweeping views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake, with luxurious rooms and a rooftop pool.
Hotel Granduca Austin: This Tuscan-inspired hotel is located in the hills west of downtown and offers a luxurious retreat with a pool and spa.
The St. Regis Austin: Located in the heart of downtown, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and a fine dining restaurant.
JW Marriott Austin: This hotel offers modern rooms and suites, multiple dining options, a rooftop pool, and a spa.
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt: This boutique hotel offers a music-themed experience with an onsite music venue, modern rooms, and a rooftop pool.
W Austin: Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel offers modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a popular bar and restaurant.
The Line Austin: This hotel is housed in a mid-century modern building with a sleek, contemporary design. It offers a rooftop pool, multiple dining options, and a lakefront location.
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown: This hotel offers elegant rooms and suites in the heart of downtown, with a rooftop pool and a steakhouse restaurant.
These luxury accommodations offer the perfect blend of comfort and luxury for an indulgent stay in Austin.
Where to stay in Austin
Budget accommodation
There are a variety of options for budget accommodation in Austin. Some popular choices include:
Hostels: There are several hostels in Austin that offer affordable dormitory-style accommodations, including HI Austin and Drifter Jack’s Hostel.
Motels: There are many budget motels in Austin that offer basic amenities at affordable prices, such as the Rodeway Inn University/Downtown or the Motel 6 Austin North.
Vacation Rentals: Renting a room or apartment through Airbnb or Vrbo can often be a more affordable option for budget travelers, especially if you are traveling in a group.
Budget Hotels: There are several budget hotels in Austin that offer basic amenities and comfortable rooms at affordable prices, such as the Super 8 by Wyndham Austin Downtown/Capitol Area or the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Oltorf.
Camping: If you are looking for a more adventurous option, there are several campgrounds in and around Austin, such as Emma Long Metropolitan Park or McKinney Falls State Park, that offer affordable campsites.
Travel Tips Austin
here are some travel tips for visiting Austin:
Wear comfortable shoes: Austin is a very walkable city, and you’ll want to be prepared to walk around downtown, as well as some of the city’s neighborhoods.
Stay hydrated: Austin can get quite hot, especially in the summer months. Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Try the food: Austin is known for its food scene, so be sure to try some of the local specialties, like breakfast tacos, barbecue, and Tex-Mex.
Take advantage of the music scene: Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” so be sure to catch some live music while you’re in town.
Visit the parks: Austin has some beautiful parks, including Zilker Park, which is home to Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool that’s great for swimming.
Consider renting a bike or scooter: Austin has a number of bike and scooter rental options, which can be a fun and efficient way to get around the city.
Be prepared for crowds: Austin is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds, especially during major events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Respect the local culture: Austin is known for its friendly and laid-back culture, so be sure to respect the local customs and traditions while you’re in town.