Austin Travel Guide

Austin is the Texas state capital and the Live Music Capital of the World, boasting over 250 live music venues in this sprawling central Texas city. More than 2,300 recording artists call Austin home. Among them is Willie Nelson, who moved from Nashville to Austin in 1972 and never looked back.

Austin, known for its vibrant college town atmosphere due to the University of Texas, spans 232 square miles and includes more than 300 parks, notably the nearly 360-acre Zilker Park. As America’s 11th largest city, Austin is among the fastest-growing in the nation.

The state Capitol building is a monumental structure that stands 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, the bat colony residing under Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge from April through October is North America’s largest urban bat population, hosting between 750,000 and 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats.

Whether you seek adventure in the great outdoors, are an art enthusiast, or want to immerse yourself in live music, vibrant neighborhoods, and an impressive array of restaurants and bars, Austin has something for everyone. This guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in Austin, a city that proudly embraces its motto to “Keep Austin Weird.”

Time Zone

Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally.

Best Time to Go

March and October are the ideal months to experience live music in Austin. In March, the city hosts SXSW, a renowned music and multimedia festival, along with the Urban Music Festival celebrating R&B, jazz, funk, and reggae. October brings the Austin City Limits festival, featuring over 130 acts on eight stages. Additionally, the Austin Rodeo, complete with nightly concerts, takes place in March.

For an authentic Austin vibe, plan your visit in May when the Pecan Street Festival overtakes 6th Street. While Austin provides a warm winter escape, be cautious of temperatures during the sizzling months of July and August.

Things to Know

In Austin, tacos are consumed as a breakfast staple. Formal attire like suits and ties is rare, and flip-flops are commonly accepted footwear. There’s typically no need for high heels.

The city is one of the most walkable in Texas; however, utilizing rideshares like Uber or Lyft, or renting a car can significantly enhance your experience. Austin is expansive, and travel time may take longer than expected.

Austin is an Instagrammer’s paradise, featuring public art spots you’ve likely spotted on social media, like the I Love You So Much wall on South Congress and the Greetings from Austin mural on South 1st Street.

Notably, Lady Bird Lake is actually a reservoir created by the Colorado River in 1960, primarily serving as a cooling pond for a new power plant.

How to Get Around

Cap Metro serves as Austin’s public transit system, covering a population of over one million across a 535-square-mile area. The system includes more than 1,600 bus stops with a network of 82 routes, including MetroRail and MetroRapid services, although weekend service may be limited.

Alternative transportation options like taxis, Lyft, and Uber are readily available, while walking and biking are viable options for many areas. For greater convenience, consider renting a car.

Best Hotels

The Carpenter Hotel

Address: 400 Josephine Street, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 682-5300

This quirky hotel, among iBestTravel’s favorites, is partially housed in a low-slung brick building that once served as a meeting point for union woodworkers. The hotel retains its original wood-paneled floors, teller window reception area, and cork boards, offering a minimalist yet welcoming atmosphere.

JW Marriott

Address: 110 E 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 474-4777

This luxury hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of 6th Street, Austin City Limits, the Capitol, and the Austin Convention Center. With ample event space, it is favored by conference attendees and football fans visiting for University of Texas games.

Doubletree Suites

Address: 303 W. 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 478-7000

This all-suite hotel is ideally located near the Texas Capitol and is suited for long stays and families, featuring suites equipped with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher.

Hyatt Regency

Address: 208 Barton Springs, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 477-1234

A short walk from the lively 6th Street, this contemporary pet-friendly hotel offers some rooms with river views and patios.

Hampton Inn

Address: 200 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 472-1500

The downtown Hampton Inn provides comfortable accommodations and is conveniently located near various attractions including the Texas State Capitol and popular foodie spots like Stubb’s BBQ.

Fairmont Austin

Address: 101 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 600-2000

This luxurious 37-story hotel has over 1,000 guest rooms, many with stunning views of Lady Bird Lake, and is directly connected to the Austin Convention Center.

W Austin

Address: 200 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 542-3600

With a Tequila bar and a record room, this four-star hotel is the perfect match for the Live Music Capital of the World, featuring an extensive collection of over 8,000 records.

East Austin Hotel

Address: 1108 East Sixth Street, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (737) 205-8888

This trendy boutique hotel offers low-cost rooms, some requiring shared bathrooms, ideal for budget travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Austin’s vibrant culture.

Omni Barton Creek Resort

Address: 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, TX 78735
Phone: (512) 329-4000

This luxurious resort features six restaurants, a spa, four golf courses, and various recreational facilities, nestled in a sprawling 4,000-acre property.

The Driskill

Address: 604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 439-1234

As the oldest operating hotel in Austin, The Driskill is a historic gem steeped in elegance and popularity, having hosted numerous American presidents.

Best Restaurants

Launderette

Address: 2115 Holly Street, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: 512-382-1599 Website

Launderette offers a North African-inspired Mediterranean menu featuring fried shrimp and steak. A standout is its acclaimed burger, while desserts like Hibiscus Poached Pears are also popular.

Franklin BBQ

Address: 900 E 11th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 653-1187 Website

Franklin BBQ has become a renowned destination, attracting guests like President Obama. It began as a humble trailer and has evolved into a culinary empire.

Home Slice Pizza

Address: 1415 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 512-444-PIES Website

For those craving pizza, Home Slice serves delicious New York-style slices and is a neighborhood favorite.

South Congress Cafe

Address: 1600 S Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 512-447-3905

Once a pharmacy, this retro hotspot is famous for its lively brunches and Texas-sized patio, making it a popular spot to relax on breezy days.

Hula Hut

Address: 3825 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: 512-476-4852 Website

With a lakeside TexMex ambiance, Hula Hut combines Polynesian elements and is known for its Kawaikini Stuffed Avocado.

Salty Sow

Address: 1917 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78722
Phone: (512) 391-2337 Website

This establishment specializes in hearty, locally sourced dishes, meticulously crafted cocktails, and a fun environment.

Contigo

Address: 2027 Anchor Lane, Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 614 – 2260

For a unique Texas ranch-style experience, Contigo serves delicious menu items like rabbit & dumplings and Texan quail.

Torchy’s Tacos

Multiple Locations
Website

Beginning as a food truck, Torchy’s Tacos is now known for its inventive tacos, including breakfast options served all day long.

Kemuri Tatsu-ya

Address: 2713 E. Second Street, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 803-2224 Website

This restaurant blends Texas barbecue with traditional Japanese izakaya dishes, creating a unique dining experience.

Ramen Tatsu-ya

Address: 8557 Research Blvd #126, Austin, TX 78758
Phone: (512) 893-5561 Website

Ramen Tatsu-ya specializes in various ramen dishes, complemented by sides and personalized service.

Things to Do

Texas State Capitol

Address: 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 463-4630 Website

This distinguished state capitol includes 22 acres of statues and can be explored through free guided tours focusing on Texas history.

LBJ Presidential Library

Address: 2313 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78705
Phone: (512) 721-0200 Website

The LBJ Library offers insight into the life of Lyndon Baines Johnson, featuring interactive exhibits and replicas of the Oval Office.

Austin Bats

Address: 305 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Website

Witness North America’s largest bat colony at Congress Avenue Bridge around sunset, a unique experience for visitors.

Barton Springs Pool

Address: 2101 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 974-6300 Website

The crown jewel of Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, is a three-acre man-made pool with refreshing underground spring water, open all year round.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Address: 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 936-8746 Website

This museum highlights Texas history and its influential figures, including original NASA artifacts and a WWII training airplane.

Harry Ransom Center

Address: 300 West 21st Street, Austin, TX 78712
Phone: (512) 471-8944 Website

The Harry Ransom Center is a vast research library and museum, home to significant historical artifacts, including a Gutenberg Bible.

Blanton Museum of Art

Address: 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Austin, TX 78712
Phone: (512) 471-5482 Website

As the largest university-owned art collection in the U.S., the Blanton Museum showcases impressive works, including Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin.

Play Golf at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Address: 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, TX 78735
Phone: (512) 329-4000

Take advantage of Austin’s warm climate and sunshine with a round of golf at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa.

The Paramount Theater

Address: 713 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 472-5470 Website

This elegant performing arts venue hosts various live performances and cinematic events, providing a rich cultural experience.

ACL Live at the Moody Theater

Address: 310 W. Willie Nelson Boulevard, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 225-7999 Website

Home to Austin City Limits Live, this theater hosts numerous concerts each year and offers insightful tours.

Antone’s Nightclub

Address: 305 E 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 814-0361 Website

Austin’s iconic blues venue has welcomed legendary artists, making it a must-visit for music lovers.

Best Shopping

SOCO – South Congress Avenue

Address: South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 441-2444

This vibrant area is known for its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants and is home to the famous Allen’s Boots.

2nd Street District

Address: 2nd Street to 4th Street, between Colorado and Guadalupe streets, Austin, TX 78701
Website

As Austin’s original downtown pedestrian shopping district, it features independent retailers as well as well-known chains.

The Domain

Address: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace , Austin, TX 78758
Phone: (512) 795-4230
Website

The Domain encompasses a massive area filled with luxury shops and popular restaurants, a highlight of shopping in Austin.

South First Street

Address: South Austin, Austin, TX 78704
Website

This area features unique retailers, designer boutiques, and vintage shops, showcasing a distinct Austin flair.

BookPeople

Address: 603 N. Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 472-5050
Website

This expansive independent bookstore regularly hosts readings and signings, reinforcing its status as a literary hub in Austin.

Waterloo Records

Address: 600 N Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 474-2500
Website

Part of Austin’s music scene since 1982, Waterloo Records is known for its vinyl selection and has hosted numerous renowned performances.

Neighborhoods to Know

SoCo: South Congress, or SoCo, features charming shops, eateries, and art galleries, all with stunning views of the Texas State Capitol.

Rainey Street: Once a quiet neighborhood, Rainey Street has transformed into a nightlife hotspot filled with bars and eateries in converted bungalows.

Red River Cultural District: This area caters to live music enthusiasts, showcasing various genres and venues in the vibrant culture of Austin.

Sixth Street Historic District: Known for its myriad bars, clubs, and the historic Driskill Hotel, this district is a focal point for nightlife in Austin.

Weather

Texas summers can be hot and humid, but winters tend to be mild with rare snow or ice. Severe weather is most common in spring, leading to heavy rain and occasional tornadoes.

Monthly average temperatures (Fahrenheit):

January 42 – 62
February 45 – 65
March 51 – 72
April 59 – 80
May 67 – 87
June 72 – 92
July 74 – 96
August 75 – 97
September 69 – 91
October 61 – 82
November 51 – 71
December 42 – 63

Apps to Download

Park ATX: Pay for street parking in Austin
iOs | Android

Cap Metro: Trip planning, online ticketing, and real-time arrivals
iOs | Android

Bird: Electric scooters
iOs | Android

Lime: Electric scooters
iOs | Android