Lady Bird Lake 

This lake connecting the Colorado River and Barton Creek offers one of the most spectacular views of Austin’s skyline. Kayak along the shoreline of this lake and discover the unbridled beauty that nature has to offer.  

You can also go for the famous Ann and Roy Butler Bike Hike and Bike Trail to explore the place. This trail will connect you to Congress Avenue Bridge and the Long Center of Performing Arts. Do not miss catching the sunset from the boardwalk vantage point as you marvel at the beauty of Austin, TX.  

By Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 200 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States | Timing: Sunday to Saturday 5:00am to 10:00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/APLrguukaMXP7iSf6 | Phone: +1 512-974-6700 

The State Capitol and Visitors Center (Texas Capitol) 

Ranked as the sixth-tallest among all the state capitols in the US, the Texas Capitol is deemed as a National Historic Landmark. The 22-acre ground hosts several historical relics, the most noted ones being the Vietnam War Monument and the Texas African American History Memorial.  

Themed tours such as the Women in Texas History are the top attractions of this place. Once you are here, do check out the gift shop within the premises and buy unique gifts celebrating the spirit of Austin, Texas.  

By Kumar Appaiah, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Address: 112 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States | Timing: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p7xz1aXTUp5SznnK6 | Phone: +1 512-305-8400

Mount Bonnell 

Nestled at 775 feet above sea level and within the premises of Covert Park, Mount Bonnell offers one of the most panoramic views of Lake Travis. All your efforts to climb 102 steps to reach the peak will be suitably rewarded with breathtaking sunrise and sunsets.  

One of the most popular things to do in Austin, TX is to club the hike to Mount Bonnell with a guided boat tour of Lake Austin, another popular lake in the city. 

By Spawnzilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday 5:00am to 10:00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Q1p22GQMBnRtTAxv5 | Phone: +1 512-974-6700 

Cathedral of Junk  

This is the mecca of recycled junk, constantly evolving since its construction in 1989. It’s a pivotal Austin attraction that you cannot miss. The towering structure built out of 60 tons of scrape is a sight to behold in the quirkiest sense. Initially, Vince Hannemann, the architect, had to scavenge for junk for his project. Gradually, people started donating their junk, thus helping him achieve the world’s weirdest architectural feat. 

By Jennifer Morrow, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745, United States | Timing: By Appointment only | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HTXzKKSma33YCRG69 | Phone: +1 512-299-7413 

Zilker Metropolitan Park 

This is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Austin, named after the noted philanthropist of Texas, Andrew Jackson Zilker. Since its inception in 1917, the 351-acre park underwent significant transformations with the addition of Dance Pavilion, Rock Garden, and Barton Pools.  

Here you can kayak on Lady Bird Lake and take your kids for the Zilker Zephyr miniature train ride. The park also hosts the famous Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Summer Musical.  

By Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746, United States | Timing: Monday to Saturday 5:00am to 10:00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WBJdrkyFqxKY6K4C7 | Phone: +1 512-974-6700 

South Congress 

Popularly referred to as the SoCo district, this spot is the heart of Austin, TX. Lined with exciting restaurants that offer a mind-boggling selection of gastronomic delights, you are sure to be spoilt rotten.  

Out of all the things to do in Austin, Texas, exploring the colorful in-house boutiques and flagship stores in South Congress Avenue is one of the most exciting ways to soak into the cultural richness of this city. If shopping for apparel excites you, then check out Maya Star boutique that showcases the designs of independent designers from the county.  

By Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address:  Austin, TX 78704, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iTn4TwQ1E7Pq4fLt6  

The Breweries  

In Austin, Texas, do saddle up for an authentic cowboy experience in one of the ranches and wash down the vibrant Tex-Mex cuisine with craft beer. The craft breweries of the city offer some of the best beers brewed in entire Texas.  

If you are game for some serious beer tasting, you must hop into Austin Beerworks for the Sputnik beer and Jester King Brewery for Atrial Ribicite beer. Apart from these two very famous craft beers, you must try the Pecan Porter, Rocket 100, and Little Boss. Remember, the rule is ‘one beer per brewery’! 

By NE Ent, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Austin, TX 78736, United States | Timing: Wednesday to Friday 3:00pm to 9:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm to 9:00pm, Monday & Tuesday Closed | Phone: +1 512-661-8736 

Circuit of the Americas 

If you are game for some adrenalin rush, then this is where you should be heading to. Also known as COTA F1, this 5.49 km (3.41 miles) racetrack is a premier destination for livewire music concerts and Formula One United States Grand Prix, and various other racing championships in the United States. You can sign up for a guided tour on weekends and ride up to the 25-story Observation Tower to catch a glimpse of the picturesque skyline.  

By pedrik, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, TX 78617, United States | Timing: Tuesday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BTcrbew5H9q2THEY6 | Phone: +1 512-301-6600 

McKinney Falls State Park  

Just 13 miles (1.6 km) away from the state capitol lies this pristine waterfall trailing into lush green woods. Having a quiet picnic with family amid such a scenic landscape would be the best thing to do to take a break from all other touristy ambitions. You can camp overnight in anyone of the campsites.  

There is so much to indulge in here, pure and unbridled, amid nature. If you plan to hike, take the Rock Shelter trail for some amazing views of the whole place. Fishing in Williamson creek will be a quiet and relaxing affair if you don’t want to indulge in any high-voltage activity.  

By Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744, United States | Timing: Thursday to Wednesday 8:00am to 10:00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pxnn9e45DuFsoEC99 | Phone: +1 512-243-1643 

Mexic-Arte Museum  

This is one of the top museums in the country dedicated to preserving, enriching, and improving the interpretation of Latin American and Mexican art and culture. This museum endeavors to enhance the culture of the state capitol through exhibitions and educational programs. The Mexic-Arte Museum features the best Latin American and Mexican artists from the nooks and corners of the US.  

By Daderot, CC0, Link

Address: 419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States | Timing: Monday to Thursday 10:00am to 6:00pm, Friday & Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm | Google Map Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/TWuC7hFt2wB67Mpk8 | Phone: +1 512-480-9373 

Harry Ransom Center  

This is one of the top archive centers where you can see the first edition of the Gutenberg Bible. If history beckons you, then this is one of the best places to visit in Austin. Very interestingly, this archive is a part of the humanities wing of the University of Texas.  

This center houses nearly 42 million extant manuscripts, one million books, and some 100,000 works of art. The most notable of these collections feature Frida Kahlo’s iconic Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird, Albert Einstein’s unpublished work, and manuscripts of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.  

By Daderot, CC0, Link

Address: The University of Texas at Austin, 300 W 21st St, Austin, TX 78712, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bcqsrEmdG1k6bP6m6 | Phone: +1 512-471-8944 

University of Texas 

This university has a global reputation in terms of higher education and also serves as a great cultural beacon of Texas as a state. For a tourist, this place has so much to offer in terms of a beautiful landscape. Do visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and explore the native flora and fauna of the cowboy county.  

If you are traveling with kids, then definitely check out Sprouts, the preschool program to enable children to find joy in observing nature. This is one of the best destinations to spend time learning about history, culture, art, and nature.  

By Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Austin, TX 78712, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qrKnWjjVGVobqXNn6 | Phone: +1 512-471-3434 

Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum

Showcasing the works of the top-notch American visual and performing artist Charles Umlauf, this is a unique museum in a garden setting. The museum is a tribute to the Umlauf family’s contribution in offering a place to visit in Austin and the best space in the heart of the city for reconnecting with art, nature, and one’s inner self.  

By Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States | Timing: Tuesday to Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 11:00am to 4:00pm, Monday Closed | Google Map Location:  https://g.page/UmlaufSculpture?share | Phone: + 1 512 445-5582 

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum  

This presidential library and museum is dedicated to Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36^th President of the United States of America. Nestled in the university campus, this library boasts 45 million historical documents under a single roof. If you love history, then this is one of the top spots to visit in the state capitol. You can check their events calendar and also partake in their exhibits held throughout the year.  

By Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705, United States | Timing: Friday to Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday to Thursday Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cNgJL2mPa5BUNpKM9| Phone: +1 512-721-0200 

Mayfield Park and Preserve  

Leisurely strolling through Mayfield Park and soaking into nature’s glory is the best thing to do with kids while in the city. This 23-acre hill estate overlooking the Colorado River got registered as a place of historical importance in 1994, making it one of the premier Austin attractions.  

With its beautiful, manicured garden featuring lily pools, rose beds, Mexican plum trees, and a classically built cottage, this green patch is a treat to the eyes. One can even plan to host events such as weddings or private parties with a limited number of people at this venue. 

Address: 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703, United States | Timing: Thursday to Wednesday 5:00am to 10: 00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/c95AzpTtrXvdaFnZ6 | Phone: +1 512-974-6700 

Congress Avenue Bridge  

Popularly known by this name, the bridge was rechristened in November 2006 as Ann W Richards Congress Avenue Bridge to honor the 45^th Governor of Texas. The Congress Avenue Bridge seems to be straight out of a Justice League superhero flick. It is nothing short of Batman’s cove with more than a million Mexican free-tailed bats, offering a spectacle as they take flight every night.  

Taking a boat cruise would be a good idea to experience this extraordinary event. This is one of the unique tourist attractions and you can’t afford to miss it if you are traveling with children. Apart from this, you should also visit the iconic Pennybacker Bridge on Loop 360.  

By Stuart Seeger>, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States | Timing: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/AdXb6J4zZZ8VSZea9 | Phone: +1 512-364-0759 

Esther’s Follies  

What’s a holiday with a heavy dose of laughter! This is the city’s most loved comedy troupe, with their comedy shows happening five times a week. For over three decades, Esther’s Follies have been dishing out political satires, comic musical numbers, and magic shows.  

The comic productions of Esther’s Follies are typically Austin’s answer to otherwise weekend pub-hopping. Enjoying one such production with your loved one would be one of the most amazing things to do in Austin to destress. Do check the event calendar and book the tickets online.  

By Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 525 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States | Timing: Thursday to Saturday 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Closed | Google Map Location: https://g.page/EsthersFollies?share | Phone: +1 512-320-0553 

The White Horse

Traveling with friends to Austin? Then an evening at the White Horse tavern is all that you need to re-live the jolly good times of childhood. It is also the best spot to sway in the spirit of some of the finest foot-tapping rock and soothing country music.  

A pool table with loads of tacos and an amazing selection of handcrafted beer makes it a fantastic tourist attraction. Well, if you love to dance, then this can be your opportunity to sign-up for Two-Step dance lessons offered on weekends.  

Address: 500 Comal St, Austin, TX 78702, United States | Timing: Wednesday to Tuesday 3:00pm to 2:00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bxDfGxvh7aUcug168 | Phone: +1 512-553-6756 

Sixth Street  

It is a street lined with impressive bars, clubs, and restaurants on both sides. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the state capitol.  Whether it’s dining and entertainment, you would be amazed to find such interesting choices on the 6^th Street.  

When it comes to satiating your taste buds, barge into Iron Cactus to experience an outdoor facing patio, tequila bar offering more than 100 varieties of Tequila, and some lip-smacking curated Mexican food. As far as entertainment is concerned, plenty of world music and comedy shows are your go-to options.  

By Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Bordering 5^th & 7th, Lavaca Streets and I-35, Austin, TX 78784, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/jPhCnkR5s6viEavT9   

Spider House  

Art installations on the patio, twinkle lights, and quirky décor are what make this café stand out on the university campus. This is just not a café; it is a village carnival showcasing local art and food.  

There are dine-in options as well as food trailers with a top Mexican menu. Christened as “one of the 10 best destinations in America” by USA Today, this place is the iconic landmark of Austin that brings the entire community together.  

Address: 2906 Fruth St, Austin, TX 78705, United States | Timing: Wednesday to Tuesday 10:00am to 2:00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9kkTHT2LAqp71Y828 | Phone: +1 737-990-9562 

Austin has so much to offer you as a tourist destination. Rich in culture and history, traveling and exploring this city can prove to be a great eye-opening experience for you as you get to know the quintessential cowboy culture! 

You must visit Austin, Texas, a city so charming you might just want to call it home. Stay tuned to find out the 20 best things to do in the Lone Star State’s capital. 

Art

Art is not an external addition to the Texan way of life; it is a part of its very soul and creative spirit. The city is home to the world-class Blanton museum, which is known for the largest University-owned collection on exhibit in the U.S.A., With the Harry Ransom Center that features the Gutenberg Bible and the First Photograph, Austin celebrates its cultural heritage while encouraging modern takes on art. Art galleries like the Contemporary at the Jones Center hold new and acclaimed artists alike in high regard. Museums like the Mexic-Arte Museum and the Carver Museum are home to many cultural treasures. As for the Texan history, we have the Bob Bullock Museum with exhibits spanning three floors that regale the visitors with the fascinating journey of Texas right from the independence from Mexico, Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Depression period to where it stands today. And if you want to witness just how eccentric it can get, do check out the Cathedral of Junk, the Fusebox Festival, and many such events and displays around the town. 

Along with the multiple things that celebrate art, Austin is home to numerous painters, sculptors, designers, photographers, musicians, dancers, and filmmakers. Thus, from modern art to elegant dance shows to funky junk and yard art – the city has it all. Just make sure to explore as much as possible on your next trip to Austin.

Attractions

It may have been the love for music that brought you to Austin. But there’s so much more than that Austin, Texas has to offer – from adventure parks, and scavenger hunts to a hand-blown glass lighting and art glass studio. Wimberley Glassworks is popular for its limited-edition vases, sculptures, and platters. For the wildlife enthusiasts out there, Austin, Texas has the Longhorn Cavern State Park, the Zilker Botanical Garden, and the Austin Zoo. For a glance at the best things in Austin in the comfort of a Mercedes tour van, opt for the ‘Austin & Hill Country in 90 minutes’ a tour scheduled daily from the Austin Visitor Center. Have you ever wondered how riding an Audi felt? Austin has got that covered at the Audi Driving Experience available at the only F1 track in the United States. Another exciting spot is The Range at Austin, a premier shooting range offering a comprehensive recreational experience known for its customer-friendly ambience. 

Entertainment Districts 

The diverse entertainment districts encapsulate the peppy, effervescent, and vibrant culture of the city. They host a variety of events, museums, art galleries, and trendy shops and restaurants. Central Austin, home to the University of Texas, is graced by multiple dive bars, art galleries, iconic music venues, coffee shops, and vintage shopping stores. Whether you dine at the Eldorado café or the Texas French Bread or any of the other food hubs serving delicious meals in Austin, Texas, you are sure to leave Central Austin with a happy stomach. North Austin is your best shot at getting all your shopping done in one place. The vintage restaurants, quaint houses, and old-school boutiques have earned South Austin the moniker ‘a taste of the old Austin’. Downtown Austin is a bustling area known for its cuisine, cocktails, and retail therapy. The Rainey Street with bungalow bars is home to Half Step, a must-visit for the fans of mixology. The nightclub heavy Red River cherishes two things – live music and Lone Star beers. Free Week, another unique attraction of this area, celebrates local talent. The warehouse district is famous for its LGBTQ scene. For a more ‘local’ experience, West Austin is one of the best things with its distinct neighborhoods exhibiting a homespun flair. 

Music festivals in Austin 

The thing that springs to people’s minds when they think of Austin, Texas, is music. The city is known as the live music capital of the world, and with good reason – from the moment you step out of the flight at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, live music will start ringing in your ears. Austin has a diverse and quirky variety of music festivals and venues for live music such as the Moody Theater to The Continental Club on South Congress. It is not just these large-scale events, but the everyday live music spilling out of restaurants/bars that truly reflects the magnitude of Austin’s love for music.

The SXSW, the Austin City Limits Festival, and the Urban Music Festival are some of the most popular music festivals in Austin. We see so many facets of Austin’s character in its music festivals – Austin goes cowboy during Rodeo Austin, celebrates local art during Free Week, and pays tribute to the LGBTQ community through the Pride Week. Listen to the city’s beats- undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Austin, Texas.

Food and Drinks

No Austin visit is complete without tasting the celebrated staples such as tacos from Juan in a Million and Torchy’s Tacos and margaritas at the patio of Polvos. One of the best things to do is grab a drink at Hotel San Jose, a burger at the famous Hopdoddy followed by Amy’s delicious ice cream. Tex-Mex cuisine is one of the significant things to experience in Austin. Franklin Barbecue, famous for its briskets, is a reason alone to visit Austin. The Bouldin Creek Café is a popular choice among vegetarians and vegans.

Austin is home to a bevy of brewpubs and distilleries. There is no shortage of dining options in Austin. 

Hill Country 

Touted to be Texas’ most famous landscape, exploring it is one of the best things to do here. Gruene, the former German farming settlement turned ghost town turned rejuvenated, the artsy community is a great place to shop for antiques. The Guadalupe River offers an opportunity to try your hand at fly fishing. You can check out Grapevine’s outdoor garden and enjoy complimentary wine tasting. Why is Georgetown The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas? Well, the majestic Victorian Downtown Square and the restored courthouse are just the beginning of a long list of marvelous sights. The perfect combination of authentic German cuisine and over 20 wineries offering some of the best wines in Texas sets the historic Fredericksburg apart. Head to New Braunfels to learn the Texas two-step at the iconic Gruene Hall, where the likes of George Strait and Lyle Lovett have performed. 

History

A number of museums and monuments chronicle the Lone Star State’s history in Austin. Austin’s history itself is fascinating. Originally a settlement named Waterloo with German, Swede, and Mexican immigrants, Austin saw extreme periods of growth after being renamed and declared as the state capital. The construction of the first Capitol building was followed by the founding of the University of Texas and the inauguration of the iconic Driskill Hotel. The current Capitol was constructed in 1888 after a fire destroyed the original building. 

Austin is a city that is proud of its past. You need not visit museums to sense the pride. You can witness it at the Threadgill’s, where Janis Joplin once sang or at the Broken Spoke, Texas’ last true dance hall. And to learn more about the things behind it, join any of the multiple historical walking tours that take place in the city.

LGBTQ

One of the best things about Austin is that the entire city is a gayborhood – there is no lack of rainbow flags and friendly faces in the city. Head to ‘Cheer Up Charlies’ to experience some of the best music, dance, and food experiences Austin has to offer. Better yet, go on the last Wednesday of the month to enjoy ‘Greetings, from Queer Mountain’, a free queer storytelling showcase. TuezGayz, Austin’s local LGBTQ tradition on every Tuesday at Barbarella, is another can’t-miss. For a drag show, visit BT2, an LGBTQ-friendly nightclub on a Friday night. And don’t forget to stop by The Blanton Museum of Art to check out the captivating installation ‘Austin’ by LGBTQ artist Ellsworth Kelly. 

Visit Austin to know why it has the third-largest LGBTQ population in the country. 

Motorsports

Racing in Austin is a thriving sport thanks to the ‘Circuit of the Americas’ (COTA), a state-of-the-art 3.4-mile circuit track that hosts some of the most prestigious racing events in the world. Each year, racing enthusiasts from in and around the country head to Austin for these events. The ‘Circuit of the Americas’ has a capacity of 120,000 people. 

Not a professional, but looking to experience some racing action yourself? Fret not, for Austin has the best things for Audi lovers- Audi Driving Experience at the COTA. It’s time to get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush!

Nightlife

Austin’s nightlife takes after its live music scene in terms of presence and effervescence. Each district has a bevy of pubs, bars and live music venues that regularly rank high in national lists for all the right reasons. The Sixth Street District, referred to as the ‘Dirty Sixth’ by the locals, is the best place to visit when you want to have some mean margaritas and groove to live music. Sip some remarkable wine and enjoy a bit of rock n’ roll at Max’s Wine Dive. The ‘Granddaddy of Austin music venues’, the Continental Club will welcome you with blues, rock, and folk music. 

This is just the beginning of a long list of things to engage in. Visit Austin, Texas, to experience some of the best nightlife scenes in the country!

Outdoors

The Lone Star State’s capital, Austin, is a breeding ground for fitness enthusiasts, and it is no surprise that it is one of the fittest cities in the country. Whether it’s swimming in the Barton Springs Pool or kayaking on Lady Bird Lake or cycling across the city – there is no lack of outdoor activity in Austin. On average, Austin, Texas, has sunshine on more than 300 days, which allows locals to enjoy swimming holes and hiking trails regularly. The Lady Bird Lake alone gives a lot of scope for things – you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to cruise along the river or head to the Hike-and-Bike Trail for a casual stroll, outdoor jog or a fun bicycle ride. Insider tip – Don’t miss out on the boat cruise. 

Shopping

Let’s accept it – All of us indulge in some retail therapy occasionally. And Austin, a shopaholic’s paradise, is a city that gives you plenty of options to spend your hard-earned money on. While there are various popular chains in Austin, most visitors do their shopping from the dash of boutiques, colorful souvenir shops, little thrift stores and with good reason. You are very likely to find yourself walking out of an eccentric boutique with great eco-friendly things and an interesting story about the owner. It is this highly personalized experience that makes shopping fun in Austin. A visit to the boutique-lined Second Street District and the Texas mecca – The Domain is a must. The fashion and lifestyle destination Luxe Apothetique and the south side décor shop Aviary are the other can’t-miss spots. 

Spa Services

All those concerts, hikes and shopping trips can be taxing, and you may just want to relax for a while. Well, what better way to unwind than a rejuvenating spa? From downtown spas to Hill Country day spas, we have a wide range of things you can engage in. Be it Away Austin Spa, the Spa at Four Seasons, or ZaSpa at Hotel Zaza, you are sure to appreciate the respite and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. If it’s ‘me time’ you are looking for, visit Austin, Texas.

Sports Teams

One of the ways by which Austin remains so astoundingly fit is sports. From soccer to roller derby to cycling, Austin’s love for sports makes it a great sports town. Austin Spurs, the 2012 NBA D-League champions, always have Austin’s love and support. Head to the University of Texas at Austin’s campus to join other passionate Longhorn fans cheering for the athletes in various sports. 

Tours

It’s a great idea to opt for a guided walking tour of the city for a glance at everything it has to offer so that it’s easier for you to decide the time you want to allot to each spot. From history tours to a three-hour tour of Austin’s best cafes to the convivial quest on the Austin Duck, Austin, Texas offers numerous things to explore and exciting ways of discovering the city. 

Destination Weddings

Apart from being the best destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, Austin is a premium destination-wedding venue thanks to its closeness to the Texas Hill Country. Homegrown artisans and florists like Bricolage Curated Florals, that featured in the magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, facilitate wedding planning. In the list of 2017’s Top 50 Wedding venues, Dripping Springs, or the wedding capital of Texas and Laguna Gloria contemporary art museum feature proudly. 

Hotels

From the iconic Driskill Hotel to the chic South Congress landmarks such as Hotel Saint Cecelia and Hotel San Jose, Austin has its share of posh hotels. Embodying its spirit of being a blend of a small town and big metropolis, Austin has several local gems as well as several low-cost hotels to suit every budget. 

Coffee

Grab a cup of coffee from the Houndstooth Coffee before the SXSW concert to get a taste of Austin’s burgeoning coffee scene. Local baristas and new independent shops such as Fleet Coffee, Figure 8, and Coffee Purveyors are some other best options that you can try. 

Tex-Mex Cuisine

The Tex-Mex cuisine is a big part of any visit to Texas and with Austin being home to some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants such as Matt’s El Rancho and Mi Madre’s, trying some classic staples has to be on your things-to-do list. Buy some delicious tortilla chips at eateries like Magnolia café, Torchy’s Tacos, or Taco Deli, and don’t forget to dip them in the exquisite queso, an appetizer made of melted cheese. 

Make Friends

Like all other Texans, Austinites have a flair for hospitality, and their inclusive nature will make you fall in love with the city. The general affable vibe of ‘community over competition’ makes it a great collaborative space. Austin’s rich heritage, its distinct charm, and quirky citizens who come up with funny and sarcastic slogans like ‘Don’t Dallas my Austin’ will tug at your heartstrings long after you have left the city.