Austin blends live music, tech‑savvy culture, and outdoor fun, famed for its vibrant food scene, hill‑country scenery, and eclectic neighborhoods; spring (March‑May) offers mild weather and blooming wildflowers, making it the ideal time to explore.
Top Things to Do in Austin
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Getting Around Austin
From the Airport
Transport. From Austin‑Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) you can take Capital Metro’s Route 100 MetroExpress bus, which runs nonstop to downtown in about 30 minutes and costs $1.25 (plus a $0.25 fare‑card fee). There is no rail link to the airport. Uber and Lyft are widely available, and local taxis can be hailed or booked via the Capital Metro Taxi app.
Once You're There
Transport. Austin’s public transit includes the Capital MetroRail Red Line commuter train (north‑south) and several MetroRapid bus routes that serve downtown, but many visitors rely on rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft for longer trips. The downtown core is fairly walkable, though the city’s layout is spread out. Renting a car is common for day trips outside the city, but traffic and parking can make it less convenient for staying within central Austin.
Where to Stay in Austin
Hotel picks for Austin are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Austin
Franklin Barbecue★ 4.7 (7,264)World‑renowned for its melt‑in‑your‑mouth brisket that draws lines out the door before opening.
Odd Duck★ 4.7 (3,814)Farm‑to‑table eatery praised for the crispy duck leg confit with seasonal veggies.
Uchi★ 4.6 (3,528)Innovative sushi spot celebrated for its signature ‘Hot Rock’ stone‑cooked sashimi.
Suerte★ 4.6 (3,202)Creative Mexican kitchen famous for its corn‑tortilla‑based chicharrón de queso.
Loro★ 4.5 (5,725)Asian‑smoked BBQ joint known for its brisket‑taco hybrid and vibrant patio.
Perla's★ 4.5 (3,009)South‑Congress oyster bar revered for its raw bar selection and sunset patio view.
Voodoo Doughnut★ 4.4 (7,102)Iconic doughnut shop famed for the quirky Voodoo Doll and Bacon Maple bar.
Emmer & Rye★ 4.4 (1,878)Seasonal small‑plates restaurant highlighted by the house‑made rye toast with house‑cured pork.
Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile★ 4.3 (1,350)Historic riverside spot celebrated for its fresh Gulf shrimp and Texas‑style steak.
Hula Hut★ 4.2 (8,091)Tiki‑themed waterfront bar known for the pineapple‑infused Mai Tai and fish tacos.
Tours & Activities
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3 Days in Austin
Downtown Core & South Congress
Morning. Tour the historic Texas State Capitol (free guided tours) and stroll the nearby Capitol Grounds for photo ops.
Afternoon. Rent a bike and ride the Lady Bird Lake Hike‑and‑Bike Trail, then explore the bustling South Congress Avenue shops and street art.
Evening. Catch live music at the legendary Continental Club on South Congress and sip cocktails at the rooftop bar of The LINE Hotel.
Nature & Hill Country Views
Morning. Relax in Zilker Metropolitan Park, then take a dip in the crystal‑clear Barton Springs Pool.
Afternoon. Drive up to Mount Bonnell for panoramic city and hill‑country vistas; afterward, visit The Contemporary Austin’s Laguna Gloria for sculpture and lake views.
Evening. Enjoy dinner at Loro’s Asian‑smoked BBQ patio and then wander the illuminated trails of Zilker’s Umlauf Sculpture Garden.
East Austin Arts & Campus Culture
Morning. Explore the Blanton Museum of Art on the UT campus, then wander the historic UT Tower and Main Mall.
Afternoon. Take the East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) to see working artist studios and vibrant murals in the Bishop‑St. John’s district.
Evening. Sample inventive tacos at Odd Duck’s East Austin outpost and finish with a nightcap at the quirky Voodoo Doughnut for a sweet treat.
