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Welcome to Austin: Keep It Weird, Keep It Fun
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items Welcome to the ultimate insider guide to experiencing Austin, Texas! Whether you are visiting for a massive race weekend at Circuit of The Americas, catching a show at our iconic live music venues, or just looking to explore the city like a local, th...
Map
Sections
4
Concert Venues
Fun Outdoors
Austin Eats
Hotel Stays
Concert Venues
Discover the vibrant pulse of the Live Music Capital of the World through its most iconic concert venues. From historic, intimate blues clubs and state-of-the-art mega arenas to legendary open-air amphitheaters, this curated guide highlights the esse...
A staple of Austin's alternative music history, this indoor venue features a spacious layout, excellent modern sound systems, and multiple bars designed for quick service. Situated in the East Riverside district, it offers fans an up-close and person...
Emo's Austin
This legendary outdoor venue seamlessly pairs world-class live music with world-famous Texas barbecue in a vibrant, gravel-lined backyard setting. Located right in the heart of downtown, it provides an unforgettable, high-energy environment that stan...
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
As Austin's premier state-of-the-art mega arena, this world-class 15,000+ seat venue hosts the biggest touring superstars, entertainment acts, and collegiate sporting events in the nation. Its campus-adjacent location features top-tier acoustic desig...
Moody Center
An absolute cornerstone of the Red River Cultural District, this multilevel indie music club features a unique multi-tiered outdoor stage and an intimate indoor space. It is highly celebrated for its raw, energetic atmosphere, giving patrons great ba...
Mohawk Austin
The best small venue in ATX. Tucked right next to the main ACL Live box office, 3TEN offers club-like energy with arena-quality sound. Highly recommend checking their calendar if you want an up-close concert experience without the massive crowds.
3Ten Austin City Limits
Austin's mega-entertainment district located just past the airport. While it sits slightly outside the urban core, this massive complex draws global crowds for world-class racing series and star-studded concerts. Perfect to feature in an Austin itine...
Circuit of The Americas
Located on the sprawling grounds of the Circuit of the Americas, this massive, purpose-built open-air amphitheater stands as the largest venue of its kind in Central Texas. It offers a mix of reserved stadium seating and expansive lawn spaces, making...
Germania Insurance Amphitheater: Austin Live Music Concert ...
Nestled beautifully within the recently remodeled Waterloo Park, this stunning 5,000-capacity open-air amphitheater boasts an impressive architectural canopy and a sprawling lawn. It delivers flawless acoustics and picturesque views of the downtown s...
Moody Amphitheater
Fun Outdoors
Embrace the sunshine and active lifestyle of the Texas capital with this guide to Austin's favorite open-air hotspots. Whether you are looking to picnic in sprawling greenspaces like Zilker Park, paddleboard along the scenic waters of Lady Bird Lake,...
Austin's beloved 350-acre green space right in the heart of the city. It is the perfect spot for casual picnics, volleyball games, dog-watching, or catching massive local events like the ACL Music Festival.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
A peaceful, 26-acre oasis featuring beautiful themed gardens, koi ponds, and shaded walking trails. Tucked right inside Zilker Park, it offers a stunning, quiet escape from the bustling downtown energy.
Zilker Botanical Garden
An unforgettable Austin tradition where you can watch the world's largest urban bat colony emerge from under the bridge at dusk. Thousands of people gather nightly on the water or the bridge to witness this spectacular natural sight.
Bat Watching in Austin, Texas | Bat Fest & Sunset Tours
The scenic body of water looping directly through downtown Austin that serves as the city's outdoor playground. While swimming isn't allowed, it is the ultimate destination for paddleboarding, kayaking, or walking the 10-mile trail.
Lady Bird Lake
Austin's premier upscale, open-air shopping and entertainment district located in North Austin. It features a beautiful, park-like layout filled with top-tier restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and luxury retail boutiques.
The Domain® - A Shopping Center In Austin, TX
A super fun way to cruise Lady Bird Lake in a meticulously restored, vintage fiberglass electric boat from the 1950s or 60s. It offers a stylish, eco-friendly ride with incredible front-row views of the Austin skyline.
Retro Boat Rentals ATX
Austin's legendary, neon-lit entertainment district famous for its wild nightlife and historic architecture. The street closes to traffic on weekends, making it a bustling corridor of live music, crowded bars, and cheap drinks.
6th Street Austin TX
A breathtaking, natural limestone pool featuring a massive 50-foot waterfall cascading into a collapsed grotto. Located just outside Austin, it requires a reservation but offers one of the most stunning geological views in Texas.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
A vibrant, unique nightlife district where historic bungalow houses have been converted into trendy cocktail bars and beer gardens. It features a relaxed, front-porch vibe during the day that transitions into a high-energy party scene at night.
Rainey Street in Austin | Restaurants, Bars & Culture
Austin Eats
Dive into the legendary culinary scene of the Texas capital with this ultimate guide to Austin's best flavors. From world-famous, slow-smoked barbecue pits and late-night food truck culture to essential Tex-Mex, iconic breakfast tacos, and innovative...
A local favorite for authentic, world-class Central Texas-style pit barbecue without the brutal morning lines. Their massive beef ribs, smoked brisket, and homemade mac and cheese are absolute must-orders.
Terry Black's Barbecue
An iconic Austin institution serving incredible, authentic New York-style pies with a crisp, hand-tossed crust. Located in the heart of South Congress, it is the perfect spot for a casual sit-down meal or a quick slice from the window.
Home Slice Pizza
A delightful local bakery famous for its massive, thick-cut sugar cookies and beautifully decorated custom cakes. It is a mandatory stop in Austin if you are looking to satisfy a serious sweet tooth with high-quality baked goods.
Hayley Cakes and Cookies
Austin's favorite homegrown ice cream shop, famous for its rich flavors and entertaining, trick-performing servers who scoop and flip your toppings. Be sure to try their world-famous Mexican Vanilla flavor with your choice of "crush-ins."
Amy's Ice Creams
An iconic lakeside café famous for its large outdoor deck over Lake Austin, offering beautiful waterfront views alongside freshly roasted coffee and pastries. It is an essential Austin hangout spot, especially during the holidays for their famous, ma...
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
Known as the "Sunset Capital of Texas," this massive multi-level restaurant is perched high above Lake Travis. While it serves classic comfort eats and cold drinks, the real draw is the breathtaking, panoramic view from its outdoor patios at dusk.
The Oasis On Lake Travis
A charming, upscale dining destination tucked inside a beautifully restored historic cottage in the historic Clarksville neighborhood. It is the ultimate local spot for a chic, shaded patio brunch, featuring a rotating, seasonally driven menu.
Josephine House of Clarksville · Austin, TX
Austin's homegrown juice and smoothie empire, known for its vibrant, high-energy shops and plant-based snacks. It is the absolute go-to spot across the city for a fresh, nutrient-packed post-workout smoothie or cold-pressed juice.
JuiceLand
A wildly popular local favorite serving up award-winning, scratch-made breakfast biscuit sandwiches. Their perfectly flaky, golden biscuits paired with crispy fried chicken or savory egg fillings are worth every minute of the morning wait.
Bird Bird Biscuit
A vibrant, retro-themed breakfast and brunch haven famous for turning morning classics into creative culinary dishes. From their iconic pancake flights to handcrafted morning mimosas, it always delivers a high-energy dining experience.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
An ultra-trendy, completely pink-themed Mexican restaurant that is an absolute paradise for Instagram enthusiasts. Beyond the highly photo-worthy decor, they serve up delicious street tacos, pink margaritas, and a lively, party-like atmosphere.
Taquero Mucho
A fantastic, plant-based Japanese restaurant located in central Austin that serves up gourmet vegan sushi, ramen, and chic cocktails. Their creative rolls are visually stunning and packed with complex flavors, making it a hit for vegans and omnivores...
Nori
A Michelin-starred South Austin sensation that completely flips traditional Texas barbecue on its head with a creative "new school" approach. They are famous for serving up non-traditional, incredibly tender smoked cuts like beef cheeks, housemade ci...
Leroy and Lewis Barbecue
Hotel Stays
Find your perfect home away from home with this curated guide to Austin's top accommodations. From historic landmark hotels downtown and music-centric boutique stays to high-design luxury retreats and scenic lakeside properties, this list highlights ...
This premium downtown hotel offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and Texas hospitality, featuring a stunning glass atrium and a scenic rooftop pool. It is an ideal base for travelers wanting upscale amenities within walking distance of the histor...
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown | Austin, Texas Hotels
Tucked away in the heart of South Congress, this mid-century lakehouse-inspired retreat celebrates Austin's rich 1970s music heritage through stunning mass-timber architecture and lush courtyard gardens. It is a premier choice for travelers looking f...
Hotel Magdalena | Hotel in South Congress Austin
Embracing a sophisticated 'Texas-chic' aesthetic, this luxury boutique hotel treats guests to upscale amenities like Nespresso machines, local artwork, and a unique star-bottom splash pool. Its prime location directly inside Domain NORTHSIDE places y...
Boutique Hotel | Archer Hotel Austin — Domain NORTHSIDE
A towering luxury hotel downtown that features the largest outdoor rooftop pool deck in the city, complete with stunning skyline views. It offers upscale amenities, excellent dining options, and highly convenient access to the vibrant Rainey Street n...
Fairmont Hotel Austin
This stylish, modern hotel stands out for its contemporary design and fantastic rooftop lounge offering sweeping views of the city skyline. It is the perfect choice for business travelers and vacationers looking for sleek, tech-forward rooms right ne...
Cambria Hotel Austin Downtown | Official Site
Boasting a trendy, energetic atmosphere, this boutique hotel features industrial-chic decor, a lively lobby bar, and pet-friendly amenities. Its premier central location puts you just steps away from legendary live music venues, excellent dining, and...
Aloft Austin Downtown - Hotel With Restaurant & Fitness Center
A masterpiece of high-design luxury, this hotel features stunning, eclectic interiors crafted by famous designer Kelly Wearstler and boasts an incredible rooftop pool deck. It is the ultimate choice for trendsetters and luxury travelers looking to st...
Austin Proper Hotel
This beautifully preserved historic landmark is a Greek Revival boutique hotel that seamlessly blends old-world southern charm with sleek, upscale amenities. Located near the UT Austin campus, it offers a sophisticated parlor bar and a serene wrap-ar...
Hotel Ella