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Austin Travel Guide

About Austin

A creative university city and techie hub, Austin boasts phenomenal festivals and a wanna-have outdoor lifestyle thanks to balmy temperatures and 300 days of annual sunshine. It’s no wonder Americans are moving here in droves.

Whether you’re a cowboy, tech wunderkind, musician or retiree, the booming state capital of Texas seems to be every American’s dream city. This is the place to launch a start-up, kick-start a musical career or unleash your inner artist.

Music is king in Austin, the self-proclaimed ‘Live music capital of the world’. Arrive on a weekday afternoon, and you’re welcomed with live music before you’ve even left the airport. Then there are the 250 or so venues across town, staging a smorgasbord of rock, jazz, honky tonk and everything in between. Don your Stetson and cowboy boots and giddy up to the Broken Spoke dance hall for country jamming or listen to good ole American tunes at The Continental Club, entertaining fans for half a century.

Austin’s festivals are epic. Biggies SXSW and Austin City Limits Music Festival draw the crowds and big-name artists from across the globe, while movie stars converge on the city for the Austin Film Festival. Comedy, kites, fashion and bats all get their moment in the spotlight too.

When it comes to shopping, Austin embraces its ‘go local’ motto. The South Congress Avenue shopping strip, a straight shot south from the State Capitol, features Austin’s most beloved independent clothing boutiques and antique stores. Head into the arty district of East Austin, which is crammed with galleries, cocktail bars, food trucks and taquerias.

Want to grab a slice of the outdoors? Pedal or jog the 16km (10-mile) Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake, which includes a 2.2km (1.4-mile) stretch of boardwalk across the water where you can spot kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. Cool off in Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed swimming spot spanning 1.2 hectares (3 acres) in Zilker Park.

Don’t be alarmed if you hear chants of ‘Hook ‘em Longhorns!’. Just join the University of Texas’ 50,000 students in cheering on their college football team, the Texas Longhorns.

Key facts

Population:
842592
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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Heywood Hotel

Arguably East Austin's first modern boutique hotel, this seven-room converted home features coffee service, Wi-Fi, bicycles, parking and an internet jukebox. For travellers who enjoy simple and sleek designs or to be in walking distance to the hot spots of East Austin and Downtown, the Heywood Hotel is a perfecting resting place.

Holiday Inn - Town Lake

Located on Lady Bird Lake (formerly called Town Lake) and I-35, this chain hotel is in a prime location for accessibility to Austin. It's easy to jump on the Hike and Bike Trail where you can head down to Congress Avenue Bridge to see the bats or South Congress to go souvenir shopping. Nearby the hotel, it's easy to rent a kayak or bike to enjoy on the lake. This hotel offers beautiful views of the area as well.

Doubletree Suites

This chain hotel is located in the heart of Downtown, within walking distance to some of the city's main central attractions and the UT campus. Though not as charming as the boutique hotels listed here, it offers nice amenities and polished rooms perfect for families and business people.

The Driskill

Built in 1886 and still standing as one of Austin's oldest buildings, this stately, and allegedly haunted, hotel sits in the epicenter of Downtown at Sixth Street near Congress Avenue. Enjoy staying in the ornate and classic rooms, grab a bite at the restaurant, 1886 Cafe and Bakery, and a drink at the Driskill Bar.

Intercontinental Hotel Stephen F. Austin

Located on Seventh Avenue at Congress Avenue, this impressive hotel is a common destination for travellers needing to be in the thick of the action. Featuring 189 large rooms with soft bedding, the hotel also offers a beautiful pool, a Jacuzzi and bar and restaurant offering hand-crafted beer, wine, cigars and fine food.

Four Seasons

The Four Seasons offers beautiful views of Lady Bird Lake with direct access to the Hike and Bike Trail. Located in Downtown Austin the Four Seasons offers a heated saltwater pool babysitting eucalyptus steam room and complimentary electric car charging station.