What to do in Austin for a day, sometimes referred to as the "Live Music Capital of the World," has more live music venues per person than any other city in the country. It has seen the beginning of the careers of several well-known musicians, such as The Chicks, Janis Joplin, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Austin has grown significantly in recent years, yet it still has a unique, laid-back vibe that sets it apart from neighboring Texas towns. Outsiders frequently perceive Austin as the home base for bizarre personalities, while locals embrace their quirkiness and proudly wear the city's motto, "Keep Austin Weird."
The primary purpose of visiting, aside from its vibrant live music and nightlife scenes, is to take in the outdoors. Many experts rank Austin as one of the Best Places to Live in America, because to its huge green spaces, such as Zilker Metropolitan Park, and its average of 300 sunny days per year. It's most likely because there is something for everyone to enjoy here: Whatever your interests, there's something for everyone here: LBJ's library, the Texas State History Museum (the size of the Lone Star State), the Blanton Museum of Art, University of Texas at Austin football, University of Texas at Austin sports fans, and aspiring musicians (Sixth Street). You may wonder, after your visit, "Why don't I live here?"
Austin Travel Advice
The Best Months to Go
The ideal months to visit Austin are March through May or September through November, when daytime highs of 70s and 80s are predicted. For those who are not used to it, the Texan summer (June through August) may be unbearably hot and muggy, with temperatures reaching the mid- to high-90s. The winter months of December through February are dry and moderate, with low to mid-60s temperatures. An essential component of what to do in austin for a day culture are festivals. If your schedule is flexible, consider going to a festival that piques your interest; nevertheless, be ready to pay exorbitant hotel costs.
How Austin Can Help You Save Money
Eat food truck cuisine. It is estimated that around 1,200 food trucks operate out of Austin, a city known for its culinary offerings. Choose the affordable food truck fare available in the city instead of the costly sit-down dinners.
Steer clear of game days and festivities. Keep an eye out for significant citywide events that might drive up hotel costs, such as the South by Southwest festival and Texas Longhorns home football games.
Cut down on your carbon impact. Take public transportation, ride a bike, or walk to explore Austin and get a greater understanding of its lovely neighborhoods.
What to Eat
Once dominated by chophouses and barbecue places, Austin has welcomed a more diversified eating scene with upmarket restaurants serving a wide range of international cuisine. Still, classic BBQ restaurants are thriving, right alongside sushi restaurants and European bistros. Many claim that Lamberts has the greatest smoked meats in the city, but if you want your barbecue to be served with a side of craft beer, go to Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew. Naturally, Austin's closeness to Mexico has contributed to the spread of south of the border delicacies like tacos—a citywide favorite that can be enjoyed at any time of day—burritos, and fajitas, which have made Tex-Mex cuisine so popular. Local businesses Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop, La Condesa, and Veracruz All Natural are endorsed by both residents and tourists.
Go straight to one of the city's food trucks for a delicious supper at a reasonable price. With an estimated 1,000 mobile food sellers cruising Austin's streets, you should have no problem locating a truck that satisfies your palate. A number of websites provide a list of each trailer's location and cuisine, such as FoodTrailersAustin.com. It would be difficult to choose the greatest food trucks, but locals and tourists agree that Luke's Inside Out, Churro Co., Thai Kun, and Patrizi's are some of the best mobile eateries in the area. Discovering the greatest food trucks in the city may also be accomplished by joining one of the best culinary excursions in the area.
Austin is well known for its amazing food truck culture as well as its craft beer industry. The greatest breweries in the city may be visited on your own by visiting well-known locations like Austin Beerworks, Jester King Brewery, and St. Elmo Brewing Company. Several tour organizations, such as Austin Brewery Tours and Bike and Brew ATX, provide tours of these breweries. You're in luck if you enjoy wine as well. Fredericksburg is around 90 miles west of Austin, making it convenient to visit Texas Hill Country vineyards. Make the most of your day by scheduling a wine tour while in Fredericksburg.
Safety
Austin is rather secure for tourists, but you should still take measures if you're visiting compared to other American cities of similar size. After dusk, stay off of dimly lit streets, store your valuables in a secure place, and keep your car doors secured.
Heat stroke is something to be aware of if you're not from Texas. Headache, fatigue, and dizziness are typical symptoms. Drink lots of fluids and use sunscreen to avoid becoming sick.
It is important for visitors visiting Austin to know that the city is home to some very scary creatures, such as snakes and scorpions. Although the kinds of scorpions that are occasionally seen in the metropolis cannot harm humans as much as other species, experts do advise avoiding close contact. You can come across water moccasins and rattlesnakes if you venture into the countryside. Make quick medical attention if you are bitten by a snake or stung by a scorpion.
Touring Austin
Bus and light rail travel is the most efficient method to move about Austin. Some tourists advise renting a car, although the cost and inconvenience of owning one are sufficient to persuade many tourists to utilize Capital Metro, what to do in austin for a day public transportation system. About ten miles northwest, the downtown area is connected to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), where you'll probably hear music as soon as you get off the plane, via the Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside line. From the airport to downtown Austin, the cheapest cab rate is $13.30. Amtrak's Texas Eagle line offers rail service to the city.
You should be able to bike or stroll around if your hotel is situated in the heart of downtown, sandwiched between the University of Texas at Austin and the Convention Center.