Musicians, hippies, and oddballs have called Austin home for decades; I joined them in 2016. Austin is a thriving metropolis full of start-ups, and fitness aficionados due to the city's recent emergence as a major centre for technological innovation.
In addition to being a liberal stronghold in Texas, it serves as a cross-section of the world's nomads. Line dancing may be seen in this city alongside an organic food market and a traditional Texas steakhouse.
Listen To The Music
Austin has a thriving music culture, with several venues hosting independent acts of the highest calibre. Almost wherever you go in the city, you may hear live music, and most concerts are gratifying. Austin City Limits and South by Southwest are two major music events in Austin.
Over 400,000 people attend both events, so if you're planning to stay nearby, you should do so well in advance. Stubb's is one of the most well-known clubs in town, so if you can't make it to one of the festivals, you should definitely check it out if you're in town.
Take A Dip In Barton Springs
The nicest thing to do in town is to swim at Barton Springs. During the hottest days of summer, you may cool yourself in this Zilker Park oasis. Barton Springs Pool, maintained by the city and filled with a natural cold-water spring, has beautiful grassy areas perfect for sitting and socializing with friends.
As summertime highs sometimes exceed 100 degrees, this large pool provides plenty of space for lounging and cooling off. Located only 5 minutes from the heart of town and offering swimming for only USD 9, this pool is a great deal. Austin Rowing Club offers guided kayaking trips for USD 45 for two hours.
Visit the State Capitol
The legislative and executive branches of the state of Texas are housed in the State Capitol. It was finished in 1888 and is now a National Historic Landmark and a Texas Historic Landmark. On weekdays, you may take a free 30-minute tour around the capital.
You may stroll the corridors of America's largest state capitol and gawk at the elaborate architecture, right down to the polished brass on the doorknobs and the crystal chandeliers. Simply get a brochure from the visitor centre to explore in your own time.
Take A Craft Beer Tour
There are several craft breweries in Austin, and most of them give tours of their operations. The Brew Bus is used by companies to take customers on tours of several breweries. Tours typically run for a couple of hours. Bike and Brew ATX offers something different.
Eat BBQ
If you're looking for some good BBQ, you've found the correct town! Some of the best barbecues in the world can be found in Austin at places like the world-famous La Barbecue and Franklin Barbecue. Even though you might have to wait a few hours for a dish, I promise it will be worth it. If you want to avoid the longest lines, you should arrive early.
Other Austin Attractions
Go To The Museum of The Strange
The museum is decorated like a standard penny arcade, with strange curios, including a mummy, a sideshow, and a two-headed chicken. It's the location where you can "walk right up and witness some odd crap." It's just 20 minutes long, but it's strange, Austin-Esque, and mildly entertaining. Tickets are $12.
Conduct A Walking Tour
To get your bearings once you arrive, a walking tour is your best bet. You get to talk to a knowledgeable local who lives in the area and can give you insight into the history and significance of the places you visit. When I first arrived in a new city, I took advantage of the city's free walking tours.
In Austin, Tipster Excursions routinely provides free-of-charge tours. Walking Tours of Austin is the company to visit if you want to pay to see the city. For about USD 22, you may join one of their exciting in-depth excursions, such as a ghost tour.
Observe Bats
Approximately 1.5 million bats call the downtown Congress Avenue Bridge home from the middle of March to the end of November. Come down to the shore after nightfall to see these spooky creatures go for a night of hunting.
Don't go on boat trips if you don't like getting your face covered with bat faeces when the creatures swoop by. It's going to get busy on the bridge, so you'll want to get there early to find a decent place.
