Free Austin Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Austin trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Austin
Austin photo 2
Austin photo 3
All photos

Austin, Texas blends live music, Hill Country landscapes, food culture, historic landmarks and creative neighbourhoods for memorable city sightseeing.

A City Shaped by Water and Music

Austin, the capital of Texas, occupies a distinctive setting where the Colorado River cuts through the limestone landscapes of the Hill Country. Its broad natural spaces, warm climate and independent cultural spirit have helped make it one of the American South’s most recognisable cities. Downtown rises above Lady Bird Lake with a mixture of glass towers, historic commercial buildings and leafy public spaces, while neighbourhoods such as South Congress, East Austin and Hyde Park each offer a different view of the city’s character.
Read more about Austin

Heritage and Contemporary Culture

The Texas State Capitol anchors the central city, while the nearby Congress Avenue Historic District preserves elegant nineteenth-century architecture and the famous avenue bridge visited by Mexican free-tailed bats in summer. Austin’s cultural identity is closely linked to live music, but its creative life also encompasses film, design, independent publishing, theatre and visual art. The Blanton Museum of Art, Mexic-Arte Museum and Contemporary Austin provide encounters with different artistic traditions, while local venues keep the city’s musical life active across genres.

Outdoors in the Capital

Outdoor experiences are woven into everyday life. Trails follow Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs Pool offers year-round swimming in spring-fed water, and Zilker Metropolitan Park provides one of the city’s principal areas for relaxation and recreation. Food trucks, farmers’ markets, barbecue joints, Tex-Mex restaurants and inventive contemporary kitchens reflect Austin’s broad culinary influences. Beyond the urban core, the surrounding Hill Country brings swimming holes, wooded trails and limestone scenery within reach, giving Austin a particularly close relationship with the landscape around it.

When is the best time to visit Austin?

Best: March–April, October · 24–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1748
February1948
March (best)2474
April (best)2666
May30109
June3483
July3551
August3562
September3286
October (best)2789
November2167
December1656

Getting to and around Austin

How to get there

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the city’s principal air gateway, about eight miles southeast of downtown, with onward road and public transport connections into central Austin. Long-distance bus services operate through the city, and Austin is served by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle, which links the station with destinations including San Antonio, Dallas and cities farther east and west on the route. Interstate highways provide road access from San Antonio, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston and other parts of Texas. Service frequencies and route patterns can change, so rail, coach and flight details should be checked before travelling.

Transportation

Austin’s central districts, Lady Bird Lake paths and parts of South Congress are workable on foot, although the wider city is spread out and summer heat can make long walks demanding. Capital Metro operates local buses and a limited high-capacity transit network, including the Red Line commuter rail between the northern suburbs and downtown. Taxis and app-based car services are widely used, while cycling is practical on selected trails and protected routes but requires care on larger roads. A car can be useful for Hill Country outings, though traffic congestion and limited parking affect the central districts.

Best attractions in Austin

Austin’s attractions range from civic monuments to swimming holes and cultural institutions. The Texas State Capitol offers a close look at the political history and architecture of Texas, while the Bullock Texas State History Museum presents the state’s past through exhibitions and objects. At the Blanton Museum of Art, collections span European, American and modern works, and the Mexic-Arte Museum focuses on Mexican, Latin American and Latino art and culture. Zilker Metropolitan Park brings together open lawns, botanical gardens, the Austin Nature and Science Center and Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed swimming site. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail traces Lady Bird Lake through the centre, providing woodland, skyline and river views. South Congress combines independent shops, galleries and street life, while the Congress Avenue Bridge is associated with a seasonal colony of Mexican free-tailed bats.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Austin

The Texas State Capitol is Austin’s defining civic landmark, built from locally quarried pink granite in the late nineteenth century and crowned by a prominent dome. On Congress Avenue, the Driskill Hotel represents the city’s Victorian commercial heritage, while the Paramount Theatre preserves an ornate entertainment tradition in the historic downtown district. The University of Texas Tower is a recognisable modern landmark and a visual marker of the university campus. Along the Colorado River, the Congress Avenue Bridge is both an important piece of urban infrastructure and the seasonal roost of a large bat colony. The Moonlight Tower at the intersection of West Ninth and Nueces streets belongs to a nineteenth-century lighting system that survives in parts of Austin. Together these structures express the city’s political, commercial, educational and environmental history.

Show more landmarks

Explore Austin on the map

Plan your Austin trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Austin

Best restaurants in Austin

Austin’s dining identity is built on the meeting of Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex, Mexican cooking and a broad contemporary food culture. Slow-smoked brisket, ribs and sausage remain central to the city’s culinary reputation, while breakfast tacos, queso, migas and enchiladas reflect the enduring influence of Mexican and Texan traditions. Barbecue restaurants and food trucks are found across the city rather than in one formal quarter, and East Austin, South Congress and the areas around downtown offer particularly varied dining scenes. Farmers’ markets bring Texas produce, baked goods and prepared foods into public life, while cafés and bakeries support a strong daytime culture. Contemporary chefs draw on Gulf, Southern, Mexican, Asian and international influences, often working through compact food-truck kitchens as well as established restaurants.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Austin

Austin’s evening life is closely associated with live music, but it extends well beyond the phrase traditionally used to describe its musical reputation. Sixth Street contains a concentrated run of bars and performance venues, while the Red River Cultural District is known for smaller clubs and a broad range of live acts. South Congress, East Austin and the Warehouse District offer cocktail bars, lounges, patios and late-night venues with distinct atmospheres. Larger spaces host touring musicians, while smaller rooms continue to support local country, blues, rock, folk and experimental performers. Austin City Limits Live and other cultural venues add concerts and performances outside the bar circuit. Festival periods can transform the city’s night-time rhythm, bringing temporary stages, crowded streets and changing access around central districts.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Austin

Austin’s evening life is closely associated with live music, but it extends well beyond the phrase traditionally used to describe its musical reputation. Sixth Street contains a concentrated run of bars and performance venues, while the Red River Cultural District is known for smaller clubs and a broad range of live acts. South Congress, East Austin and the Warehouse District offer cocktail bars, lounges, patios and late-night venues with distinct atmospheres. Larger spaces host touring musicians, while smaller rooms continue to support local country, blues, rock, folk and experimental performers. Austin City Limits Live and other cultural venues add concerts and performances outside the bar circuit. Festival periods can transform the city’s night-time rhythm, bringing temporary stages, crowded streets and changing access around central districts.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Austin

Austin’s shopping districts reflect its independent creative culture as much as its retail growth. South Congress Avenue is known for boutiques, vintage clothing, footwear, design shops, galleries and Texas-themed goods, while the nearby South First Street area has a more neighbourhood-oriented collection of independent businesses. East Austin combines small retailers, makers’ studios, cafés and galleries, with offerings that often include ceramics, prints, jewellery and locally designed clothing. Downtown provides larger stores and specialist shops, and the Domain to the north is a substantial modern retail and dining development. Farmers’ markets are useful places to find Texas honey, preserves, seasonal produce and prepared foods. Visitors should distinguish locally made crafts from generic souvenirs, particularly when shopping for boots, textiles, artwork or other goods associated with the state.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Austin, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Austin essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar, abbreviated USD. Debit and credit cards, mobile wallets and contactless payments are common at hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions, although small vendors, markets and some food trucks may favour cash or have minimum purchase requirements. ATMs are readily available in central areas, shopping districts and transport locations; international visitors should check their bank’s foreign transaction and cash-withdrawal fees. Restaurant bills normally require a tip in addition to the listed price, and sales tax is generally added at the point of purchase rather than included on displayed prices.
Safety
Austin is a large, active city where ordinary urban precautions are appropriate. Keep valuables secure in crowded venues, on public transport and in parked vehicles, and take care when walking after dark in quiet areas or alongside roads. Heat, sun exposure, sudden storms and strong currents in natural waterways can create greater risks than visitors expect; follow posted warnings and avoid swimming in prohibited areas. When cycling or using electric scooters, observe traffic rules and wear suitable protection. During major festivals and events, plan for crowds, road closures and slower journeys.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 for police, fire or urgent medical assistance anywhere in Austin and the United States. Give the operator the exact address or a clear landmark, especially when calling from a trail, park or festival site, and remain on the line unless instructed otherwise. For non-urgent city service enquiries, Austin’s 311 system may provide guidance, although it is not an emergency line. Emergency departments operate through Austin’s hospital network, including Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas; travellers should check insurance arrangements and carry details of essential medication.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress casually for much of Austin, but bring suitable clothing for religious spaces, formal venues and the intense summer climate. Tipping is customary for table service, bartenders, taxis and many personal services, while sales tax and gratuities are often separate from displayed prices. Respect private property and posted rules around springs, parks and waterways, and never assume that swimming is permitted in every attractive natural setting. At live performances, follow venue policies on recording and photography. Avoid leaving valuables in cars, and remember that open-container and alcohol rules vary by location and event.
Local Tips
Downtown, the Warehouse District, East Austin, South Congress and the University of Texas area each offer a different perspective on the city, so combining districts gives a fuller sense of Austin than remaining in one central zone. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is an efficient way to experience the river corridor, while the Capitol grounds and Congress Avenue provide a contrasting civic and historic walk. Farmers’ markets and food-truck parks are useful for sampling local produce and casual cooking. For outdoor excursions, check heat, water and weather conditions before leaving the urban area.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[haw-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya later[see ya lay-ter]
YesYup[yuhp]
NoNah[nuh]
Please/You're welcomePlease and thank you[pleez and thank yuh]
Thank youThanks a lot[thanks uh lot]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[par-dun me]
How are you?Howdy, how're you?[haw-dee, how-er yuh]
Fine. And you?Doing good. How 'bout you?[doo-in good. How 'bout yuh]
Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?[yawl speak ing-glish]
I don't understandI'm fixin' to need some help[ahm fix-in to need sum help]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I take a look at the menu?[kan eye take uh look at the menu]
I don't eat meatI don't do meat[ahm fix-in tuh meat]
Cheers!Here's to ya![herez tuh yuh]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I settle up?[kan eye set-tul up]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!SOS![ess-oh-ess]
Go away!Git![git]
Call the Police!Ring up the cops![ring up the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a Doc on the line![get uh doc on the line]
I'm lostI'm turned around[ahm turned uh-round]
I'm illI'm feelin' poorly[ahm feel-in poor-lee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I reckon I'll take...[eye wreck-in eye'll take]
I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'[ahm just brow-sin]
How much is it?What's the damage?[wuts the dam-ij]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep[thats uh bit steep]
Can you lower the price?Can you do any better on the price?[kan yuh do en-nee bet-ter on the price]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What's the time?[wuts the time]
It's one o'clockIt's high noon[its hi noon]
Half past (10)Ten-thirty[ten-thur-tee]
MorningMornin'[morn-in]
AfternoonAfternoon[after-noon]
EveningEvenin'[even-in]
YesterdayYest'day[yes-t-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrah[tom-or-rah]
1One[wun]
2Two[too]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...[wheres the]
What's the address?What's the addy?[wuts the add-ee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out (on the map)?[kan yuh point it out on the map]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus comin'?[whens the next bus com-in]
A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)[uh pass to]

History of Austin

Indigenous Lands and Early Settlement

The Austin area lies within the traditional homeland of Indigenous peoples including the Tonkawa, Apache and Comanche, while the Colorado River and nearby springs supported movement and settlement long before the modern city appeared. Spanish exploration reached the region in the eighteenth century, followed by Mexican administration and the establishment of settlements connected with the wider frontier. After Texas won independence from Mexico in 1836, the area remained lightly developed but strategically placed along the Colorado River. Its springs, crossings and fertile valleys would later influence the selection of a permanent capital.

The Founding of Waterloo

In 1839, the Republic of Texas selected the small settlement of Waterloo as its capital and renamed it Austin in honour of Stephen F. Austin, often called the father of Anglo-American colonisation in Texas. The decision reflected the desire for a centrally located seat of government rather than the commercial dominance of coastal settlements. Edwin Waller surveyed the town on a grid near the river, establishing the framework of the present central city. Government buildings, modest businesses and residences gradually gathered around the new capital, despite early concerns about the region’s remoteness and frontier insecurity.

A Permanent Texas Capital

Austin retained its capital status when Texas joined the United States in 1845, although political debate periodically challenged the city’s position. The arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railway in the 1870s strengthened Austin’s connection with wider markets and encouraged population growth. Investment in public buildings and civic institutions followed, including the construction of the present Texas State Capitol between 1882 and 1888. Built from Texas pink granite in a Renaissance Revival style, the capitol became a powerful symbol of statehood and remains the architectural centre of the city’s government district.

Growth, Industry and Segregated Austin

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Austin expanded through government, education, commerce and industries connected with the river and railway. The University of Texas opened in 1883 and became a major intellectual and cultural institution. Like many American cities, Austin developed under racial segregation, and the 1928 city plan concentrated many Black residents and businesses into the area now known as East Austin while restricting access to services elsewhere. Despite these constraints, East Austin developed strong churches, civic organisations, businesses and cultural traditions that continue to shape the city’s identity.

Dams, Parks and Modernisation

The construction of Austin Dam No. 1 in 1893, later destroyed by flooding, and the completion of Tom Miller Dam in 1940 transformed the Colorado River through the city. The resulting lakes supported flood control, water management, recreation and later lakeside development. Austin’s population and economy grew substantially after the Second World War as state government, the university, technology and service industries expanded. Suburban development spread beyond the original grid, while new roads and bridges connected a widening metropolitan area. The river corridor and Zilker Park became increasingly important as public landscapes within this growth.

The Rise of the Live Music Capital

From the 1960s onward, Austin’s music scene gained national attention through venues, radio programmes and a community that welcomed country, blues, rock, folk and later many other genres. Willie Nelson’s association with the city helped strengthen its reputation for progressive country music, while the television programme Austin City Limits, first broadcast in 1976, brought local performances to a wider audience. The annual South by Southwest festival, founded in 1987, expanded the city’s international profile through music, film and interactive media. Rapid technology-led growth has since brought investment and demographic change, alongside continuing debates about affordability, development and cultural preservation.

Austin in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Austin

The closest cities to Austin, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Texas
More of the region

Explore more of Texas

Discover the diverse landscapes, rich history, vibrant cities, and culinary delights of Texas, the Lone Star State, where adventure and culture await at every turn.

Explore Texas
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Austin Travel Guide

Discover Austin with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on Austin's attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Austin, Texas with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, Evendo has everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

  • Comprehensive guide on Austin's history and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience Austin like a local
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Austin, Texas—the Live Music Capital of the World! With Evendo, your ultimate travel guide app, you'll explore the city's vibrant culture, rich history, and eclectic attractions with ease. Imagine strolling down South Congress Avenue, discovering unique shops and eateries, before heading to the Texas State Capitol for a dose of history. Craving some live music? Check out the legendary venues on Sixth Street, or unwind at the tranquil Zilker Park.

Evendo brings Austin to your fingertips with detailed information on top attractions like the Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Lake, and the LBJ Presidential Library. Hungry? Savor the culinary delights at renowned restaurants such as Franklin Barbecue and Uchi. Whether you're looking for the best hotels, tours, or nightlife, Evendo has you covered. The app’s curated local tips ensure you experience Austin like a true local, making your trip both memorable and hassle-free.

Additionally, Evendo offers seamless booking options for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, all within the app. No more endless searches or confusion—everything you need is in one place, making your trip planning as smooth as possible. And remember, Evendo is completely free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.