Austin Insider Blog

This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of.

Latin-Owned Restaurants in Austin

Austin has some outstanding Latino- and Latina-owned restaurants, and not all of them serve Mexican food. Here are some local favorites, ranging from Argentinian and Peruvian cuisine to wine bars and eclectic pubs, alongside, of course, some of the best Mexican food our city has to offer. Courtesy…

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Best Restaurants in Central Austin

What’s so great about dining in Central Austin is that there’s range. From classic American to fusion to haute cuisine, the central part of the city has long attracted high quality restaurants that stay the course. If you’re staying in or visiting Central Austin, you can just look around the…

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Where to Catch a Show en Español

Looking for insider tips to help you experience Austin like the locals? We have you covered. Here’s a list of our favorite spots for catching a show in Spanish, guaranteed to look awesome on your newsfeed and make friends back home secretly wish they were you. Cilantro Boombox at Empire Control…

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Austin Studio Tour 2022

The free, self-guided Austin Studio Tour – an annual Big Medium program – invites visitors to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists' tools, techniques and inspirations, and explore galleries. A combination of the popular East Austin Studio Tour and West Austin Studio…

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Texas Book Festival 2022

The annual Texas Book Festival (TBF) takes place November 5-6 at the Texas State Capitol grounds. Free and open to the public, the 27 th annual festival will feature more than 250 authors participating in virtual sessions, including programming for adults, young adults, middle-grade readers and…

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72 Hours in Austin's Arts Scene

Austin is a buzzing hive of creativity. Spend three days exploring our exciting arts scene, which includes must-see museums and galleries, innovative performing arts companies, fascinating cultural centers and intriguing public art. Grab our 72-hour itinerary and go! Greetings from Austin Mural…

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Where to Shop Local in Austin

Keep it local and give your wallet a workout in Austin, where you’ll be tempted by everything from hip clothing stores to gourmet food shops. Plan a visit to these small, locally owned businesses that are sure to become your new Austin favorites. Be sure to check individual store hours and shopping…

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Viva la Vida Festival & Parade

Each year, Mexic-Arte Museum celebrates the tradition of Día de los Muertos in Austin. During Viva la Vida Festival & Parade, the city's largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event, visitors will experience a street festival and a parade down the iconic Congress Avenue, bringing together a…

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50 Fun Things to Do in Austin

There’s truly something for everyone in Austin. Whether you’re looking for live music, must-see museums, authentic Texas cuisine, scenic outdoor adventures or family-friendly fun, our city offers it all. Here are 50 of the best things to do in Austin to kick-start your trip. Austin Visitor Center…

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Austin Food + Wine Festival 2022

Indulge in artisanal food, wine, beer and spirits from hundreds of purveyors at the Austin Food + Wine Festival. This indulgent event returns to Austin for its 11th anniversary, November 4-6, 2022. Attend interactive demos and tasting sessions, mingle with chefs and learn their kitchen secrets…

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