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.

Best Downtown Austin Restaurants

Austin is known for its mouthwatering barbecue and creative breakfast tacos, but not everyone is familiar with the city’s complete food scene, one that is just as eclectic and diverse as the Austinites who live here. To get a true taste of what the city has to offer, you must visit Downtown Austin…

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5 Reasons to Visit the Texas State Capitol

Whether a longtime resident, a transplant or a visitor just passing through town, a must-do activity in Austin is checking out the Texas State Capitol building and grounds. Learn more about the historic statehouse and find out how to explore the Texas State Capitol with these top 5 reasons to visit…

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F1 Returns to Austin's Circuit of The Americas

The Formula 1 Lenovo United States Grand Prix race returns to Austin, Texas in 2023 and is ready to welcome fans back, October 20-22, 2023, at Circuit of The Americas (COTA). More details will be announced later this year, but here's what we know so far: Courtesy of Circuit of The Americas. Live…

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8 Must-See Art Galleries in Austin

A city is only as cool as its artists. Austin has no shortage of creatives working to either preserve or transform different aspects of the city’s vibrant culture. Whether you want to soak in some culture or find a stunning piece for your home, there is an art gallery in town to suit your tastes…

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Where to See Classical Music in Austin

It's no coincidence that Austin is considered the Live Music Capital of the World®. With hundreds of live music venue and shows every night of the week, your Austin experience isn't complete without attending a performance. While much of the city's attention for music has been focused on genres like…

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How to Experience Free Week 2024

Looking to shake off those post-holiday blues? Red River Cultural District’s Free Week has your cure. This year’s festivities will take place January 5-6, 2024 and will feature 100+ local bands in 13 venues around the city. With so many performances to hear and venues to see, here’s an insider guide…

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Austin’s Black Arts Scene

Austin has a long and storied history. And, as Javier Wallace of Black Austin Tours says, the city’s history often excluded Black people from its spaces and narratives. But the Austin Black community has very much built the city into the cultural hub that it is. From sculpture and theatre to music…

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Where to Have Christmas Dinner in Austin

If you're planning to spend Christmas or Hanukkah in Austin, let our award-winning chefs minimize your time in the kitchen and order in from these local restaurants. Find great places to order holiday meals to take home, plus Austin restaurants that are open on Christmas and Christmas Eve. TLC…

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18 Best Austin Distilleries to Visit

Austin and the nearby Texas Hill Country are home to a spirited number of distilleries that are destinations in themselves. Stop in for a pour at an urban tasting room or set off on a Hill Country day trip. Here are 20 local craft spirits distilleries worth exploring. Desert Door. Credit Two Hoyles…

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