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.

Live Music Venues in Downtown Austin

There’s only one official way to experience Downtown Austin, and that’s to see some live music at one (or a few) of the many established music venues. Here are five of the top venues we think you should hit while you're exploring Austin's vibrant downtown. Nightowls at Antone's. Courtesy of The…

Continue Reading

Three Days in Austin on a Budget

There are budget-friendly things to do all over Austin, and we've pulled a list of some visitor favorites. Stretch your travel dollars with this three-day itinerary of budget-friendly eats, sips and sees. Looking for more? Check out these 50 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Austin. DAY 1 Kick off your…

Continue Reading

Self-Guided Austin Architecture Tour

Take a walking or driving tour to witness examples of Austin's most notable architecture. Each building has a unique story to tell, from the historic buildings on the University of Texas campus to the hard lines of downtown's Contemporary Austin Jones Center. Plan to visit each location for a fun…

Continue Reading

25 Places for a Margarita in Austin

Nothing says Austin like an icy margarita enjoyed on an outdoor patio. The city offers countless great places that mix amazing margaritas. But how do you pick just one (or two, or three!)? To help you navigate, we’ve compiled a list of the top 25 margaritas in Austin. Now get to sipping! Jump to Map…

Continue Reading

Texas Book Festival 2024

The annual Texas Book Festival (TBF) takes place November 16-17, 2024 at the Texas Capitol, in tents along 11th Street and Congress Avenue, and select nearby venues including the State Theater, The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center, and others. Free and open to the public, the 29th annual Festival…

Continue Reading

Visiting Austin's Central Library

Austin’s Central Library, located in the Seaholm District, is one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces. Opened in 2018, the library serves as a modern technology and information hub that reflects Austin’s vibrant culture and unique soul. The space reflects natural characteristics of the Hill…

Continue Reading

Hot Summer Nights 2024

Hot Summer Nights is bringing three packed days of music to Austin's own Red River Cultural District this July 18-20, 2024. Created to bring awareness to local businesses and artists during the slower summer months, Hot Summer Nights has grown to be a marquee event for locals and visitors alike…

Continue Reading

Check Out the Austin Visitor Center

Conveniently located in Austin’s downtown (602 E. Fourth Street) and open seven days a week, the Austin Visitor Center is the go-to place to find maps and brochures to kick start your adventure. The friendly folks at the VC love sharing the city's history and culture and answering questions about…

Continue Reading

48-Hour Austin LGBTQ+ Itinerary

LGBTQ+-Owned and Gay-Friendly Things to Do in Austin, TX Austin is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country, with a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index. But you won’t find just one “gayborhood” here. The community is integrated throughout this…

Continue Reading