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.

Where to Go Shopping in Austin

Whether you’re a luxury label lover or a vintage treasure hunter, Austin has just the place for you to shop ‘til you drop. Spend some time at our sprawling shopping malls, charming retail districts and special shopping events. You won’t come home empty handed. Allens Boots. Credit Carolina de Mauro…

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Best Restaurants & Bars This Winter

There are lots of exciting things to do during winter in Austin. But when the winter weather hits and you're looking to get extra cozy, try out one of these winter warmers around town. From local restaurants with fireplaces and fire pits to dark and cozy wine bars, here are some of the best Austin…

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Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in Austin

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

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Austin Studio Tour 2024

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 Craft Brewers Festival

Celebrate Texas independent and small-batch brewers this November at the Texas Craft Brewers Festival. There’s no better way to spend a fall afternoon in Austin than enjoying some of the city’s top fermented offerings. The event will be held at Fiesta Gardens, next to Lady Bird Lake, on Saturday…

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Best Patio Bars for Al Fresco Drinking

Austin is synonymous with breakfast tacos, watering holes (for drinking or swimming) and an obsession with patios. Triple-digit temperatures may slow us down, but never stop us from rounding up human and furry troops for ice-cold local craft beers, juicy burgers, ooey-gooey queso and the simple…

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Austin Farmers Markets Worth Visiting

There are few things as refreshing as a sunny morning in Austin, surrounded by fresh produce, colorful bouquets, hot coffee and the sound of a local musician wafting through the stalls at one of our many farmers markets. Whether you're in town for a few days or a few weeks, a visit to one of our…

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Mezcal Bars in Austin

In recent years, the popularity of mezcal has skyrocketed the world over, and Austin is no exception. Thanks to our roots and love for all things Mexican, our city is home to many watering holes and restaurants that specialize in the iconic agave spirit. Whether you are a novice looking for guidance…

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Must-See Austin Historic Sites

Listen up, history lovers! We’ve compiled the iconic Austin sites you can’t miss while visiting the Capital City. Delve into the backstory of our fascinating town, where you can explore everything from art and history museums to lush parks, still-kickin' honky-tonks, and restaurants that have…

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The Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Austin, TX

Austin is home to many global cuisines, but Tex-Mex takes the crown as the local favorite. This blend of Mexican and Texas-style comfort food can be found on just about any street, often in family-run restaurants that have operated for years. Here are some of the Tex-Mex restaurants worth visiting…

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