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 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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Best Places for Lunch in Austin

Austin’s local-centric culture makes it a great city for lunch enthusiasts—we don’t have to settle for sad subs or drive-thru chains. We have chefs who refuse to compromise on quality, chic diners and plenty of great delivery services to choose from. So, next time you find yourself wanting to get…

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Boutique Hotels in Austin

Travelers looking for a stay as unique as Austin may want to opt into a boutique hotel. We’ve gathered up the quirky, funky, swanky and one-of-a-kind smaller format places to stay that will satisfy your need for the weird and the wonderful. Lay your head on custom linens, luxuriate in the best bath…

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Top 5 Things To Do in East Austin

East Austin has evolved into a hot destination for great food, luscious lounges, and marvelous educational museums. Discover the best East Austin restaurants, bars, museums, live music venues and more. Then find your perfect East Austin hotel and book your stay! The hangouts are casual in East…

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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…

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James Beard Nominated & Award Winning Restaurants

While Austin still excels at barbecue and Tex-Mex, the city has a wide variety of cuisines and styles. From interior Mexican to regional Italian to farm-to-table New American, there is something for everyone, and the James Beard Foundation is taking note. Have a look at these eateries from recent…

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