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.

Top Things To Do & See on West Sixth Street

Not to be confused with its louder sister, West Sixth Street has developed its own upscale personality. This neighborhood is perfect for decadent dinners, sporting events, shopping and nightlife. Discover everything that the Market District and West Sixth Street has to offer, then explore hotels…

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Top Things To Do & See on Rainey Street

Once a sleepy residential area, Rainey Street has become an entertainment hot spot of bungalows-turned-bars, high-end hotels and live music venues in a tucked-away corner of Downtown Austin. Find out where to go and what to do on this street that never sleeps. Courtesy of Via 313. DINING Keep it…

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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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Honky Tonks and Country Bars in Austin

Although Austin doesn't show off it's cowboy culture as much as other Texas cities, it does have its fair share of honky tonks and country bars. Honky tonkin’—like the Hank Williams song—is a lively Texas tradition that likely originated as a form of entertainment at rural juke joints. Williams…

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20 Iconic Austin Music Venues

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World®, and boy does it deliver. With hundreds of live music venues, you’re guaranteed to catch outstanding live performances every night of the week. Whether your tastes lie with country-western or veer toward punk rock, you’re sure to find a music…

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Hot Summer Nights 2023

Hot Summer Nights is bringing four packed days of music to Austin's own Red River Cultural District. Originally 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. Along with the…

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Guide to Austin's North Loop Neighborhood

Austin’s North Loop neighborhood is a unique part of town located just northeast of the University of Texas. North Loop’s proximity to the university and mix of eclectic restaurants and shops makes it a popular local hangout among students and campus staff. Courtesy of Home Slice Pizza. NORTH LOOP…

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Day Trip Destination: Lake Travis

Any day you’re on the lake is a good day and Lake Travis is a perfect getaway for those looking to get out on the water. The businesses that have sprung up around the lake in far west Austin, Lakeway and other nearby towns are seemingly all designed to get you to relax, have fun, and indulge in a…

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Austin's Secret Speakeasies

What makes a good speakeasy? A feeling of discovery? A strong sense of place? Great drinks? Yes, yes, and yes. Inside a great speakeasy, the outside world seems to stop. Windowless and timeless, there’s just you and the few people with whom you get to share the experience. Get in on the secret at…

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