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.

Viva la Vida Festival & Parade

Each year, Mexic-Arte Museum celebrates the tradition of Día de los Muertos in Austin. During Viva la Vida Festival & Parade, the city's largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event, visitors will experience a street festival and a parade down the iconic Congress Avenue, bringing together a…

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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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Austin's Top Pet-Friendly Hotels

Not sure where to hang your hat (and leash) when you travel to Austin with pets? Austin is more than dog- friendly . In fact, you could say we're dog- obsessed . So there are plenty of welcoming hotels to choose from, including some of the city's best boutique and high-end accommodations. With pools…

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Historic Hotels in Austin

Some of Austin’s oldest hotels give a peek into the city’s fascinating history. Stay at a luxe Waller Creek estate, a Greek Revival-style boutique hotel or a South Congress motor court turned modernist oasis that all have intriguing stories to tell. Austin Motel. Credit Nick Simonite. Austin Motel…

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Historic Austin: Sixth Street

Sixth Street is a National Register historic district in Austin, with six blocks of turn-of-the-century Victorian commercial buildings. It is also home to a number of rocking venues that contribute to Austin's robust music scene. Before the music era began, the area was a melting pot of small…

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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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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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Your Guide to the Coolest Neighborhoods in Austin

Looking for the best places to explore and stay while visiting Austin? We’ve put together a hit list of the city’s most happening neighborhoods. Just pick an area of town and discover the unique districts that are home to some of the hippest restaurants, shops and live music venues in Austin…

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Top Happy Hours in Downtown Austin

Staying in downtown Austin? Attending a conference at the Austin Convention Center? Here are some of our favorite places for Happy Hour that are within walking distance. DuMont's Down Low. Credit Mario Andrade Photography. Dumont's Down Low 214 W. Fourth St., Suite B Dumont's basement setting is…

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Top Things To Do & See on Sixth Street

Sixth Street is a party steeped in history. A destination for locals and tourists alike, the rollicking bars, live music venues and fabulous restaurants have seen a lot over the years, and they all have a story to tell. Courtesy of Parkside. DINING It may be a party district, but Sixth Street is…

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