When we say to anyone outside the US that we live in the heart of Texas, an immediate puzzled look pops into their face: "But why? If you can live anywhere?" Well, let us show you!
Random Facts
Population of Austin, which has doubled in size since 1990. And if you count Greater Austin, it swells to 2.2m.
Total number of BBQ joints in the mighty State of Texas. That's a whooooole lot of Brisket.
1m
2,238
Number of live music venues in Austin, which is why it's the "Live Music Capital of the World". Or so we like to tell ourselves.
Number of nations who have claimed sovereignty over Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States of America and USA
200
6
OUR
AUSTIN
FAVORITES
If you meet us in Austin on any weekend, we are likely doing one or more of these things...
Walk Around
A well kept secret: all of central Austin is imminently walkable (or cyclable). South Congress, the Travis heights neighborhood, Seaholm, Zilker are all very great places to explore by foot. But when in doubt, head to the Hike and Bike Trail that circles the town lake. It's an awesome way to explore the city... or simply exercise: the whole loop is over 10 miles (16 km) long.
01
Savor the food
Food in Austin can be really, really good. We're famous for having some of the best BBQ in the world (so long as it's Beef based - particularly the Brisket). We're also known for breakfast tacos, Tex Mex as well as New American and Fusion food. Check out some of our favorite food spots below.
02
Jump in the water
Whether it's going topless and jumping in the natural pool at Barton Springs, Paddle Boarding on Town lake, or jumping on a boat in Lake Austin or Lake Travis, water activities are a godsend in the Texas heat. Don't miss Barton Springs or Paddle Boarding if the weather allows.
03
Dance to Live Music
There are magical moments in Austin during festivals such as South By South West (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL). Outside of the festival seasons, you have plenty of options every night to enjoy anything from covers (Petes Piano Bar), Jazz & Blues (Antones, Continental Club, Elephant Room), indie rock (ACL Live, Mohawk), country music (White Horse) and everything in between.
04
Explore the Hill Country
Go West of Austin and you enter the Hill Country. Rolling, green hills, loads of water, Beer, Wine and a slower way of life. Jester King is one of our absolute favorites, together with Luckenbach. But then there is the Blue Hole, Hamilton Pool, Abby Jane... the list goes on.
05
GET IN THE MOOD
WITH
AUSTIN MOVIES
A few famous movies were set in Austin! Here are two of our all-time favorites, including one with Matthew McConaughey, one of Austin's most famous residents.
DAZED AND CONFUSED (1993)
The movie that launched Matthew McConaughey with that famous "Alright, Alright, Alright..." line was shot and set in Austin. Not that I had any idea about it the first time I watched it.
All set on the last day of high school in the 70s, with a wonderful cast, an amazing soundtrack, and with Richard Linklater in the Director seat, if you haven't watched it yet, don't miss it.
93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes
CHEF (2014)
A quintessential feel-good movie that is all about... cooking delicious food. What's not to love?
Written and directed by Jon Favreau, who also plays the lead, Austin and BBQ play a role in there as well.
87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes
EXPLORE
AUSTIN-INSPIRED
TUNES
Austin is the home of multiple Country and Indie bands. Willie Nelson, Gary Clark Jr, Spoon, Ghostland Observatory, Explosions in the Sky all call ATX home. So here is a little playlist to get you inspired.
SPEND A DAY
WALKING
SOUTH CONGRESS
SoCo is a microcosm of Austin. From Country to Hipster, diners to fancy hotels, cowboy boots to jewelry, everything is just a short walk away.
10AM
Let's face it, you need to start your morning the right way. So do yourself a favor and get a great cup of coffee. You can't go wrong with Mañana at South Congress Hotel, but if you want to try amazing Donuts head to The Meteor for Coffee then drop by the Salty Donut. We don't even like donuts, but love these!
GRAB A COFFEE & A PASTRY
• Mañana Coffee at South Congress Hotel, OR • The Meteor for Coffee then Salty Donut
11 AM
You're not going to dare head back home without trying on some proper cowboy gear, RIGHT? Start by losing yourself inside Allens and trying on some boots. Then check out Heritage Boots for the real deal, handmade stuff. Then get tempted to get a custom hat at Maufrais. And if you want to take home a more modern take on Cowboy boots, check out Tecovas.
Time for a quick lunch before you get Hangry. Hopdoddy's for Burgers, Homeslice for NY Style Pizza and Torchy's for Tacos are all Austin institutions. Are they the fanciest food in the world? Nope. But they sure as hell are satisfying.
PS: If you go to Torchy's, ask for the Secret menu...
GRAB A QUICK LUNCH
• Hopdoddys (Burgers), OR • Homeslice (Pizza), OR • Torchys (Tacos)
2 PM
In Austin, we want to keep Austin Weird. Some of the original shops survive and they are... eclectic and esoteric to say the least. And unique. For sure.
SHOP AUSTIN WEIRD
• Big Top Candy • Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds • Monkey See Monkey Do
3 PM
Up and down South Congress you'll find awesome shops. Be sure to spend some time in and around South Congress Hotel: Revival Cycles is there, and quite a few other small boutiques. Towards the bottom of South Congress is the brand new Music Alley, where multiple internet brands have a physical presence, Neighborhood Goods is a favorite. For cute jewelry, check out Limbo and Kendra Scott, both of which are local.
It's a thing. We don't know why. At some point, you find yourself standing in line to take a picture at one of these. Later, you ask yourself: why? But hey, one of these murals was our backdrop for our first engagement pictures. So don't judge yourself too much and just do it.
TAKE A PIC AT THE MURALS
• I love you so much mural • Love from Austin mural • Willie Nelson for President Mural • Before I die mural • and more...
5 PM
You've hit your step number for the day? Well time to imbibe then! Can't go wrong with South Congress Hotel at virtually any time of day. But for some Blues, head to the Continental Club!
