City scores
Practical info
Austin's South Congress Avenue is a treasure trove of local stores and eateries. You can find Allen's Boots, a renowned shop offering a vast selection of cowboy boots since 1977, and Jo's Coffee, famous for its 'I love you so much' mural. For a taste of local music history, head to Waterloo Records on North Lamar Boulevard, where you can explore an extensive collection of vinyl and CDs while catching a live in-store performance. The Barton Springs Pool, located in Zilker Park, is fed by natural springs and maintains a steady temperature of around 68°F year-round, making it a refreshing spot even in the heat of summer. Nearby, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden showcases the works of Charles Umlauf and other Texas artists in a serene outdoor setting, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Food enthusiasts will appreciate Franklin Barbecue on 11th Street, where people line up early for melt-in-your-mouth brisket. For a unique dining experience, visit the Odd Duck on South Lamar, which began as a food truck and now serves inventive dishes using local ingredients.
Best time to visit
March through May — pleasant temperatures and a full calendar of music and food festivals.
Month by month
Austin's Free Week offers free concerts at various venues around the city.
Ideal time for outdoor activities with mild weather and fewer tourists.
SXSW fills the city with music, film, and tech enthusiasts.
Bluebonnets bloom and the weather is perfect for outdoor festivals.
Austin Food + Wine Festival attracts culinary fans from around the country.
Temperatures rise; Barton Springs Pool becomes a popular cooling spot.
Hot summer days make indoor venues and evening events more appealing.
Heat peaks; late-night food trucks and live music offer respite.
Austin City Limits Festival kicks off, drawing large crowds to Zilker Park.
Cooler weather and the Texas Book Festival attract book lovers.
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas.
Trail of Lights at Zilker Park lights up the holiday season.
Highlights
- ✦South Congress Avenue — Known for quirky shops and the iconic Jo's Coffee mural.
- ✦Barton Springs Pool — Natural spring-fed pool with year-round 68°F temperatures.
- ✦Franklin Barbecue — Acclaimed for its brisket, with lines forming early daily.
- ✦Waterloo Records — Extensive vinyl collection and live in-store performances.
- ✦Umlauf Sculpture Garden — Outdoor sculptures by Charles Umlauf in a serene setting.
Hidden gems
Practical tips
- ·Parking is scarce downtown; use ride-sharing services or public transit when possible.
- ·Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 15 minutes from downtown by car.
- ·The city is bike-friendly with numerous rental options and dedicated bike lanes.
- ·Book tickets early for popular events like Austin City Limits and SXSW.
Budget estimate
$150–250 USD / day (mid-range)
