Austin is the fourth-largest city in Texas, and it’s the capital of the state. While it might not be the biggest metropolis in the country, it’s certainly a great tourist destination. It’s an open-minded place with a reputation for being popular among young people, but it’s also the sort of city that welcomes anyone who’s looking to have a good time. Whether you’re on the hunt for friendly bars, hipster coffee shops or some of the best museums and attractions in the state, there’s plenty to do here!
But what tasks do you need to complete before you head off to Austin? First off, you need to sort out some accommodation – and you need to think about practical aspects such as the weather and safety, as well. In order to make the most of your trip, it’s wise to start thinking now about attractions, restaurants and more. This article will help to guide you through the process and will share some top tips on what to do and see.
Booking accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options available to you in this city. Hotels form the bulk of the choice, and there are many to choose from. The Pinnacle range, operated by Bharat Lall, has a presence on Business Park Drive, where it operates the DoubleTree by Hilton Northwest Austin Arboretum Hotel. Platforms such as Airbnb, meanwhile, do operate here, although there have been complaints made about them in the past.
Whatever you choose to go for, it’s a good idea to book well in advance, as Austin is a pretty popular place and welcomes nearly 20 million tourists per year. Austin is also home to the University of Texas at Austin – so if you’re planning to book around the start or end of the academic terms when it’s particularly busy with students and their families arriving and departing, you may want to get your reservation confirmed even further in advance.
Seeing the sights
There’s so much to do in Austin. Visiting the University of Texas at Austin is a great chance to experience campus life in one of the country’s most vibrant college communities. Politics and history buffs, meanwhile, can visit the Texas State Capitol in order to find out more about the history of the region – and maybe even see the local politicians in action! Nature and outdoor lovers can head to Zilker Park in order to make the most of various municipal leisure activities, including a public swimming pool and the chance to head out on to a gorgeous lake.
Eating and drinking
A crucial part of any trip to a new place, however, has to lie in the restaurant and bar experiences that you’ll have once you’re there. For foodies, the Zilker neighborhood is one place that’s good for restaurants – and a range of different international cuisines is available. Barley Swine, located on Burnet Road, is a highly acclaimed restaurant that may be worth a try if you’re looking for high-end food. Bars, as may be expected, are located all over the city. The downtown area in particular has many good bars to try, including Las Perlas and Seven Grand.
Practical info
It may seem boring to think about basic aspects of your trip to Austin, but it’s actually important to ensure that you and your travel companions are as well prepared as possible. Take the example of the weather: by becoming clued up on how the weather may behave when you arrive here, you’ll be able to pack appropriate clothes to reduce the amount of time spent planning around the effects of the elements. In winter, Austin is generally quite temperate, with average high temperatures of 16 °C possible. In summer, however, much warmer climate highs of 35 °C may occur.
When it comes to safety, Austin is a relatively secure place. As is the case in any city, though, it’s important to keep your wits about you and ensure that you don’t make yourself a target by showing off any jewelry, watches or electronic gadgets in a public place and in an ostentatious manner. Avoiding certain neighborhoods, such as Pleasant Valley, may also be wise. As for transport, it may be worth getting a pass for the CapMetro system when you arrive, in order to travel in a cost-effective way.
Austin is a great place to head to if you’re looking for a mixture of warm weather, interesting attractions and kind-hearted Texan locals who know a thing or two about welcoming you. From the open spaces to the museums and institutions, your trip to this city of almost 1 million people is sure to create lots of memories for you, no matter what you choose to do.