Despite being the fastest-growing city in the US, the Texas state capital has managed to preserve its offbeat spirit and live up to its “Keep Austin Weird” motto. With a vibrant creative community, flourishing independent businesses, underground venues and a thriving live music scene, the city has plenty to keep visitors happy and Austinites proud.

Austin’s musical heritage can be felt – and heard – on every corner, with venues ranging from two-stepping honky-tonks and rowdy rock’n’roll bars to jazz clubs and concert halls. The “Live Music Capital of the World” is gaining a reputation as one of America’s top foodie cities, too, not only for its world-famous barbecue but also inventive Mexican fare, top-notch sushi and a brunch scene to rival the Big Apple’s. Pair your meal with a beer from the new crop of craft breweries and you’ll be ready for a night out in one of America’s greatest party towns.

Introducing Austin

No matter when you choose to visit, Austin’s cultural calendar is always brimming. The city hosts major events year-round, including the US Grand Prix, South by Southwest and Austin City Limits Music Festival. Its many entertainment districts mean there’s always something fun to do, whether you’re learning the cotton-eyed joe at legendary Texan dance hall Broken Spoke or playing chicken shit bingo (yep, you read that right) at the Little Longhorn Saloon. 

Austin’s urban liveliness extends to its natural environment. Outdoor spaces buzz with activity, with Zilker Park offering volleyball, golf and even swimming at Barton Springs Pool. Architectural highlights include the sunset-red granite Texas State Capitol building, the fairytale-esque Bloom House and the opulent Driskill Hotel.

Austin attractions and sightseeing

Things to do

Food & Drink

Places to stay

Discover just how delicious Japanese mochi is at the five best mochi shops in Nara, Japan.

Africa

Mali

The Best Places for Mochi in Nara

Tinariwen are a collective of Touareg musicians who first formed amidst strife and conflict.

Tinariwen: Voices of the Desert

Check out Culture Trip's guide to drinking out in Nara and try out the best bars the city has to offer

The Best Places to Drink in Nara

Read all about the young activists who are working hard to change the world today

These Young Activists Are Trying to Change the World

Mali’s music scene is one of the most vibrant in Africa, thanks largely to the pioneering influence of Ali Farka Touré.

Desert Blues: The Legacy Of Ali Farka Touré

Read about Abderrahmane Sissako's powerful depiction of the Islamist occupation of Timbuktu in 2012.

The Devastating Beauty of 'Timbuktu'

Malian filmmaker Souleyman Cissé actively represents and promotes African cinema on the world stage.

Souleymane Cissé: Cinema Between Darkness and Light

Bored with regular sushi? Discover pressed persimmon leaf sushi, one of Japan’s rarest types of sushi, and the five best restaurants to try it in.

The Best Places for Persimmon Leaf Sushi in Nara

"Mali Twist," a survey of the exuberant work of Malian photographer Malick Sidibé, is showing at Paris’s Fondation Cartier until February 26.

The Eternal Youths of Mali Photographer Malick Sidibé

Discover intrigue in the life and work of Malick Sidibe, Mali’s party photographer who captured the free expression of a generation.

Malick Sidibé Is Mali's Party Photographer Par Excellence

Rokia Traoré’s latest album, Beautiful Africa defies the conventions of traditional Malian music, reflecting Traoré’s varied and diasporic past.

The Music of Rokia Traoré: A Diasporic Collage

From mini golf to moonlight towers, read our guide to the 20 must-visit attractions in Austin, Texas.

20 Must-Visit Attractions and Things To Do in Austin

If you’re looking for something memorable to do in Austin, these unique experiences will leave you raring to create a new bucket list.

Quirkiest Things To Do in Austin

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Surprising Ways to See Austin, Texas

The Best Travel, Food and Culture Guides for Texas, USA - Local News & Top Things to Do

Texas

See & Do

20 Must-Visit Attractions and Things To Do in Austin

From mini golf to moonlight towers, read our guide to the 20 must-visit attractions in Austin, Texas.

See & Do

Quirkiest Things To Do in Austin

See & Do

Surprising Ways to See Austin, Texas