This Texas city seems to offer everything you could possibly want and then a good dollop of that something extra that makes it such an attractive and somewhat eccentric destination. There are tons of things to see and do in Austin, including funky record stores, loads of live music venues - for various tastes and an art scene that may surprise some.
If you didn't know already, Austin is the state capital of Texas and is seen as a somewhat musical city with a rich heritage, after all its the place that gave the world Willie Nelson and Janis Joplin. It is also a little weird - No that's not an insult, the city puts a fair amount of effort to 'Keep Austin weird' a mantle the locals say with pride. You'll see more local stores here than pretty much anywhere in the U.S. from the airport to the outskirts.
The mighty Colorado River flows right through the centre of Austin which adds a European flavour to the city but also gives the region a wonderful natural playground to enjoy during the long hot summer. Plus there are great lakes such as Travis and Austin and dozens of water holes that provide super places to play and cool down.
It might not be as well known as the Californian region of Silicon Valley, but Austin's own tech centre, 'Silicon Hills' is one of the fastest-growing high-tech centres in the U.S. with firms like Meta, Apple and Tesla all having big bases there.
Fantastic Four.......
Four of the best live music venues in the city.....
1. Antone's
Antone’s, known as Austin’s “Home of the Blues,” is located on Fifth Street in the Downtown area and named after and founded by Clifford Antone. It has a rich and colourful history and in its previous locations it has played host to such stars like Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Fats Domino, James Brown, Ray Charles and so many others.
2. The Elephant Room
This is one of the key destinations to any Jazz fan as it is home to great local jazz musicians and has such an intimate feel to it that visitors come back time after time.
3. Friends Bar
Nothing to do with the TV sit-com, but a wonderful place to go for good live blues and rock music, good food and of course a drink! It is right in the heart of the Sixth Street area and has built up a good reputation and is worthy of a place in this fantastic four.
4. Coconut Club
Located in the Warehouse District, this is the venue where all the 'cool cats' hang out and where the city's best DJs and performers strut their stuff. You'll need to dress to impress to perhaps get the most out of your visit, but also enjoy views up top as it looks over the streets of the downtown area.
See below for a special offer from Virgin Atlantic for flights to Austin from London Heathrow.
Four of the best hotels
1. Crown Plaza
Often classed as one of the Best Hotels in Austin, The Crown Plaza is located at the crossroads of I 35 and Highway 290 and is in the centre of all the action and attractions in the area. It offers great service and all the amenities of a top-class hotel.
Crowne Plaza Austin
2. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt in Austin is a true Texas charmer that speaks to your inner rebel. Located on Rainey Street in the historic district, there’s always something to do and see around here that keeps Austin weird. Make a splash at our rooftop deck’s cool pool with cushy cabanas and coveted views. Sit for a show on our own stage and enjoy classic Texas food and drinks just how you want them in the most enviable setting. It’s a sophisticated kind of unconventional!
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
3. Fairmont Austin
This is a landmark hotel in the downtown area and stands at some 37 floors high with over a thousand rooms and suites. But, it is more than just a hotel, its Fairmont Spa is an attraction in itself and the restaurant Garrison, which is dedicated to perfecting the evolving blend of ingredients, technique and stories that create extraordinary cuisine is a popular choice.
This is a fine example of Hilton Hospitality in the heart of the downtown area in Austin and attached to the convention centre. It has a rooftop pool which is great to enjoy the views of the downtown area and plenty of facilities.
Four of the best activities
1. Lake Austin Riverboats
As the longest-running riverboat operation in Texas and an official boat of the Texas Navy, Lake Austin Riverboats provides a party venue as unique as Austin itself. Ideal for any function like a birthday, company party, meeting, group event, banquet or just a cruise - oh and just five minutes from downtown Austin.
2. Austin Duck Tours
Nope, this isn't a tour for our feathered little quacking friends. This is an amphibious tour that includes tours of downtown Austin and beautiful Lake Austin in U.S. coast guard inspected, Hydra Terra vehicles. Austin Duck Adventures is Austin's best tour with 75 minutes of sightseeing that includes Historic Sixth Street, the State Capitol Building, Bob Bullock State History Museum, the Governor's Mansion, and Lake Austin.
3. The Old Bakery Building
The Old Bakery Building has been an Austin icon on Congress Avenue since 1876, when Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg opened what became one of the city’s largest and most successful bakeries. For 60 years the building housed bakers who supplied bread and pastries to locals and visitors headed to the Capitol. It doesn't bake anymore, but it is still a lovely art gallery and museum.
4. The Statehouse.
This large granite building houses the Texas statehouse which stands as a testament to the history of the Lone Star State. The Texas Capitol is widely recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished state capitols. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC SPECIAL FLIGHT OFFER
To mark the launch of the new Virgin Atlantic service to Austin we have a very special offer where you can get up to £150 off..... Virgin will start the route on 25th May and fly direct from London Heathrow with the flights operating on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flight time from London is around 10 hours.
Up to £40 off Economy Return Flights to Austin, TXUp to £40 off Premium Return Flights to Austin, TXUp to £150 off Upper-Class Return Flights to Austin, TX
The small print....
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
**Up to £150 off flights to Austin, TX
Get up to £150 off per person saving when you use promo code AUSVA on virginatlantic.com only. Up to £40 off Economy and Premium and up to £150 off Upper Class. Saving applied to price when promotional code is entered. This promotional applies to all new return bookings to Austin, TX only departing from any applicable UK airport. Discount is applicable to all travel periods excluding travel in between 17 October 2022 and 26 October 2022. Applies to bookings made between Friday 18th March 2022 and Friday 1st April 2022. Any fare which is less than £40 (excluding taxes, charges and surcharges) will only be applicable of a discount to make the fare £1. Any fare priced at £1 is excluded from this offer. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional code. Bookings can only be made via the web only.
Bookings are subject to availability and Virgin Atlantic conditions of carriage apply
Virgin Atlantic reserves the right to (i) withdraw the promotion (ii) cancel or change the promotion, (iii) amend these terms and conditions at any time if circumstances make this necessary and without further notice.
These Terms and Conditions are subject to English Law and exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
The amount you save will be calculated after you enter the promotional code within the ‘Advanced search’ drop-down of the search panel. The price shown will have the discount applied, confirmed by the ‘Voucher code applied’ message appearing.
