Austin travel guide
United States
Texas's capital is known for live music, breakfast tacos and spring-fed swimming holes. Hot summers push life outdoors into the evenings and onto the water.
Essentials
- Language
- English; Spanish widely spoken
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Plugs
- Type A and B, 120 V
- Emergency number
- 911
- Tipping
- Tipping is expected: around 18-20% at sit-down restaurants and a dollar or two per drink; at counter-service barbecue and food trucks it is optional.
Rough daily budget
Approximate spend per person per day, in US dollars:
- Backpacker: $70-110, with a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport.
- Mid-range: $180-300, with a private room and restaurant meals.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Where to stay in Austin
- South Congress: vintage shops, food trucks and a clear view up to the Capitol.
- East Austin: barbecue, breweries, murals and much of the newer music scene.
- Zilker: the big park by the river, close to Barton Springs Pool.
Getting around Austin
The city is spread out, so most visitors use ride-hailing apps alongside CapMetro buses. The trail around Lady Bird Lake is good for walking, running and cycling.
Best time to visit Austin
March to May and October to November, avoiding the hottest summer months.
Top things to do in Austin
- Swim in Barton Springs Pool, fed by a natural spring that stays cool all year
- Take a free guided tour of the Texas State Capitol, built of pink granite
- Hire a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake for a view of the skyline from the water
- Climb the short stairway up Mount Bonnell for the view over Lake Austin at sunset
- Hear live music at the Continental Club on South Congress or the venues of the Red River district
What to eat in Austin
- Breakfast tacos: soft flour tortillas filled with egg, potato, bacon or chorizo
- Brisket: central Texas barbecue, smoked for hours and sold by the pound
- Queso: a bowl of warm, melted cheese dip served with tortilla chips
- Migas: eggs scrambled with crisp tortilla strips, peppers and cheese
Day trips from Austin
- Lockhart: a small town famous for its old-school barbecue halls, about 45 minutes south by car
- Fredericksburg: a Hill Country town of German heritage, wineries and peach orchards, about 90 minutes west by car
- Hamilton Pool Preserve: a green pool under a collapsed limestone grotto, under an hour by car; reservations are required, and swimming is often closed after rain or for water quality
Local etiquette
Texans are friendly and chatty, so expect strangers to say hello. At barbecue joints you order meat by weight at the counter, and the queue is part of the ritual.
Staying connected
Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from the major US carriers are easy to buy, and free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, which are also popular places to work.
Staying safe
Summer days often pass 38°C (100°F), so carry water and plan outdoor time for mornings and evenings. Heavy rain can flood low roads quickly; never drive or walk through water over a crossing.
A local tip
Between spring and autumn, watch the bats leave the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk.
Visas:rules depend on your nationality and change often – check your own government's official travel advice before you go.
Meet people in Austin on Waypacker
Waypacker is a free travel community: stay with ID-verified local hosts, join meetups and city groups, and ask people who live in Austin for advice. We are new here, so if you live in Austin, you could be one of the first hosts.
Questions about Austin
- What currency is used in Austin?
- Austin uses the US dollar (USD).
- What is the emergency number in Austin?
- In Austin, call 911.
- When is the best time to visit Austin?
- March to May and October to November, avoiding the hottest summer months.
- How much does a day in Austin cost?
- Roughly $70-110 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $180-300 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.
- Is Waypacker free to use in Austin?
- Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.
- Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?
- Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.
- Can I meet locals in Austin without staying with anyone?
- Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.
- Will anyone see my exact location?
- No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.