About Austin
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas. With a population of 961,855 at the 2020 census, it is the 12th-most populous city in the U.S., fifth-most populous city in Texas, and second-most populous U.S. state capital, while the Austin metro area with an estimated 2.55 million residents is the 25th-largest metropolitan area in the nation. Austin is the county seat and most populous city of Travis County, with portions extending into Hays and Williamson counties. Incorporated on December 27, 1839, it has been one of the fastest-growing large cities in the United States since 2010.
Cheap flights to Austin
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $481 from Miami, travelling 19 Nov – 29 Nov. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- LON London to Austin11 Jan – 1 Feb · AUS from$973
- DUB Dublin to Austin5 Nov – 14 Nov · AUS from$870
- EDI Edinburgh to Austin9 Nov – 18 Nov · AUS from$984
- MAN Manchester to Austin7 Dec – 11 Dec · AUS from$1,191
- HEL Helsinki to Austin25 Oct – 26 Nov · AUS from$1,324
- CPH Copenhagen to Austin21 Nov – 29 Nov · AUS from$1,083
- PRG Prague to Austin16 Dec – 24 Dec · AUS from$1,359
- GLA Glasgow to Austin2 Dec – 9 Dec · AUS from$1,270
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Finnair, Aer Lingus, American Airlines.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to AustinPlaces to visit in Austin
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Texas State Capitol
Landmark · 2 mi from centreA pink granite capitol that stands taller than the U.S. Capitol, with free tours of the rotunda and legislative chambers and expansive landscaped grounds dotted with monuments and shady trees.
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Lady Bird Lake
Park · 4 mi from centreA river reservoir running through downtown, circled by a popular hike-and-bike trail; rent a kayak or paddleboard for views of the skyline from the water on a warm afternoon.
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Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Nature · 3 mi from centreIn warmer months, a huge colony of Mexican free-tailed bats emerges from under this bridge at dusk, a remarkable spectacle best watched from the bridge, the riverbanks or a sunset boat cruise.
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Barton Springs Pool
Nature · 3 mi from centreA large spring-fed swimming pool in Zilker Park that stays cool all year, a beloved local spot for a refreshing swim or a lazy afternoon on the grassy banks on a hot Texas day.
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Zilker Metropolitan Park
Park · 4 mi from centreAustin's central park offers open lawns, a botanical garden, a nature preserve and canoe rentals on Barton Creek, and is home each autumn to the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
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Sixth Street
EntertainmentThe city's famous strip of bars, clubs and live music venues, at its busiest on weekend nights, and a good place to experience why Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World.
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Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
MuseumOn the University of Texas campus, this presidential library covers LBJ's life, the Great Society and the civil rights era, with a detailed replica of his Oval Office and archival displays.
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Blanton Museum of Art
MuseumThe university's art museum has a wide-ranging collection from European paintings to Latin American art, and includes Ellsworth Kelly's Austin, a chapel-like building glowing with colored glass windows.
Things to do in Austin by type
5 tours, tickets and experiences across 1 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
- 3-6 hours 2
- 1-3 hours 2
Top experiences in Austin
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 5 available.
Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour from Austin
From $106 per adult
Secret Food Tours Austin Downtown
From $89 per adult
Secret Food Tour: Austin Express Tour
From $77 per adult
Where to stay in Austin
Popular hotels in Austin, out of 361 properties you can book.
Hilton Austin Airport
From $138 per night
Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Con
From $203 per night
Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Central
From $105 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol Distri
From $208 per night
Hilton Austin
From $252 per night
Doubletree Suites Hilton Austin Downtown Capitol
From $245 per night
Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown University
From $136 per night
Fairmont Austin
From $399 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown
From $173 per night
The Line Austin
From $307 per night
Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown - University By IHG
From $135 per night
Horseshoe Bay Resort
From $231 per night
Best time to visit Austin
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Austin is March and October to November, when average daytime highs are around 71–84°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Austin weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 82° 55° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 85° 69° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 84° 66° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 84° 65° 3%
- Sun 25 Oct 80° 66° 4%
- Mon 26 Oct 80° 66° 6%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Austin
These are the airports closest to central Austin. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- AUS Austin-Bergstrom International Airport8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
Getting around Austin
Generally, the feasibility of seeing Austin by foot depends largely on the weather
By bike
Though there are some exceptions, most of downtown Austin is reasonably bike friendly. There is a high concentration of cyclists in the city, and many trails around town.
By bus
Austin has a generally mediocre public transit system - even by the already low U.S. standards. Austinites seem to think the same and in November 2020 they approved one of the most ambitious public transit expansion plans in North America. Expect new rail lines, improvements to bus services and better bus routes (including bus rapid transit (BRT)) in the 2020s and into the 2030s.
By car
Once you get used to how the city is laid out, driving is not too difficult if you're used to living in a large city, but expect drivers to be rather aggressive, be assertive yourself when it is safe, and don't expect to be graciously let into a lane if you need to go across several lanes to make a turn Downtown or suddenly get presented with an exit-only lane on the highway. In fact, many Austinites say that people in this city are friendly and welcoming everywhere except when they are in their cars.
Austin travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Austin?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Austin is March and October to November, when average daytime highs are around 71–84°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
What is the weather like in Austin?
August is usually the warmest month in Austin, with average highs of 98°F (37°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 40°F (4°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 195 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Austin?
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from the centre of Austin.
How much are flights to Austin?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Austin in the last 30 days was $481 from Miami, travelling 19 Nov – 29 Nov. November is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $481.
What time zone is Austin in?
Austin uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Austin?
Generally, the feasibility of seeing Austin by foot depends largely on the weather
What are the best places to visit in Austin?
Top sights in Austin include Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake, Congress Avenue Bridge Bats and Barton Springs Pool. A pink granite capitol that stands taller than the U.S. Capitol, with free tours of the rotunda and legislative chambers and expansive landscaped grounds dotted with monuments and shady trees.
What are the top things to do in Austin?
Popular experiences you can book in Austin include Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour from Austin, Secret Food Tours Austin Downtown and Secret Food Tour: Austin Express Tour. Destina Holidays offers 5 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Austin?
The most popular types of experiences in Austin are gastronomy & nightlife (3), shows, sports and special events (1) and city tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Austin?
Popular areas for hotels in Austin include Airport, Austin and North. Well-reviewed options include Hilton Austin Airport and Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Con.
How many hotels can I book in Austin?
Destina Holidays currently lists 361 properties in and around Austin, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
