Downtown Austin population: 650,000
Overview
Austin’s downtown has been going through a renaissance. Old warehouses have been replaced by swanky restaurants and high-rise condos. But if you know where to look, great spots abound – both new and old.
FOOD
For older Austin-style institutions try out Mike’s Pub and devour a greasy burger in this dive of a restaurant. If the tables are full, you’ll be eating on a pool table covered with a plywood board. Or try Texas Chili Parlor and have a hot bowl of the official food of Texas (which is chili if you didn’t know). And then there’s Stubb’s BBQ, which is not only a great place for ‘Que, but also live music. For something brighter grab a sandwich at Jo’s Coffee in the Second Street District or grab some tasty Tex-Mex at the Iron Cactus on 6th.
CULTURE
For entertainment and some history, head to the Texas Capitol to shout your name while standing on the star of the Capitol rotunda. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some Texas Legislators in action and making laws. Young families will enjoy the Austin Children’s Museum with lots of hands-on activities. For shopping, browse the Second Street District and stop to take a peek in Austin’s City Hall. You might even hear some live music emanating from its steps. But if you want to hear some MUSIC in the “Live Music Capital of the World” then wait for the sun to go down and head to any choice of venues on Sixth Street or Red River. Sixth will offer you a mix of rock and blues while Red River will give you the latest in hipster music and trends.
OUTDOORS
If you are looking to spend some time under the Texas sun, take a walk around the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, or rent a kayak or canoe from the Texas Rowing Center and hit the water.
