Mentioned by Two Scots Abroad
Best Places to Take Pictures in Austin: Instagram Spots, Murals +Map
"Opened in 1888 (it replaced a more diminutive structure destroyed by fire in 1881), the Texas Capitol was intended to make a grand statement. Modeled after the U.S. Capitol in a neo-Renaissance style that features the domes, columns, plasterwork, and pediments often associated with classical architecture, it’s just a tad taller than the building that houses our nation’s legislature."
"Before evening sets in, make your way to Lady Bird Lake and watch the bats of Congress Avenue Bridge, which take flight just before sundown. A great way to view them is by taking a ride on Lone Star Riverboat, a genuine double-decker paddle wheel riverboat. Follow this up with a visit to Austin’s burgeoning Warehouse District. First stop off at the Irish pub Fado’s or the popular pub The Ginger Man and drink a pint of beer produced by local brewhouse Live Oak Brewing Company."
"Every year up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats make their home upon a platform beneath the Congress Ave Bridge, forming the largest urban bat colony in North America. It's become an Austin tradition to sit on the grassy banks of Lady Bird Lake and watch the bats swarm out to feed on an estimated 30,000lb (13,500kg) of insects per night. It looks a lot like a fast-moving, black, chittering river. Don't miss this nightly show; best viewing in August."
"Home to Austin institutions such as The Continental Club and the Monkey See Monkey Do novelty store, South Congress is a fun place to while away an afternoon or evening. If you’d like to reward (or appease) your kids, stop in at the Big Top Candy Shop, which sells candies you might remember from childhood as well as treats from around the world. Parts & Labour is another long-term resident of the avenue, offering locally made clothing and gifts."
"If you genuinely want to experience the local Austin atmosphere, South Congress Avenue is one of the best places to visit in Austin. Nicknamed SoCo, it is a hub for visitors and locals to enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment. Walk around the vibrant neighborhood to discover one of the trendiest places in Austin."
"There’s way too much to see and do, from shopping on funky South Congress Avenue to stand-up paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake and seeing live music in one of the many clubs around town. Get ready for three jam-packed days of fun!"
"Originally built in the 1800s, it’s housed every single Texas governor since its creation, and it’s weathered everything from crazy storms to arson attempts from anarchist groups. Free tours are available, but they only take place on certain days, so you’ll need to call ahead. Once you’re inside, you can enjoy a peek behind the governmental curtain as you explore the rooms, halls, furnishings, offices and stairways of Texas’s most prominent politician."
"DowntownHours: Always free Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 2-4pmSee how the governor of our great state lives with a free guided tour of his humble abode. Try slipping the tour guide a $20 to sneak a peek at the sex dungeon (you just know there’s a sex dungeon). Sign up here for our daily Austin email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town."
"The Texas Governor's Mansion, also known simply as Governor's Mansion, is a historic home for the Governor of Texas in downtown Austin. It was built during 1854 and has been the home of every governor since 1856. On June 8, 2008, while midway through a major renovation, the mansion was damaged badly by an arson fire started with a Molotov cocktail."
"Another good view that isn’t really hiking is the Pennybacker bridge. I think the 360 bridge view is actually pretty cool and worth it if you can make it out there."
"This colorful and very unique museum started as a one-story home in the early 1900s and later purchased by James Talbot where he started transforming it into what it has become today. This fantastic home/museum is open for private tours by the owner and is located at 305 W Milton Boldin Creek; you will be transported into different themed rooms and floors and textures and enjoy the many stories Mr. Talbot has related to how his home has transformed into the art is today and why. We strongly suggest you call ahead and book a tour and respect this space since this is a private residence."
"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. ATX Tans is officially open at Gateway Centers!. Look your best with an organic spray tan at the newest luxury tanning studio located on the 2nd floor at Gateway."
"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Hancock Center is among the first shopping malls in Austin. It’s clean, well-organized, and with kind staff."
"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. As a premier shopping center in Austin, Northcross Mall is an ideal place to dine, shop, and engage in fun recreational activities. Ice skating is a popular leisure activity in the mall."
"This warm, inviting restaurant has three locations and Austin is lucky to have one of them. The restaurant prides itself on a range of northern Italian dishes and a flagship dish, Risotto. The restaurant is described simultaneously as 'quaint and like an old church' by some and still others refer to it as 'chic and hip.' Taverna creates an ambiance that encourages building relationships and hanging out."
"Not only is the food incredible, like the Lobster Omelet and Taverna Hash, but their $2 Mimosas and Bellinis 100% also hit the spot. With a price like that you are sure to have more than just one!"
"Tucked away in every Hotel ZaZa is ZaSpa, a sensuous oasis waiting to replenish your mind, body, and soul. Treat yourself to the ultimate luxury experience and Escape to their spa in Austin to discover where holistic and modern healing techniques are combined for a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday. Find your center and Zen out with one of the invigorating spa treatments."
"Hotel ZaZa Austin features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Austin. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property."
"This stylish hotel in Austin’s downtown Warehouse District brings an urban chic aesthetic without pretention, with its finger firmly on the pulse of the city’s creative soul. Art and music are featured prominently throughout, interspersed with little flourishes that inject a sense of fun."
"Along with famous Middle Eastern dishes such as shawarma and kabob warps, this North Austin bakery has a variety of desserts to choose from. Try their baklava with different fillings—walnut, coconut, pistachio or cashew, or order kunafa for a savory pastry made of shredded phyllo dough and layered with cheese."
"The Middle Eastern bakery offers a bunch of baklava options, from pistachio to even vegan, alongside a good variety of cookies. To-go orders can be placed in person or over the phone. The restaurant has reopened for on-site services."