Renowned for its music scene and cultural institutions, Austin’s modern skyscrapers rise dramatically from the banks of the Colorado River. Recreational green spaces combine with historic architecture to make it one of the most picturesque cities in Texas, considered the gateway to a range of outdoor pursuits in the Texas Hill Country.

Things to do

The State Capitol is one of Austin’s most impressive architectural landmarks, with its granite and marble cupola rising taller than its counterpart in Washington D.C. Take a guided tour along the Great Walk and pay your respects at the Vietnam War monument, then admire the Greek Revival architecture of the adjacent Texas Governor’s Mansion.

On the other side of the Colorado River lies Zilker Park, home to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum that is dedicated to the life and work of Umlauf, a great American sculptor. If you’re travelling with kids, take a ride on the park’s miniature railway or cool off in the spring-fed swimming pool, then wander around the ancient dinosaur footprints within the Harman Prehistoric Garden.

Want to discover more of Lone Star State’s fascinating history? Then head to the Bullock Texas State History Museum to discover its natural and Native American heritage through interactive exhibits and IMAX screenings. You can also step inside a re-created 1960s Oval Office at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum and learn about his presidential legacy during the rise of the civil rights movement.

Getting around

Most visitors arrive at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, around 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Most of Austin’s attractions are within an easy walking distance of one another, and there are affordable bike-sharing stations dotted throughout the downtown area.