Fiscal city guide: Austin, Texas
Located in the center of Texas, Austin is a beautiful southern city known for its vibrant nightlife, live music and growing community of young professionals.
Also serving as the state's capital, Austin is the 13th most populous city in the United States and the fourth most populous in Texas.
Although the city sees travelers year-round, during this time of the year, Austin hosts its annual South by Southwest (SXSW) music and film festival.
Travelers from all over the world have made their way into the city.
In honor of the event, we've compiled a list of affordable hotels and attractions perfect for a trip to Austin.
HOTELS:
Address: 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX
Average rate per night: $289
Address: 11601 Domain Drive, Austin, TX
Average rate per night: $189
Best Western Plus Austin city hotel
Address: 2200 South I-35, Austin, TX
Average rate per night: $180
Address: 6121 North IH 35, Austin, TX
Average rater per night: $172
Address: 10901 Domain Drive, Austin, TX
Average rater per night: $169
BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION:
Single ride: $1.75
10 ride booklet: $17.50
Monthly pass: $46.50
FREE AND CHEAP THINGS TO DO:
Take a tour of the State Capitol
Price: Free
Hike up Mount Bonnell
Price: Free
Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Price: $10
Take a segway tour around the city
Price: $79 - $89
Watch -- and play -- the light show at the Liz Carpenter Fountain
Price: Free
SIGHTS TO SEE:
South Congress Avenue
South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo Ave, is a trendy block in Austin's South Congress neighborhood. The area is known for it's hip bars, boutique shops and delicious restaurants. (Not to mention the abundance of live music venues.)
HOPE outdoor gallery
As one of the largest outdoor galleries in the United States, the HOPE Outdoor Gallery (HOG) was originally created to serve as a space for muralists, graffiti artists and community groups to display large scale art pieces for a positive cause. However, the HOG quickly earned notoriety and became a popular attraction amongst tourists.
Barton Springs Pool
Located in Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees. The large pool is ideal for year-round swimming.
Texas State Cemetery
The famous cemetery is known for the many leaders in the state of Texas who have been laid to rest there. It became a staple in the community whenPresident George W. Bush (governor at the time) established a three-member Texas State Cemetery Committee to help the cemetery serve as a tribute to the many fallen Texas leaders.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Bat watching is a popular pastime in Austin, particularly at the Congress Avenue Bridge. Every summer night, tourists and locals alike gather to see the world's largest urban bat colony take flight from under the famous bridge.
Enjoy!
Related: How to save money on a road trip
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