The administrative capital of a state of 25.1 million inhabitants (2010), Austin has a large construction activity due to the city's expansion. With a population of 947,890, according to the latest U. S. Census Bureau estimates (2016), Austin is the fourth most populous city in Texas and fourteenth in the United States. Austin has a population of more than 1.9 million, the 35th largest in the United States.
A popular city thousands of years ago
Few people know this, but Austin is not a recent city per se. Indeed, according to specialists, there were already inhabitants in 9200 BC. Impressive, isn't it?
Austin, the birthplace of Wholefoods
You know the famous Wholefoods stores? Well, know that the very first of them opened its doors in Austin in 1978. This chain of stores is the result of a project by two students who, after dropping out of school, wanted to open an organic store. What we can say is that the bet was successful.
One of the safest cities in the country
If you are looking for a safe city in the United States, you must definitely take a closer look at what the beautiful city of Austin has to offer.
One of the sunniest cities in the world
Did you think we could only find sunshine in Florida or California? Well, know that in Austin, in the heart of Texas, there are about 300 days of sunshine a year. So, are you ready to reconsider your next destination?
"Live music capital of the world "
In the early 1990s, Austin dubbed itself "live music capital of the world". This is due to the fact that Austin had the highest percentage of live music scenes per capita compared to other American cities at the time. Every year, people from all over the world travel to Austin to take advantage of the many music festivals offered there.
Capital of bats
In addition to being the capital of Texas, Austin is considered to be the capital of bats. Several million of them travel there between March and November. An additional animal can be observed nearby. Surprise, more than 1 million Mexican bats drowsy under Congress Bridge, from March to November. It is the largest urban colony in the world. Mammals take advantage of their stay in Texas to reproduce, and play stars at sunset. Visitors gather on deck, on the banks of the Colorado River or on one of the boats organizing cruises for the occasion. The twilight flight of animal hordes provokes amusement, as well as fear or disgust in some people. Their typical squeaks (it's the name of their scream) crackle the atmosphere in a climate of apocalypto-fantastic film.
A capitol more impressive than Washington DC's.
In Austin, we like to see things big. If you go there, you will quickly notice the impressive capitol. The latter is higher and larger than that of the American capital. Inside, there are almost 400 rooms.
"Keep Austin weird." Literally,"Keep Austin strange." The city's slogan clearly depicts the singular and sometimes almost crazy character of the Texas capital. Of "capital", this city of less than 900,000 inhabitants (only the fourth largest population in Texas) nevertheless has classic attributes.
First of all the Capitol, inevitably. Its dome and neo-Renaissance lines dominate the centre of Austin on a square of four blocks. The geometrical construction is surrounded by flowerbeds and fragments of greenery equally symmetrically arranged. Benches invite you to a contemplative rest between the discovery of statues, sculptures or other historical plaques at random in the park of 9 hectares. The pink granite structure, 94 metres high (larger than Washington D. C.!) deserves a stopover. It houses about 400 rooms, the Governor's offices, a gallery of sighs and is bathed in light thanks to its 9,000 windows.
The boundaries of the campus are only a few blocks to the north. This is the headquarters of the University of Texas and no less than 50,000 students attend it. For the tourist, the interest of walking the square kilometers of this real city in the city is undeniable. It includes seventeen libraries, buildings of remarkable architecture and seven museums. Ideal to embellish a stroll on this zone imbued with studous serenity.
A conurbation of major importance must offer museums for all tastes. Austin is no exception. Between the campus and the Capitol Hill on Congress Avenue, Bob Bullock is the Museum of Texas History. On these three floors dedicated to the Lone Star State (the state's nickname, referring to the star on its flag), a captivating interactivity, a special effects cinema and a 400-seat IMAX.
For art lovers, head for The Contemporary, which includes two sites: Laguna Gloria, in a natural environment near Lake Austin, and Jones Center. The latter, a modern white building on Congress Avenue, has just been renovated. Contemporary art still dominates, but now covers almost 7,000 square metres. Don't miss the rooftop very "green" oasis in the heart of downtown.
Given the proximity of Mexico, adjacent to Texas, it is not surprising that there is an institution dedicated to works of the country. Also on Congress Avenue, the Mexic-Arte Museum organizes very eclectic exhibitions on various themes. A good introduction to Latin American art in this welcoming Downtown building.
Downtown is just as "welcoming" in the evening... As you can see, Austin is wearing his extravagant clothes. This is where this famous "" aspect is revealed, the backside of the decor, the front side (or tile, depending on). The quintessence of this madness concentrates on 6th Street, commonly called Dirty Sixth (the 6th Obscene, i. e...). The luminous signs of the establishments swarm and metamorphose the darkness into an almost screaming chiaroscuro. Dissolved places include, for example, the Coyote Ugly Saloon, where barmaids perform behind... and on zinc, restaurants served by employees who are not well dressed, and bars where mechanical bulls ("Ride the bull! The crowd responds to the call during the city's nocturnal moult. The night is hectic, sweaty, crowded.
During the day, the Hope Outdoor Gallery is a must-see gathering point for lovers of unique activities. On a hill, Castle Hill, towards Shoal Creek, this graffiti park allows artists, like tourists, to express their talent on long walls erected on several levels. The site, managed by a non-profit organization, has been open for five years, but can close - or more likely be moved - at any time. It is thus necessary to quickly explore this nugget as ephemeral as the realizations we admire: cartoons, Master Yoda, animals, political and personal messages... Whatever the eclecticism of tags, their flashy colors impress the eye. The view of Austin and its majestic skyline from Downtown is breathtaking. Add to this a slight breeze that breaks the ambient tufting, and the painting is intoxicating.
And furnaces are common in Texas. Essential, therefore, to know precious spots to refresh oneself. In this respect, the Barton Springs are self-evident. This sensational open-air swimming pool, southwest of the centre, is continuously fed by natural springs. You can bathe there all year round in crystal clear water at 20°C in the middle of Zilker Park. The atmosphere is a mix of family outings and trips with friends. On the banks, parents with little marmots and beach games meet groups of ephebes and young topless women. Because yes, the practice is allowed in Austin. Between dives in the pools - no worries, depth up to 5.50 meters - and sunbathing on the lawn, the break is a success. It is rare to note that Barton Springs' salamander, an endangered endemic species, lives here.
Along the same bridge to the south, one disembarks on South Congress Avenue, nicknamed SoCo, another haven of commotion. Window shopping tackles intriguing fronts. At the height of unbelievable shops, stuck between restaurants and bars: Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds (or the Mecca of disguise and accessories, some of which are largely eccentric...), Blackmail (for the perfect punk or gothic panoply) or Uncommon Objects (or Ali Baba's cave from the original-vintage decoration), As for Allen's Boots, this boot shop is a delight to the eye of the foreign newcomer. But for a Texan, nothing more usual.
In order to complete the portrait apart from the city, it seems necessary to mention the countless events that take place there on a regular basis. Only one, and not the least, will be mentioned here. Go to Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon for Sunday blues. The Chicken Shit Bingo is held every week in what looks like a raging barracks. The concept? Buy a $2 ticket with a number on it. In a cage, with a bottom made up of a squared board, a chicken (a star!) is enclosed - the poultry is fed abundantly. In the overheated and very dark room, bettors wait impatiently for the bird to defecate. Whoever's seen his chosen number wins the bets. All while the Honky Tonk (a country style) is in full swing.
