Austin

Austin, Texas has one of the most prominent and active LGBTQ populations in the United States.

City Overview

Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas. It is the 11th-most-populous city and southernmost state capital in the contiguous United States. Residents of Austin are known as Austinites.

The city's official slogan promotes Austin as "The Live Music Capital of the World", a reference to the city's many musicians and live music venues.

Austin have been the site of human habitation since at least 9200 BC.

During the 1830s, pioneers began to settle the area in central Austin along the Colorado River. In 1835–1836, Texans fought and won independence from Mexico.

Texas thus became an independent country with its own president, congress, and monetary system. In 1839, the Texas Congress formed a commission to seek a site for a new capital of the Republic of Texas to replace Houston.

Most of Austin's gay bars and nightclubs are clustered around 4th Street\Warehouse District.

According to a survey completed in 2014 by Gallup, it is estimated that 5.3% of residents in the Austin metropolitan area identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender which was the third-highest rate in the USA.

Getting Around

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro) provides public transportation to the city, primarily with its MetroBus local bus service, the MetroExpress express bus system, as well as a bus rapid transit service, MetroRapid.

Getting around is relative easy with different types of bus services.

Airport Transfer

Austin's primary airport is Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) located 5 miles (8 km) southeast of the city.

The travel time from Austin airport to downtown is around 20 minutes by taxi and If you go by bus takes around 40 minutes travel time. The cheapest way from Austin airport to downtown is by bus no 20 with the fare around $2 USD and taxi will cost closer to $40 USD depending your final destination.

Places to stay

The heart of Austin city, Austin Downtown is home to many famous tourist spots, such as the Texas State Capitol Building, and historic landmarks such as the Paramount Theatre and the Frost Bank Tower.

Downtown Austin is definitely the best place to stay for first-time visitors to the city.

East Austin is one of the city’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods with its wide range of diversity. Because of its central location right next to Downtown, it is the place to find all the coolest hipster hangouts! East Austin is the #1 gaybourhood in Austin, which is not surprising given how close it is to the downtown.

Red River Cultural District is the unique and vibrant nightlife area in Austin. This happening neighbourhood is actually a small part of the downtown area with an abundance of rooftop bars, nightclubs, and trendy hipster restaurants you can check out in this district.

Bars, Clubs & Parties

The iconic bars in Austin include Oilcan Harry's, Highland Lounge, Rain on 4th, The Iron Bear and Cheer Up Charlie's, which has repeatedly won "Best LGBTQ Nightclub" in Austin.

Cafes & Restaurants

Austin’s super gay-friendly/inclusive vibe extends to its burgeoning foodie scene, but there are some LGBTQ institutions you just are not going to want to miss.

Halcyon Coffee Bar and Lounge is a hip, happening coffee lounge serving food, alcohol, and yes – coffee! – opposite the 4th street gay district next to the gay clubs,

Santa Rita Tex-Mex Catina located in North Austin, Santa Rita might be a decent hike from the main Austin gay area, but it is still known as a hot spot for queer locals to get some of the best Tex-Mex in town.

Saunas

Sadly, for one of the gayest cities in the world the is currently no operating gay sauna in Austin.

Austin also has a gay sunbathing area located at Hippie Hollow Park.

Main LGBT Events

The annual Austin Pride Parade and Festival typically tasks place in August and is organized by the Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation.

Austin Gay Rodeo occurs every year in September with all profits donated to charity, the Austin Gay Rodeo is not to be missed! An annual event aimed at encouraging LGBTQ participation in western-related activities and showing that rodeo is not merely a straight man’s game.

Splash Days Austin is a huge event that attracts gays from all over Texas and the US who are looking to take advantage of the Labour Day Weekend in September. Plenty of circuit parties and club events take place at this time, but the focus is actually on an all-out party at the clothing-optional Hippy Hallow Beach at Lake Travis.

The Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival is held to showcase local and international LGBT-themed films and arts that takes place every year in September.

The Austin International Drag Festival is the when the crème de la crème of the Drag world gathers in Austin annually in November for everything drag related.

Other

Currency – United States Dollar (USD)

Language – English

Visas – Most visitors from Europe do not need a visa. ESTA permits citizens of 40 countries to enter the US without a visa.

Best Time To Visit – March - November

Timezone – Varies per state. Check per destination.

Homosexual Activity – Legal but attitudes vary per state