Austin Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Austin

Despite the official status of Texas' capital, Austin never fails to surprise visitors with its unique artsy community and lively atmosphere. The city proudly wears the title of "The Live Music Capital of the World" thanks to the eclectic live-music scene centered around country, blues and rock, established since the 1970s by the likes of Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

The European pioneers began to settle the area of present-day Austin during the 1830s. In 1839, after the Texans won their independence from Mexico, the site was chosen to replace Houston as the capital of the Republic of Texas and was incorporated under the name "Waterloo". Shortly afterwards, it was renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas" and the republic's first secretary of state.

A period after the American Civil War saw dramatic population and economic growth in the city. Austin gained further prominence during the 1880s as a center for government, following the construction of the Texas State Capitol in 1888. Leading up to its steps, the iconic Congress Avenue serves as a ceremonial boulevard, lined with numerous businesses and entertainment venues. Many Austinites attribute its enduring popularity to the magnificent and unobstructed view of the Capitol building. Another attraction is the Congress Avenue Bridge, housing the world's largest urban population of Mexican free-tailed bats – starting in March, up to 1.5 million bats take up residence here, attracting annually more than 100,000 viewers.

After a severe lull in economic growth from the Great Depression, Austin resumed steady development, and in the second half of the 20th century emerged as one of Texas' major metropolitan centers. Nicknamed "Silicon Hills" during the 1990s for a rapid influx of technology and development companies, it also has adopted the unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird", stemming from the desire of locals to protect small, unique, and otherwise peculiar businesses and to promote eccentricity and diversity. The city even has its own Museum of the Weird.

Austin boasts a wealth of historic and modern architecture manifested in the likes of the Driskill Hotel, built in 1886, and the Rainey Street Historic District, consisting mostly of bungalow-style homes from the early 20th century. Lovers of literature may also be interested in visiting the O. Henry Museum – the writer's residence in Austin from 1893 to 1895.

For a more detailed acquaintance with some of Austin's most prominent attractions, take this self-guided introductory walk.