Cheap Flights to Austin-Bergstrom

Founded in 1839, Austin is the state capital of Texas but it's much more than just a political nexus. In fact, sometimes politics can seem like a sideshow in this freewheeling, bohemian city, where "keeping it weird" is an obligation, not a problem, and where music festivals seem to take place every week. Maybe it's the huge student population and the hot Texan climate, but Austin-Bergstrom has a creativity and feel that makes it unique -- as you'll discover after you touch down. If you just want to do the tourist thing, go right ahead. Austin's got everything you need, from the State Capitol and Governors Mansion to the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the amazing book collection at the Harry Ransom Center and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden as well as the LBJ Presidential Library. But Austinites will always recommend going deeper; head to festivals like SXSW or Austin City Limits, see a little of the Texas countryside on the Hill Country Flyer steam railway, get a feel for history at the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms or just take a seat at the bar on Rainey Street and enjoy the country music, craft beer and Texan hospitality. There's honestly no destination like it.

Things to do

Austin-Bergstrom is Austin's major airport, and it's really close to the city itself. After you've settled into your hotel, you won't have any shortage of things to do. From food and drink to world-class music... Austin's got it all.

• A magnet for the world's greatest musicians

Every year, Austin attracts rock, hip-hop, electronica and plenty of other types of music act to South by Southwest (in March) and Austin City Limits (in October) - two of the world's hippest, most diverse musical events. Don't miss them if you are in town. Otherwise, look into what's on and enjoy performances is one of the many music venues around the city.

• Take a delicious Austin food and drink tour

Gastronomy is another string to Austin's bow. Book yourself for a Food Tour of the city, taking in the cafés and restaurants on San Jacinto Street and the craft beer joints on Rainey Street. Try the best Texas BBQ you've ever had and some out-of-this-world Mexican street food.

• Relax in beautiful surroundings

If you can't stand another museum or gig, Austin offers plenty of relaxing alternatives. None are more enjoyable or beautiful than strolling around the Zilker Botanical Garden. Christened "the Jewel in the Heart of Austin", it more than lives up to its promise.

Calendar of Events

When you're in Austin-Bergstrom, your visit will almost certainly coincide with a major event. Some highlights of the year include:

• SXSW. March's South by Southwest Festival has been Austin's signature festival since 1987. Nowadays, it represents five solid days of incredible bands and film screenings.

• Pecan Street Festival. Taking place in late September, the Pecan Street Festival is a great arts and crafts event, offering locally made clothes, jewellery and more as well as an entertaining music lineup, too.

• The Austin Ice Cream Festival. In early August, Fiesta Gardens hosts this typically Austinite event, where endless ice cream flavours mingle with ice sculpting contests, remote control boat competitions and live music.