James Wong

Read the latest articles by James Wong at Thrillist

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Austin

Nation

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Events

There might not be a more divisive event in Austin than South by Southwest.

A Local’s Guide to Avoiding SXSW Crowds in Austin

Thrillist Event Guides

Thrillist’s city guide to everything you can do this year—from festivals to art exhibits to outdoor activities.

Thrillist Annual Event Guides: Every Event Happening in Your City This Year

Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III, courtesy Red River Cultural District


Whether you know it as the Live Music Capital of the World, Bat City, or its more formally recognized government-issued name, you better believe there’s something going down in Austin every night of the week.

23 Things You Have to Do in Austin This Year

Courtesy Otopia

Drink

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Fall in Austin isn’t just a season, it’s a city game-changer.

Cheers to the Best Rooftop Bars in Austin

Thrillist Itineraries

Thrillist destination guides with local expertise to help with everything you need to know before embarking on your next adventure.

Thrillist Itineraries Destination Guides: Things to Do and Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling

Photo by Tom Parker for Thrillist

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

Anyone can pull together a guide to London that features all the expected heavy hitters—Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the V&A, the Harry Potter platform at Kings Cross.

Think Outside the Buckingham Box with This Local-Approved London Itinerary

New Orleans

Atlanta

Miami

Dallas

Houston

We're Out Here

This LGBTQ+ travel and experience hub features adventure-inspiring itineraries, pride celebrations around the world, guides, and profiles.

We’re Out Here: LGBTQ+ Travel Ideas & Pride Celebrations

Photos courtesy of Oilcan Harry's, Atlanta Eagle, and Cafe Lafitte in Exile

NYC’s Stonewall, The Black Cat in Los Angeles, the world’s first official transgender district in San Francisco—these are the pillars of LGBTQ+ history that most recognize.

Historic LGBTQ+ Sites in the South You Didn’t Know Existed

Photo courtesy of Alaska

There was life on the scene before RuPaul’s Drag Race, and then there was life after.

Here’s How You Should Be Behaving in Queer Spaces, According to Drag Queens 

Hinterhaus Productions/DigitalVision/Getty Images

Group travel can make or break relationships.

A Drama-Free Guide to Splitting Vacation Costs with Your Friends

Courtesy Trona


The Best Speakeasy Bars in Austin for a Clandestine Cocktail

Spirit Free

The non-alcoholic beverage resource for the sober curious, mindful drinker, or those wanting a spirit-free drink where the booze is optional, but flavor is not.

Spirit Free: Ultimate Non-Alcoholic Drink Guide - Thrillist

Courtesy Swift Fit Events

Entertainment

Thrillist's entertainment section covers every facet of popular culture. If you care about television, music, film, or celeb news; we've got it covered.

Entertainment - Latest Entertainment & Pop Culture News - Thrillist

We may be halfway through January but it’s never too late to put things right.

Your Sober Guide to Having Fun in Austin Right Now

Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images

There aren’t many US airports that give you a real taste of a city, at least not like Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (also known as AUS or ABIA).

The Ultimate Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Killing Time at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

All Time Greats

Thrillist's All-Time Greats features bucket list experiences—everything from what to see, eat, and do in cities around the U.S. like NYC, Los Angeles, Miami, and more.

All Time Greats: Best Things to Do in the U.S. for Your Bucket List

Courtesy of Antone’s Nightclub, Photo-illustration by Thrillist

Lifestyle

When it comes to things to do, the Texas capital is a playground of wide and varying adventure.

The 18 All-Time Greatest Things to Do in Austin

Wander Musts

Thrillist readers can receive packing advice and practical tips on how to improve their own travel experience and what to purchase for their next trip from frequent world travelers.

Wander Musts: Travel Essentials and What to Pack for a Trip

Design by Maitane Romagosa for Thrillist | Photo by Michael Simon

I started taking the train when I was around 14 or 15 years old.

James Wong

Latest Posts From James

A Local’s Guide to Avoiding SXSW Crowds in Austin

Tips from a local on surviving South by Southwest when you’re trying to avoid the lanyard-clad crowds in Austin this March

23 Things You Have to Do in Austin This Year

These are the must-hit festivals, concerts, events, and most fun things to do this year in Austin, broken down by month.

Cheers to the Best Rooftop Bars in Austin

For when the sun is out—in a fun way, not the unbearably hot way.

Think Outside the Buckingham Box with This Local-Approved London Itinerary

The Big Smoke is all that and a bag of crisps. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

Historic LGBTQ+ Sites in the South You Didn’t Know Existed

From historic gay bars to queer churches, celebrate these LGBTQ+ businesses and landmarks in the South.

Here’s How You Should Be Behaving in Queer Spaces, According to Drag Queens

Drag performers—including ‘Drag Race’ star Alaska—give their best advice for how to act in queer spaces.

A Drama-Free Guide to Splitting Vacation Costs with Your Friends

Follow our tried and tested expert tips so you never fall out with your travel buddies over money again.

The Best Speakeasy Bars in Austin for a Clandestine Cocktail

Tucked away from the crowd, these hidden gems and Austin speakeasy bars are perfect for a secret rendezvous.

Your Sober Guide to Having Fun in Austin Right Now

Spirit-free drinks doesn’t mean you can’t have a free-spirited, good time in Bat City.

The Ultimate Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Killing Time at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

JuiceLand smoothies, Tacodeli breakfast tacos, indie bookshop reads—there’s plenty to keep you busy during a layover.

The 18 All-Time Greatest Things to Do in Austin

Museums, festivals, barbecue, and much much more beckon for fall and winter fun.

Tan France Talks Trains, Travel Snacks, and What to Wear in Europe

The British-born fashion icon shares tips, tricks, and packing lists for anyone traveling by train.