Envisioning Austin without the University of Texas is like envisioning Washington, D.C. without the National Monument. The sprawling campus itself is both charming (winding pathways past stone university buildings) and inspiring (the landmark UT Tower, the ultra-new Blanton Museum of Art, the LBJ Library and Museum, and, of course, Memorial Stadium, home of those Longhorns). Parking around campus is a challenge with the large student body and faculty getting priority.

Perhaps the best known area around campus where students hang out is The Drag. This strip on Guadalupe Street borders the west side of the UT campus and is packed with trendy boutiques, vintage-clothing shops, and restaurants.