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Things to Do in Austin, United States
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Austin, United States
1. Texas State Capitol
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore a towering pink granite marvel packed with Texas history and stories. Experience grand domes, lush gardens, and iconic Lone Star symbolism up close.
Quick facts: An impressive pink granite building rises over 300 feet, making it taller than the US Capitol. The grounds feature 22 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and historical monuments.
Highlights: Gaze up at a stunning rotunda dome adorned with a 15-foot statue of the Goddess of Liberty holding a lone star high above. The Capitol contains more Texas granite than any other building in the state, a bold symbol of local pride and resources.
2. Zilker Metropolitan Park
View details, tips, opening times & moreEscape to vibrant green spaces and crystal-clear spring waters. Dive into refreshing pools and enjoy lively city festivals all in one place.
Quick facts: A sprawling urban park spanning over 350 acres, it hosts more than 4 million visitors a year. Outdoor festivals like the Austin City Limits Music Festival bring energy and culture, drawing crowds in the fall.
Highlights: A standout feature is the Barton Springs Pool fed by natural spring water, maintaining a refreshing 68-70 degrees year-round. Visitors can experience a unique blend of natural limestone surroundings with lively community events nearby.
3. Barton Springs Pool
View details, tips, opening times & moreCool off in spring-fed waters that stay perfect all year. Dive into vibrant aquatic life and chill local vibes for a timeless swim experience.
Quick facts: Crystal-clear spring water keeps the pool refreshingly cool year-round, hovering around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Locals flock here not just to swim but to enjoy live music on the surrounding hill on sunny weekends.
Highlights: The pool sits atop one of the largest urban natural springs in the country, pumping out over 30 million gallons of fresh water daily. At night, bioluminescent algae sometimes glow subtly under the water, creating an enchanting swimming experience rarely seen elsewhere.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Austin, United States, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail
View details, tips, opening times & moreExperience vibrant city life intertwined with nature's calm. Enjoy hiking, biking, and stunning skyline vistas by the water's edge.
Quick facts: Offering over 10 miles of scenic trail, it attracts runners, cyclists, and kayakers alike. The trail hugs the water’s edge, providing amazing downtown Austin views and frequent wildlife sightings like turtles and herons.
Highlights: The trail features a unique bats-viewing area where visitors can watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk. Kayakers can glide under iconic bridges while spotting colorful city reflections on the lake’s surface.
5. Bullock Texas State History Museum
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore Texas like never before with captivating exhibits and blockbuster IMAX films. Feel the history come alive through stunning visuals and rare artifacts.
Quick facts: Experience over 12,000 years of Texas history through immersive exhibits and rare artifacts. The museum’s centerpiece is a three-story video bull that roars and lights up, captivating visitors instantly.
Highlights: The 100-foot-long cinema screen in the special IMAX theater delivers stunning visuals of Texas landscapes and history, making learning feel like an adventure. Visitors can also witness original documents like the Texas Declaration of Independence, something few museums showcase so prominently.
6. Congress Avenue Bridge
View details, tips, opening times & moreWatch 1.5 million bats take flight in an unforgettable evening spectacle. Experience nature’s nightly light show from the heart of the city.
Quick facts: Thousands of bats emerge from beneath the bridge at dusk, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. The bridge supports one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America, with up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats.
Highlights: At night, the sky lights up with a swirling cloud of bats forming mesmerizing patterns as they hunt for insects. The bridge’s wooden beams serve as a cozy day roost, tucked right in the heart of the bustling city.
7. The University of Texas at Austin
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore a vibrant campus with rich traditions and stunning views. Feel the energy of students and history blending at every corner.
Quick facts: The University hosts one of the largest academic libraries in the US with over 8 million volumes. The Longhorn mascot is a real live steer named Bevo, a beloved symbol of school spirit.
Highlights: The iconic UT Tower offers a panoramic view visible for miles around, creating a breathtaking photo opportunity. Red and orange burnt bricks line many buildings, giving the campus a distinctive warm glow under the Texas sun.
8. Mount Bonnell
View details, tips, opening times & moreStunning city views from a scenic hilltop viewpoint. Experience peaceful nature trails and vibrant sunsets over the river.
Quick facts: One of the highest points in the city rises 775 feet above sea level offering sweeping panoramic views. Local legend says the spot was a favorite for Texas Rangers in the 1800s to monitor for approaching enemies.
Highlights: A stone overlook provides a stunning vantage to see the Colorado River winding through the city skyline. The climb ends with large limestone boulders perfect for picnicking or watching colorful sunsets paint the horizon.
9. Historic Sixth Street
View details, tips, opening times & moreA nightlife sanctuary packed with live music and neon charm. Experience unforgettable nights filled with rhythms and stories from Austin's soul.
Quick facts: More than 40 bars and live music venues line the vibrant street, making it the epicenter of Austin's nightlife. This area hosts several eclectic festivals annually, drawing diverse crowds looking for authentic local culture.
Highlights: Vibrant neon lights splash colors on historic brick buildings, setting a mood pulsing with live blues, country, and rock tunes. Secret speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors invite adventurers to sip handcrafted cocktails in intimate, dimly lit rooms.
10. Blanton Museum of Art
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore a vast art collection where history meets vibrant culture. Experience striking murals, rare ceramics, and stunning modern sculpture that captivate all senses.
Quick facts: The collection boasts over 18,000 works, making it one of the largest university art museums in the US. Visitors can explore art spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary pieces, including a notable collection of Latin American art.
Highlights: The Latin American art collection features vibrant murals and rare ceramics that vividly capture the region's cultural heritage. A standout piece is the stunning Ellsworth Kelly’s 'Austin,' a sleek and colorful building-sized sculpture on the museum grounds that doubles as a serene space for reflection.
Additional popular things to do in Austin, United States
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a beloved Southern dessert made from native Texas pecans, symbolizing Austin's rich agricultural heritage and love for sweet, nutty flavors.
Dream Bars
Dream Bars are a retro Texas dessert that combines a graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, and a cherry topping, popular in Austin's local bakeries for decades.
Texas Sheet Cake
Texas Sheet Cake is a moist chocolate cake known for its incredible fudgy frosting and large sheet pan size, perfect for Austin's communal gatherings and celebrations.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Barbecue Brisket
Austin is famous for its slow-smoked barbecue brisket, a savory tradition that emphasizes tender meat and deep smoky flavors, often served with classic Texas sides.
Breakfast Tacos
Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple, combining tortillas with eggs, cheese, and local fillings like bacon or potatoes, reflecting the city's vibrant Tex-Mex influences.
Chicken-Fried Steak
Chicken-Fried Steak in Austin is a crispy, breaded beef steak served with creamy gravy, a comfort food that showcases Southern culinary traditions in the city.
Traditional Beverages
Margarita
The Margarita is Austin's iconic cocktail, blending tequila, lime, and orange liqueur, often enjoyed during the city's lively outdoor festivals and warm climate.
Texas Sweet Tea
Texas Sweet Tea is famously sweetened iced tea that perfectly complements Austin's spicy barbecue and hot weather, embodying Southern hospitality.
Craft Beer
Austin's craft beer scene is booming, with local breweries producing innovative flavors that represent the city's creative and laid-back culture.
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Most popular day trips
San Antonio
Historic city known for the Alamo and River Walk.
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From the airport, the MetroRail or rideshare services provide easy access to downtown Austin.
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