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Austin, United States

Destination Guide

Austin

United States

Best things to do in Austin

42 curated attractions in Austin, United States. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

March - May, September - November

Average temp

22°C/72°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Austin

Austin's identity springs from its live music scene, famously dubbed the 'Live Music Capital of the World.' This reputation was cemented by events like South by Southwest and venues like Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, where artists perform amidst a backdrop of quirky local culture. The city is a large and sprawling place, with a mix of nature and urban life. Zilker Park offers green space and outdoor recreation, while the 6th Street Entertainment District is a nightlife magnet that attracts crowds looking for music and merriment. The University of Texas at Austin brings a youthful energy and innovation, contributing to start-up culture. The food scene, including Franklin Barbecue and Stubb's BBQ, draws food lovers from near and far. People come for the live music, great food, and the unusual charms that make Austin distinctly itself.

Who it's for

Ideal for music lovers, foodies, and anyone curious about modern culture. Those who prefer quiet evenings or might be annoyed by the crowds and noise of live performances may want to look elsewhere. If you are after pristine nature without distractions, this city might not be your first choice.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city is quite spread out, so walking between major attractions can take time
  • Public transport is good, with buses connecting many areas, but rideshares are popular for late nights
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport is about 15 minutes from downtown, making arrivals relatively easy
  • Expect traffic if you’re driving during peak hours
The Broken Spoke

The Broken Spoke

Live music venues & clubs
Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo

Zoos
Uncommon Objects

Uncommon Objects

Shopping
Texas State Capitol

Texas State Capitol

Monuments & memorials
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

City parks
Peter Pan Mini Golf

Peter Pan Mini Golf

Family & kids' attractions
LBJ Presidential Library

LBJ Presidential Library

History museums
Laguna Gloria

Laguna Gloria

Formal & Japanese gardens
The Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art

Art museums & galleries
Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Texas State History Museum

History museums
Barton Creek Greenbelt

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Hiking trails
The Domain

The Domain

Shopping streets & districts
South Congress Avenue

South Congress Avenue

Streets & neighbourhoods
Austin Bouldering Project

Austin Bouldering Project

Climbing spots
The Driskill

The Driskill

Historic houses & mansions
Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Waterfalls
Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool

Lakes
Texas State Cemetery

Texas State Cemetery

Cemeteries & tombs
Texas Memorial Museum

Texas Memorial Museum

Science & natural history museums
Long Center for the Performing Arts

Long Center for the Performing Arts

Theatres & opera houses
Congress Avenue Bridge (Bat Bridge)

Congress Avenue Bridge (Bat Bridge)

Bridges
The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin

Historic libraries & universities
Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake

Lakes
McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park

National parks & nature reserves
Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Formal & Japanese gardens
Pot Daddy Studio

Pot Daddy Studio

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Zilker Park

Zilker Park

City parks
End of an Ear

End of an Ear

Shopping and Markets
Pease Park

Pease Park

Natural Wonders
Lou Neff Point

Lou Neff Point

Natural Wonders
Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater

Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater

Live music venues & clubs
Elisabet Ney Museum

Elisabet Ney Museum

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Austin Public Library

Austin Public Library

Urban Attractions
Graffiti Park at Castle Hill

Graffiti Park at Castle Hill

Street art districts
i love you so much mural

i love you so much mural

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Allen's Boots

Allen's Boots

Shopping and Markets
Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell

Scenic viewpoints
Aqua Dome

Aqua Dome

Sports and Recreation Venues
Cathedral of Junk

Cathedral of Junk

Urban Attractions
Rainey Street

Rainey Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
6th Street Entertainment District

6th Street Entertainment District

Nightlife districts
The Contemporary Austin

The Contemporary Austin

Art museums & galleries

Where to eat in Austin

The places worth planning a meal around.

Terry Black's Barbecue

Terry Black's Barbecue

★ 4.7 · 26,795 reviews

The Oasis On Lake Travis

The Oasis On Lake Travis

Tex-Mex · $$

★ 4.2 · 26,149 reviews

Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue

Barbecue · $$

★ 4.7 · 7,265 reviews

Stubb's Bar-B-Q

Stubb's Bar-B-Q

Barbecue · $$

★ 4.3 · 6,919 reviews

LeRoy and Lewis BBQ

LeRoy and Lewis BBQ

American

★ 4.4 · 2,481 reviews

Paperboy

Paperboy

American

★ 4.6 · 2,018 reviews

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