Things to do in Austin
Top recommendations from locals
From sightseeing to hidden gems, find out what makes the city unique with the help of the locals who know it best.
Park
“Zilker Park is where ACL happens, where a great Zilker Christmas Light Show is, where the Stevie Ray Vaughn bronze is. Close enough to Casa Willow and Holly Neighborhood. Google what is happening at Zilker when you come.”
- 801 locals recommend
Pool
“If it is hot in Austin while you are here, you must go for a swim atBarton Springs!”
- 980 locals recommend
Capitol Building
“The pink-granite building is the centerpiece of downtown Austin, perched on a hill at 12th Street and Congress Avenue. Free guided tours are held daily, starting in the South Foyer, but brochures are also available on the first floor for self-guided tours. The Texas Legislature meets every two years, so you’ll have to check the schedule if you want to see an actual session in progress.”
- 452 locals recommend
Movie Theater
$
“If it's raining check out any Alamo Drafthouse. They serve great food and local beers while you watch you flick. ”
- 430 locals recommend
Mountain
“Mount Bonnell is an easy 30 minute hike that you will enjoy, then head to Hula hut for a dinner enjoying the sunset by the lake. ”
- 403 locals recommend
BBQ Joint
$$
“A world-renowned barbecue spot; a challenge to get into but so worth the off-peak experience”
- 448 locals recommend
Rock Club
$
“Iconic music institution like the Saxon Pub, but more rockabilly, blues and honky tonk than singer-songwriter. Gary Clark Jr came up playing a weekly gig here, so don't miss the regulars”
- 402 locals recommend
River
“A must-do, this famous lake is home to a wide variety of outdoors activities. Pro tip: rent a kayak, paddle board, canoe or boat around sunset time to watch 1.5+ Million bats go out from under the South Congress bridge! You may also make a reservation at a bat sightseeing boat which includes a guided tour. ”
- 381 locals recommend
Pizza Place
$$
“3.8 miles. A great place to stop and grab a slice of pizza in the heart of South Congress Neighborhood. ~3 miles from Farmhouse”
- 313 locals recommend
Shopping Mall
“Plan to stay all day!! There are tons of the most popular, trendy stores including, LuLuLemon, Pink, Louis Vuitton, H&M and much more. Great food and ice cream shops as well!”
- 324 locals recommend
Dive Bar
$
“Live country music is served up in this hip, upbeat, sprawling honky-tonk with a taco truck outside.”
- 334 locals recommend
Art Museum
“For the art lovers! A beautiful art museum to spend some time at in Downtown Austin.”
- 228 locals recommend
Japanese Restaurant
$$$
“Hands-down best sushi restaurant in Austin. Skip straight to Sake Social (happy) Hour for the best value on cocktails, sake, hand rolls, sushi and sharing plates. Be sure to get there a bit earlier at 4:45 PM to snag a spot at the sushi bar. ”
- 294 locals recommend
Pizza Place
$
“The supplemmetn street to 6th St. Its a newer area with bars next to each other. most having live music and all in a 2 block area. Also worth going there at night”
- 321 locals recommend
History Museum
“Texas is rich with history and culture. The Bob Bullock Texas Museum has done a great job capturing and depicting significant, meaningful events that contributed to the Lone Star States past present and future.”
- 232 locals recommend
Burger Joint
$$
“A trendy burger bar on the busy South Congress st, with homemade buns and an eclectic selection of toppings.”
- 290 locals recommend
Top-rated experiences
Top restaurants
Movie Theater
“If it's raining check out any Alamo Drafthouse. They serve great food and local beers while you watch you flick. ”
- 430 locals recommend
BBQ Joint
“A world-renowned barbecue spot; a challenge to get into but so worth the off-peak experience”
- 448 locals recommend
Pizza Place
“3.8 miles. A great place to stop and grab a slice of pizza in the heart of South Congress Neighborhood. ~3 miles from Farmhouse”
- 313 locals recommend
Japanese Restaurant
“Hands-down best sushi restaurant in Austin. Skip straight to Sake Social (happy) Hour for the best value on cocktails, sake, hand rolls, sushi and sharing plates. Be sure to get there a bit earlier at 4:45 PM to snag a spot at the sushi bar. ”
- 294 locals recommend
Burger Joint
“A trendy burger bar on the busy South Congress st, with homemade buns and an eclectic selection of toppings.”
- 290 locals recommend
Vegetarian / Vegan Restaurant
“Hands down my favorite vegan sandwich is the Cool Summer Sammach (do yourself a favor and add the Facon). It's geared towards veggie heads but does have some egg dishes also. It's a corky place that can have a bit of a wait at times, but for me it's worth it.”
- 347 locals recommend
French Restaurant
“Lovers night out - Salmon or Steak Tatar, French Onion Soup, Ask for wine recommendations, they have a great sommelier”
- 284 locals recommend
Café
“A delightful, beautiful restaurant. Very European (in all the nest ays: small, dense seating, relaxed but bustling, simple). The food choices are elegant and reasonably priced. A great outdoor seating area. ”
- 206 locals recommend
