Austin is known for its live music scene, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for historical sites, art museums, or nature escapes, Austin has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in the city.

Here are some ideas for things you can do in Austin right now.
Things to do Today, Tomorrow, or This Weekend – Our writing team is always finding new events and ideas to help you explore Austin, snap incredible photos, and create unforgettable memories. Check out our latest updates for fun activities and events happening right now or this weekend.
Visit the Top Austin Tourist Attractions – Tourists visiting Austin can experience a vibrant mix of history, culture, and adventure. Watch over a million bats take flight at sunset from the Congress Avenue Bridge, dive into Texas heritage at the Bullock Museum and LBJ Presidential Library, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Lady Bird Lake right in the heart of downtown. Don’t miss iconic districts like South Congress (SoCo) for shopping, dining, and a true taste of Austin’s unique character.
Get Outdoors and Enjoy Nature – Austin is a nature lover’s paradise, offering everything from urban trails to serene state parks. Paddleboard or kayak on Lady Bird Lake, explore scenic hiking trails at McKinney Falls State Park, or take a peaceful stroll through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or an active outdoor adventure, Austin makes it easy to connect with the natural world.
Go Shopping Around Austin – Austin’s shopping scene is just as eclectic and colorful as the city itself. Browse high-end brands at The Domain, hunt for vintage treasures along South Congress (SoCo), or explore one-of-a-kind shops like Uncommon Objects and Allens Boots. From trendy boutiques to farmers markets and antique malls, Austin offers a shopping experience that blends local charm with stylish flair.
Visit a local art gallery, art musueum, or a museum of science and history – Immerse yourself in Austin’s creative and cultural side with a visit to one of its many museums and galleries. Explore world-renowned collections at the Blanton Museum of Art, dive into Texas history at the Bullock Museum, or experience the quirky side of the city at the Museum of the Weird. Whether you’re interested in sculpture, science, or local legends, Austin’s museums offer something for everyone.
Unique Attractions – Austin is full of unique attractions and sights to behold!

Austin has a lot of amazing sites and attractions for tourists located around the city. If you’re visiting Austin, TX and are looking for something to do while you’re in the city, here are the top tourist attractions you can visit and sites you can see while here.

Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bat Bridge

• Type: Tourist attraction

• Price: Free
  Every evening from March to November, over a million bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge—making it the largest urban bat colony in North America. It’s a must-see spectacle for visitors.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

• Type: History museum

• Price: $18.00
  This museum provides an immersive look at Texas history through interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater. A top destination for tourists seeking to understand the Lone Star State.

Lady Bird Lake

• Type: Lake

• Price: Free
  Located downtown, Lady Bird Lake is a scenic hub for kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking. The trail loop around the lake offers incredible skyline views and connects to other city parks.

LBJ Presidential Library

• Type: History museum

• Price: $16.00
  A fascinating look into the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson, this library is one of the most visited presidential museums in the country.

South Congress Avenue (SoCo)

• Type: Shopping District

• Price: Free to explore
  A vibrant area lined with quirky boutiques, live music venues, art galleries, and iconic eateries. SoCo embodies the “Keep Austin Weird” spirit and is a tourist favorite.

There are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy nature in Austin beyond spotting the bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge or the kayakers on Lady Bird Lake. From scenic state parks to quiet greenbelts tucked away in the city, Austin is full of natural escapes waiting to be explored. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors in the Austin area.

McKinney Falls State Park

• Type: State park
• Price: $6.00
  Enjoy scenic waterfalls, hiking trails, and camping just minutes from downtown Austin.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

• Type: Botanical garden
• Price: $15.00
  Home to native Texas plants, this botanical garden is perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve

• Type: Park
• Price: Free
  A peaceful retreat featuring peacocks, koi ponds, and historic cottages.

Pease District Park

• Type: Park
• Price: Free
  One of Austin’s oldest parks, offering green spaces, trails, and a splash pad.

Waterloo Park

• Type: Park
• Price: Free
  A newly restored downtown park with gardens, an amphitheater, and walking trails.

Balcones District Park

• Type: Park
• Price: Free
  A neighborhood favorite with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playscape.

Great Hills Neighborhood Park

• Type: Park
• Price: Free
  A lesser-known gem with wooded trails and a creek.

Shopping and dining in Austin isn’t just about checking off errands—it’s a full-on experience that reflects the city’s creative soul and laid-back charm. From upscale fashion districts and curated boutiques to quirky vintage shops and lively farmers markets, Austin invites you to explore retail in its most vibrant and expressive forms. Pair that with a food scene that’s equally diverse—ranging from nationally acclaimed barbecue joints to stylish modern bistros—and you’ve got a city where every outing can feel like an adventure. Whether you’re a visitor hunting for authentic souvenirs or a local rediscovering your favorite haunts, Austin delivers unforgettable moments at every corner.

The Domain

• Type: Outdoor Shopping Mall​
• Description: A high-density office, retail, and residential center in northwest Austin, The Domain offers a mix of luxury brands, department stores, and dining options.

Barton Creek Square

• Type: Indoor Shopping Mall​
• Description: A large indoor mall offering a wide range of stores, dining options, and entertainment, catering to diverse shopping needs.​

South Congress Avenue (SoCo)

• Type: Shopping District​
• Description: Known for its eclectic mix of vintage stores, independent boutiques, and locally owned cafes, SoCo offers a vibrant shopping experience.

Uncommon Objects

• Type: Antique Store​
• Description: An eclectic store offering a mix of art, furniture, antiques, and decorations, perfect for unique finds.​

Allens Boots

• Type: Western Wear Store​
• Description: A popular spot for cowboy boots and western apparel, offering a wide selection of styles and sizes.​
  

Toy Joy

• Type: Toy Store​
• Description: A whimsical store with a wide selection of toys, collectibles, and candy, appealing to all ages.​

Hillside Farmacy

• Type: American​
• Description: Set in a restored 1950s drugstore, Hillside Farmacy offers farm-to-table fare with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
  

Texas Farmers Market at Mueller

• Type: Farmers Market​
• Description: A popular farmers market featuring a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local delicacies.​

Boggy Creek Farm

• Type: Urban Farm Market​
• Description: One of Austin’s historic urban farms offering fresh produce and local products directly from the source.

Barton Creek Farmers Market

• Type: Farmers Market​
• Description: A market featuring local farmers, artisans, and food vendors, providing a community-centric shopping experience.​

Hill Country Galleria

• Type: Shopping Center​
• Description: A shopping center with a variety of stores and dining options, set in a scenic outdoor environment.​

Austin Antique Mall

• Type: Antique Mall​
• Description: A place to find antique furnishings and collectibles, featuring numerous vendors under one roof.​

BookPeople

• Type: Bookstore​
• Description: An independent bookstore offering a vast selection of books, gifts, and hosting author events regularly.​

Waterloo Records

• Type: Record Store​
• Description: A renowned music store offering a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, and hosting live in-store performances.​

Ember Kitchen

• Type: Latin-inspired cuisine​
• Price Range: $50+
• Description: Ember Kitchen offers a unique live-fire cooking experience using a Josper oven, delivering bold Latin flavors in a sophisticated setting.

Hestia

• Type: Contemporary American​
• Price Range: $100+​
• Description: Hestia focuses on live-fire cooking techniques, offering a diverse menu that highlights seasonal ingredients in an upscale environment.​

Aba

• Type: Mediterranean​
• Price Range: ​$20+
• Description: Located on South Congress, Aba serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a vibrant atmosphere, featuring a spacious patio and an extensive wine list. ​
  

Birdie’s

• Type: New American​
• Price Range: ​$50+
• Description: Birdie’s is a counter-service wine bar offering a seasonal menu that blends New American cuisine with European influences, emphasizing local ingredients.

Franklin Barbecue

• Type: Barbecue​
• Price Range: ​$30+
• Description: Renowned for its smoked brisket, Franklin Barbecue has achieved national acclaim and often features long lines of eager patrons.

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue

• Type: Barbecue​
• Price Range: ​$20+
• Description: This innovative barbecue spot offers a rotating menu with creative takes on smoked meats, focusing on locally sourced ingredients. ​
  

La Condesa

• Type: Mexican​
• Price Range: ​$16+
• Description: La Condesa presents contemporary Mexican cuisine with a focus on bold flavors and inventive cocktails in a stylish setting.​

Ramen Tatsu-Ya

• Type: Japanese​
• Price Range: ​$10+
• Description: Specializing in authentic ramen bowls, Ramen Tatsu-Ya has become a local favorite for its rich broths and flavorful toppings.

Uchi

• Type: Japanese​
• Price Range: $100+​
• Description: Uchi offers an upscale dining experience with a menu featuring innovative sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes crafted with meticulous attention to detail.​
  

Josephine House

• Type: American​
• Price Range: ​$14+
• Description: Josephine House serves as a charming spot for brunch, offering a menu of seasonal dishes in a cozy, cottage-like setting.​

Bouldin Creek Café

• Type: Vegetarian​
• Price Range: ​$10+
• Description: Known for its hearty vegetarian and vegan options, Bouldin Creek Café provides a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse menu catering to various dietary preferences.

Austin is home to a bold and ever-evolving arts scene, where creativity thrives in every corner—from world-class museums to quirky, one-of-a-kind exhibitions. Whether you’re diving into Texas history, exploring thought-provoking contemporary art, or marveling at the weird and wonderful, the city offers a cultural experience for every kind of curiosity. Step into these inspiring spaces and discover why Austin is just as rich in art and history as it is in music and food.

Blanton Museum of Art

• Type: Art museum
• Price: $15.00
  One of the largest university art museums in the U.S., featuring European, Latin American, and contemporary art collections.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

• Type: History museum
• Price: $18.00
  A must-visit for history buffs, showcasing Texas’ past with immersive exhibits and an IMAX theater.

LBJ Presidential Library

• Type: History museum
• Price: $16.00
  Explore the legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson through artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits.

Mexic-Arte Museum

• Type: Art museum
• Price: Varies
  Dedicated to Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art, this museum offers vibrant exhibitions and cultural programming.

Museum of the Weird

• Type: Museum
• Price: $12.99
  Austin’s quirkiest museum, filled with oddities, cryptids, and fascinating curiosities.

Texas Military Forces Museum

• Type: Museum
• Price: Free
  Located at Camp Mabry, this museum highlights Texas’ military history with tanks, helicopters, and exhibits.

The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria

• Type: Sculpture museum
• Price: $10.00
  A scenic outdoor art museum with contemporary sculptures set against a beautiful lakeside backdrop.

Elisabet Ney Museum

• Type: Museum
• Price: Free
  Showcasing the works of Elisabet Ney, this museum celebrates the life and art of the pioneering sculptor.

Austin is home to a variety of unique attractions that capture the city’s weird, wild, and wonderfully creative spirit. Whether you’re watching a million bats take flight at sunset, solving puzzles in a high-stakes escape room, or exploring local oddities and haunted landmarks, these experiences are anything but ordinary. From scenic tours to vintage treasures and ghostly tales, Austin’s unique attractions offer unforgettable moments you won’t find anywhere else.

Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bat Bridge

• Type: Tourist attraction
• Price: Free
  Watch over a million bats take flight at sunset from this iconic bridge.

The Escape Game Austin

• Type: Escape room center
• Price: $39.99
  Solve puzzles and crack codes in this immersive escape room adventure.

Uncommon Objects

• Type: Antique store
  A treasure trove of oddities, vintage items, and unique collectibles.

Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour

• Type: Bus tour
• Duration: 75–90 minutes
• Price: $37.00 per adult
  A great way to see Austin’s top landmarks from the comfort of a double-decker bus.

Haunted Austin Walking History Tour

• Type: Ghost tour
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Price: $28.00 per adult
  Learn about Austin’s haunted history on this spine-chilling walking tour.

Half-Day Hill Country Wine Shuttle From Austin

• Type: Wine tasting
• Duration: 4–5 hours
• Price: $69.00 per adult
  A relaxing way to explore Texas Hill Country wineries while enjoying guided tastings.