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.”
- 794 locals recommend
Pool
“If you go to the right of the paid for gate, you get to the free part where you can actually see the springs, walk the trails, and bring your pets!”
- 970 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.”
- 447 locals recommend
Cinema
$
“Alamo Draft house is great for a night out! Watch a movie and get some drinks and food.”
- 429 locals recommend
Mountain
“I love to go to Mount Bonnell for gorgeous views and nature. You can get a good work-out and clear your head here too!”
- 391 locals recommend
BBQ Joint
$$
“Very hard to get into, first come first serve til it runs out but a local icon ”
- 444 locals recommend
Rock Club
$
“Rock, country, jazz & blues acts, national & local, are found at this legendary South Congress club.”
- 404 locals recommend
River
“A must-do, this famous lake is home to a wide variety of outdoors activities. Pro tip: rent a kayak, paddle board, canoe or boat around sunset time to watch 1.5+ Million bats go out from under the South Congress bridge! You may also make a reservation at a bat sightseeing boat which includes a guided tour. ”
- 367 locals recommend
Pizza Place
$$
“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”
- 315 locals recommend
Shopping Centre
“Situated in a beautiful park-like setting, The Domain features 100 upscale and mainstream retail stores and restaurants, almost half of which are exclusive within the market. A sampling of retailers includes high-end boutiques such as David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, AllSaints, Tiffany & Co. and Austin's only Neiman Marcus, as well as more traditional retailers like American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Express and more. Restaurants include favorites like True Food Kitchen, Kona Grill, Grand Lux Cafe, Maggiano's Little Italy, North Italia and many more. The multi-phased Domain development is anchored by Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Dillard's and Dick's Sporting Goods and also offers more than 800 residential units and ample Class A office space, in addition to four on site hotels - Westin Austin at The Domain, Lone Star Court by Valencia Group, The Archer Hotel and Aloft Austin. With the center's ideal location and exceptional amenities, amazing restaurant selection, convenient parking”
- 313 locals recommend
Dive Bar
$
“Great local honky-tonk with a lot of live music and good taco truck on site. Take a rideshare although it is not far”
- 334 locals recommend
Art Museum
“For the art lovers! A beautiful art museum to spend some time at in Downtown Austin.”
- 230 locals recommend
Japanese Restaurant
$$$
“Hands-down best sushi restaurant in Austin. Skip straight to Sake Social (happy) Hour for the best value on cocktails, sake, hand rolls, sushi and sharing plates. Be sure to get there a bit earlier at 4:45 PM to snag a spot at the sushi bar. ”
- 295 locals recommend
Pizza Place
$
“The supplemmetn street to 6th St. Its a newer area with bars next to each other. most having live music and all in a 2 block area. Also worth going there at night”
- 321 locals recommend
History Museum
“Learn all about Texas history! This is an excellently done museum and tells the rich history of Texas. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.”
- 230 locals recommend
Burger Joint
$$
“While Hopdoddy isn't exclusive to Austin, this is the first one we'd ever been to. With a line that can extend around the building, and plenty to do around SOCO before or after you've eaten, this burger spot is a local favorite and a must-visit. There are burger options for all (classic, specialty, and veggie), a great draft beer selection (if you like IPAs, go for the Conspiracy Theory), and their Parmesan Truffle Fries are incredible (invest in an extra Truffle Aioli sauce) or if you're feeling sweet/spicy, their Hot Honey and Sage sweet potato fries hit the spot.”
- 286 locals recommend
Cinema
“Alamo Draft house is great for a night out! Watch a movie and get some drinks and food.”
- 429 locals recommend
BBQ Joint
“Very hard to get into, first come first serve til it runs out but a local icon ”
- 444 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”
- 315 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. ”
- 295 locals recommend
Burger Joint
“While Hopdoddy isn't exclusive to Austin, this is the first one we'd ever been to. With a line that can extend around the building, and plenty to do around SOCO before or after you've eaten, this burger spot is a local favorite and a must-visit. There are burger options for all (classic, specialty, and veggie), a great draft beer selection (if you like IPAs, go for the Conspiracy Theory), and their Parmesan Truffle Fries are incredible (invest in an extra Truffle Aioli sauce) or if you're feeling sweet/spicy, their Hot Honey and Sage sweet potato fries hit the spot.”
- 286 locals recommend
Vegetarian / Vegan Restaurant
“Hands-down best brunch spot in the neighborhood. A must go if you're vegan/vegetarian! Lots of breakfast as well as lunch and dinner menu items along with coffee, juices & smoothies. ”
- 346 locals recommend
French Restaurant
“French food that is great for a special occasion with a casual vibe. There is also a cool photo booth that creates a great souvenir. ”
- 283 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. ”
- 208 locals recommend
