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.”
- 789 locals recommend
Pool
“With 70 degree water temperatures year-round, Barton Springs is a haven for hippies and laid back families alike.”
- 968 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.”
- 426 locals recommend
Mountain
“ Mount Bonnell, at 785 feet (239 metres), is one of the city’s highest points and features a 99-step climb to the top.”
- 392 locals recommend
BBQ Joint
$$
“Very hard to get into, first come first serve til it runs out but a local icon ”
- 439 locals recommend
Rock Club
$
“Iconic music institution like the Saxon Pub, but more rockabilly, blues and honky tonk than singer-songwriter. Gary Clark Jr came up playing a weekly gig here, so don't miss the regulars”
- 401 locals recommend
River
“A must-do, this famous lake is home to a wide variety of outdoors activities. Pro tip: rent a kayak, paddle board, canoe or boat around sunset time to watch 1.5+ Million bats go out from under the South Congress bridge! You may also make a reservation at a bat sightseeing boat which includes a guided tour. ”
- 368 locals recommend
Pizza Place
$$
“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”
- 310 locals recommend
Shopping Centre
“Upscale shopping experience with good restaurants, and pleasant outdoor walkways. 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758”
- 313 locals recommend
Dive Bar
$
“Live country music is served up in this hip, upbeat, sprawling honky-tonk with a taco truck outside.”
- 330 locals recommend
Art Museum
“For the art lovers! A beautiful art museum to spend some time at in Downtown Austin.”
- 227 locals recommend
Japanese Restaurant
$$$
“Hands-down best sushi restaurant in Austin. Skip straight to Sake Social (happy) Hour for the best value on cocktails, sake, hand rolls, sushi and sharing plates. Be sure to get there a bit earlier at 4:45 PM to snag a spot at the sushi bar. ”
- 293 locals recommend
Pizza Place
$
“The supplemmetn street to 6th St. Its a newer area with bars next to each other. most having live music and all in a 2 block area. Also worth going there at night”
- 316 locals recommend
History Museum
“If you like History, Bob Bullock is the Texas state History museum in Austin. ”
- 230 locals recommend
Burger Joint
$$
“A trendy burger bar on the busy South Congress st, with homemade buns and an eclectic selection of toppings.”
- 286 locals recommend
Top-rated experiences
Top restaurants
Cinema
“Alamo Draft house is great for a night out! Watch a movie and get some drinks and food.”
- 426 locals recommend
BBQ Joint
“Very hard to get into, first come first serve til it runs out but a local icon ”
- 439 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”
- 310 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. ”
- 293 locals recommend
Burger Joint
“A trendy burger bar on the busy South Congress st, with homemade buns and an eclectic selection of toppings.”
- 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. ”
- 345 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. ”
- 205 locals recommend
