Looking for the best things to do in Austin? Austin is the live music capital of the world, a laid-back city of barbecue, swimming holes, food trucks and festivals. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for American travellers.
Best things to do in Austin
1. Sixth Street and Red River
Live music every night. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
2. Barton Springs Pool
A spring-fed pool at a constant 68–70°F. Book tickets online to skip the line.
3. Texas State Capitol
Taller than the US Capitol. Bring a refillable water bottle.
4. Congress Avenue Bridge bats
Up to 1.5 million bats emerge at dusk, roughly March to October. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
5. South Congress
Shops, murals and food. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
6. Lady Bird Lake
Kayaking and paddleboarding. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
Travel tech we recommend
- Top-rated camera picks BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Waterproof action cameras BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
7. Zilker Park
Home of Austin City Limits festival. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
8. Hill Country
Wineries and swimming holes nearby. Book tickets online to skip the line.
9. Live music
One of the most popular ways to experience Austin; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Sunset is a particularly good time.
10. Barbecue
One of the most popular ways to experience Austin; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
11. Paddling
One of the most popular ways to experience Austin; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
12. Festivals
One of the most popular ways to experience Austin; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Bring a refillable water bottle.
13. Day trips to Hill Country
One of the most popular ways to experience Austin; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
14. Take a day trip to New Orleans
New Orleans is unlike any other American city: jazz drifting from doorways, Creole and Cajun cooking, historic architecture and festivals almost every week of the year. Read our New Orleans travel guide. Book tickets online to skip the line.
15. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try brisket, breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex and queso. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
When to go
The best time to visit is March to May and October to November.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Warm and pleasant, 60–80°F; the best season for most visitors. |
| Summer | June–August | Hot and humid, often 90°F+, with afternoon storms. |
| Fall | September–November | Warm early, comfortable by October; hurricane risk on the coast until November. |
| Winter | December–February | Mild, 40–60°F, with occasional cold snaps. |
Where to stay
- Downtown: Close to music venues.
- South Congress: Trendy.
- East Austin: Bars and food trucks.
- Zilker: Parks.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110–170 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $180–300 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $350–700 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Austin travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- SXSW (March) and ACL (October) send prices soaring.
- Summer heat is intense.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $540–$900 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,400–$2,314 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Austin
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel gear we trust
- Travel backpacks for weekend trips BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Austin?
For most first-time visitors it is Sixth Street and Red River: live music every night.
How many days do you need in Austin?
Plan 3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Austin?
March to May and October to November.
Is Austin good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Austin is popular with music lovers, foodies and groups.
What should I eat in Austin?
Try brisket, breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex and queso.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Austin Travel Guide: Live Music, BBQ and Swimming Holes
- New Orleans Travel Guide: Jazz, Food and the French Quarter