Things to do in Austin

Activities, attractions and tours

Lady Bird Lake featuring a city, a river or creek and a statue or sculpture
Travis Heights featuring landscape views and a city
Downtown Austin which includes a city
South Congress Avenue featuring a city, a sunset and landscape views
Congress Avenue Historic District showing signage and a city
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Top places to visit

1. Sixth Street

Come to Sixth Street for an unforgettable night on the town, Texas-style. Stretching between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35, this seven-block area is affectionately called “Dirty Sixth.” Eat, drink and be merry alongside locals and tourists in Austin’s premier entertainment district.
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Sixth Street showing a city and a sunset

2. Zilker Park

A local recreational park just across Lady Bird Lake in the heart of the city, Zilker Metropolitan Park is sometimes hailed as Austin's most-loved park. And with good reason too. The vast green lawn offers plenty of activities for the whole family, so be prepared to spend an entire day here.
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Zilker Park showing a bay or harbor and kayaking or canoeing

3. Texas State Capitol

Both the state's legislature chambers and the offices of the Governor of Texas occupy the Texas State Capitol. Standing tall and dignified, the structure is built in the 15th-century Italian Renaissance-Revival style, with a cylindrical granite dome, held up by large granite columns.
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Austin which includes heritage architecture

4. South Congress Avenue

Experience the up-and-coming cultural scene of South Congress. This neighborhood used to be considered one of the seedier parts of Austin. In recent years, it has transformed into “SoCo,” one of the trendiest parts in the state capital. Enjoy great shopping, live music and more.
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South Congress featuring signage and shopping

5. Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a man-made reservoir formed in 1960, and has since become a well loved recreational attraction. A sprawling 190 hectares in the centre of Austin, the lake divides the city evenly. Motorboats are prohibited on the lake (except for electric motors under 5 horsepower), so the calm, still waters are an ideal spot for kayakers and canoers. The massive population of fish in the lake make this a popular spot for recreational fishing. There are daily limits on the fish you can catch and keep, so check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for details.
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Lady Bird Lake showing a skyscraper, a lake or waterhole and skyline

What to do in Austin

Popular places to visit

Austin

University of Texas at Austin

Explore the campus of University of Texas at Austin, a top university in Austin. Experience the lively festivals or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

University of Texas at Austin
Sixth Street featuring night scenes, nightlife and a city

Sixth Street

Austin’s answer to Bourbon Street really comes alive when the sun goes down. Enjoy live music, delicious food and refreshing drinks here any time of day.

Sixth Street
Pennybacker Bridge, Austin, Texas

Lake Austin

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Austin during your travels in Austin. Stroll along the lakeside in this vibrant area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Lake Austin
Downtown Austin skyline. Austin is the capital of Texas, USA. Panorama view of the central business district and Lady Bird Lake on the Colorado River.

Moody Center

Catch an event at Moody Center during your trip to Austin. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Moody Center
Zilker Park which includes a city, skyline and a skyscraper

Zilker Park

Paddle a canoe, hike along the extensive trails or unwind in the thermal springs of this idyllic park on the banks of a beautiful lake.

Zilker Park
Texas State Capitol showing a city, heritage architecture and an administrative building

Texas State Capitol

A glorious, sunset-red granite structure that overlooks the city on one of Austin's highest points.

Texas State Capitol
South Congress featuring signage

South Congress Avenue

Nicknamed SoCo, this trendy Austin neighborhood has attracted the attention of famous musicians and presidents, and is home to a huge urban bat colony.

South Congress Avenue
Lady Bird Lake showing a skyscraper, a lake or waterhole and skyline

Lady Bird Lake

Slicing through the centre of Austin is this oasis for watersports, hiking, biking and some plain old relaxing.

Lady Bird Lake
Austin_AustinConventionCenter_6080899-2

Austin Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Austin Convention Center during your trip to Austin. Discover the entertainment choices in this vibrant area or seek out the cycling trails.

Austin Convention Center

Areas of Austin

Downtown Austin which includes street scenes and an administrative building

Downtown Austin

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

This happening area is the place to go for the top-quality entertainment, dining and shopping that has made Austin famous.

Downtown Austin
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The Domain

You'll love the great live music in The Domain, and you might want to stick around to check out Domain Northside, a top place to visit.

The Domain
Austin showing signage

South Congress

4/5(10 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to South Congress. A stop by South Congress Avenue or South First Street might round out your trip.

South Congress
Downtown Austin from the East at Sunset: 180 Degree Aerial Panorama

East Cesar Chavez

While you're in East Cesar Chavez, take in top sights like East Sixth Street and jump on the metro at Plaza Saltillo Station to see more of the city.

East Cesar Chavez
Lake Travis which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a coastal town

Lower Basin Lake Travis

If you're spending some time in Lower Basin Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow and Lake Travis are top sights worth seeing.

Lower Basin Lake Travis
Downtown Austin

Bouldin Creek

While visiting Bouldin Creek, you might make a stop by sights like South First Street and Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Bouldin Creek

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Round Rock featuring city views and a square or plaza

Round Rock

Zilker Park showing a river or creek and a park

Sunset Valley

Cedar Park

Cedar Park

Buda which includes signage

Buda

Aerial view of Marble Falls Bridge at sunset. Texas, USA

Marble Falls

Lakeway showing a house and a small town or village

Lakeway

Leander featuring farmland

Leander

Frequently asked questions

Is Austin worth visiting?
Providing a blend of nature and nightlife, there are many things to do in Austin. When you're here, head to Sixth Street, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Austin?
Sixth Street and South Congress Avenue are two awesome places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Austin while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Austin?
The top tourist attraction in Austin is Sixth Street, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Austin?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Sixth Street, South Congress Avenue and Moody Theatre with a three-day break in Austin. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Round Rock.
Is Austin a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Austin, including Sixth Street and South Congress Avenue, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of Austin is Downtown Austin and Waller Creek District is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Austin with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Austin with kids.

What to do in Austin for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Austin for adults including Live Oak Brewing Company and Moody Centre.
Are there free things to do in Austin?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Austin is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Sixth Street is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.