Things to Visit in Austin

Austin's famous entertainment strip has live music pouring from bars and clubs on both sides. Dirty Sixth (east of Congress) is the rowdy party strip. West Sixth is more upscale. Red River Cultural District (between 6th and 8th on Red River Street) has the best independent music venues. Most bars have no cover charge. The scene peaks Thursday through Saturday from 9 PM onward.

Austin's most iconic music venue since 1955, featuring roots rock, country, blues, and rockabilly. Happy Hour shows (free, 6-7 PM) and late-night shows are a local tradition. The intimate room holds about 200 people. Located on South Congress. The Continental Gallery upstairs hosts different acts simultaneously. Cash only at the door.

A block of converted bungalow houses turned into bars with patios and food trucks. The atmosphere is more relaxed than Sixth Street, with a mix of live music, DJs, and conversation-friendly volumes. Container Bar, Bangers Sausage House (110+ beers), and Lucille Patio Lounge are popular. Most active on Friday and Saturday evenings.

A natural spring-fed swimming pool in Zilker Park that stays a constant 68°F (20°C) year-round. The pool is 300 meters long and surrounded by old-growth trees. Admission USD 5 for adults, free before 8 AM and after 9 PM. Locals swim here in every season, including winter. One of Austin's most beloved institutions and a perfect escape from the Texas heat.

From March through November, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats live under the Congress Avenue Bridge and emerge in a dramatic cloud at dusk to feed. Best viewing is from the hike-and-bike trail on the south bank. The spectacle starts about 20 minutes before sunset and lasts 15-30 minutes. The peak colony size is in August when pups are flying. Free to watch.

A 12-mile trail system running through limestone cliffs, swimming holes, and forests right in the middle of the city. Sculpture Falls and the Gus Fruh Pool are popular swimming spots (water levels vary seasonally). The Twin Falls trail is a moderate 3-mile round trip with waterfall and swimming access. Free parking at the Barton Hills Drive trailhead. Bring water shoes for creek crossings.

A reservoir on the Colorado River running through downtown, with kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals along the shore. No motorized boats are allowed, keeping the water calm. Rentals cost USD 15-25 per hour. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail circles the lake (10 miles). Sunset paddles offer views of the skyline and bats.

Austin's most iconic commercial street, lined with boutiques, vintage shops, food trucks, and restaurants. The I Love You So Much mural on Jo's Coffee is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Allen's Boots sells genuine cowboy boots. The Continental Club anchors the southern end. First Thursday (monthly) brings art openings and street performances.

Austin's most dynamic neighborhood, with craft breweries, art galleries, food truck parks, and some of the city's best restaurants. Lazarus Brewing, Whisler's (cocktails), and Suerte (Mexican) are standouts. The area around East 6th and 7th streets has the highest concentration. The neighborhood has a more diverse, creative energy than the West Austin areas.

Austin is covered in murals, from the famous Greetings from Austin postcard mural on South First to dozens of others scattered across the city. The HOPE Outdoor Gallery (now relocated) and the buildings along East Cesar Chavez have some of the best. No admission, free to see year-round. A mural tour by car or bike covers the highlights in 2-3 hours.

Taller than the US Capitol, this 1888 building is made of distinctive pink granite. Free guided tours run every 30-45 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends. The rotunda, legislative chambers, and grounds are all open to the public. The 22-acre grounds include monuments, gardens, and views of downtown. Located at the north end of Congress Avenue.

Central Texas BBQ focuses on beef brisket smoked low and slow over post oak. Franklin Barbecue is the most famous (expect a 2-4 hour line that starts before opening at 11 AM). la Barbecue and Micklethwait Craft Meats are excellent alternatives with shorter waits. Terry Black's has no line and serves excellent brisket. Sold by the pound, budget USD 25-30 per person.

Austin pioneered the food truck culture and dozens of food truck parks dot the city. The Picnic on Barton Springs Road, ABGB (Austin Beer Garden Brewery), and the Meanwhile Brewing food trucks are popular clusters. Cuisines range from Korean fusion to gourmet tacos to Thai. Most items cost USD 8-15. The casual outdoor setting is quintessential Austin dining.

Austin's unofficial official food. Flour tortillas filled with eggs, cheese, beans, bacon, potatoes, and salsa verde. Veracruz All Natural, Tacodeli, and Pueblo Viejo are local favorites. Most cost USD 3-5 each. They are eaten for breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner. The breakfast taco debate (best spot, flour vs. corn) is a core Austin conversation topic.