What to do in Austin, TX

Activities, attractions and tours

Lady Bird Lake featuring a city, a river or creek and a statue or sculpture
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

Austin Attractions

The city of Austin is hands down the most eclectic community in the state of Texas. Located in the center of the state, it straddles the American Southwest as well as the Old South. Arts and culture are both well-represented here, and visitors will find no lack of things to do in Austin - particularly if they love the live music scene. The official slogan of the city of Austin is the Live Music Capitol of the World, and the city boasts more live music venues than any other city in the United States. Recorded live at the Moody Theater, the television show "Austin City Limits" is the oldest-running musical oriented television program in the country. If you're seeking unforgettable Austin activities, attending this program will remain a fond memory for the rest of your life.

Austin has so many music festivals and special celebrations that it's tough to keep track of them. Austin is a great place to be a tourist because no matter what time of year you're visiting, you'll be able to find top quality entertainment options and visit the local spots that have made the city famous. Even if you do not care much for music, you'll find attractions in Austin. For instance, if you are a computer buff, you can include Silicon Hills among your Austin tours.

In order to easily navigate through Austin's city streets, you should contact us here at Expedia to procure a map of the area so that you can plan the route to the places on your must see list of attractions in Austin. We can help you to find the best Austin excursions that will make your time in the city as memorable as possible.

The main challenge to visiting Austin, TX, is deciding which attractions to take in and which ones to leave for a later visit. Most people who visit Austin end up returning at some future point because they simply left so much undone on their prior stay. Here are Expedia, we can help you figure out which Austin activities are the best for you and your traveling companions.


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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

Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s main recreational park and is located directly across Lady Bird Lake from downtown. There are enough activities here to entertain you and your family for a whole day.
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Zilker Park showing a bay or harbor and kayaking or canoeing

3. Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol building houses the state's legislature chambers and the offices of the Governor of Texas. The structure is an example of 15th-century Italian Renaissance-style architecture, with a cylindrical granite dome and many large granite columns.
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Austin which includes heritage architecture

4. Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a man-made lake and a point of pride for locals. It covers 470 acres (190 hectares) in the center of Austin, dividing the city evenly. There are no motorboats allowed on the lake (with the exception of electric motors under 5 horse power), so it's the perfect spot to canoe or kayak. Fishing is also popular, with an impressive population of largemouth bass, as well as redbreast sunfish and carp. There is a limit on the amount of fish you can catch and keep per day. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for details.
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Lady Bird Lake which includes a lake or waterhole, a skyscraper and a city

5. 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 shopping and signage

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What to do in Austin


Discover the most popular places to visit in Austin

Explore areas of Austin

Downtown Austin showing an administrative building and street scenes

Downtown Austin

Central business district with high-rise buildings, Downtown Austin offers shopping at Second Street District and Sixth Street, art at Contemporary Austin Jones Center, and sights like Texas State Capitol. Accessible via Capital MetroRail.

Downtown Austin
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The Domain

Dubbed as "Austin's second downtown," this high-density center boasts upscale retail stores, diverse dining options, and residential apartments. Explore Domain NORTHSIDE, Rock Rose district, and Q2 Stadium, with easy access to future Broadmoor and McKalla Place stations.

The Domain
Austin showing signage

South Congress

Eclectic small retailers, diverse dining options, and vibrant music and art venues define this shopping and cultural district. Hop on MetroRapid Route 801 for easy city access, or explore the square's food trucks for tasty treats.

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
Downtown Austin

Bouldin Creek

If you're spending some time in Bouldin Creek, South First Street and Long Center for the Performing Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Bouldin Creek
The Historic Driskill Hotel. Downtown Austin Texas

Waller Creek District

While you're in Waller Creek District, take in top sights like Sixth Street and jump on the metro at Downtown Station to see more of the city.

Waller Creek District

 

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.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Austin

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 vacationing 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.

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