Things to do · Austin, Texas, US

Things to Do in Austin

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Getting there
Most visitors fly into Austin‑Bergstrom International Airport, which sits roughly 11 km (seven miles) north of downtown and is served by nonstop flights from many U.S. hubs. Those on a tighter budget sometimes land at San Antonio International Airport, about 108 km (67 miles) away, and take a roughly 1.5‑hour drive on I‑35. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle stops at the Austin station, a convenient rail option for travelers coming from the Midwest or the Gulf Coast.
Who goes
Austin welcomes around 30 million tourists each year, drawing music lovers, tech workers, and food‑centric explorers. The city hums most loudly from late spring through early fall, when festivals and warm evenings attract crowds; the quietest stretch is typically mid‑winter, when locals enjoy milder temperatures and fewer visitors. The blend of young creatives and families creates a lively yet relaxed atmosphere year‑round.
Budgeting
A careful traveler can get by on roughly $70‑$100 USD (about 150‑220 BRL) per day, covering modest meals, public transit, and entry‑free attractions; a comfortable stay might run closer to $150‑$250 USD (around 320‑530 BRL) for nicer lodging and occasional dining splurges. Meals and accommodation tend to dominate the budget, while parks and museums often stay free. To stretch dollars, consider buying a daily transit pass and grabbing breakfast tacos from a food‑truck rather than a sit‑down café. Estimate →

  1. Texas Capitol

    attraction · 4.6 rating

    The grand pink-granite state capitol building in downtown Austin, notable for being taller than the U.S. Capitol and surrounded by historic grounds. It is a top Austin landmark for history, architecture, and self-guided tours.

  2. Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge (Bat Watching)

    landmark · 4.2 rating

    The Congress Avenue Bridge shelters Austin's famous Mexican free-tailed bat colony. Travelers gather around dusk from spring through early fall to watch the bats emerge over Lady Bird Lake.

  3. LBJ Presidential Library

    attraction · 4.7 rating · $16

    The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library preserves the papers and history of the 36th U.S. president, with exhibits on his administration and 1960s America. Travelers go to explore presidential history and archives.

  4. The Paramount Theatre

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    A historic 1915 theater in downtown Austin hosting films, live performances, and comedy in an ornate restored auditorium. Travelers visit for its programming and classic architecture.

  5. Barton Springs Pool

    attraction · 4.5 rating · $9

    Three-acre spring-fed swimming pool in Zilker Park with a constant 68-degree temperature.

  6. Bullock Texas State History Museum

    attraction · 4.6 rating · $15

    The official state history museum of Texas, featuring three floors of exhibits, an IMAX theater, and artifacts tracing the state's story. A major stop for history buffs and families.

  7. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail

    trail · 4.7 rating

    Scenic trail through parks and along the lake, popular for biking, hiking, and running.

  8. Hamilton Pool Preserve

    attraction · 4.6 rating

    A natural swimming hole formed by a collapsed underground grotto, featuring a jade-green pool fed by a waterfall over limestone cliffs. Travelers visit to swim, hike, and take in the dramatic natural setting.

  9. Covert Park at Mount Bonnell

    park · 4.4 rating

    A hilltop park offering one of the highest and most panoramic viewpoints over Austin, the Colorado River, and surrounding hills. Travelers climb the stairs for sweeping scenic vistas.

  10. South Congress Avenue

    landmark · 4.4 rating

    Popular street lined with shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

  11. Pennybacker Bridge

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    A distinctive steel arch bridge over Lake Austin, popular for the panoramic overlook of the Texas Hill Country and water from a nearby cliffside vantage. Travelers visit primarily to photograph the bridge and sunset views.

  12. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

    park · 4.4 rating

    Botanical garden dedicated to the conservation and cultivation of native plants.

  13. Zilker Metropolitan Park

    park · 4.6 rating

    A large flagship park in Austin along the Colorado River, home to open lawns, trails, Barton Springs, and major festivals. Travelers visit for recreation, picnics, and outdoor events.

  14. Elisabet Ney Museum

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    A historic art studio and museum housed in the former workspace of 19th-century sculptor Elisabet Ney, displaying her portrait sculptures. Travelers visit to see the atmospheric castle-like studio and its collection of Ney's works.

  15. Harry Ransom Center

    attraction · 4.8 rating

    A humanities research library and museum at the University of Texas holding rare books, manuscripts, and cultural artifacts including a Gutenberg Bible and the first photograph. Travelers come for its rotating exhibitions and world-class literary and photographic collections.

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