Things to Do in Austin
Plan your days in Austin, your way
Begin with breakfast tacos at a food truck, because that is how Austin begins everything.
Walk off breakfast along Lady Bird Lake, where joggers, turtles, and the downtown skyline share the same view.
Late morning at the Capitol: free, grand, and impossible to miss, worth an hour of your time.
Lunch is barbecue at a picnic table, brisket with bark, eaten outdoors with a cold drink.
Spend the afternoon wandering South Congress, ducking into boot shops and watching the street musicians work.
Cool off with a dip at Barton Springs, where the water is 68 degrees all year and wakes you completely up.
As evening comes, find the Congress Bridge and watch the bats rise into the sunset; it never gets old.
Dinner is whatever smells good on Rainey Street, followed by live music somewhere with a small stage.
Nothing too intense, nothing missed: one great view, one great meal, one great song.
That is Austin in a day, and it will make you want three more.
Top attractions and places to eat in Austin
Terry Black's Barbecue
A large, popular Austin barbecue restaurant serving traditional Texas smoked meats by the pound. Travelers visit for reliable, high-quality barbecue in a lively setting.
restaurant · 4.7 rating
Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine
An Austin restaurant specializing in spicy Chettinad-style South Indian cooking. A destination for authentic regional Indian flavors.
bar · 4.7 rating
Home Slice Pizza
A popular South Congress pizzeria serving New York-style slices and pies in a fun, bustling atmosphere. A go-to for casual pizza in a lively setting.
restaurant · 4.7 rating
Texas Capitol
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.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Matt's El Rancho
A longtime family-run Tex-Mex institution in Austin famous for its Bob Armstrong dip and margaritas. A classic spot for hearty Tex-Mex in a festive setting.
restaurant · 4.4 rating
Franklin Barbecue
A world-famous Austin barbecue joint renowned for its brisket, drawing long lines of devoted fans. Travelers come for what many consider the definitive Texas smoked meat.
restaurant · 4.7 rating
Güero's Taco Bar
A beloved South Congress Tex-Mex institution set in a historic building, famous for tacos, margaritas, and a lively patio. A popular stop for casual Mexican food and drinks.
restaurant · 4.2 rating
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge (Bat Watching)
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.
landmark · 4.2 rating
Kerbey Lane Cafe - University
A 24-hour Austin diner staple near the university serving all-day breakfast, pancakes, and comfort food. A favorite casual spot for students and locals at any hour.
cafe · 4.4 rating
Fonda San Miguel
An iconic Austin restaurant serving interior Mexican cuisine in an elegant hacienda-style setting, renowned for its Sunday brunch buffet. A destination for authentic regional Mexican fare.
bar · 4.6 rating
LBJ Presidential Library
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.
attraction · 4.7 rating · $16
la Barbecue
A popular Austin barbecue trailer and restaurant known for brisket, ribs, and sausage. Travelers visit for classic, highly rated Texas smoked meats.
restaurant · 4.4 rating
Uchi Austin
An acclaimed contemporary Japanese restaurant in Austin known for creative sushi and small plates. Travelers visit for one of the city's premier fine-dining sushi experiences.
restaurant · 4.6 rating
Uchiko Austin
A sister restaurant to Uchi offering inventive Japanese farmhouse cuisine and sushi in Austin. Travelers come for its refined, adventurous take on Japanese fine dining.
restaurant · 4.7 rating
Veracruz All Natural
A beloved Austin taco spot that began as a food truck, known for authentic Mexican tacos and especially its migas tacos. A go-to for travelers seeking fresh, casual Tex-Mex and Mexican breakfast fare.
restaurant · 4.5 rating