Things to Do in Austin: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Austin, the capital of Texas, calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World, with hundreds of venues, a spring-fed swimming pool in the middle of town and some of the best barbecue in the state. Lady Bird Lake, the Capitol and the eclectic South Congress strip are all close together.
This guide covers the best things to do in Austin, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with the Hill Country, Lockhart barbecue and Fredericksburg, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Austin
Barton Springs Pool
Spring-fed pool at 68°F all year.
Texas State Capitol
Taller than the US Capitol.
South Congress
Shops, murals and food trucks.
Sixth Street
Live music bars.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Largest urban bat colony in the US.
Lady Bird Lake
Kayaking and the Butler Trail.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The story of Texas.
Mount Bonnell
View over the Colorado River.
Austin in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Capitol and downtown
Start with a free tour of the Texas State Capitol, then visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum nearby. Have lunch at a food truck. In the afternoon walk along Lady Bird Lake on the Butler Trail. At sunset in summer, watch up to 1.5 million bats leave the Congress Avenue Bridge, then hear live music on Sixth Street or Red River.
2Day 2 · South Austin
Swim at Barton Springs Pool in the morning, then explore Zilker Park and its botanical garden. Have lunch on South Congress with a view of the Capitol. In the afternoon browse vintage shops and take a photo at the "I love you so much" mural. End with barbecue and a show at a honky-tonk.
3Day 3 · On the water
Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, then drive up to Mount Bonnell for the view over Lake Austin. Have lunch at a lakeside restaurant. In the afternoon visit the Blanton Museum of Art and the Ellsworth Kelly chapel, then catch a concert at an iconic venue.
Austin in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Barbecue trail
Drive to Lockhart, the barbecue capital of Texas, for brisket and sausage in historic smokehouses. In the afternoon swim at Hamilton Pool or Jacob's Well (with reservations) and return for an evening on East Sixth.
5Day 5 · Hill Country
Head west to Fredericksburg for German heritage, peach stands and Wine Road 290, with a stop at Enchanted Rock for a granite dome hike. Have lunch in Fredericksburg and return in the evening.
Austin in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Lakes and caves
Explore the Lake Travis area for boating or swimming, then tour Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown. Have lunch on the lake and enjoy a final night of live music.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast tacos, shop for cowboy boots and local art, and enjoy a farewell lunch on a patio. Austin–Bergstrom International Airport is about twenty minutes from downtown.
What to do in Austin on a weekend
For a weekend in Austin, combine the Capitol, Barton Springs, South Congress and the bat flight.
Add Lockhart barbecue with a third day.
What to do in Austin in the evening
Evenings mean live music on Sixth Street, Red River and Rainey Street, honky-tonks and the bats in summer.
Austin City Limits Festival is in October.
Austin for couples
Couples will enjoy sunset at Mount Bonnell, a winery day in the Hill Country and a rooftop bar downtown.
Austin with kids
With kids, try the Thinkery children's museum, Barton Springs, Zilker Park's train and the bats.
What to eat in Austin
Brisket
Slow-smoked Texas barbecue.
Breakfast tacos
Austin's daily ritual.
Queso
Melted cheese dip.
Kolaches
Czech-Texan pastries.
Tex-Mex
Enchiladas and fajitas.
Where to stay in Austin: best areas
Downtown
Walk to music venues.
South Congress
Boutique hotels.
East Austin
Trendy and local.
Lake Travis
Resort stays.
What to do in Austin when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Bullock Museum, the Blanton, the Capitol, the Thinkery or a cozy record store.
How much does a trip to Austin cost?
Expect $180–350 per night, $15–30 for lunch and about $10 for Barton Springs.
Practical tips for Austin
Best time to visit
March to May and October to November.
Getting around
Walking, scooters, ride-hailing and buses.
Our practical tips
- Arrive early for barbecue.
- Reserve swimming holes.
- Watch the bats from April to October.
- Hydrate in the heat.
- Check music listings.
- Book ahead during SXSW.
Mistakes to avoid
- Midday heat in summer.
- Hotel prices during festivals.
- Only staying on Sixth Street.
- Driving at rush hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Austin?
Swim at Barton Springs, watch the bats and hear live music.
How many days do you need?
Three days, a week with the Hill Country.
When do the bats fly?
At dusk from April to October.
Is Austin walkable?
Downtown and South Congress are.