Things to do in Austin

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Austin

Things to Do in Austin

There's lots to explore in Austin. Paddleboard in Lady Bird Lake, visit Texas' State Capitol, and bar hop through Rainey Street. Bat watching is on from May till September.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Austin.


Top Attractions in Austin

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Balasubramanya Basuvaraj
    Edmonds, WA627 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning Capitol Building which is supposedly taller than the US Capitol Building. Visited early in the morning as I had to work later in the day and therefore couldn’t spend much time there. But I was able to get on the first Capitol Guided Tour organized by the State Preservation Board. The tour is for 30 min and captures the essence of the Capitol. Tour starts of close to the South Entrance and finishes in one of the Extension areas. A short introduction to the Capitol including highlights and accounts of Texas History and Governors is given. After the tour, you can spend as much time as you want in the Capitol Building and extension areas till closing time. There is a small gift shop in the extension wing and there is supposed to be another one in the Capitol Visitors Center which is another building in the same complex. A must visit if you are interested in architecture and also to learn about Texas History.
    Written March 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GikoKadampa
    New Jersey91 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a very educational experience, very informative and I can honestly say, LBJ is now one of my favorite historical presidents. I had no idea just how much he accomplished for our nation!
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • drmader
    Orinda, CA2,183 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful natural feeling pool area w ample parking, city views, clear water , easy steps and changing areas .
    So crowded in summer but you can scone year round . We like coming here when it’s quieter during week. Water is amazingly clean and warm
    Written February 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travel8ww
    Rochester, MN8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We have been visiting this area more than several times over the last 10 years. Fantastic walking trails around the lake and great bird watching sites.
    Written February 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FarAway19033189487
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great experience, not too crowded and Imax Theatre made the experience well worth it. Staff is very friendly and helpful.
    Written February 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • maxpaste
    Mechanicsburg, PA1,073 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were here for a business meeting and this hotel was fabulous. The hotel is very historic and well maintained. The rooms were clean and quiet. The meeting space was great as well. I can see why this hotel is a popular choice downtown.
    Written February 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cappie G
    San Diego, United States191 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love walking up to the entrance, we were greeted with the beautiful sounds of the windchimes. The building are wonderful, the walk was nice, but probably better in the spring.
    Written December 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • D B
    La Grange, IL109 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did t see the bats emerge but were not surprised. It is a bit late in the season and the bats begin to migrate south. Also, they emerge quite a bit after dark and we had another engagement. The next day we walked under their bridge and could hear the bats chirpy and click g and definitely could smell their presence. Do t be disappointed, it was still a beautiful evening and sunset.
    Written October 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Barb P
    Madison, WI179 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views. A bit of a hike up stairs but worth it. Then trails around the top to get different views. Very peaceful place also.
    Written December 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael B
    Portland, OR10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Zilker Park around Lady Bird Lake is a shady, beautiful area just south of downtown. I have lived in Austin 45 years, and walk the 3 mi. loop from Mopac bridge to the pedestrian bridge many many times. Have explored more all the way around the lake on my e-bike recently. Zilker Park will add value to your life and feed your Soul.
    Written October 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • digitalroc
    Calgary, Canada1,869 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I intentionally wanted to stay in the SoCo District, so I booked my Airbnb as close to the area as possible, and ended up in the nearby neighborhood of Galindo. The Galindo area borders west of South 1st Street and south of West Oltorf Street, which was a nice area to stay. I found that Travis Heights and Bouldin Creek are the neighborhoods that have the best of the SoCo District, with all the great diners in the area, along with many unique shops and of course, lots of cool murals. Be sure you visit the “Greetings from Austin” mural that is located on South 1st Street and West Annie Street, in the neighborhood of Bouldin Creek.
    Written November 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lee A
    Philadelphia, PA304 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were recommended to stroll along the shops and sites of Austin's South Congress Avenue and we were not disappointed. It was fun to pop into the funky shops (and we did support the local economy) and see the murals. We had a nice snack break at Perla's and enjoyed sitting in the courtyard on a beautiful day.
    Written December 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.