1. Texas State Capitol
Stunning historic building with free guided tours
Beautiful grounds with monuments and scenic walking paths
Tip: The dome interior and underground extension are architectural highlights
2. Barton Springs Pool
Natural spring-fed pool maintaining 68-70°F year-round
Located in Zilker Park, spanning three acres with grassy areas for lounging
Tip: Arrive early on hot days as it gets crowded; closed Thursdays for cleaning
3. South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
Eclectic shopping district with local boutiques, vintage shops, and restaurants
Home to the iconic "I Love You So Much" mural and great views of the Capitol
Tip: Visit during First Thursday when stores stay open late with special events
4. Lady Bird Lake Trail
10-mile hike and bike trail circling the downtown lake
Perfect for running, walking, or biking with beautiful skyline views
Tip: Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to get on the water
5. Bullock Texas State History Museum
Three floors of interactive exhibits chronicling Texas history
Houses the original Goddess of Liberty statue from the Capitol
Tip: Check out the IMAX theater for documentary films about Texas
6. Zilker Metropolitan Park
350-acre urban park with recreational facilities and event spaces
Home to Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, and Austin Nature Center
Tip: Visit during the Austin City Limits Music Festival or the Trail of Lights holiday display
7. Blanton Museum of Art
The University of Texas art museum with extensive collections
Features European paintings, modern American art, and Latin American pieces
Tip: Don't miss Ellsworth Kelly's "Austin," a rainbow-colored chapel on the grounds
8. Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America
Watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at sunset (March-November)
Tip: Best viewing spots are on the lawn below the bridge or from boats on Lady Bird Lake
Where to Eat
Barbecue Joints
Franklin Barbecue - World-famous brisket worth the notorious wait
La Barbecue - Outstanding beef ribs and creative sides with shorter lines
Terry Black's BBQ - Family-owned spot with great brisket and sausage
Tex-Mex and Tacos
Torchy's Tacos - Austin-born chain known for creative taco combinations
Veracruz All Natural - Food truck serving authentic Mexican tacos and juices
Matt's El Rancho - Classic Tex-Mex institution serving the famous "Bob Armstrong Dip"
Upscale Dining
Uchi - Award-winning Japanese fusion with innovative dishes
Odd Duck - Farm-to-table cuisine with a constantly changing seasonal menu
Food Trucks
East Austin - Concentration of food trucks offering diverse cuisines
The Picnic - Food truck park with covered seating and varied options
Live Music Venues
The Continental Club - Historic venue showcasing roots rock, country, and blues
Mohawk - Multi-level venue with indoor and outdoor stages
ACL Live at the Moody Theater - Home to Austin City Limits TV show tapings
Broken Spoke - Authentic Texas dance hall with honky-tonk music
Getting Around
Downtown is relatively walkable, but a car is helpful for exploring beyond
Capital Metro buses and light rail provide public transportation options
Rental bikes and scooters are abundant throughout the city
Rideshare services operate throughout Austin
When to Visit
Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures and wildflower blooms
Fall (September-November): Cooler weather and major festivals
Avoid Summer (June-August) if possible: Extremely hot and humid
Winter (December-February): Mild with occasional cold fronts
Practical Tips
Austin is known for heavy traffic—plan accordingly, especially during rush hours
Many attractions are free or have designated free days
Always carry water, especially when doing outdoor activities
Prepare for occasional weather extremes—summer heat can exceed 100°F
Day Trip Ideas
Texas Hill Country wineries (30-60 minutes west)
Natural swimming holes like Hamilton Pool and Jacob's Well (45 minutes west)
San Antonio (1.5 hours south)
Fredericksburg for German heritage and shopping (1.5 hours west)
Enjoy your visit to Austin—the Live Music Capital of the World and home to "Keep Austin Weird" culture!