Where do you start when there are so many things to do, eat, and see in Austin? Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a full week of exploration, we've pulled together the essential experiences — landmarks, food, live music, outdoor adventures, and more — so you can spend less time planning and more time living.

  1. Explore
  2. Food Trucks & Restaurants
  3. Craft Beverages
  4. Live Music
  5. Comedy & Nightlife
  6. Outdoors
  7. Street Art

Explore

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Sunrise aerial view of the Texas State Capitol grounds.
Texas State Capitol Building. Credit David Aguilar.

Must-See Austin Landmarks

From spring through fall, crowds of Austinites and visitors gather on the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the largest urban bat colony in North America emerge at dusk, creating cloud-like formations across the downtown skyline.

The bat bridge is the perfect finale to a day on South Congress Avenue — one of Austin's most beloved neighborhoods. Stroll the corridor to shop at local favorites like Allens Boots, Big Top Candy Shop, and the Kendra Scott flagship; browse vivid outdoor murals; grab coffee at Jo's Coffee or Mañana; grab a bite at June's or Hopdoddy Burger Bar; or come back after dark for live music at Continental Club or C-Boy's Heart & Soul.

Before you leave downtown, visit the Texas State Capitol — an elaborate granite structure dating to 1888. Expert-led and self-guided tours run seven days a week.

Food Trucks & Restaurants

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Plastic tray covered in butcher paper topped with slices of different barbecue meats and traditional sides.
Franklin BBQ. Credit Arts+Labor.

Austin's reputation as a top-tier food city grows every year. From food truck parks to nationally recognized barbecue to elevated MICHELIN-star meals, Austin serves up flavors as bold as the city itself.

Food Trucks

Food truck parks are a way of life here. Gather at outdoor tables and hop from truck to truck to explore global flavors — the best way to satisfy a group with different tastes. Some top options:

  • Arlo's Junior - Comfort food that just happens to be plant-based — carnivores included. The vegan frito pie burger is indulgent and unforgettable.
  • Little Lucy's - Mini donuts in bright pink bags, served on Rainey Street starting at 5 p.m. Mon–Wed and 10 a.m. Thu–Sun.
  • Spicy Boys Fried Chicken - Crispy chicken fused with Malaysian flavors. The O.G. sandwich — sweet chili honey, papaya relish, Thai basil ranch — is a must.
  • T-Loc's Sonora - Sonoran hot dogs: bacon-wrapped all-beef franks topped with beans, onions, mayo, mustard, and jalapeño sauce. Order yours "con todo."
  • Veracruz All Natural - Authentic Mexican food from the iconic blue truck — an Austin staple. Their Veracruz Fonda & Bar brick-and-mortar earned a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction.

For food truck parks with multiple options under one sky, check out Arbor Food Truck Park in East Austin, Thicket Food Truck Park in South Austin, and the food truck community at Meanwhile Brewing in Southeast Austin.

Barbecue

If you've heard about Austin's food scene, you already know barbecue sits at the top. Join the lines outside classics like Franklin Barbecue or MICHELIN One Star Interstellar Barbecue for a true taste of the city. Queuing is part of the experience — many spots keep the atmosphere relaxed and social, and at Interstellar, you might even enjoy a free beer while you wait. The payoff: brisket, ribs, and sausages worth every minute.

Queuing up for great barbecue in Austin is all part of the experience — a relaxed, social ritual that makes the first bite even sweeter.

Tex‑Mex & Mexican

No Austin trip is complete without Tex-Mex staples and modern Mexican flavors. Across the city, you'll find everything from sizzling fajitas and queso to chef-driven menus highlighting regional traditions and fresh, local ingredients. These spots anchor Austin's food identity just as much as barbecue and food trucks. Explore our full guide to iconic Austin Tex-Mex.

For more, visit the Food Trucks section of our site and our full guide to Austin barbecue.

Craft Beverages

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Image of a man and women holding their cocktails together on the patio at Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Courtesy of Still Austin Whiskey.

Breweries, Distilleries & Urban Wineries

Plan to visit at least one of Austin's many distilleries, breweries, and urban wineries — all part of Austin's thriving craft beverage scene. Some favorites:

  • Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (ABGB) - Live music, crave-worthy pizza, and craft beers ranging from dunkels to double IPAs.
  • Austin Beer Works - Sample suds right in the working brewery alongside live music and an on-site food truck.
  • The Austin Winery - An urban winery handcrafting wines from Texas, California, and Washington grapes.
  • Holdout Brewing - Craft beer, a killer burger, and community vibes from the team behind Better Half and Wright Bros. Brew & Brew.
  • Pinthouse Brewing - Award-winning IPAs in a warm setting — the Electric Jellyfish (bright, tropical citrus) has a devoted following.
  • Still Austin - Grain-to-glass whiskey and gin made from locally sourced Texas grains.

Discover more at our Austin craft beverage guide, from brewpubs and coffee shops to wineries and specialty distilleries.

Live Music

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A group of men and women sitting at a table talking on the patio at Cheer Up Charlies.
Cheer Up Charlies. Credit Inti St. Clair.

As the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin shines after dark. With hundreds of venues around the city, you're guaranteed a memorable night. Here are some can't-miss spots:

  • Antone's - Considered the home of the blues in Austin — legends like B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan have played here.
  • Cheer Up Charlies - This vegan and gay bar has kombucha on tap and DJs spinning dance beats under neon lights.
  • The Continental Club - The "granddaddy of music venues," featuring Austin's best talent since 1957.
  • Hotel Vegas - One of East Austin's favorite live music venues, with a show every single night.
  • Stubb's - Beer, brisket, and music — plus a renowned Sunday gospel brunch. That's all you need to know.
  • The White Horse - Boot-scoot your heart out at this honky tonk. Two-step lessons run Thursday–Saturday at 7 p.m.
  • Broken Spoke - A legendary Texas dance hall with nightly bands and two-stepping in a historic honky-tonk setting.
  • Donn's Depot - Classic country in an intimate, old-school setting beloved by locals.

The Red River Cultural District packs major venues into an easy-to-explore stretch. For a more underground vibe, East Sixth offers intimate stages, craft bars, and a creative music scene rooted in community.

Check our events calendar to find live music any night of the week.

Comedy & Nightlife

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Austin's nightlife extends well beyond its music scene. Downtown comedy clubs spotlight national acts and local favorites year-round, surrounded by bars, patios, and lounges that make it easy to craft a full evening out. Whether you're catching a show or bar-hopping through downtown districts, the city consistently offers something fun for every kind of visitor.

Austin is also building a serious reputation as a top city for stand-up comedy — so check listings ahead of your trip for shows that might coincide with your visit.

Outdoors

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Two women walking along the sunny Hike-and-Bike trail along Lady Bird Lake.
Hike and Bike Trail. Credit Inti St. Clair.

Outdoor Adventures & Urban Oases

In Austin, lush nature and towering cityscapes are steps apart. Here's where to enjoy the outdoors right in the middle of the city:

  • Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail - A 10-mile loop offering access to the Congress Avenue bat bridge, Zilker Park, and the Long Center — plus excellent skyline photo ops. Accessible for all ages and abilities.
  • Barton Creek Greenbelt - Over 12 miles of footpaths and mountain bike trails alongside Barton Creek. After recent rain, take a break from hiking with a refreshing dip in the creek.
  • Barton Springs Pool - A 1,000-foot natural limestone pool in Zilker Park that stays a refreshing 68°F year-round. One of Austin's most beloved day destinations.
  • Congress Avenue Bridge Bats - Watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk for their nightly meal (spring–fall). It's as spectacular as it sounds.
  • Lady Bird Lake - Calm, motor-free waters ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, with stunning rolling-hills-and-skyline views.
  • Mount Bonnell - Climb 102 stone steps to the top for sweeping views of Lake Austin below — a local favorite for golden-hour visits.
  • Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve - A lush urban oasis perfect for a picnic under shady trees, with semi-wild peacocks roaming the grounds.

For more ideas on where to swim, hike, bike, and paddle, visit our Outdoors page.

Street Art

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Scout Out Austin's Famous Art Murals

Austin is famous for murals that pop up where you least expect them — back alleys, gas stations, storefronts. Keep your eyes peeled around Downtown and South Congress for some of the most photographed. Here are a few you won't want to miss:

Greetings From Austin
1720 S. First St.

You're My Butter Half
2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd.

i love you so much
1300 S. Congress Ave.

Jeremiah the Innocent
W. 21st St. & Guadalupe St.

Find a more complete list in our Best Murals in Austin post.