Austin's vibrant culture, live music scene and creative energy continue to evolve every year. Whether you're visiting for the first time, or coming back for a fresh look at the city, you'll find new favorites alongside iconic classics. Here's your ultimate guide to the top things to do in Austin right now.

Catch Live Music All Over the City

Known as the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin's sound is everywhere, from intimate bars to sprawling outdoor stages. 

Photo: The White Horse. Credit to Arts+Labor.

Two women in Western attire country dancing in a dance hall.

Eat Your Way Through Austin's Food Scene

Austin's culinary landscape is a delicious mix of old favorites and exciting newcomers. Don't leave the city without trying what we're most known for—barbecue and Tex-Mex. We're also known for our unique food trucks, which can be found all over town. 

Photo: Veracruz All Natural. Credit to Ryan Myers.

Veracruz All Natural food truck with people sitting at grass umbrella-shaded picnic tables.

Enjoy a Cocktail, Craft brew or Local Wine 

Austin's beverage scene is just as creative as its music and food, from bold craft beers to expertly mixed cocktails and Hill Country wines. 

Photo: Austin Beerworks. Credit to Chase Daniel.

Evening patio at Austin Beerworks with string lights and people standing around the tables

Get outdoors

Austin's sunny skies and natural beauty invite you to spend time outside year-round. 

Photo: Butler Hike & Bike Trail. Credit to Jeff Djayasaputra.

Men and women walking past the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail with their dogs.

See the Famous Congress Avenue Bats Take Flight

One of Austin's most iconic experiences happens just after sunset, and it's completely free. From March through October, around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, filling the sky in a breathtaking nightly display. The best ways to watch the bats include: 

  • From the bridge: arrive about 30-45 minutes before sunset for a good spot on the east side of the bridge
  • On the water: book a kayak, paddleboard or boat tour with Live Love Paddle or Capital Cruises for a unique view of the flight
  • From the lawn: bring a blanket to the Statesman bat observation lawn for a relaxing bat viewing experience

Photo: Credit to JType Photography.

Image of Lady Bird Lake at sunset with a cloud of bats flying across the sky with a tour boat floating on the water below.

Visit Iconic Film Locations Around Austin

Lights, camera, Austin! With its striking landscapes and eclectic neighborhoods, Austin has starred in countless movies and TV shows. Film fans can explore the city through some of its most famous filming locations.

  • Walk through the Texas State Capitol, seen in movies like Miss Congeniality, Spy Kids, and The Rookie
  • Grab a burger or fried chicken basket from Top Notch Hamburgers, the retro drive-in from Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused
  • Stroll South Congress and spot familiar scenes from Friday Night Lights and Death Proof
  • Explore the UT Austin campus, a backdrop for films like Boyhood and Everybody Wants Some!!

Photo: Credit to Paulina Skarbowska Wiewior.

Image of the Downtown Austin skyline.

Visit Museums, Murals & Historic Sites

Austin is home to a mix of incredible museums with everything from striking art galleries, peaceful sculpture gardens and historical collections.

Photo: Courtesy of the Blanton Museum.

Groups of people standing around and sitting on picnic blankets across the Blanton Museum's lawn, in between museum buildings.

Take a City Tour

One of the best ways to explore Austin's personality is by letting a local guide show you the sights. Whether you're into history, food, art or outdoor adventures, there's a tour for every style. 

Photo: Black Austin Tours. Credit to Chelsea Purgahn. 

Javiar Wallace, founder of Black Austin Tours, standing in front of a memorial statue, talking to a group of people giving a tour.

Shop Local & Find Hidden Gems

Austin is full of incredible locally-owned boutiques featuring works from local artists and makers.

Photo: 2nd Street District. Credit Inti St. Clair. 

Couple window shopping at a toy store while holding ice cream cones.

Experience Austin's Festival Spirit

There's always something happening in Austin, from high-speed sports and rocking music festivals to foodie events and international film festivals.

Visit the Austin Insider Blog for more must-visit attractions, curated itineraries, and insider tips on the top things to do in Austin. 

Photo: Austin Food & Wine Festival. Credit to Dusana Risovic.

Image of people attending an event at the Austin Food & Wine Festival, each with their own grill and paying attention to the speaker.