Austin

Live-music dives, greenbelt swims & food-truck feasts

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Austin is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include The Flats on Barton Creek Greenbelt, Texas State Capitol and South Congress Avenue. Food lovers should not miss Barbarella and Franklin Barbecue. Below you will find 12 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Austin at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: The Flats on Barton Creek Greenbelt and Texas State Capitol
Where to stay: Downtown and SoCo
Local picks: 12 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Austin

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Austin: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Austin, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Austin

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Downtown

Austin Live Music Tour

A guided crawl of the Live Music Capitals honky-tonks and stages.

★ 4.5

Red River District

Barbarella

A hip, happily grungy dive bar with a dance floor, drinks in plastic cups and a young, up-for-it crowd. Fridays are 80s night, Saturdays new music, Tuesdays are “Tuesgays” – the classic place to end a night out on Red River, hangover optional.

★ 4.2

Zilker

Barton Springs Pool

A spring-fed natural pool that stays a cool 68 degrees year-round.

★ 4.7

Blanton Museum of Art

A leading university art museum, home to Ellsworth Kellys luminous Austin.

★ 4.6

Downtown

Congress Avenue Bats

The bridge where 1.5 million bats stream out at dusk each summer evening.

★ 4.4

East Austin

Franklin Barbecue

The legendary smokehouse worth the hours-long line for its brisket.

★ 4.7

SoCo

Home Slice Pizza

A SoCo favourite slinging proper New York-style slices.

★ 4.5

SoCo

Hotel San Jose

A minimalist bungalow-style boutique hotel in the heart of SoCo.

★ 4.5

$$$

Downtown

Lady Bird Lake

A reservoir ringed by hike-and-bike trails through the heart of the city.

★ 4.6

SoCo

South Congress Avenue

The quirky SoCo strip of vintage shops, food trucks and live music.

★ 4.5

Downtown

Texas State Capitol

The pink-granite Capitol, taller even than the one in Washington.

★ 4.6

Barton Creek Greenbelt

The Flats on Barton Creek Greenbelt

A beloved swimming and wading spot on the Barton Creek Greenbelt, close enough to downtown to skip the rideshare and reached by an easy, pretty trail. Perfect for dipping your feet on a hot Texas day – just note the water can run high right after heavy rain and thin out during dry spells.

★ 4.5

From our home city

Visiting New York City on this trip?

This guide is made by the team behind Like A Local Tours - NYC's award-winning, woman-owned food tour company. If New York is on your route, eat through it with us.

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Before you go

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Austin travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Austin?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Austin at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Austin?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Austin?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Austin guide.

What is the best time to visit Austin?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Austin is worth visiting year-round.