Destination guideTexas · United States
38 Things to Do in Austin (2026)
Discover the beauty and culture of Austin.
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Enjoy the local cuisine, explore historic landmarks, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
- 38 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Austin8 dishes
BrisketAt Franklin Barbecue
Migas Where to order it in Austin
Smoked Beef Short Rib Where to order it in Austin
Truffled Egg Salad Sandwich Where to order it in Austin
Wagyu Tataki Where to order it in Austin
Kerbey Queso Where to order it in Austin
Plant-Based Tasting Menu Where to order it in Austin
Suadero Tacos Where to order it in Austin
The short answer
- The top things to do in Austin, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- Bullock Texas State History Museum (Downtown Austin)
- LBJ Presidential Library (University of Texas at Austin)
- Franklin Barbecue (Central East Austin)
- The Confluence Waterloo Greenway Phase 2 (Downtown Austin)
- Austin River-Skyline View (Zilker)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
38 places worth your time in Austin
Things to see and do
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Why it’s on the map
This cultural hub tells the comprehensive story of the state through three floors of immersive galleries. It is the permanent home of the 17th-century shipwreck 'La Belle' and offers a high-tech IMAX with Laser theater.
1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
LBJ Presidential Library
Why it’s on the map
Having recently completed a comprehensive $4 million refresh of its permanent galleries in March 2026, this library offers a modernized, interactive journey through the 1960s.
2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705, USA
The Confluence Waterloo Greenway Phase 2
Why it’s on the map
Debuting in the second half of 2026, this 13-acre urban parkland extension along Waller Creek features a network of newly constructed pedestrian bridges and elevated walkways.
74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Austin River-Skyline View
Why it’s on the map
A newly debuted vantage point located on the east end of Lady Bird Lake near the Wishbone Bridge. This purpose-built deck offers a direct.
Austin, TX, Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trl, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Art Museum · University of Texas at Austin
Scenic Spot · Mansfield-River Place
Swimming Pool
Place to see · Bull Creek
Place to see
Botanical Garden · Circle C Ranch
State Park
Art Museum
Intersection · Downtown Austin
Bridge
Museum · Rosewood
Where to eat
See the full Austin food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Franklin Barbecue
Why it’s on the map
Known for: Brisket. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Brisket
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Restaurant · Downtown Austin
Japanese Restaurant · Downtown Austin
Vegan Restaurant
Mexican Restaurant · Old East Dallas
Oyster Bar Restaurant · Holly
Italian Restaurant · Hyde Park
Bakery · Downtown Austin
Seafood Restaurant · East Cesar Chavez
Italian Restaurant · North Loop
Barbecue Restaurant
Jewelry Store · Downtown Austin
Mexican Restaurant · Downtown Austin
American Restaurant · Downtown Austin
Restaurant · Rosedale
Asian Restaurant · Old East Dallas
Taco Restaurant · Highland
Ramen Restaurant · North Austin Civic Association
Sushi Restaurant · Downtown Austin
Thai Restaurant · Zilker
Shops and markets
Book Store · Downtown Austin
Shopping Mall · North Burnet
Thrift Store · Dawson
33 more places on the map
19 to eat · 11 to see and do · 3 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Austin?
- The best time to visit Austin is from March to May or September to November, when temperatures are mild and the city’s famous outdoor festivals are in full swing. Summers are intensely hot with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F, while winters are generally mild but can experience unpredictable cold snaps. Spring is peak tourist season due to SXSW and wildflower blooms, so consider visiting in late autumn or mid-winter for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
How do I get around Austin?
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Located about 8 miles southeast of downtown, this primary hub offers non-stop flights from major domestic cities and select international destinations via carriers like Southwest, American, and Delta.
- Capital Metro (CapMetro) Public Transit The city's public transit system includes an extensive bus network and the MetroRail Red Line, providing affordable access to downtown, UT Austin, and northern suburbs for a low daily fare.
- Rideshare and Micro-mobility Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the city, complemented by a dense network of dockless electric scooters and MetroBike rentals which are ideal for navigating the central business district.
What should I know before visiting Austin?
- Plan for extreme heat by scheduling outdoor activities before 10:00 AM and carrying water at all times.
- Respect the local queue culture by waiting your turn in food lines and tipping 15-20% for service, including at food trucks.
- Use rideshare apps or the Capital Metro bus system to navigate downtown, as parking is limited and traffic is heavily congested.
- Secure your belongings and avoid leaving valuables in cars to prevent property crime, which is the most common safety issue for visitors.
- Embrace the 'Keep Austin Weird' social etiquette by engaging in friendly small talk with locals and dressing casually for most venues.
What’s new in Austin in October 2026?
- Austin City Limits Music Festival: Celebrating its 25th anniversary at Zilker Park, Weekend Two runs October 9–11, 2026, featuring headliners like Charli XCX and Kings of Leon.
- Formula 1 United States Grand Prix: The massive racing and entertainment weekend returns to Circuit of the Americas from October 22–25, 2026, with concerts by Post Malone and Maroon 5.
- The Driskill Grill: The historic downtown landmark recently reopened as a polished American steakhouse under the management of the acclaimed McGuire Moorman Lambert group.
Research receipt
How this Austin guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Austin replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Austin?
Start with Bullock Texas State History Museum, LBJ Presidential Library, Franklin Barbecue, The Confluence Waterloo Greenway Phase 2, and Austin River-Skyline View: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 38 places are pinned on the Austin map.