Location: Austin
Top Things to do in Austin
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10 Sights & Landmarks in Austin That You Shouldn't Miss
Every year thousands of hipsters, groupies, and die-hard fans flock to Austin for the annual South by Southwest festival, which has catapulted the Texas city up the must-visit charts for many travelers. The sandstone Capitol building is symbolic of the Lone Star State’s "bigger is better" mentality, featuring a gorgeous whispering gallery rotunda and 22 acres of grounds. Cool off with a dip in Barton Springs, a huge natural limestone pool that’s fed by underground sources.
Restaurants in Austin
1. Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By CharlieinTexas - Austin, United States
Easy to park behind the newspaper in a parking lot that’s open to the public. Can stroll in either direction, I prefer to head towards I 35 then cross over the highway and come back to one of several bridges downtown and criss over again. Fairly easy walk on the boardwalk or smooth paths, mostly large enough for runners and bicyclist to pass by. But, do you need to watch for bicyclists they don’t know how to shout out on your right or on your left.
2. Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Itinerant_Foodies - Greensboro, United States
We walked through the library with some locals and were really impressed. The interior has unique architecture, the outside areas offer very nice views of the downtown area and even the inside areas offer nice views as well. We’d suggest walking all of the way up and down and outside to explore all floors. It’s a very inviting space that would be hard to leave with a good book or if we were staying to study. The meeting rooms are a nice bonus and the technology petting zoo is interesting for all visitors. There seem to be quite a few events going on. Kudos to the person who thought to advertise a CD from a local group and also point out where they can be seen/heard live in town.
3. Texas State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,840 reviews
If it's in Texas, it must be bigger and better. That is the motto that architects followed with the Capitol Building in Austin. At one time, it was the tallest capitol building in the nation. Others might be taller now, but this is still a beautiful building that shows off many of the natural resources which are so prevalent in Texas, such as limestone and the landscapes.
Reviewed By Wanderer776418 - Dublin, United States
A must even if you have little time. Lots of history, recommend you take a tour it’s free if you stop in or with tour company ( shortened version) just to learn some of facts that make it special!
4. Old Bakery & Emporium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Emporium of arts and crafts created by local artists. It is has a History Center, Art Gallery, Visitor Center and is a Historical Bakery built in 1876, complete with an old-fashioned oven and wooden baker's spade.
Reviewed By AvaE27 - Bradenton, United States
This is a great stop to pick up some local flavor in the form of arts, crafts and photos. The downstairs is chock full of colorful gifts and jewelry in a wide range of prices. I picked up a beautiful glass suncatcher for $17, but saw some lovely handmade cards and jewelry too. Upstairs is a photo gallery and secondary room with interesting historical information.
5. Texas State Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Some of Texas' most prominent historical figures are buried in this cemetery.
Reviewed By RMc179 - Fort Worth, United States
I cannot believe I've been a Texan all my life and haven't been there until now. This place is amazing. It's a wonderful and peaceful cemetery which is a resting place for notable Texans from the 1800s right up to present day. You will be shocked and humbled to see the graves of governors, pioneers, soldiers, artists and athletes. So many famous names, so little time. Make the time to visit this place! I left feeling inspired to dig deeper into Texas history.
6. Neill-Cochran House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
The Neill-Cochran House Museum is home to two of the ten oldest buildings surviving in Austin, including the only slave quarters still standing in the city. Through period and original furnishings, carefully restored interiors, exteriors, and outbuildings, we tell the story of Austin's first decades as a successful and growing capitol city through the beginning of the 20th century. Two rotating exhibit galleries delve into art history, material culture, as well as US and Texas history. We also host contemporary art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and a speakers series. Look for our next historic happy hour or free, all ages History Lab workshops, too!
Reviewed By 342barbaraz
This gem is not noted in all the guidebooks. Even the Visitor's Center didn't have information. I am so glad I persevered -- very very interesting. The docents were informative, pleasant, helpful. I'm so glad I made the effort. Beautiful place.
7. University of Texas at Austin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 937 reviews
Founded in 1883, this university is steeped in history.
Reviewed By 858curtisb
I remember the news and the horrible 1966 massacre. I wanted to see the clock tower myself. It is a beautiful monument on campus, but it brings chills. This is only one aspect of campus. It is a beautiful place. We ate in a cafeteria and the food was pretty good and the A/C was delightful!
8. Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
This bronze statue commemorates the life and music of singer/songwriter Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Reviewed By Taser912 - New Lenox, United States
Great statue by the river in a great park. This is a Great monument to a Blues legend and a must see if you are in Austin
9. Mount Bonnell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,604 reviews
Beautiful park looming almost 800 feet over Austin.
Reviewed By richmn1 - Naples, United States
We visited this viewpoint on a sunny Sunday recently and were very impressed with the view that you have on the top. One way you are looking at the city of Austin in the distance and immediately below you there is a wide lake in the Colorado River with some spectacular houses dotting the shoreline. It is rocky on top so you need to watch your footing. There are guard rails also which you should go around. Little children need to be watched also. Highly recommended on a sunny day.
10. South Congress Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,482 reviews
Street lined with lots of great restaurants.
Reviewed By Laur6767
I experienced south congress during both the day and night, and thoroughly enjoyed both times. During the day, we walked the streets and had fun shopping, eating, and soaking in the sights. The street has a pretty view of downtown Austin, lots of fun street performers and musicians, and stores, but feels very safe and clean. The restaurants and shops nearby ranged from very cheap to very high-end, so there's something for everyone. At night, we went back to check out the Continental Club. It was such a fun, unique experience and we even met some very friendly locals inside. One told us that South Congress is the moreso "weird" Austin (aka - in her purview - the one worth seeing!) and we had loads of fun getting her two-cents on the city. Both day and night felt safe and fun, and I would highly recommend to get a sense of the atmosphere of Austin.
