Things to do in Austin
Zilker Park
Zilker Park is a hotspot for locals. With fantastic views of Colorado River and the cityscape, it’s not hard to see why. Across its 350-acres, you’ll find plenty to do, from taking a dip in Barton Springs Pool, to watching a show at Zilker Hillside Theatre, and even learning something new with walking trails at Botanical Gardens and Zilker Nature Preserve.
LBJ Presidential Library
Lyndon Baines Johnson may have spent his presidential years in Washington D.C., but he was born and died in Texas. Discover the life of LBJ, his speeches and his legacy at Austin’s LBJ Presidential Library. Parking can be found off Red River Street and is free to guests at the library.
Congress Avenue
Congress Avenue is Austin’s main street and runs from Texas Capitol towards the river and Congress Avenue Bridge. Wander down this iconic street for your pick of shops or embark on an epic Segway Tour to explore Downtown Austin in style. At night, the street comes alive with bars, bands and bats – head to the Statesman Bat Observation Center to spot some of Austin’s lesser known residents.
The best restaurants in Austin
Pitchfork Pretty
Enjoy the delicious taste of Hill Country cuisine straight from the restaurant’s garden at this family eatery on East Cesar Chavez Street. Their menu changes depending on the seasonal harvest, but regularly features a number of grilled meats as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
Uchi
Situated in a Texan-style bungalow on Lamar Boulevard, Uchi takes a non-traditional spin on Japanese cuisine. Dine inside or on the patio and feast on Agemono (deep-fried vegetables, fish and poultry), sushi and sashimi. There are also daily specials and chef tasting courses.
Top Austin hotels
The Driskill
Set in the heart of Downtown Austin, this historic hotel has served guests of Austin for more than a century. Each of the 189 rooms feature a timeless design with all the modern comforts of a five-star hotel. There’s also a restaurant, café and bar to relax in after a day exploring Austin’s bustling streets.
Kimber Modern Boutique Hotel
For a modern stay, this four-star boutique hotel south of the river boasts a minimal and contemporary feel perfect for Austin’s trendy SoCo district. Chill out in the hotel’s courtyard complete with a 25-foot glass water feature and help yourself to gourmet teas and coffees. Off-street parking is also available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Austin’s quirkiest attractions
Museum of the Weird
Away from the live music, international cuisine and sprawling parks, Austin has an eccentric side dying to be explored. The Museum of the Weird celebrates Austin’s ostentatious side. From shrunken heads to Fiji mermaids, there’s plenty to marvel at “America’s Strangest Attraction”.
Cathedral of Junk
This quirky attraction takes the phrase “one man's trash is another man's treasure” seriously, with 60 tons of people’s cast-offs. The structure of this intriguing cathedral started in 1989 and has only grown thanks to the constant supply of unwanted goods from locals and tourists alike.