THINGS
TO DO IN
AUSTIN
The essential Austin experience — from live music to outdoor adventure.
Austin is one of America's most dynamic cities — a place where live music spills out of every bar, legendary BBQ joints draw lines at dawn, and the Colorado River runs through the heart of it all. Whether you're here for a weekend or a week, there's more to do than you'll have time for.
Austin's top experiences.
These are the experiences that define Austin — the ones visitors remember long after they leave.
Live Music
6TH STREET & BEYOND
Austin earned its "Live Music Capital of the World" title honestly. 6th Street alone covers multiple vibes: Dirty 6th is the dense, tourist-heavy strip of bars and live music venues; West 6th is more upscale bars and clubs; East 6th (east of I-35) has a more local feel — cocktail bars, breweries, and fewer crowds. Rainey Street, the Red River Cultural District, and the University area round out a scene that runs every night of the week.
Outdoor
PARKS & SWIMMING HOLES
Barton Springs Pool — a natural limestone spring-fed pool in Zilker Park — stays around 68°F year-round and is one of Austin's most beloved spots. Deep Eddy Pool is another classic outdoor swim. For something slower: the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum offers shaded grounds and rotating outdoor art. Mount Bonnell gives you the best view of the city.
Culture
HISTORY & ART
The Texas State Capitol is a short walk from Firehouse — free guided tours run daily and cover Texas history in depth. The Blanton Museum of Art on the UT campus is one of the top university art museums in the country. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum tells the story of Texas from early exploration to the present.
Food
BBQ, TACOS & FOOD TRUCKS
Franklin Barbecue, Micklethwait Craft Meats, and Terry Black's are the names that matter — get there early, lines form before 10am at the top spots. Austin taco culture runs deep, from breakfast tacos to late-night options on every corner. Food trucks are scattered citywide, with the highest concentration around South Congress and East Austin.
Happy Hour & Drinks
AUSTIN HAPPY HOUR SCENE
Austin has a strong happy hour culture — cocktail bars, dive bars, and restaurant specials run most weekday afternoons across every neighborhood. Whether you're after a well-made drink or just a cold beer and a deal, there's something on almost every block.
→ Best Happy Hours in AustinAustin by neighborhood.
6TH STREET
Three distinct zones, three different vibes. Dirty 6th is the tourist-heavy strip — dense bars, live music spilling onto the sidewalk, high energy every night. West 6th is more upscale, with cocktail bars and clubs that draw a local after-work crowd. East 6th (east of I-35) is the most local of the three — independent bars, breweries, and a more relaxed pace. Firehouse Hostel sits at 605 Brazos, right in the middle of it all — you're already there.
Looking for where to stay? Firehouse Hostel is at the center of everything on this list — explore our downtown Austin hostel or check where to stay in Austin for a full overview.
SOUTH CONGRESS (SoCo)
South Congress Avenue is Austin's most eclectic street — vintage clothing stores, local boutiques, food trucks, sit-down restaurants, and live music all packed into a mile-long stretch. It's a 20-minute walk or short rideshare from downtown and worth at least an afternoon.
RAINEY STREET
Once a quiet residential block, Rainey Street has become one of Austin's best bar districts. Converted bungalows turned cocktail bars, a more local crowd than 6th Street, and a string of food trucks make this the neighborhood for a long, leisurely evening. It's a 10-minute walk from Firehouse.
ZILKER PARK & LADY BIRD LAKE
Austin's green lung. Zilker Park hosts Barton Springs Pool, the Botanical Gardens, and major festivals including Austin City Limits. Lady Bird Lake runs adjacent — kayak and paddleboard rentals are available along the shore, and the beloved 10-mile hike-and-bike trail circles the water. This is where Austin slows down.
UNIVERSITY AREA (UT / GUADALUPE)
The strip along Guadalupe Street bordering UT Austin is student-heavy and unpretentious — casual bars, dive spots, live music venues, and cheap eats. The Blanton Museum of Art and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum are both in this area and worth a visit even if you're not a student.
Parks, water, and open space.
Within Austin
ZILKER PARK & BARTON SPRINGS
Austin's most iconic outdoor space. Zilker Park is a wide-open green space just south of downtown, and Barton Springs Pool is a spring-fed swimming spot that stays around 68°F year-round. Come here to swim, picnic, or just relax with skyline views nearby. It's one of the easiest and best ways to experience Austin outdoors.
Within Austin
HIPPIE HOLLOW / COMMONS FORD
Two of Austin's best lakeside escapes. Hippie Hollow is the city's only clothing-optional park with wide-open Lake Travis views. Commons Ford is quieter — shaded picnic areas, river access, and fewer crowds.
Within Austin
LAKE AUSTIN PADDLEBOARDING
Skip the crowds on Lady Bird Lake and head to Lake Austin. Calmer water, better scenery, and a more relaxed pace — ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking.
Within Austin
MOUNT BONNELL & GREENBELT
Mount Bonnell offers one of the best views in Austin with a short climb. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is the go-to for hiking, swimming holes, and limestone cliffs.
Within Austin
LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
Native Texas landscapes, walking trails, and seasonal wildflowers. Especially good in spring, but worth a visit year-round.
Within Austin
DEEP EDDY DISTILLERY
Vodka-based cocktails, live music, and a laid-back outdoor setting. Located just west of downtown — easy stop after Deep Eddy Pool.
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~45 Min
MULESHOE BEND (BLUEBONNETS)
In spring, one of the best bluebonnet fields in Texas. Open landscapes along the Colorado River with hiking and camping options.
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~1 Hour
RIVER TUBING (ATXCURSIONS)
Float the San Marcos or Guadalupe River — cold spring water, easy pace, and a classic Texas summer experience. ATXcursions runs guided trips with transportation from Austin.
→ atxcursions.comBeyond downtown Austin.
Within Austin
McKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK
Waterfalls, swimming holes, and hiking trails technically within Austin city limits. An easy escape that most visitors never find.
~45 Min
KRAUSE SPRINGS
Natural spring pools, a small waterfall, and shaded gardens west of Austin. One of the most underrated swimming spots in the Hill Country.
~1 Hour
PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK
Tiered limestone falls, swimming holes, and miles of hiking. One of the most visited state parks in Texas — go on a weekday if you can.
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Hill Country
WIMBERLEY (BLUE HOLE)
A small Hill Country town with shops, restaurants, and one of the best swimming spots in Texas. Blue Hole requires reservations — book in advance.
Hill Country
JESTER KING BREWERY
A working farm brewery with outdoor space, food, and some of the best farmhouse ales in the country. About 45 minutes from downtown in the Texas Hill Country.
~1–1.5 Hours
SCHLITTERBAHN / SIX FLAGS
Two of Texas' biggest theme parks. Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels) is a top-tier water park; Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) has rides and roller coasters.
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Beyond (~2 Hours)
ROUND TOP (VINTAGE FAIRS)
Twice a year, Round Top becomes one of the largest antique and vintage markets in the country. Worth the drive if you're here in spring or fall.
STAY WHERE AUSTIN HAPPENS.
Firehouse Hostel puts you in the center of everything — 6th Street, Rainey Street, the Capitol, and Lady Bird Lake are all within walking distance. Dorm beds from $35/night in a historic 1885 fire station.