Austin is one of the most important and popular American cities. This city welcomes people from across the globe because of its deep-rooted American history that resonates on the walls and streets of Austin. From historic buildings to lake tours, the city is lively and is loaded with so many interesting activities to do. Austin is a symbol of nature meeting human innovation. If you are planning to explore Austin, a list of the different things you can do in this stunning town will be of great use. Check out, below, our list of the various things to do in Downtown Austin, Texas.
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1. Take part in a bike tour of Austin
What is more fun than enjoying a leisure bike ride on the bright streets of Austin in the night? This trip involves a 2.5-hour bike ride around some of the breathtaking historic sites of the city, including the infamous Lady Bird Lake. After you ride along the lake you will reach the Congress Avenue Bridge where you will get to witness over a million and a half bats take flight for their evening feast. The bat colony is a legendary sight in Austin and it is a part of the rich history and wildlife of the city. You will also get to burn a few calories as you are awed by the amazing sunset under the bridge.
Book Tours : Austin Congress Avenue Bats Bike Tour
2. Explore the stores on Second Street
Another historic gem in Downtown Austin is Second Street. It houses the finest boutiques, shopping centers, restaurants and much more. It is a perfect place where shopaholics will be at bliss. This is a vibrant area with walkable lanes where you can go about buying anything you like at the local retail shops. They also have the best coffee, craft drinks and the finest indie films. Try some of their finest locally made goods and you will surely be going back again and again.
II Street District
Address: 214 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701
Website: II Street District
3. Catch a live show at Paramount Theatre
Built in the year 1915, Paramount Theatre in Austin is a symbol of the classic-revival style of architecture. The building has been featured in the National Registry of Historic Places. It has been an important place in the century-old history of the theatre. Paramount Theatre in Austin is a live theatre that showcases live music performances, theatrical acts, comedy, premieres, movies and much more. The theatre has some live performances on all days of the year. So catch a live show at this stunning place and experience how art gains life in front of your eyes. It has a seating capacity of over 1200 audiences.
Paramount Theatre
Address: 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Paramount Theatre
4. Have fun with Austin Duck Adventure
Austin Duck Adventures is something that you cannot miss. It is a water and land adventure trip on the lake and downtown Austin. You will ride on the Lady Bird Lake on a Hydra Terra Vehicle (certified by the US coast guard). Enjoy this one and a half-hour of sightseeing tour on the amazing lake and visit other historic sites of Austin such as Sixth Street, the State Capitol, the History Museum and much more.
Austin Duck Adventure
Address: 602 E 4th Street, Austin TX, 78701
Website: Austin Duck Adventure
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2pm Sat: 10am - 4pm Sun: 11am - 4pm
Price: 25 - 30 USD
5. Pub crawl in the Warehouse District
If you are looking for the best pub crawl experience in the whole of the Texas state, Austin’s Warehouse district is your place. Meet new people and have the most fun-filled experience at some of the finest pubs in the Warehouse District. This place is the home of the city’s top award-winning hotels, bars, eateries and shopping areas. There is something for everyone who visits the Warehouse District. Music lovers can enjoy live performances in the bars. The pubs here serve some of the finest craft cocktails and beers. Make the best memories from this never-sleeping side of Austin.
Warehouse District
Address: Warehouse District, Austin, Texas
6. Sip on signature cocktails in Upstairs Circus ATX
Imagine you get your favorite drink when you are busy feeding your creativity with DIY artwork. In Upstairs Circus, you get to do exactly this. This unique place is a combination of art and a bar where you can participate in their DIY workshops and order your favorite libation. They serve signature drinks, craft drinks, cocktails and much more. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience at Upstairs Circus ATX. The DIY workshops cover various materials such as leather, wood, jewellery, and much more. They provide you with all the supplies, time and assistance for creating your DIYs.
Upstairs Circus ATX
Address: 234 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Upstairs Circus ATX
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 11pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 6:30pm (closed on Mon)
7. Admire the stunning architecture of the Texas State Capitol
The Capitol Building of the State of Texas is located in Austin and it has been the center of numerous historic events in American history. The capitol began as a two-room building in the 1830s and it soon became the seat of governance after the construction of the limestone building in the year 1853. The building that stands today was rebuilt after the limestone building was consumed by the fire of 1881. One of the special features of the current Capitol building is its dome featuring the statue of the goddess of liberty. It has been the seat of the state’s administration since its establishment in 1888, and it is filled with a rich history and architectural excellence. Awe at this stunning building by going on a Capitol tour.
Texas State Capitol
Address: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701
Website: Texas State Capitol
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Sat: 9:30am - 3:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 3:30pm
8. Spend an day in the buzzing Rainey Street
One of the most amazing historic sights with spectacular lake views is Rainey Street Historic District by the Lady Bird Lake. This historic lane was first developed in the late 19th century by two cattle barons. A total of 16 acres (6.5 hectares) of land was converted into a residential community by Jesse Driskill and Frank Rainey in the year 1884. The street still houses the old-style historic bungalows and they are of great architectural significance. Tour this beautiful buzzing street on a bright day in Austin.
Rainey Street
Address: Austin, Texas, USA
Website: Rainey Street
9. Have an adventure at the Austin Panic Rooms
Austin Panic Room was started in the year 2014 and it has been very successful at creating the best adrenaline rush for the past five years. The panic room is a completely unique and new experience, where groups of 4 to 10 people solve puzzles using the clues hidden in the room. Any group that solves the storyline and escapes from the panic room in the given one-hour time is declared the winner. It is similar to a prison break. The Austin Panic Room is an excellent way of spending time with your family and friends and getting to know them well.
Austin Panic Room
Address: 1205 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Austin Panic Room
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 8:30am - 11:15pm; Sun: 2pm - 10pm
10. Enjoy a live music performance at Moody Theater
The Moody Theater is a definition of grandeur and perfection. The theater holds the honorary LEED certification of excellence for its contribution towards world health. It is the home of the most popular music series in American history, The Austin City Limits (ACL) Live. With a grand seating capacity of 2,750 people, the theater hosts over 1000 live music performances every year. If you are looking to get some music fever, this is your place in Austin.
Moody Theater
Address: 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd #1B, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Moody Theater
11. Explore the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail
Located in the heart of Austin at the Lady Bird Lake, the Ann and Roy Butler hike and bike trail is a natural and scenic place. It is one of the most loved and visited places in the city. Especially after the completion of the Broadwalk, the trail has become the most sought after alternative travel route for the locals. Named after the former mayor and his family, this trail is like the soul of the city. The lake is bordered by the stunning skyscrapers, ball fields and the historic neighborhoods of Austin. Enjoy the company of a diverse mix of people on this beautiful trail.
Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail
Address: Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail
12. Enjoy an Indie film at the Alamo Drafthouse
The Alamo Drafthouse is a chain of cinema halls that screens in six different locations in Austin and a total of thirty-seven locations in Texas. The cinema house has a strict code of conduct that was drafted with the sole purpose of maintaining high standards of cinema-going etiquette. Enjoy a good American movie at this unique 22-year-old cinema chain.
Alamo Drafthouse
Address: 320 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Alamo Drafthouse
13. Discover the Museum of The Weird
Discover the broadest definition of the word weird that you can ever possibly imagine at the famous Museum of the Weird in Austin, Texas. The museum houses the greatest collection of quirky things in the world. Have you heard about a two-headed snake on the internet? Don’t be amazed if you see one for real at this place because the Museum of Weird is all about witnessing the unbelievable. The museum offers group discounts for entry. Also, don’t forget to check out their amazing gift store.
Museum of The Weird
Address: 412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Museum of The Weird
Opening hours: 10am - 12am (daily)
Price: 8 - 12 USD
14. Have a night of dancing at Esther’s Follies
An interesting gem on the famous 6th street of Downtown Austin is the modern-day comedic performance arts theater named Esther’s Follies. A comedy group named after the famous actress Esther Williams will blow your mind away with fast-paced theatrical acts that involve music, magic, dance, sketches, juggling and much more. This popular group has been making the audience burst into laughter with their acts for the past 40 years, focusing on various comedy themes such as political satire, vegas magic, music and much more. With Esther’s Follies, keep your weekends more lively and joyful.
Esther’s Follies
Address: 525 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Esther’s Follies
Opening hours: Thu: 7pm - 9:30pm; Fri: 7:30pm - 11:30pm; Sat: 7:30pm - 11:30pm
15. Pamper your taste buds at the Roaring Fork
The perfect place for fine dining and romantic dinners in Austin is the Roaring Fork’s Wood Fired Cooking. With its bold flavor-filled American cuisines and an elegant setting, the Rocking Fork is your go-to place for a pleasant evening with a loved one. All the dishes in this restaurant are wood-fired using a rotisserie, an open flame grill or wood-oven roaster. The flavor-rich aromatic dishes along with the cordial atmosphere creates a great dining experience that you would want to experience again and again. Pamper yourself with an elite dining experience filled with positive energy at the Roaring Fork.
The Roaring Fork's Wood Fired Cooking
Address: 701 Congress Ave.
Website: The Roaring Fork’s Wood Fired Cooking
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 5pm - 11pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm
16. Enjoy the drinks at Firehouse Lounge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Firehouse Lounge, as the name suggests, stands in Austin’s oldest fire station dating back to the year 1885. The Firehouse Bar and Lounge serves some of the finest craft cocktails and beers in the city. It also houses an international hostel that is open for locals, travelers and almost everyone. Taste some of the finest prohibition-era drinks at this stunning place and soak yourselves in the timelessness of rich history.
Firehouse Lounge
Address: 605 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701
Website: Firehouse Lounge
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 5pm - 2am; Thu: 2pm - 2am; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 2am
17. Go shopping at the Downtown Farmers Market
The Downtown Farmer’s Market in Austin is considered as the prime hub of the Sustainable Food Center (SFC) Farmers’ Marketing System. The Farmers’ Market is a favorite spot for many regulars and a must-see place for newbies. The market features stalls of award-winning farmers, food artists and the infamous cafe under the Auction Oak. Experience the joy of a picnic with live music in the background, the aroma of farm-fresh goods and the picturesque views of the Republic Square and much more.
SFC Farmers' Market Downtown
Address: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, 78701
Website: SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1pm
18. Spend a day on 6th Street
If there is a good way to celebrate a special night in Austin, it is simply by going to the historic sixth street in the downtown. Loaded with numerous bars that were established as early as three to four decades ago, this street is the most lively place in the whole city. You can choose from the blocks of nightclubs and bars lined on the street. This is where to enjoy live music, DJ nights and random people. The street is famous for the SXSW annual film, media and music festival. Trust me! The sixth street is the best place to spend your halloween nights.
West 6th Street
Address: Roughly bounded by 5th, 7th, Lavaca Streets and I-35, Austin, Texas
19. Enjoy stunning views of Downtown Austin from the Boardwalk Trail
Enjoy the stunning views of the Austin downtown along with a breezy stroll on the Boardwalk Trail along the famous Lady Bird Lake. The trail was a dream project that took a good two decades of making. It is located on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and links the 1.1-mile (1.7-km) gap. This amazing Boardwalk is accessible from 5 in the morning until midnight and it has several entryways. As you stroll through along lake, witness the breathtaking sights of turtles, birds, canoes and kayaks on the lake. You will also get to witness groups of runners and bikers.
The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
Address: 1820 S Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, TX 78741, USA
Website: The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)
20. Attend the exhibitions at Jones Center
If you are a fan of contemporary art, the exhibitions at Jones Center is something that you cannot miss in Austin. The exhibition showcases a unique visual arts landscape spanning across a whopping 5100-square-foot (474-square-meter) exhibition space. There are also educational programs on art conducted by the center here. The contemporary art pieces on exhibit at this museum focus on multidisciplinary themes and ideas. There is also an exhibit center at Laguna Gloria and an Austin Contemporary Art School by the lakeside of Laguna Gloria which is also part of the same group. Delve into the artistic glory of Austin.
The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center
Address: 700 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 - 10 USD
21. Explore the city on an early morning Segway tour
If you are someone who loves the morning sun, the twilight and the mist, you will make the best memories out of this Segway tour. In this two-hour early morning tour, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will help you with the instructions on how you can ride the Segway and the different historic attractions that you will cover on the tour. The Segway is an eco-friendly and safe vehicle. Enjoy a pleasant Segway ride along the calm and just-waking-up streets of Austin on a bright and beautiful morning.
Book Tours : Austin Early Bird Segway Tour
22. Explore the city’s firefighting history at Austin Fire Museum
The Austin Fire Department holds a rich history of starting as a volunteer program and now an important career department of the state. It all began in the year 1870 by a group of Austin’s fondly remembered businessmen and merchants who devoted their lives to saving people from fire. The Central Fire Station No.1 was converted into the Austin Fire Museum in the memory of all the hard work and devotion of the 19th to 21st-century firefighters of Austin. The museum contains uniforms of legendary firefighters, photographs and memorabilia. Get to know this rich history of American bravery at the Austin Fire Museum.
Austin Fire Museum
Address: 401 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Austin Fire Museum
Opening hours: Sat & Sun: 12pm - 3pm
Price: Free entry
23. Learn about local history at Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum was opened in the year 2001 with the sole intention of unfolding and spreading the story of Texas through innovative experiences. Popularly known as the official history museum of Texas state, this museum engages its visitors with a number of educational experiences that help them interpret the evolving stories of the state. Some of the interesting experiences that you cannot miss include the World Refugee Day, Spooktacular for spooky science family experience, B movies and bad history portraying the worst sides of the state, the Texas artist series, exhibitions, feature films and focus films, high noon talks, science Thursdays and of course, the holiday season sale at the museum store. Engross yourself in the rich history of this beautiful state at Austin, Texas.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Address: 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Website: Bullock Texas State History Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
A lively city with a rich history
Austin is a vibrant and lively city with a rich history imbibed in its culture and architecture. There is something unique in store for every visitor in Austin. This is an explorer’s heaven. Make beautiful memories in this fabulous city by visiting its historically significant attractions and experiencing the unique things the city has to offer. Who knows, by the end of your trip, you might end up falling in love with the city and its stories!
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