31 Must-See Attractions in Austin

From pristine natural springs to two-stepping dance halls, Culture Trip has rounded up the must-visit attractions that make Austin what it is. Whether you’re playing tourist in your own city or visiting and looking for things to do during one of the Texas capital’s many festivals, here are 19 things you won’t want to miss.

As Austin’s premier art museum, the Blanton has an impressive, dizzyingly genre-spanning collection that includes more than 19,000 works, including Renaissance paintings, modern Native American art, a massive prints collection, Roman-era pottery and one of the best Latin American collections in the country. Don’t miss Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin, a 2,715sq ft (252sq m) stone chapel with colored glass windows and black-and-white marble panels; it’s among his most notable works.

This little Texas dive bar advertises itself as the “last of the true Texas dance halls and damn sure proud of it!” For over 50 years, the Broken Spoke has offered live music and dancing, plus beer and classic chicken-fried steak. Join in the fun and learn the traditional two-step, western swing and the Cotton-Eyed Joe. Classes take place from Wednesday to Saturday so that you can learn the steps before rocking out to the live band. Looking for information about SXSW? Read our Ultimate Guide to the SXSW Festival.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin is great for exploring the beautiful flora and fauna native to the Lone Star State. It also offers family programs that allow children to get hands-on experience with gardening. Take your toddlers to Sprouts, an ongoing preschool program that leads you through its Family Garden, with each week focusing on a specific theme, such as “insect investigation.” For older kids, it provides free magnifying glasses, books, binoculars and more to enhance the possibilities of discovery.

Since 1955, the Continental Club has enjoyed a reputation for being the premier music club in the region – so much so that there is now an outpost in Houston. Here, you will find a true mix of Americana and Texan traditions, making it a great spot to grab a drink and mingle with the local crowd, among the most diverse in the area, and where out-of-towners are welcomed with open arms.

Established in 1977, this landmark store on the South Congress corridor displays more than 4,000 boots, plus cowboy hats, clothing and accessories – it’s pretty much a one-stop shop for all things Texan. The big red boot sign is a city landmark, and the family-owned business helps customers find the perfect boot for any lifestyle.

Just down the street from Allens is the South Congress location of Magnolia Cafe, known for its “Sorry, We’re Open” neon sign and 24-hour diner service. The original restaurant opened as Omelettry West on Lake Austin Boulevard in 1979, and this beloved café has been an Austin favorite ever since. Barack Obama’s 2014 visit cemented the diner’s status as a local icon forever when he met a UT student here for coffee.

Taking its name from William Barton, who settled the area in 1837, this outdoor spot boasts plenty of creeks, beautiful limestone cliffs and wooded areas for hiking. It stretches more than 7mi (11km) from Zilker Park to the Woods of Westlake subdivision. Take a four-hour mountain biking tour through the Texas Hill Country, and enjoy scenic views of nature. There will be plenty of time to stop off and take a dip in the turquoise natural swimming pools and experience a slice of authentic Austin wilderness.

In true Austin fashion, there’s another honky-tonk on this list. The White Horse is the East Side’s charmingly gritty, no-frills alternative to the Broken Spoke, and while both are great, The White Horse is where you should go to have a rollicking good time you’ll remember for years to come (unless you drink too many cheap whiskey shots, that is). Let an old cowboy spin you around the dance floor while you soak up the live country and western tunes, or sign up for free Texas two-stepping lessons, which take place throughout the week.

Spider House is set on the University of Texas at Austin campus and is recognizable by its antique, one-of-a-kind decor; the outdoor patio boasts art installations, garden statues, twinkle lights and swings. Its ballroom often features up-and-coming musicians, and while patrons can stay inside until 2am, this hotspot is rumored to be haunted. It offers many locally crafted beers on tap, alongside fruit cocktails from JuiceLand. Come out during happy hour (2pm to 6pm) for excellent drink specials.

The Harry Ransom Center has one of the largest archives of original manuscripts and other historical documents. It offers rotating exhibitions throughout the year, along with permanent displays, including The Niépce Heliograph, the actual oldest surviving photograph taken in 1826 in France, and a first edition of the Gutenberg Bible. With so much to see, you can only imagine what other treasures are housed in this mid-century structure.

The Circuit of the Americas features a 3.41mi (5.49km) racetrack and hosts the Formula One United States Grand Prix, the Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas and various other racing championships throughout the year. Musical guests from Mumford & Sons to Taylor Swift and Chance the Rapper have performed on the on-site Germania Insurance Amphitheater stage.

Peter Pan Mini-Golf is an Austin original, with its giant Peter Pan and T-Rex standing guard over the intersection of Barton Springs and South Lamar since 1948. The family-owned company perfectly captures the city’s laid-back, funky attitude. In the past few years, several fixtures have been to the course, which is frequently refreshed with bright new paint colors. It’s also BYOB.

An Austin establishment for over 30 years, the Mexic-Arte Museum showcases Mexican and Mexican-American fine art in many forms: the vibrant permanent collection includes impressive sculpture, traditional ritual masks, photographs from the Mexican Revolution, and fascinating contemporary works from local artists. Plus, there are always awesome community engagement events, like the annual Young Latino Artists showcase. Recommended by Justine Harrington.

Casa Neverlandia is a visual representation of Austin’s quirky, earthy soul. One of the city’s weirdest homes (and that’s really saying something), Casa Neverlandia is a whimsical wonderland residence, full of wonderfully weird details. This rainbow-colored, mosaic-covered two-bedroom house in South Austin serves as an homage to homeowner and artist James Talbot’s past – some of the bricks and tiles are from his childhood homes in countries like Turkey, Morocco and Venezuela – and an ode to the natural world, in the form of solar panels attached to a four-story lookout tower and a rainwater collection system. Recommended by Justine Harrington.

Last but not least, no trip to Austin is complete without hanging out and picnicking at Zilker Park. Centrally located and stretching over 300 acres (121 hectares), this giant swath of greenery in the heart of Downtown is the picture-perfect place to spend an afternoon. The fun never stops at Zilker – there’s a miniature train, dog park, free nature center, outdoor theater, botanical garden, sculpture garden and more. Recommended by Justine Harrington.

Every Saturday morning, the Sustainable Food Center organizes the downtown Farmer’s Market, bringing the community together with fresh produce, local vendors, and live music. Meet farmers, beekeepers, and artisans in person, stock up on groceries, or gobble up some delicious, ready-to-eat treats while the kids enjoy the Imagination Playground. A beloved and vital piece of downtown culture, the Farmer’s Market offers tourists and locals alike an opportunity to engage with the city of Austin in a special and more sustainable way. Recommended by Elena Coe.

Texans love their state, and the Bob Bullock Museum of Texas History honors this loyalty with three floors full of exhibit and gallery space. Opened in 2001, the Bob Bullock Museum is named for the state’s 38th Lieutenant Governor, whose love of Texas led to the project. Located between the State Capitol Building and the University of Texas campus, the Bullock Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the history of this complex and fascinating state. Explore over 500 artifacts dating back as far as 13,000 years, browse the museum store, and recharge with a snack from the Story of Texas Cafe. If you love museums, you’ll love our guide to the best museums in Austin. Recommended by Elena Coe.

Equal parts campy comedy, musical, magic show, and political satire, performances at Esther’s Follies never fail to elicit laughs. The Follies began over 30 years ago as an all-welcoming improvisation show full of unpredictable acts. The event tapped into Austin’s quirky art scene, bringing together dancers, magicians, and actors to create a genre all its own. The back wall of the stage is all windows, incorporating the colorful character of Sixth Street into each show. Enjoy popcorn and drinks from the bar while getting a glimpse of Austin’s most hilarious tradition. Recommended by Elena Coe.

One of the best contemporary arts museums in Austin, the downtown Jones Center is a favorite for artists and their admirers. Featuring exhibitions and installations from rotating contemporary artists like Charles Long and Paul McCarthy, the galleries in this historic building are an inexpensive opportunity to get involved in the fine arts community. The Interactive Loft on the second floor offers hands-on exploration, and free lectures and workshops occur several times a year. Public tours occur every Tuesday at noon, and the website provides the option to schedule individual tours two weeks in advance. Recommended by Elena Coe.
You can’t fit all the best bits of Austin into just one day – even if you’re just sticking around downtown Austin. Check out where to stay if you want to see Austin like a local.

Justine Harrington contributed additional reporting to this article.