Raucous 6th Street has bustling bars, venues, and attractions, including the aptly named “Museum of the Weird,” highlighting Austin’s eccentric reputation. At the same time, South Congress offers shops, dining, and outdoor patios, allowing tourists a refreshing respite from the heat.

Visitors to Austin, Texas’s bustling capital, should prepare for a travel experience bursting with quirky adventures. Although these popular areas are some of Austin’s biggest draws, the lesser-known gems truly showcase the city’s offbeat character.
Here’s what travelers can’t miss while visiting ATX.

Live music venues

Tourists can’t visit Austin without exploring its music scene. The “Live Music Capital of the World” bursts with song.

Stubbs in downtown Austin is one of the best places to catch a show. The BBQ joint serves tender, delicious pulled pork and smoked brisket while featuring various musicians on their small yet cozy stage. The bar was the epicenter of Austins 1970’s music scene; even iconic acts like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Johnny Cash graced the stage.

The Austin music scene thrives on intimate venues.

The Roosevelt Room features classy cocktails and small plates in a cozy lounge with a small stage and dance floor. At the same time, the Elephant Room offers the idyllic underground Jazz experience.

To enjoy the tunes, reservations are not required at Austin’s live music hot spots. Most bars have small stages featuring acts ranging from solo guitarists to rock ensembles on the weekends. Although you’ll regularly hear the iconic twangs of country mixed with the soulful sounds of blues, the Austin music scene has no stylistic limitations. You can catch anything from folk to rock, rap to polka.

A thriving arts scene

Music is one of many arts thriving on Austin’s streets. A stroll through the city highlights Austin’s dedication to fine art. Murals line city walls in every neighborhood, showcasing the talents of local artists. Travel to East Austin to share your bread and butter, or check out the Willie for President mural gracing South Congress. The iconic ‘Greetings from Austin’ wall mural is the perfect spot to Instagram your trip.

There’s more to the art scene than street art. Galleries sprinkle the city, showcasing local and international contemporary art.

Head to West Chelsea Contemporary, tucked away just West of Lamar on 6th Street, to immerse yourself in the most current happenings of the global art scene. The gallery welcomes visitors to the numerous openings, shows, and art talks they host at no charge, as their primary mission is to make art accessible for all. Visitors can stroll the gallery, marvel at the latest exhibit, or take a piece home from the gift shopping offering items for nearly every budget.

Austin eats

Although familiar chain restaurants can be found on the main strips, the best foods in Austin are homegrown. Visitors marvel at the city’s vast selection of small, locally-owned restaurants.
Austin’s food scene rivals big cities like Chicago and foodie cities like Portland. Austin has a tasty option to meet visitors’ needs, whatever palate and budget.

Journey to South Austin on Lamar to find a selection of Austin’s best restaurants. The area features Loro, an Asian BBQ fusion serving small plates in a patio setting, Uchi, one of the top-rated sushi restaurants in the city, and Odd Duck, one of Austin’s best fine dining establishments.

Travelers on a budget may prefer Austin’s wide range of food trucks and diners. Head to P. Terry’s, an Austin chain spreading like wildfire throughout the state for its mouthwatering yet inexpensive burger and fries combo. Stop in at Phoebe’s diner on the south side for a delicious twist on classic eggs benedict.

Wherever visitors wander in Austin, they’ll find a local restaurant serving delicious flavors with a Texas flare. Still, you can’t visit a Texas city without trying the state’s most iconic dish: Texas BBQ.
Many locals consider Franklin’s the best of the best, but guests must arrive early and endure long lines to enjoy the delectable offerings. If you don’t feel like waiting for divine BBQ, head to Terry Black’s for melt-in-your-mouth beef ribs and delectable smoked brisket.

Enthralling attractions

Austin offers many attractions and activities for travelers of all stripes.

Seasonal events, such as South by Southwest, Austin City Music Limits, and the Austin Rodeo, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, but the city offers plenty for tourists outside of these iconic festivals.

Downtown Austin features two notable landmarks for US history lovers: The country’s largest state capitol building and the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library. Both feature a perfect mix of history and civics, immersing visitors in a niche aspect of American culture.

The city also boasts a variety of museums, from the traditional style Bullock State History Museum to the quirky Museum of Toys. Explore small museums dedicated to niche artists like Elizabeth Ney and large-scale art museums like the Blanton Art Museum, housing over 20,000 objects ranging from antiquities to contemporary art.

Those looking to get active will enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding on the Colorado River, biking around Zilker Park, and exploring many state parks and recreation areas scattered around the city. McKinney Falls State Park offers hiking, fishing, and picnic areas to enjoy the trickling falls and serene pools.

The Hamilton Pool offers a chance to swim in the warm waters of a natural spring. The pool strictly limits entrance, so it’s best to reserve tickets well before a visit.