Things to do in Austin for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
You really have to "sea" it to believe it. There are thousands of oceanic entities to feast your eyes on during this top Texas day out, offering fun and exploration for the whole family. Austin Aquarium tickets let you get up close to lemurs and kangaroos, meet the creatures who thrive in the on-site rainforest, and let the kids connect to wildlife in a new way by interacting with the sting rays in a touch tank. Unforgettable animal fun, in a strip mall!
This self-guided tour includes a walk through of the two original structures on the historic Neill-Cochran House Museum property, the main house, and the slave quarters. The spaces are installed with authentic period-specific furnishings and décor that tell the site's history from its beginning in 1856, up to 1930, including the actual furnishings that were in the home during the Cochrans' 60-year residency.
This is no ordinary zoo. The Austin Zoo is a residential space for rescued animals, and the forever home of 300 animals, across 100 different species. As you wander about, learn the name of each animal, discover its furry or scaly past, and find out how it came to be at the zoo from the story boards by each enclosure. Alternatively, wait for the live demos and talks by the passionate staff! Want to feed the goats, deer, llamas, alpacas, and sheep? Just buy them some food from the gift shop and see who's hungry.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Austin's history with this Self-Guided Audio Tour designed for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. This journey uncovers the evolution of a city from cowboy trails to urban vibes, revealing the stories behind the iconic landmarks that shaped Austin's unique character. Starting with the architectural splendor of The Driskill Hotel, this tour peels back the layers of time, showcasing the transformation of this Texan city. From there, you'll weave through the historic corners of Fourth Street, once alive with the hustle of the red light district, toward the musical heart of the Historic Victory Grill. The sights and sounds of history resonate at every stop, from the stately Texas State Capitol to the story-rich walls of the Carver Museum. Admire the facades of the Texas Music Museum and the classic Paramount Theatre before reflecting at the O. Henry Museum and the French Legation. Catch your breath at the expansive views near the Pennybacker Bridge and find tranquility at St. David's Episcopal Church. This tour ends where Austin's story of resilience and cultural triumph sings the loudest: at the Historic Victory Grill. Along the way, capture memories, encounter Austin's historic landmarks, and enjoy an enriching sensory experience that will leave you with a profound connection to the city's past.
Embark on a solitary exploration of Austin's historical depth and creative energy through an engaging audio journey. This experience caters to individuals intrigued by the city's architectural wonders and iconic sites. Commencing at the tranquil Lady Bird Lake, participants embark on a voyage across time, uncovering Austin's transition from a humble 19th-century town to a hub of contemporary sophistication and technological advancement. The path guides travelers through the lively streets of the Texan capital, from the tree-lined trails of Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail. The tour culminates at the Texas Capitol Building, recommending a self-paced exploration of its interior. The magnificence of the Capitol is a testament to Austin's role as the core of Texan governance. En route, delve into Austin's diverse cultural mosaic, observing the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation on West 6th Street, and delving into the past. This audio-led adventure beckons you to traverse Austin's historical lanes and future pathways, capturing memories that resonate with the essence of a city constantly evolving while honoring its heritage.
About Austin
The must-see attractions in Austin for a first visit are:
The best walking tours to do in Austin are:
The best tours to do in Austin with kids are:
Insider tips for visiting Austin
WeGoTrip Inc is a local guide who has been publishing tours since for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Austin on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Austin.
When I visit Austin, I usually eat my way through East Austin first: old-school taquerias, inventive food trucks, and natural wine bars all sit within a few blocks, especially around East 6th and Cesar Chavez. For classic Austin comfort food, I recommend South Lamar, where you can hop between great barbecue, Tex-Mex, and late-night spots without much fuss. Locals know North Loop is quieter but excellent for coffee, bakery stops, and casual neighborhood restaurants. If you visit Austin hungry, these areas give you some of the best things to do in Austin. In any travel guide Austin, I’d rank them above the flashier strips in Austin.
When I’m in Austin, I usually start with a walk around Lady Bird Lake—renting a kayak at the Rowing Dock or taking the boardwalk at sunset gives you the skyline without the downtown crush. One of my favorite things to do in Austin is catching the Congress Avenue Bridge bats at dusk; locals know the southeast viewing area is less hectic than the center span. For what to see in Austin, I’d add the Texas State Capitol and the live music clubs on South Congress and Red River. Many attractions in Austin look better on foot, and even the popular tours in Austin feel more rewarding when paired with neighborhood stops nearby.
When I want quieter attractions in Austin, I head to Laguna Gloria for the lakeside sculpture trail and shaded grounds—it feels tucked away even though it’s close in. I also recommend Mayfield Park, where peacocks wander the gardens and the cottage gives you a glimpse of old Austin. For what to see in Austin beyond the usual downtown stops, the Elisabet Ney Museum is a favorite of mine; it’s small, eccentric, and full of character. Locals in Austin also slip into the Cathedral of Junk by appointment. Even if people look for tours in Austin, I think these spots are best discovered slowly and on your own.
When I visit Austin, I usually tell first-timers to stay near South Congress if they want an easy, walkable base with coffee shops, live music, and late-night food all close together. It gives you quick access to downtown Austin, but the streets just off the main drag feel more local and less frantic. If you prefer a quieter stay, I recommend East Austin near Holly or Govalle, where you’re close to great tacos, the hike-and-bike trail, and some of my favorite casual bars. In any travel guide Austin, those areas stand out because they put a lot of the best things to do in Austin within easy reach.
When I visit Austin, I usually shop along South Congress first—locals know the best finds are mixed between boot shops, small designers, and quirky gift stores tucked between the busier storefronts. If you want something less polished, I recommend East Austin around East 11th and East 6th, where vintage racks, local makers, and art-forward boutiques feel more distinctly Austin. For books, records, and offbeat neighborhood browsing, North Loop is one of my personal favorites in Austin. In any travel guide Austin, these areas make sense because they pair easily with some of the best things to do in Austin, without feeling like a mall crawl.
When I’m with kids in Austin, I usually head to Zilker Park because it bundles several of the easiest things to do in Austin into one area. The Zilker Eagle mini train is a hit, and the Barton Springs spillway nearby gives little ones a place to splash if the main pool feels too cold. I also like pairing it with the Austin Nature & Science Center, where children can see rescued wildlife and dig in the fossil pit. For families wondering what to see in Austin, these attractions in Austin feel relaxed and practical, and they’re more flexible than most structured tours in Austin.
When I want to experience the best attractions in Austin, I mix city stops with the nearby Hill Country feel. I like starting with a morning walk at Lady Bird Lake, then cooling off at Barton Springs before heading west to Mount Bonnell for the late-afternoon light over the Colorado River. If friends ask me what to see in Austin beyond downtown, I often suggest the Wild Basin trails or a sunset drive out toward Lake Travis. Austin feels at its best when you balance music, water, and green space. Even popular tours in Austin can miss that rhythm if you only stick to the center.
When I visit Austin, I usually mix walking, rideshares, and short drives rather than relying on one method. In central Austin—South Congress, downtown, East Austin—you can cover a lot on foot, especially if your day includes coffee stops, murals, and live music. For longer jumps, I recommend rideshares since parking can be annoying around busy dinner hours and weekend nights. If you want to reach Barton Springs, Mount Bonnell, or spots farther west, having a car helps. In my travel guide Austin advice, the best approach is staying central so more of the best things to do in Austin are close enough to walk or bike.