2025 Austin Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

Museum of the Weird Logo Follow Us visit us Tickets Visit America's strangest attraction, the Museum of the Weird! Museum Admission: $12.99 Adults, $8.99 Kids under 8. The museum is located inside Lucky Lizard Curios and Gifts in downtown Austin, TX, right in the heart of the city's famous 6th street entertainment district (as always, it's absolutely FREE to enter the Lucky Lizard gift shop). Museum of the Weird Explore the mysterious and the unexplained! Monsters, zombies, mummies, shrunken heads & the fiji mermaid await you at the Museum of the Weird! We are one of the last “dime museums” popularized by P.T. Barnum in the 1800’s. See wax figures of famous monsters -- we even have a life-size giant gorilla you can take your picture with in the SFANTHOR'S CHAMBER OF HORRORS! The museum is the combined force of over 20 years in the oddity business. Owners of Lucky Lizard Curios & Gifts shop, Steve and Veronica Busti, opened the museum because "Some of the oddities in the store were just too weird and too interesting to justify selling". Safe to say that visitors are grateful for the opportunity to gaze on the ghastly! Please note the museum is not 100% wheelchair accessible as there are stairs. Look for the classic Lucky Lizard gift shop sign on 6th street and head inside...if you dare! Pricing

The Bullock Texas State History Museum (often referred to as the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum or Bullock Museum) is a history museum in Austin, Texas. The museum, located a few blocks north of the Texas State Capitol at 1800 North Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, is dedicated to interpreting the continually unfolding "Story of Texas" to the broadest possible audience through meaningful educational experiences. The museum is operated by the Texas State Preservation Board, which also operates the Texas State Capitol, the Texas Capitol Visitors Center, the Texas Governor's Mansion, and the Texas State Cemetery.

The Escape Game Austin has 8 interactive escape rooms, including our exclusive Classified, which can only be found in two locations around the country, and our newest adventure, Cosmic Crisis. Larger parties can start their experience with up to 59 players at the same time. Each of our escape rooms is uniquely themed, fully immersive, and features multiple rooms to escape from per game.

Thinkery – Meredith Learning Lab offers 40,000 square feet of joyful learning space filled with interactive exhibits and hands-on activations designed to spark children’s curiosity and most importantly make learning fun!

Stayed for 4 nights, and we had some reservation issues but solved them well but one of the front people was rude who handled our issue. But others were very kind and friendly. The room was very antique and high ceiling which is really nice! Our room was city view but…. There no way to see outside because the window is tinted 😅 The bathroom is kinda fun, bathtub with half window barricade but when we turned to shower, All the water in the shower went out of the tub, I think shower curtain will be more helpful for housekeeping and the window barricade you can open it but it opened the opposite(why lol) Foods were great and so colorful. And you can have a free history hotel tour around 4pm every day! Guide knows well about the hotel and you will learn new things (maybe including the Ghost part as well). Also only valet parking is available. Around $40 per night. They are very quick and you can call your car via the web and you can also tip through the web

We visited the café while in Austin. Love the atmosphere of the cafe, and staff are polite and helpful. Food wise is decent. We love the soup and some of the dishes on the buffet menu. For RM38+ , it is worth the deal. It is nice that Time's Cafe tweet their menu a bit every month to give diners a refreshing dining experience.

Delicious food, fabulous atmosphere and friendly service. All four of us ordered the fried chicken and Texas shaped waffle. It’s also in a great neighbourhood. A necessary stop while visiting Austin. Ordered Paris Texas Benedict and Texas Migas. Love the ambience (love the subtle scent of the cafe as we walked in) Not too crowded when we arrived on a Friday morning 7.30am, great place to have a leisurely breakfast.

Both of us walked in after seeing the reviews on google and unfortunately we had not made prior reservations so had to wait around 30mins. We ordered breakfast tacos, cheese nachos, veggies tacos, veg sandwich, cafe mocha and tea latte and for dessert we ordered the key lime pie. The service was swift and food was excellent. Very light, fresh and filling. Portion sizes were good. We shared 1 dish among 2 people. The key lime pie was perfect, not overly sweet. Price was reasonable and a must visit place. Recommend to make prior reservations.

Comfy all-hours local eatery for breakfast, Tex-Mex & vegetarian options We walked in after seeing the reviews on google and unfortunately we had not made prior reservations so had to wait around 30mins. We ordered breakfast tacos, cheese nachos, veggies tacos, veg sandwich, cafe mocha and tea latte and for dessert we ordered the key lime pie. The service was swift and food was excellent. Very light, fresh and filling. Portion sizes were good. We shared 1 dish among 2 people. The key lime pie was perfect, not overly sweet. Price was reasonable and a must visit place. Recommend to make prior reservations.

We walked in after seeing the reviews on google and unfortunately we had not made prior reservations so had to wait around 30mins. We ordered breakfast tacos, cheese nachos, veggies tacos, veg sandwich, cafe mocha and tea latte and for dessert we ordered the key lime pie. The service was swift and food was excellent. Very light, fresh and filling. Portion sizes were good. We shared 1 dish among 2 people. The key lime pie was perfect, not overly sweet. Price was reasonable and a must visit place. Recommend to make prior reservations.

Beans flame-roasted on-site, plus bakery goods, frequent live music & patio seating on Lake Austin Mozart’s coffee is a very nice place. To be honest, coffee tastes nothing special, the service is OK due to how crowded this place is. On the other side, the vibe is great. There’s live music when i came in the weekend. Just sit at the table, under the tree, enjoy the sun, the vibe and the live music. I cant ask for more.

The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail can take you full circle around the shores of Lady Bird Lake, which gives you plenty of different terrains to get your body moving. It’s Austin’s most popular recreational destination, where you’ll find inspiration among other health-conscious Austinites running, walking, biking, pushing strollers, and walking their dogs. Everyone can enjoy the pretty views on these maintained paths. Besides being a great destination for exercise, it’s also a celebration of community spirit, with friendly faces ready to chat with you about your pups or kids, or just give a smile of encouragement as you’re off on your morning run.

The Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art (often referred to as the Blanton or the BMA) at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest university art museums in the U.S. with 189,340 square feet devoted to temporary exhibitions, permanent collection galleries, storage, administrative offices, classrooms, a print study room, an auditorium, shop, and cafe. The Blanton's permanent collection consists of more than 21,000 works, with significant holdings of modern and contemporary art, Latin American art, Old Master paintings, and prints and drawings from Europe, the United States, and Latin America.

Zilker Metropolitan Park is a recreational area in south Austin, Texas, at the juncture of Barton Creek and the Colorado River that comprises over 350 acres (142 ha) of publicly owned land. It is named after its benefactor, Andrew Jackson Zilker, who donated the land to the city in 1917. The land was developed into a park during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Today the park serves as a hub for many recreational activities and the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake, both of which run next to the park. The large size of the park makes it a capable venue for large-scale events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. The park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

The Texas State Capitol is the capitol and seat of government of the U.S. state of Texas. Located in downtown Austin, Texas, the structure houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and of the Governor of Texas. Designed in 1881 by architect Elijah E. Myers, it was constructed from 1882 to 1888 under the direction of civil engineer Reuben Lindsay Walker. A $75 million underground extension was completed in 1993. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986

Barton Springs Pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool in Austin, Texas, that is filled entirely by natural springs connected to the Edwards Aquifer. Located in Zilker Park, the pool exists within the channel of Barton Creek and uses water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth-largest spring in Texas. The pool is a popular venue for year-round swimming, as its temperature hovers between about 68 °F (20 °C) and 74 °F (23 °C) year-round. The pool's grassy hills are lined with mature shade trees.

For those who enjoy long walks, a walk along Colorado river in city of Austin is an absolute must. This city hike was my absolute favorite amongst all the sightseeing I did in this town. There are many entry/exit points, and it is possible to walk just one short section, or turn this hike into a long walk that will take many hours to complete. There a few bridges to cross from one side of the river to another, the ultimate way to cross would be Mansfield dam. There are a lot to see on the river banks. Local flora, lots of birds and even turtles. Many cute houses along the way with paddle boards and kayaks stashed on their front yards. The hike is peaceful and very serene. Tip: it gets pretty hot during summertime, so it's better to have sunscreen and a hat, and surely plenty of water. #voyagevibes #100waysoftravel #myhiddengems #malaysiatrip #traveldiaries #usa

#freehotelstay My visit to the Texas Capitol in Austin left me in awe of both its historical significance and architectural grandeur. Situated in the heart of downtown Austin, this iconic structure is not just a government building but a symbol of Texas pride. The Capitol's towering dome and pink granite façade immediately catch the eye. Walking through the rotunda and chambers, I was immersed in Texas history, surrounded by portraits, exhibits, and artifacts that tell the story of the Lone Star State. The lush Capitol grounds with statues, monuments, and beautifully landscaped gardens offer a peaceful escape. The view from the south steps, with the city skyline as a backdrop, is picture-perfect. Nearby attractions like the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Blanton Museum of Art add to the cultural richness of the area. Exploring the vibrant streets of downtown Austin, known for its live music scene and eclectic eateries, provided a perfect complement to the Capitol experience. In summary, the Texas Capitol is a must-visit, seamlessly blending history, architecture, and natural beauty. Its central location and proximity to other attractions make it a cornerstone of any Austin itinerary. 🏛️🤠🎶 #usa #austin #texas

Great small museum for visit even if you are not the sculptures expert, you can enjoy the story of this wonderful talented woman and her husband, loved the interior and atmosphere, you will have a list with names of presented sculptures. There are many sculptures and paintings to see. There is also an upstairs to visit inside. Be aware that the stairs are narrow. Also outside is great for filming and taking pictures. The place is well preserved from the old times including the staircases. The chair at the lawn and garden was very peaceful. The building is stunning and you simply must experience the charm of being surrounded by the sculptures. A must see in Austin! #wheretogo #bestplace #bestview #awesomepic #mytripvlog #celebratewithtrip #best_trip_by_trip #bestplace #recommended #besttimeever #bestdeal #awesometrip #tripcom

Always enjoy walking along Lady Bird lake watching all the many turtles sun bathing along the edge of the lake, it's nice to see all the people either jogging, walking or on scooters or even riding their bikes on the bike trail enjoying the beautiful view of the lake or the view of downtown Austin. Sometimes people in bikes are not careful you should be cautious so that they do not hit you, other than that this is a very nice and long trail to enjoy nature in the middle of Austin city. The view is always great so you never get bored. The whole trail is around the like. It's just an amazing place to run and relax. Overall worth a visit. #wheretogo #bestplace #bestview #awesomepic #mytripvlog #celebratewithtrip #best_trip_by_trip #bestplace #recommended #besttimeever #bestdeal #awesometrip #tripcom

Many of Austin's most interesting sights are close to the city center, and you could hit a lot of them in a day or two of dedicated touring. Begin at the Texas State Capitol. While downtown, you should head south on Congress Avenue to East Sixth Street (known locally only as Sixth Street#newyearstravel #

Step into the right bar on the right night, and you'll find long-haired college students and cowboy-hatters grooving to the same band, just as in the days of old, as well as the computer professionals who have become a part of the social fabric in Austin. To this day, the city defines itself in iconoclastic terms—across town on bumper stickers and T-shirts you'll see the community's unofficial motto: "Keep Austin Weird."

Cosy warm illumination inside, clean, big parking lot that accommates trailers easily. Location is also good for access to Austin's famous 2222 road, and there is an IHOP and a Mexican restaurant within walking right next to it within walking distance. Only slight negative would be the presence of a homeless encampment next to the hotel, but there is awall running for most of the length between the 2, and I didn't see any spillover.

#christmasgiveaway Getting There - Attractions - #christmas#christmaslights Giveaway Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

The New Braunfels Conservation Society is a beautiful complex covering 3.5 acres of space, and its main purpose is to preserve the unique way of life and cultural history of the early settlers to the city. It is easily one of the top ways to truly understand the city’s past in a deeper way. The expanse of the New Braunfels Conservation Society is made up of 18 buildings, all historic and telling the tale of 1845 life. This includes a delightful Bed and Breakfast, a one-room schoolhouse built out of limestone dating back to 1870, and the original genuine Sunday House complete with a genuine outhouse and original heirloom tools. Other spots within the conservation society are the old-fashioned historic saloon, the working, and very quaint barbershop, a garage that holds an authentic and well-restored 1907 REO automobile, and even Stefan Haelbig’s own music studio. Architecture enthusiasts will love viewing some of the old fachwerk, five different styles in all, that were used in the city’s earliest days. The society itself was founded in 1964 as a means of saving the Lindheimer house, which was the most important home of historic significance in the city. The society slowly raised more and more funds in order to rescue, restore, and even completely move or relocate structures into the 3.5-acre span of the society’s ground. Address: 1300 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

Secret watering holes are a Texas staple, and they don’t get more iconic than this turquoise pond in a box canyon, encircled by a natural stone grotto and fed by a 50-foot waterfall. (Fittingly, it’s actually located in the town of “Dripping Springs,” a 40-minute drive from Austin.) Keep an eye out for pink and yellow chatterbox orchids and golden-cheeked warblers in the surrounding 30,428-acre preserve, and check the website ahead of time if you want to swim—recent falling rocks have caused local authorities to shutter the pool aspect for the current season (we blame 2020). #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

this is #austin #atx #austintx It's a beautiful but a little bit of an expensive city. I highly recommend checking out the New Library downtown. #wintergetaway

Mondays mean extra coffee ☕️ Would you stop by @hanks.austin for a cup? This is one of my favorite spots in Austin. Hank’s also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and their happy hour is bomb 💣🥂 This was taken in February 2023. Iesha and I needed a change of scenery so we worked from this coffee shop for the day.