Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin keeps the calendar full with everything from iconic stages to small clubs and outdoor shows. Catch a performance in the Red River Cultural District, plan a night at a legendary venue on South Congress, or time your visit around a major concert—live music is one of the most memorable things to do in Austin any season.

The University of Texas at Austin is a city-within-a-city and a can’t-miss stop for first-timers. Stroll the Forty Acres, spot the UT Tower, and make time for campus museums like the Blanton Museum of Art. If you’re visiting during football season, Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium is an Austin landmark that brings the whole city to life.

Lady Bird Lake (right in the heart of downtown) is one of the best Austin attractions for getting outside without leaving the city. Walk or bike the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for skyline views, then switch it up with a kayak or paddleboard rental. For a classic Austin moment, head toward the Congress Avenue Bridge around sunset when the views and the energy are at their best.

A visit to the Texas State Capitol is a must for anyone exploring Austin. It’s free to tour, packed with Texas history, and easy to pair with downtown sightseeing. Afterward, take a lap around the Capitol grounds which are open, photo-friendly, and a great break between museums, shopping, and restaurants.

Zilker Park is one of the best places to visit in Austin, whether you’re here for a big event or a laid-back afternoon. Spread out on the lawn, rent a bike nearby, or bring the family to explore the surrounding attractions. Just next door, Barton Springs Pool is a local favorite for cooling off and soaking up Austin’s outdoor culture.

One of the best things to do near Austin is simply hit the road and explore the Hill Country. Rolling hills, wide-open views, and charming small towns make for an easy day trip; especially with a rental car. Consider a loop through Dripping Springs, Wimberley, or Johnson City for views and small-town browsing, or head toward Fredericksburg for a longer drive with classic Texas scenery along the way.

Speed limits in Austin vary by road, so always follow posted signs. If there is no posted limit, Texas law sets 30 mph in an urban district on a street (and 15 mph in an alley). While the law generally caps the maximum at 70 mph, the state can post 75, 80, or even 85 mph on certain highways when engineering studies support it. One well-known exception near Austin is SH 130 Segments 5 and 6, which is posted up to 85 mph.

In paid on-street areas, hours and rules depend on the zone, so read the signs carefully. The City of Austin lists downtown metered hours as Mon-Tue 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed-Fri 8 a.m.-midnight, and Sat 11 a.m.-midnight. On-street rates are tiered, starting at $2 for the first and second hour, then increasing as your session gets longer (up to the maximum session length). You can typically pay by app (including Park ATX) or at a pay station, while garages and lots set their own rates and rules.

Austin congestion is most noticeable on major corridors like I-35 and MoPac (Loop 1), especially during weekday commute periods. If you can, plan drives for late morning through mid-afternoon, and build in extra time for afternoons that tend to run busier midweek. UT games, major conventions, and festival weekends can spike traffic and parking demand near downtown, Zilker, and South Congress. Check live navigation and aim to arrive early.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 7.5 miles from downtown, so it is a quick drive in light traffic. For many trips, the most direct route is TX-71 west toward the city, then connect based on your destination downtown. Expect the drive to take longer during peak congestion, so letting your GPS choose the best approach is usually the safest bet. 

Yes. The Austin area has several toll roads and tolled express lanes, including SH 130, SH 45, and the MoPac Express Lanes (Loop 1). All Austin toll roads utilize cashless, electronic tolling. 

Downtown and the lakefront areas have heavy foot traffic and a growing mix of cyclists and micromobility. Austin’s Vision Zero program is focused on reducing serious crashes for all road users, so expect pedestrian-focused areas and be extra alert at turns and crosswalks.