Guidebook for Austin
Everything Else
The Famous Barton Springs naturally spring-fed swimming pool! You can walk or drive to the back entrance off Robert E. Lee.
2454 locals recommend
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrThe Famous Barton Springs naturally spring-fed swimming pool! You can walk or drive to the back entrance off Robert E. Lee.
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
2101 Andrew Zilker RdRent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
A cool local movie theater with full food & drink service at reasonable prices. (Yes, the food is good.)
Local tip: Don't miss the pre-show. Arrive 30 minutes early.
770 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
1120 S Lamar BlvdA cool local movie theater with full food & drink service at reasonable prices. (Yes, the food is good.)
Local tip: Don't miss the pre-show. Arrive 30 minutes early.
Food Scene
This is the closest BBQ. Honestly, it is not THE best in Austin, but it IS the best without a 3-hour line. The brisket is consistently phenomenal. (The sides are consistently mediocre.)
372 locals recommend
Terry Black's Barbecue
1003 Barton Springs RdThis is the closest BBQ. Honestly, it is not THE best in Austin, but it IS the best without a 3-hour line. The brisket is consistently phenomenal. (The sides are consistently mediocre.)
If you like tacos and you are not from Texas and don't know Torchy's, go there. Trust us on this one.
Recommendation: Trailer Park, queso
1075 locals recommend
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StIf you like tacos and you are not from Texas and don't know Torchy's, go there. Trust us on this one.
Recommendation: Trailer Park, queso
Casual Korean BBQ. Great for a quick bite or takeout. The K-Pops (Korean chicken wings) are dynamite, as are the kimchi fries.
107 locals recommend
Chi'Lantro
1509 S Lamar BlvdCasual Korean BBQ. Great for a quick bite or takeout. The K-Pops (Korean chicken wings) are dynamite, as are the kimchi fries.
This local ice cream parlor is the place the grab a few scoops on a hot day or for dessert. They serve custard style ice cream in both classic and exotic flavors and mix-in the toppings.
397 locals recommend
Amys Ice Creams
1301 S Congress AveThis local ice cream parlor is the place the grab a few scoops on a hot day or for dessert. They serve custard style ice cream in both classic and exotic flavors and mix-in the toppings.
The world's fanciest (and maybe best tasting) donuts...
And if you've ever wanted to get a burger with a glazed donut bun, this is the place!
226 locals recommend
Gourdough's Public House
209 W 5th StThe world's fanciest (and maybe best tasting) donuts...
And if you've ever wanted to get a burger with a glazed donut bun, this is the place!
The consensus among Austinites - and BBQ lovers nationwide - is that Franklin BBQ is THE BEST Texas-style BBQ in the country. Arrive well before the 11am opening and expect to wait in line.
919 locals recommend
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StThe consensus among Austinites - and BBQ lovers nationwide - is that Franklin BBQ is THE BEST Texas-style BBQ in the country. Arrive well before the 11am opening and expect to wait in line.
An Austin institution. Good BBQ, great atmosphere, and cheap prices. And rarely a wait. Cash only.
480 locals recommend
Salt Lick BBQ
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826An Austin institution. Good BBQ, great atmosphere, and cheap prices. And rarely a wait. Cash only.
Haven't made it to New York City to try this hot chain serving burgers, fries and shakes? Try it in Austin!
63 locals recommend
Shake Shack
1100 S Lamar BlvdHaven't made it to New York City to try this hot chain serving burgers, fries and shakes? Try it in Austin!
Fanatical fans will tell you that Ramen Tatsu-Ya serves the best ramen you'll ever eat... and they're probably right.
502 locals recommend
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdFanatical fans will tell you that Ramen Tatsu-Ya serves the best ramen you'll ever eat... and they're probably right.
You won't find better NY-style pizza this side of Brooklyn. The sandwiches are also top tier.
791 locals recommend
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveYou won't find better NY-style pizza this side of Brooklyn. The sandwiches are also top tier.
Entertainment & Activities
Wondering what to do with your little one? Start here, at Austin's beloved children's museum.
272 locals recommend
Thinkery
1830 Simond AveWondering what to do with your little one? Start here, at Austin's beloved children's museum.
Sightseeing
The Presidential Library of the 36th President of the United States. LBJ was an interesting fellow, to say the least...
240 locals recommend
LBJ Presidential Library
2313 Red River StThe Presidential Library of the 36th President of the United States. LBJ was an interesting fellow, to say the least...
The Capitol building of Texas. Taller than the U.S. Capitol by 15 feet (on purpose).
1119 locals recommend
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveThe Capitol building of Texas. Taller than the U.S. Capitol by 15 feet (on purpose).