Things to see in Austin

Tourist offices

Austin Visitors Center

Address: 209 E 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Tel: (512) 478 0098.
Opening Hours:Mon-Sun 0900-1700. www.austintexas.org

Texas Capitol

Arguably one of Austin’s most charming structures, this gorgeous pink granite beauty is a popular destination for tourists. Open and daily and free to the public, you don’t have to make reservations to visit and you can even sit in on Texas legislation in the making. Don’t forget to stroll the perfectly manicured grounds. Stop by the Visitors Center to pick up Austin memorabilia before you leave.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 0800-2200, Sat-Sun 0900-2000.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, United States
Telephone: (512) 463 0001.
Barton Springs Pool

This spring-fed pool located in the heart of the city is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.The vast pool is in a natural setting which means fish and water grass will tickle your toes as you swim by. It’s important to get to the pool early in the sweaty summer months; the lawns can fill up with bathing beauties quite quickly. It’s a tradition to jump into the pool on New Year’s Day.

Opening Times: Mon-Sun 0500-2200, Thurs 0500-0900 and 1900-2200.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin, United States
Telephone: (512) 476 9044.
Blanton Museum of Art

Located on the UT campus, this gorgeous museum offers over 17,000 permanent exhibits ranging from 15th century drawings to European Renaissance paintings, Latin American art to contemporary American sculptures. The museum offers lectures, concerts and workshops and also hosts a monthly “B Scene” event that brings the Austin creative community together to mingle and discuss art. A café and book store are also attached.

Opening Times: Tues-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1100-1700, Sun 1300-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 200 East MLK, Austin, United States
Telephone: (512) 471 7324.
Zilker Park

This beautiful park located along Lady Bird Lake, with views of Downtown Austin, is a popular place for locals to brings their dogs or play sports with friends. Zilker Park is also the location of popular festivals such as Austin City Limits and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. During the summer months, the park can get pretty packed. Bring a blanket and enjoy a nice picnic or game of bocce.

Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, United States
Harry Ransom Center

Located on the UT campus, this library and archive boasts over 42 million books, manuscripts, letters, photographs and art by some of history’s most famous scholars, scientists, filmmakers and writers. Notable collections include that of William Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, James Joyce, Edgar Allan Poe and Jack Kerouac, Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo.

Opening Times: Tues-Wed and Fri 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-1900, Sat-Sun 1200-1700.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 300 W 21st Street, Austin, United States
Telephone: (512) 471 8944.
Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail

Located along Lady Bird Lake, this trail for runners and cyclists is a popular destination during all months of the year. Locals love being seen and running into friends on this trail, while tourists enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds the location brings. It is on this trail that you can get a good view of the famous bats that fly from underneath the South Congress Bridge.

Opening Times: Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: Lady Bird Lake, Downtown, Austin, United States
The Contemporary Austin Jones Center

The Contemporary Austin Jones Center is located in the heart of Downtown Austin and features a unique collection of contemporary and conceptual art. Though small in size and collection, the museum is mostly known for offering innovative art programs for adults, families and children, guest lectures by artists, film screenings and mixers for the creative community.

Opening Times: Tues-Sat 1100-1900, Sun 1200-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes (except Tuesdays).
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 700 Congress Avenue, Austin, United States
Telephone: (512) 453 5312.
University of Texas Tower

Standing like a pillar in the middle of the University of Texas campus, this 94m-high (307ft) structure boasts beautiful views of the school grounds and Austin. The tower was closed down for many years, but is back open for the public. Schedules are limited, so make sure to call about availability or book a reservation.

Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No
Address: 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, United States
Telephone: (512) 471 3434.
Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.