Austin is an attractive city for many reasons, and not just for traveling. According to census statistics, 114 people moved to Austin daily in 2024 and it is now the 25th most populated city in the US.

In 2024 over 21 million people traveled to Austin, with May being the busiest month with over 2 million passengers. Whether they were flying in for SXSW, checking out the rodeo, or dancing at ACL fest, there’s always something to do in Austin, which is why it makes a solid solo travel destination.

If you’re considering Austin for your solo getaway, save this post for your planning!

Things to do in Austin for Free/Cheap

Walk Around South Congress

You can’t talk about Austin without mentioning South Congress. It’s a popular area drawing tourists to its array of upscale boutiques, famous murals, and charming hotels. Technically this is only a free activity if you only window shop, which is easier said than done, but you can have fun just walking around this iconic neighborhood.

Places to check out:

1. Joe’s coffee with the “I love you so much” mural
   • 📍1300 South Congress Avenue, Austin Texas 78704
2. Manaña Coffee
   • 📍1603 South Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78704
3. Magick Matcha; I regret not coming here so much!! Closed Tue-Thu
   • 📍 1516 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX, 78704
4. Locate the Austin Mini Art
   • There are little art vending machines around South Congress where you can get mini art prints for 5 quarters. There is one in the Tecovas store but the rest seem to move around.

Blanton Museum of Art

Only on Tuesdays, anyone can visit the museum for free. You do still have to reserve a ticket which you can easily do online. If you won’t be visiting on a Tuesday, regular admission is only $15 and is so worth it! From contemporary to victorian, this museum had all types of art and even a few interactive pieces.

With admission you also have access to the Austin building by Ellsworth Kelly with these incredible colored glass windows. When I went in March 2025 they were doing construction on the patio outside right before the Austin building but you still had access.

Also, every Second Saturday or Sunday they have Blanton All Day with live music and art programs, tickets required.

Explore Lady Bird Lake

This lake, which is actually a reservoir that is part of the Colorado River, is a favored place in Austin for it’s many recreational uses. You can walk, bike, and kayak, along the lake, but you can’t swim in it. There are many access points downtown so you won’t be stuck doing the entire 10-mile loop.

It’s well kept, easy to navigate, and houses beautiful views of the city. You won’t have to go out of your way to see the walking trail as you will probably just happen upon it on your way from one place to another.

However you choose to wander through the lady bird trail, it’s a free activity that will give you an authentic look into Austin life.

Learn more about the trail here.

Visit the Austin Public Library

You may be thinking, the library? Really?

Yes, really! Not only should we be supporting these amazing public services in all cities, they are more than just a place to get books. The Austin Public Library is a vision with many colorful installations, games for all ages (like life size chess), and a beautiful public rooftop on the top floor.

If you’re self employed and need somewhere to work for a bit, or just need a quiet place to relax before heading to the Lady Bird trail, it’s right in downtown and makes a fun detour.

Check out Saturday Morning DJ Sets

If Austin is doing something right, it’s this. The Morning Spin is one of many coffee dj sets popping up throughout the city. Instead of late set times and cocktails, house music lovers can opt for coffee and mid-morning jams.

Other options to check out are 512 coffee club and Coffee and Beats. As of right now I don’t believe you have to purchase tickets to attend but that could change.

I wasn’t able to attend one while I was in Austin, hopefully next time!

Stop by the Visual Arts Center

Inside the University of Texas at Austin, this student exhibition center is free to the public. With new artwork every year, you’ll never see the same thing twice, and might even discover a new artist before they make it big.

Only open Tuesday-Saturday from 12-5, it’s an easy activity to put in your calendar if you have a little bit of extra time. Support local and young artists as the opening reception for the next exhibition is on April 18th.

Go to Pease Park

Austin has no shortage of free outdoor activities, Pease Park being one of them. This park may seem like any ordinary park at first glance but you’d be surprised by how much it has to offer.

As Austin’s oldest public park it’s a staple of Austin’s history and strives to be a treasured community resource while upholding environmental sustainability.

Enjoy food trucks, walking trails, a playground, and art installations, including the famous Pease Park Troll. Which, I can concur, is truly so cool, there is indeed something spiritual about it and the area around it.

If that wasn’t enough of a reason to visit, local events are hosted in the park. Such as adult, and baby, yoga classes, different mindfulness workshops, and opportunities to learn about local wildlife and insects.

Watch the bats under the Congress Avenue bridge

Before I left for my trip, I was asking a friend, who has been to Austin, if he had any recommendations. He said, “go watch the bats under the bridge!” I said, “huh?” But apparently, this is a huge attraction and widely known. The best part was he said he was directly under the bridge and got pooped on as they were flying out lol. So pro tip, don’t go directly under the bridge.

I sadly didn’t have time to do this, but I wish I had. I’ve always been curious about bats and birds and seeing a hoard of them in their natural habitat and routine creating this amazing visual in the sky must make for an incredible sight.

The bats make their daily migration around sunset from late-spring to early-fall. You can learn more about where to view this phenomenon here.

Things to do in Austin During the Day

Go thrifting/vintage shopping

This is definitely an activity that depends on how much room you have in your suitcase, but if you’re going to go shopping already, might as well do it secondhand. Not only is this a good way to find cool new items, but also a way to see different parts of the city.

If you’re looking for a thrifting experience with lot’s of inventory and cheaper prices check out Thriftland, Pavement, Heartening, or Pet’s Alive. Bonus: Pet’s Alive thrift stores are an extension of the Pet’s Alive animal rescue with all net proceeds supporting the animals.

If you’re looking for a vintage experience with a more curated and higher-end choices check out Blue Velvet, Leopard Lounge, or Room Service Vintage to start.

If you’re interested in items other than clothes, Uncommon Objects is a vintage store/experience that does it’s part to keep Austin weird.

Take a Dip in Barton Springs Pool

For the majority of the year this natural spring within Zilker Park is pleasant enough to swim in and is a desired spot for locals and tourists. Barton Springs Pool is a federally protected habitat to the Barton Springs Salamander, so you cannot disrupt them in any way, including looking under rocks to try and find them.

The entrance fee is $9 for non-Austin visitors and you can buy a ticket online or at a kiosk at the park, or pay with cash at the window. There is parking, but I heard it fills up quickly, or the bus drops you off a short walk from the entrance.

When I visited it was in late March on a particularly warm day, so the water was on the colder side but quickly adaptable. It was active for a Monday afternoon at the beginning of the season, but I was able to find a space on the grassy hill easily. I forgot to bring a towel so I had to use my dress as a blanket and I really enjoyed watching people go off the short diving board.

You are not allowed to bring food into pool area!

Other Museums to Visit

Texas State History Museum

Austin is the capitol of Texas so it goes without saying there is a lot of history in this city, which you can learn about at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Located in Downtown Austin, it’s easily accessible by public transit and is right across the street from the Blanton Museum of Art.

Also a short walk away is the Texas State Capitol building, which is also just nice to walk around and the building itself is extraordinary to look at. Good news is, the Bullock Museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, otherwise tickets are $15.

Museum of the Weird

You’ve probably heard the saying “Keep Austin Weird” while researching for your trip or on social media. If ‘weird’ is your vibe, then head over to the Museum of the Weird located on 6th street to see a bunch of wax figures of famous monsters and other bizarre objects that have been deemed “too interesting to justify selling.” Tickets are around $13 for adults.

Watch Some Live Music

Did you know Austin is the live music capital of the world? So it goes without saying, there will be many opportunities to see some live music on your trip. From large music festivals like ACL Fest or more intimate pop-ups at grocery stores (you read that right) every genre is covered with over a hundred venues throughout the city.

For more insight into the Austin music scene, venues, and upcoming shows, go here.

Things to do in Austin At Night

Go to a dance/exercise class

I know you’re on ‘vacation’ but I promise these dance classes don’t feel like exercise, because they are so fun. I recently when to a jazz funk class at Shuffle HQ for a beginner-friendly class that had the best vibes. After days of stuffing myself with tacos, I needed to intentionally move my body a little. For other adult dance classes check out Diva Dance or Dance Austin.

Some places offer discounts for new students or first time classes, and it’s always great to support local businesses. For some traditional exercise classes check out these studios through Class Pass.

Go to a concert

Back to live music, there are also plenty of options to see live music at night. Whether watching a local band on 6th street or checking out the ACL Live events at the Moody Theater, you’ll be able to find somewhere to dance the night away.

I went to a small show at TOATS nightclub on a Wednesday, which I would highly recommend because it wasn’t crowded at all. If you’re also into EDM you should look into shows at the Concourse Project.

6th Street

A lot of the local nightlife is on 6th Street and as a tourist you have to check it out. If you’re traveling alone, try to go earlier in the night for less crowds and to keep yourself safe. There’s East 6th and West 6th, and you can spend a night on each side. A lot of the bars have mechanical bulls and if you’ve ever been to Broadway on Nashville, it’s similar to that.

There are plenty of local food trucks if you get hungry and it’s just a lively place to go at night on the weekend, or even during the week! A lot of the bars also have swings which I thought was super cool.

Comedy Show

Another great event to go to in any city is a comedy show. Austin has a few annual comedy festivals such as Austin Sketch Fest and Moontowner Comedy Festival, which is a two-week long event.

You can find big names at Capital City Comedy Club and smaller weekly shows at the Velveeta Room, which has been operating for more than 30 years.

Go to a speakeasy

We all want to be in a good secret, and Austin has it’s fair share of secret (or not-so secret) speakeasies. When you get tired of baking in the hot Texas sun, head to some of these cool spots.

Powder Room

Take a break from your phone at Powder Room, as you literally have to hand over your device at the door. Reservations are required and the entrance is at the back of Manny’s Cafe in the Warehouse District.

Red Headed Stepchild

A curious name for any sort of establishment, this is a true speakeasy that requires a code to enter, which changes monthly. Hidden behind the facade of ‘Floppy Disk Repair Code’ you have to be in the know to enter this funky hideout.

Firehouse Lounge

Located inside the Firehouse Hostel, you’ll find the lounge behind a bookcase in the lobby. Dim lights, vintage decor and walls of booths, I can personally say this speakeasy is worth the hype.

I stayed at the Firehouse hostel while in Austin and was able to pop into the lounge for a quick peek. At 6pm, a little after opening, a few patrons were chatting with the bartender and they had a good menu selection. There was a small stage for intimate events and overall if you’re a budget solo traveler I’d recommend staying here.

I’m confident anyone will be able to pick out at least one activity from this list to add to their itinerary! Austin has a lot to offer for people of all ages and interest, if this post is any indication. Make sure to bookmark for your trip!