I’ve lived in Austin for a year and have been able to explore the city and everything it has to offer. However, Austin is known to be pretty expensive and is becoming a tech-hub.

When I lived in Austin, I was barely making any money, but always had so much fun in the city. No wonder why everyone is moving there!

Here is a list of the top things locals recommend to tourists that are all free, along with a few restaurants you must try out while you’re here.

Tips to save money in Austin, Texas:

• Use the actionable tips from How to Travel the World on $50 a Day.
• Use Airbnb to save a ton of money and get a more authentic travel experience.
• Use Ibotta to get legit cash back on groceries, clothes, travel items, and so much more. If you’re downloading Ibotta on your phone, the app will ask if you have a referral code. Use my referral code: lwyxxrb and you’ll get $10 for signing up.

Before we get started, make sure to sign up for my free resource library and get access to exclusive printables all about saving money and building wealth, meal planning, and more.

Here are ten free things to do in Austin, Texas.

1. Zilker Park

Zilker Metropolitan Park is a huge park south of downtown Austin.

The park is perfect for swimming, trail running, cycling, and bird watching.

Nearby is the Umlauf Sculpture Park. Zilker Park is known for hosting popular music festivals like Austin City Limits (ACL) every year.

Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail in Zilker Park is 10.1 miles long and is perfect for any skill level. Check out this guide here for Zilker Park.

Address: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746

Hours: 5AM–10PM

2. Barton Springs

Barton Springs Pool is an outdoor natural spring that charge a resident or non-resident fee to get into the pool.

However, there are free swimming spots all over Barton Springs that do not charge a fee.

All you have to do is go on the left side of the pool, and you’ll see people swimming outside of the gated swimming pool area.

This area is also dog-friendly. Make sure to take your snorkeling gear as you’ll see plenty of fish and turtles!

Address:  2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746

Hours: 5AM-10PM

3. Hope Outdoor Gallery

Hope Outdoor Gallery is an outdoor community park filled with artwork.

Austin also has a ton of street art that you should check out while you’re in the city. Check out this updated list of outdoor artwork here.

Address: 1101 Baylor St, Austin, TX 78703

Hours: 9AM-7PM

4. Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell is a cool place to hike during the day or evening near downtown Austin.

The top of the trail offers an awesome birds-eye view of Austin and the Colorado River.

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. It’s only .3 miles up, so it’s good for any skill level.

Address: 3800 Mt Bonnell Dr, Austin, TX

Hours:  5AM – 10PM

5. State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is the home of the offices and chambers of the Texas state Legislature and the office of the Governor.

The State Capitol is a must while you’re visiting Austin. You can learn more about visiting the State Capitol of Texas here.

Address: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Hours: 

Monday through Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday – 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday – 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

6. 6th Street

6th Street is filled with restaurants, bars, and live music. At night and on the weekends, 6th street is not family-friendly.

My favorite and (only bar) that I’ve been to on 6th street is Barbarella, which is known for playing a mixture of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000’s pop and rock and new Hip-Hop.

If you’re into bars, Rainey Street is also another must-see as it has a more relaxed feel than 6th street, but with a lot more charm.

Address: 6th Street, Austin TX

Hours: 24/7

7. Farmers Market

There are several different farmers markets to choose from when visiting Austin.

It’s a great way to get fresh produce and support local farmers.

Address: 4209 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722

Hours: Sunday 10AM-2PM

8. Visit Community First Village

Community First Village is a community outside of Austin that provides affordable housing to the once homeless.

J.D. and I stayed here for a couple of nights in an Airstream through Airbnb (it was only $40 a night!) and we eventually found out what this community was all about.

They have a few Airbnb, and all of the Airbnb money goes back to the community.

If you’re interested in checking out the Airbnb’s, let me know, and I can send you the area or links. Check out how you can help here.

Address: 9301 Hog Eye Rd, Austin, TX 78724

Hours: Varies

9. Visit the bats

Congress Avenue Bridge is home to over 1.5 million bats that hang out under the Congress Bridge.

It’s a crazy sight to see that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Address: Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Hours: The bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge are currently emerging between 8PM and 8PM nightly.

10. Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is home to several paddleboard/kayak rental companies and trails.

You can go running, cycle, and take your dog out on a walk on the beautiful trail that crosses the river on the boardwalk.

The area gets pretty crowded during the weekend, but it’s still the perfect place to go walking or have a picnic.

This area is not swim-friendly.

Address: Central Austin Texas

Hours: Varies

Austin is perfect for solo travelers, families, couples, and anyone looking to try some great tex-mex food and explore the outdoors.

Whether you’re into history, wildlife, great food, or outdoor activities, Austin is the perfect city to visit for your next adventure.

Restaurants to try

• True Food Kitchen
• Arlo’s
• Asther’s
• Mr. Natural
• Vegan Nom
• Sweet Ritual
• Wheatsville or Central Market for groceries

My Top Amazon Travel Picks

What to read next: 10 Budget Travel Tips That Can Save You Thousands

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What else would you recommend doing in Austin?

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