What Not to Do In Austin: Complete Guide

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Welcome to Austin, Texas! Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is a vibrant, quirky city full of amazing food, lively nightlife, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

But if you’re planning a trip here, do you know what not to do in Austin?

Austin is a city that’s easy to love, but if you’re not careful, you can fall into some common traps that many first-time visitors encounter.

Don’t worry—I’m here to help you dodge those rookie mistakes so you can have the best time in the Lone Star State.

1. Don’t Underestimate the Texas Heat

What Not to Do In Austin

If there’s one thing you need to know about Austin, it’s that it gets hot—really hot. And it’s not just the temperature; the humidity can make it feel even hotter than it is.

When you’re planning outdoor activities like walking around downtown, exploring the murals, or heading to Zilker Park, keep in mind that the heat will be your constant companion, especially if you’re visiting between late spring and early fall.

Dress Smart: Trust me, you want to stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics. T-shirts, shorts, and comfortable shoes are your best friends here. Oh, and don’t forget a hat or sunglasses—Austin’s sun doesn’t play around.

Hydrate Often: This might sound obvious, but with all the walking and sightseeing, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Bring a reusable water bottle with you and refill it often.

In Austin, you’ll probably sweat more than you think, so keeping hydrated is key to enjoying your trip.

If you’re planning to visit Barton Springs or take a hike at the Barton Creek Greenbelt, pack extra water, especially if you’re not used to hot climates.

2. Don’t Rely Only on Public Transportation

Austin is a pretty big city, and while public transportation exists, it’s not the most reliable or convenient for getting around, especially if you want to explore multiple areas like South Congress, the University of Texas campus, or East Austin.

I remember thinking I could just hop on the bus and get everywhere I wanted to go—it didn’t take long to realize I’d be waiting quite a bit between stops.

Rideshare and Scooters are Lifesavers: If you’re not renting a car, make sure you have a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft downloaded. They’re relatively affordable in Austin, and since many popular spots are spread out, it’s much more convenient than waiting for a bus.

Plus, Austin has tons of electric scooters available for rent, which is a fun and quick way to get around in neighborhoods like downtown or South Congress.

Consider Biking: Austin is a bike-friendly city, and if you like to ride, you’ll find plenty of places to rent bikes.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is a beautiful spot to bike, offering great views of the city skyline.

Just be mindful of the heat (remember tip #1) and plan your rides for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

3. Don’t Spend All Your Time on 6th Street

Okay, so you’ve probably heard about 6th Street, Austin’s famous nightlife hub packed with bars, live music venues, and clubs.

It’s often the first place first-time visitors head for a night out, and while it can be fun, it’s not the only place to experience Austin’s nightlife—and it might not even be the best.

Try Other Areas for a More Local Feel: On my first trip to Austin, I spent too much time on 6th Street, only to realize later that the locals tend to hang out elsewhere

If you want a more authentic experience, check out Rainey Street. It’s a collection of historic bungalows that have been converted into trendy bars with outdoor patios. It’s a more laid-back vibe than 6th Street, but still offers great live music and tasty food trucks.

East Austin is another cool spot with artsy bars and a more relaxed crowd.

Explore the Live Music Scene: Don’t forget, Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World! Be sure to catch a live show at venues like The Continental Club on South Congress or Mohawk on Red River Street.

You can also find live music at smaller, intimate venues scattered throughout the city—some even have free shows. You won’t regret venturing outside of the 6th Street bubble.

4. Don’t Forget to Pack Your Appetite

What Not to Do In Austin

One of the best parts about Austin is the food. Seriously, this city knows how to eat. From tacos to barbecue, you’re going to want to try as much as you can.

But here’s where many first-time visitors go wrong—they head straight for the big-name restaurants and miss out on the hidden gems.

Try the Food Trucks: Austin is known for its food trucks, and skipping them would be a big mistake. These aren’t your average food trucks either—they serve up some of the best meals you’ll have in the city.

My first time in Austin, I skipped the trucks thinking they’d just have typical fast food, but boy was I wrong.

From Veracruz All Natural (for some of the best breakfast tacos you’ll ever eat) to La Barbecue (for mouth-watering brisket), food trucks are an essential part of Austin’s culinary scene.

Don’t Miss the Tacos and BBQ: It’s pretty much a requirement to eat tacos and barbecue when you visit Austin.

For tacos, head to Torchy’s Tacos or Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ (it combines the best of both worlds).

When it comes to barbecue, everyone talks about Franklin Barbecue, which is worth it if you don’t mind waiting in line for hours.

But if you don’t want to spend half your day waiting for brisket, try Terry Black’s or Micklethwait Craft Meats—both are delicious and won’t take up as much of your time.

5. Don’t Show Up Without a Plan for Popular Attractions

Austin has a lot of cool things to see, but some of the more popular attractions can get really crowded, especially during busy seasons like SXSW or ACL Festival

 If you want to visit places like the Texas State Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, or Mount Bonnell, having a loose plan is a good idea.

Visit Early or on Weekdays: If you’re heading to Barton Springs or other popular outdoor spots, go early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Barton Springs is a beautiful natural spring-fed pool, and it’s the perfect way to cool off in the heat—but it gets packed on weekends. Early mornings are more peaceful, and you’ll get to enjoy the pool without the crowds.

Take Time for the Texas State Capitol: The Texas State Capitol is a must-see, especially if you enjoy history or beautiful architecture. The building itself is stunning, and it’s taller than the U.S. Capitol, which locals love to mention.

You can take free guided tours that dive into the history of Texas, or just wander around on your own. Either way, try to go earlier in the day to beat the heat and the bigger tour groups.

6. Don’t Ignore Austin’s Outdoor Spaces

Austin is known for its music and food, but it’s also a city filled with green spaces and outdoor activities

 It’s easy to get caught up in the downtown hustle, but make sure to take some time to enjoy the natural beauty the city has to offer.

Explore Lady Bird Lake: One of my favorite spots in Austin is Lady Bird Lake (which is really more of a river).

You can rent kayaks or paddleboards and spend a relaxing afternoon on the water, or simply walk or bike along the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

The views of the downtown skyline from the trail are incredible, and it’s a peaceful break from the busy city streets.

Check Out Mount Bonnell: For some great views of Austin and the surrounding hill country, head to Mount Bonnell. It’s a short hike, but the payoff is worth it—you’ll get to see Austin from one of the highest points in the city.

Sunset is an especially popular time to visit, but I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.

7. Don’t Forget to Check Out the Local Art and Culture

Austin has a quirky, creative side that’s reflected in its art scene. Whether it’s the colorful murals you see throughout the city or the unique art installations, there’s plenty to explore beyond just the food and music.

Take a Mural Tour: Austin is famous for its street art, and it’s easy to find colorful murals scattered throughout the city.

South Congress is a great place to start, with iconic murals like the “I love you so much” wall at Jo’s Coffee or the Greetings from Austin postcard mural.

You don’t have to go on a formal tour, but keep your eyes peeled as you wander through neighborhoods—you’ll probably stumble upon some Instagram-worthy art.

Visit The Blanton Museum of Art: If you’re looking to escape the heat for a bit, check out the Blanton Museum of Art on the University of Texas campus. It’s one of the largest university art museums in the country and features a wide range of exhibits from Renaissance to contemporary art.

It’s a nice break from the typical Austin scene and a chance to soak in some culture.

8. Don’t Miss the Bat Colony at Congress Avenue Bridge

What Not to Do In Austin

One of the quirkiest and most unique things to do in Austin is watching the bat colony that lives under the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Every evening from late spring to early fall, around dusk, thousands of bats emerge from under the bridge and take to the skies. It’s a sight to behold and one of those “only in Austin” experiences you shouldn’t miss.

Arrive Early: The bats usually come out just after sunset, but if you want a good viewing spot, get there at least 30 minutes early.

You can watch from the bridge itself or head to the Statesman Bat Observation Center for a closer view. I showed up late on my first visit and had to watch from a distance, which wasn’t as impressive. So, learn from my mistake—get there early, and you’ll have a front-row seat to this unique Austin phenomenon.

9. Don’t Overplan—Leave Room for Spontaneity

With so much to do in Austin, it’s tempting to try and fit everything into your schedule. But one of the best things about this city is its laid-back vibe, and sometimes the most memorable experiences happen when you don’t plan every minute.

Embrace the Austin Vibe: On one of my trips, I had a detailed itinerary but ended up ditching it when I found a street festival happening downtown.

I spent the afternoon listening to live music, eating from random food trucks, and chatting with locals—it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip. So, don’t feel like you need to plan every second. Leave room for some spontaneity, and let Austin surprise you.

Relax and Enjoy the Moment: Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at a local shop, people-watching on South Congress, or lounging by Lady Bird Lake, remember that part of the charm of Austin is its laid-back, quirky energy.

Slow down, relax, and soak in the city’s unique vibe—you’ll find that Austin is just as much about the experience as it is about checking things off a list.

Final Thoughts

Austin is a city full of surprises, with something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the food, music, outdoor adventures, or simply to experience the quirky Austin vibe, now that you know what not to do in Austin, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip. Pack light, hydrate often, and get ready to have an unforgettable time in this one-of-a-kind Texas city.

Welcome to Austin!

Brian Kamei

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