Top Austin Art & Culture

Austin is filled with stories of the past, which is what makes it a great city. Instead of exploring the city with your nose in a guidebook, book this engaging historical walking tour. Discover Downtown Austin's rich history and its transformation into a vibrant city. Hear intriguing stories of bold Austinites who shaped Texas' capital, while exploring historic sites and architectural treasures.

Head off the usual tourist trail to uncover Austin’s sinister side on this guided walking tour through the city's most haunted and historic sites, covering about 2 miles (3.2 km) of the downtown area. Begin at The Tavern, once a Prohibition-era hotspot and now home to ghosts, before visiting eerie landmarks like the Texas Capitol, Paramount Theatre, and the Driskill Hotel, famous for its haunted bridal suite and lingering spirits. Along the way, hear chilling accounts of the "Servant Girl Annihilator", the UT Tower shooting, and whispers of the modern-day “Rainey Street Ripper.”

Visit the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, a unique outdoor museum dedicated to fostering community and creativity through art and nature. Explore over 40 stunning sculptures set amidst beautiful landscapes, and enjoy rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary artists in the indoor gallery. With engaging activities for children and regular workshops, lectures, and events, this destination offers enriching experiences for art enthusiasts of all ages. Located conveniently next to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, this museum invites visitors to connect with art and nature in an inspiring environment.

Hear the historical tales of murder and mayhem that helped make Austin weird on this haunted history tour of Texas's capital city. Join an acclaimed storyteller guide for a group walking tour through Austin's supernatural nooks and creepy crannies, including a tour of the famous Driskill Hotel. The short tour takes place in the evening so you can easily fit it into busy schedules.

Save time looking up bus schedules and opt for this hassle-free Austin sightseeing bus tour instead. Travel on a loop around the city that passes by top landmarks in Austin’s downtown area. Along the way, listen to commentary from a guide, get great photos from the top deck, or sit in the climate-controlled lower deck. Highlights include 6th Street, The Driskill hotel, Texas State Capitol, and the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

Hear stories about Austin’s Old West history and spooky unexplained happenings—and discover many of its most atmospheric drinking dens—on this two-in-one Old West ghost tour and pub crawl. Meet your guide in the evening in central Austin and get ready to explore. Visit multiple bars and historical landmarks over the course of the tour, with a dose of storytelling—and chances to buy drinks—at each stop.

Many of the bat tours that set out on Lady Bird Lake in Austin are filled with so many people, it can be hard to see where your guide is leading you, but not with this Austin Bats Sunset Small-Group Kayak Tour. This tour sets out at sunset with just 12 for a more intimate experience. Take in views from your kayak of the Mexican free-tailed bats as they fly above Congress Avenue Bridge.

If you want to see more of Austin in less time—without getting jammed into a tour bus—book this e-bike tour perfect for seeing the sights, while enjoying Austin's fantastic weather. Hop on your pedal-assist e-bike, and follow your guide to Austin's famous murals, city landmarks, and University of Texas buildings. Along the way, take in views of the downtown skyline, and visit the Texas State Capitol building.

Enjoy a half-day experience filled with barbecue and wine without having to get behind the wheel after drinking with a wine country and barbecue shuttle from Austin. Your driver takes you to the outskirts of Austin to visit two popular wineries, where you can taste locally produced wines at your own expense, and the Salt Lick BBQ.

Experience Austin's live music scene on a tour led by a guide. Visit as many as three iconic clubs and up-and-coming venues and enjoy hearing live music with a group of fun fellow travelers. Don't get caught listening to cover bands, listen to authentic music in one of the world's music capitals.

This historical walking tour takes guests through the presence of Black people in the heart of downtown Austin. Since Austin’s establishment in 1839 and before, people of African descent have played an integral part in this city’s development. We journey through centuries of histories, contributions, and experiences that are seldom told. We will explore the history of enslavement in Austin, routes to freedom in Mexico for enslaved persons passing through Austin, and the Black businesses and institutions that once flourished downtown. On this one-mile walk, guests will engage in dialogue about Black people's role in Austin’s development and their continued presence. Please reserve up to 2 hours for this tour to accommodate walking between points of interest and time to discuss topics.

Unlike many city tours, this touris capped at just seven travelers, providing an intimate setting for exploration. Ideal for those who want an immersive sightseeing experience. Stops include Mount Bonnell, the Texas State Capitol Building, the Greetings from Austin Mural, and more. There are plenty of opportunities to take photographs along the way, with panoramic views that can't be seen anywhere else.

Check out Austin's Sixth Street nightlife on your own terms with an app-based bar crawl. Download the Let’s Roam app and visit pubs, clubs, and dive bars while completing photo and video challenges to earn points and become the Bar Hunt Champion. This interactive scavenger hunt suits small groups, team building, date nights, or special events. Participants must be 21 or older.

If you’re wanting to save yourself the hassle of planning a night out in Downtown Austin, book this Austin VIP Bar and Club Crawl Experience that’s planned and led by a guide. Visit up to five popular venues, including the Coyote Ugly Saloon and Buck Wild, with shots included and cover charges all covered. Plus, get a chance to ride a mechanical bull, play drinking games, and more.

Cover more ground during this Austin Small-Group E-Bike Tour than if you booked a walking tour of the city. This bike tour provides you with an e-bike and helmet so you can explore Austin’s most popular attractions and sights as you pass by them with a guide leading the way. Plus, your guide tells you about the city and ideas that go far beyond just the normal tourist path.

If you’re looking for the flexibility to take a tour through Austin whenever your group wants to and is ready to go, book this Austin Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. This audio tour gives you hours of stories about history and Texas culture as you ride around to different areas of Austin, including downtown, in the comfort of your own private vehicle. Plus, the easy-to-use app means you can play this audio tour any day at any time.

Discover the heartbeat of Austin's comedy scene on this engaging walking tour. Visit legendary venues like Esther's Follies and The Comedy Mothership, where humor and talent collide. Listen to tales of both emerging comedians and established stars who have graced these stages, creating an unforgettable experience. Perfect for comedy lovers aged 21 and over, this tour ensures a lively evening filled with laughter and insider stories. - Duration of 1.5 hours, perfect for an evening outing - Explore famous comedy clubs and hear stories of local legends - Ideal for ages 21+, ensuring a mature audience - Available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings

Get a comprehensive overview of Austin on this sightseeing tour. See famous landmarks along with hidden gems, real neighborhoods, and food trucks. Learn about Austin's history and culture with commentary from your guide and hear fun facts about the city that even the locals don't know. Plus, choose a morning or afternoon departure to easily fit this tour into your schedule.

Discover Austin's live music scene, Texas capital heritage, and BBQ legacy with our self-guided tour, allowing you to explore the Live Music Capital of the World at your own pace. Begin at the Texas State Capitol,. Walk along Congress Avenue to the Congress Avenue Bridge. Explore downtown Austin's 6th Street with 70+ bars and live music venues and the Rainey Street Historic District's converted bungalows. Paddle Lady Bird Lake's 10-mile shoreline trail, swim in Barton Springs Pool's 68°F year-round spring-fed waters, and picnic in Zilker Park's 351 acres. Cross into South Austin's SoCo (South Congress) district with vintage shops, cowboy boot stores, and iconic Austin photo spots. Tour the University of Texas campus including the 307-foot UT Tower, the LBJ Presidential Library, and the Blanton Museum of Art's 21,000-work collection. Feel the fusion of Texas independence, music devotion, and the keep-Austin-weird counterculture that makes Austin America's most unexpected capital.

In 1885, America’s first serial killer stalked the streets and alleyways of the city of Austin. He came to be known as the “Midnight Assassin,” but his identity remains a mystery. On this guided evening walking tour, explore historic Austin including West 6th Street, Guy Town, and the Warehouse District, plus stop for a drink at the Driskill Hotel, as you learn about his crimes.

The all-new ACL Live Tour experience offers an immersive journey into the legendary Austin City Limits TV series and award-winning music venue. The tour begins with a captivating short film showcasing iconic performances from the longest-running music show in television history. Highlights of the ACL Live Tour include: • Interactive Timeline: Explore 50 seasons of unforgettable performances, complete with behind-the-scenes stories from series producers. • Extensive Photo Galleries: View the work of photographers Scott Newton and Alison Narro, capturing artists from both the TV series and the ACL Live stage. • Original ACL TV Stage Access: Step onto the original ACL TV stage and snap a photo where nearly 1,000 acts—starting with Willie Nelson in 1974—have performed. • Behind-the-Scenes Exploration: Gain exclusive access to rockstar green rooms, backstage areas, and the inner workings of Austin’s award-winning music venue.

Explore the University of Texas campus like never before in this self-guided puzzle adventure. As a rookie supernatural investigator, you are sent to your alma mater to track down a rogue mage wreaking havoc across UT Austin. Your mission takes you through 13 stops filled with hidden art and mind-bending puzzles. Decode secret messages at a headless statue, follow magical footprints past a saber-toothed cat, and race to stop a dark plot before it unfolds. Discover the real stories behind UT's campus treasures: the 100,000-seat Longhorn stadium, Julius Whittier's legacy, public art from world-renowned sculptors, and the Littlefield Fountain WWI memorial. The route covers 2.8 km with varied terrain and some stairs. Difficulty level: advanced. Best during the day. Start anytime and play at your own pace. Perfect for UT fans, families, and anyone visiting Austin. Download the Questo app, enter your booking code, and head to DKR Stadium to begin.

Ride through Austin via a pedicab and stop along the way to snap social media-worthy selfies. Visit the city’s most popular and photographed street art, such as the “I love you so much,” “Greetings from Austin” postcard, and the “Willie for President” murals. Since this is a private tour, you are able to tailor it for your group.