5 Free Things Austin

Why it made the list: Austin's most surreal free spectacle: from spring through fall, the largest urban bat colony in North America, up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats, streams out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk in a swirling ribbon against the sunset. It's genuinely jaw-dropping and completely free.

Why it made the list: The pink-granite Texas Capitol is taller than the U.S. Capitol (of course it is), and it's free to walk the grounds and tour inside, the rotunda, the dome, the historic chambers, and the shady grounds. It's a genuinely grand, and genuinely free, downtown stop.

Why it made the list: Austin's great green space, sprawling Zilker Park plus the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail looping Lady Bird Lake, with skyline views, kayakers, joggers and the pedestrian bridge. It's free, it's where the whole city exercises and lounges, and it's the fastest way to feel Austin's outdoorsy soul.

Why it made the list: Austin is a mural town, and hunting the famous ones is a free, self-guided tour of the city's personality, the 'i love you so much' wall on South Congress, 'Greetings from Austin,' 'Hi, How Are You' (the Daniel Johnston frog), and dozens more across South Congress and East Austin.

Why it made the list: The classic Austin viewpoint, a short (steep) staircase climb to the highest point in the city, with sweeping views over the Colorado River, the hills and the mansions of the west side. It's a free, quick, quintessential sunset spot that locals have loved for generations.