Finally, you’ve made it to Austin. You’ve heard stories about how fun the city is and you can’t wait to dive right in. But it can be overwhelming to narrow down your options. Here are some activities for you to start with as you discover your own favorite places in the city.

If you’re artsy

Slam Poetry at Spider House

Austin is famous for its music, but this city also has a vibrant slam poetry scene. The most prominent of the poetry slams can be found on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. at Spider House Cafe & Ballroom. Every week, one poet wins $100 as decided by judges randomly selected from the audience. It is a high-energy and loud event that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Stubb’s

As for that rumor you’ve heard that Austin is the live music capital of the world, well it’s probably true. Everywhere you look, even on street corners or at your bank, you will see live music. One of the most popular Austin music venues is Stubb’s BBQ. Who wouldn’t want to eat the national food of Texas while listening to great live music?

Alamo Drafthouse

The mega-popular movie theater has grown nationally but it started here in Austin. The dinner theater plays all the blockbusters you’d expect, along with some fun throwback movies and even a sing-along or two. Even if you ate dinner before the movie, be sure to try one of their desserts. My recommendation: Root Beer Float.

If you appreciate good food

Home Slice Pizza

It is absolutely impossible to narrow down Austin’s three best restaurants, so I had to go with my personal favorites. Home Slice Pizza is right up the road on South Congress and is some of the most heavenly pizza you will ever consume. The atmosphere is always fun; you get to choose your dining experience either in the sit-down restaurant or the more informal walk-up window. My recommendation: Margherita Pizza.

Madam Mam’s

This Thai noodle restaurant is closer to our friends over at the University of Texas but it is by far my favorite Asian restaurant in the city. Pad thai, curry, soups, stir fry. You name it, they have it on their massive menu. My recommendation: Pad Sea-Ew.

Dolce Neve

Austin’s only gelato shop run by actual Italians is the only gelato shop you’ll ever need to go to again. Their unique flavors are unlike anything you’ll find in an American ice cream shop. Be sure to say hello to the owners when you’re there, they’re the friendly Italian ones answering all your questions. My recommendation: Goat Cheese and Pecan.

If you like the outdoors

Barton Springs

These Austin outdoor activities are so popular for a reason. My personal favorite place to visit in the summer is Barton Springs, a natural pool that is always at 70 degrees. If you decide to go at any time other than the summer, I suggest just jumping in feet first. It is an almost spiritual experience when you hit that water. If you get a chance to go to the springs during a full moon, don’t be surprised if everyone around you starts howling. Just go with it.

Lady Bird Lake

On the first sunny day that you’re not having to spend in the library, make sure to take a trip to the lake. For relatively low prices, there are activities for everyone including paddle boarding, water bikes (my personal favorite) or the totally touristy but still fun Austin Duck Adventures. Not everyone is so lucky to have such a beautiful and accessible body of water right in their backyard so take advantage of it before we meet another Polar Vortex.

Mount Bonnell

This place is where everyone takes their out of town guests, but that’s because it is so incredible. Just take the around 100 steps to the top where you will see a breathtaking view of the Colorado River — and get a peek into the waterfront mansions below you. But be sure to find a restroom before you go because there is not one at the top!