Spending a weekend in Austin on a fast getaway is a good way to get to know the Texas capital. Get able to rock within the metropolis that’s generally known as the Dwell Music Capital of the World and one in every of the perfect cities within the US!
Two days in Austin is simply sufficient to take a look at a few of the sights and benefit from the nice open air by day. Come dusk, it’s time to dive into the town’s well-known culinary and stay music scenes.
It’s undoubtedly one in every of my favourite cities I’ve visited within the US and I’ve been in all places! A metropolis with a love for stay music, tacos, and craft beer is mainly my dream come true.
The Excellent 2 Day Itinerary for a Weekend in Austin
Whereas Austin is the state capital, it’s truly solely the 4th greatest metropolis in Texas. The truth that it’s not an enormous metropolis makes it simple to cowl a number of floor with only a weekend in Austin.
In line with the town’s unofficial slogan “Preserve Austin Bizarre,” I additionally encourage you to improvise a bit with this Austin 2-day itinerary.
Hear some funky music from a bar? Pop in to verify the band out. Scent one thing scrumptious? Wander over to that meals truck. Meet some cool locals? See the place they like to hang around.
Learn on for a have a look at the perfect locations to remain and a jam-packed itinerary stuffed with suggestions for how one can spend 2 days in Austin.
Day 1 in Austin
With solely two days in Austin, there’s no time to waste! On the primary day, I’ll concentrate on the historical past and tradition of the town throughout the day earlier than indulging within the culinary and nightlife points of interest of Austin.
Morning
I can’t consider any higher technique to kick off a weekend in Austin than with breakfast tacos. This can be a metropolis obsessive about breakfast tacos, and why wouldn’t they be?
Tex-Mex is king right here, with a typical breakfast taco consisting of a flour tortilla full of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and seasoned potatoes. After all, every place has its personal specialty tacos as effectively.
There are one million and one locations to eat breakfast tacos in Austin, however a few of the high selections embody Cisco’s, Joe’s Bakery, and Rosita’s Al Pastor. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ is a little bit of a hike however is value it, as they’re usually ranked the greatest within the metropolis.
For a enjoyable and informative introduction to the town, I like to recommend leaping on a free strolling tour. One in style choice is the downtown strolling tour by Tipster. These run each day at 10 AM and final about two hours, starting on the State Capitol.
As with all free strolling excursions, it’s customary to depart a tip in the event you benefit from the tour. You’ll be able to simply present up if you would like, or click on right here to allow them to know you’re coming and what number of are in your group.
Another choice is to simply head to the State Capitol and be a part of one in every of their free excursions. These start each 30-45 minutes from 9:30-3:30 on Monday-Friday and 12:30-3:30 on Saturday and Sunday.
Even in the event you don’t really feel like taking any form of tour, it is best to nonetheless try the Capitol. It’s true that every part’s larger in Texas — the State Capitol is larger than the nationwide one in DC!
Whilst you’re over there, you may as effectively try the Governor’s Mansion as effectively. You’ll should ebook your spot at the least per week prematurely to take one of many free excursions right here, so click on right here to enroll.
Wish to simply cowl the entire above with a pleasant and knowledgable information, travelling by air-conditioned transportation and having fun with a meals truck snack?! This tour is simply 2 hours lengthy and $40, that means you continue to have a great deal of time left to spend exploring all of the enjoyable issues to do in Austin.
Afternoon
After exploring the Capitol grounds, a handy lunch spot is Texas Chili Parlor. Not surprisingly, they’re identified for his or her chili right here. Attempt the XXX in the event you dare! In addition they have plenty of tasty Tex-Mex choices like tamales and enchiladas.
As I discussed earlier, there’s undoubtedly some room for improvisation when exploring Austin in 2 days. The way you select to spend the afternoon totally is determined by your pursuits, so let me provide you with a number of choices.
To begin with, you’ll be able to try a number of museums, the campus of UT, and the LBJ (Lyndon Baines Johnson) Presidential Library. Only a few blocks north of the Capitol is the Bullock Texas State Historical past Museum.
With interactive reveals, movies, and an superior IMAX theater, it is a good place to study all in regards to the Lone Star State. Tickets for the museum price $13 and it can save you time in the event you click on right here to ebook your tickets on-line.
Proper throughout the road, you’ll discover the Blanton Museum of Artwork. It’s well-known for Austin – a stone constructing with coloured home windows designed by famend artist Ellsworth Kelly.
Seeing that alone is well worth the $15 value of admission (though it’s free on Tuesday), and there are 20,000 different artworks you’ll be able to try as effectively.
Maybe you’re probably not into museums and would fairly spend extra time outdoors. In that case, head straight to the College of Texas campus. It’s an attractive place to discover, stuffed with artwork and historic landmarks.
One factor you gained’t wish to miss is The Coloration Inside. This Skyspace from artist James Turrell is greatest considered at sundown and is kind of in style, so remember to ebook your spot effectively prematurely.
Different choices on campus embody heading to the highest of the UT Tower to absorb the views of this traditional American campus. It prices $6 and solely takes about 45 minutes to go to.
If you happen to’re actually into historical past, then a go to to the LBJ Presidential Library is a must-do in your weekend in Austin. Native Texan Lyndon Baines Johnson was the thirty sixth President of the United States after the assassination of JFK.
There’s sufficient to see and do right here to maintain you busy for hours, together with listening to precise telephone calls LBJ had as president. It’s open each day from 9-5 and tickets are simply $13. Click on right here to purchase them on-line prematurely.
For a full listing of some distinctive tradition, historical past and art-filled issues to do, click on right here to study in regards to the in style Viator excursions on provide, and click on right here to search out cool excursions on GetYourGuide.
Night
After a giant day of sightseeing, it’s time to transition into Austin’s well-known nightlife. On this metropolis stuffed with school college students and musicians, there’s no scarcity of locations to moist your whistle.
There are bars of all shapes, sizes, and types within the Texas capital!
I like to recommend simply heading to sixth Avenue for a stroll to see what catches your eye. You gained’t discover many completely happy hours on a weekend in Austin, however you’ll be able to catch stay music nearly in every single place.
One place that’s undoubtedly value testing is the Firehouse Lounge. It’s situated simply off sixth Avenue in an previous fireplace station. Discover the key entrance to this cool speakeasy and luxuriate in Prohibition-era cocktails with stay jazz and blues.
When spending two days in Austin, one merely should eat barbecue. This culinary artwork type is a crucial a part of the tradition right here, and locals are pleased with their legendary barbecue.
I haven’t spent sufficient time in Austin to try to proclaim what the perfect BBQ on the town is. What I can say is that I totally loved our meal on the well-known Stubb’s. They often have stay music right here as effectively, so it’s a one-stop-shop for a enjoyable night in Austin.
Different in style locations to get your BBQ repair downtown embody Cooper’s Previous-Time Pit Barbecue, Iron Works, and Gebby’s. If you wish to strive the legendary beef brisket at Franklin Barbecue, you’ll should stand up early and wait in a protracted line. Nevertheless it’s value it!
Regardless of whenever you go to for a weekend in Austin, there’s certain to be tons of stay music occurring. Whether or not you’re into rock, funk, jazz, bluegrass, hip hop, digital, or simply about some other model of music, there’s a spot for you in Austin.
I like to recommend testing this calendar of occasions within the metropolis to raised enable you plan the place you wish to spend your money and time. The very last thing you wish to do is wait in line and pay a canopy cost solely to finish up in a spot the place you hate the music!
Day 2 in Austin
Now that you just’ve checked off lots of the large sights, it’s time for some additional exploration outdoors of Austin’s downtown space. I’ll provide you with some strong choices for the tip of this weekend in Austin.
However first, brunch.
Morning
You could be feeling just a little tough across the edges after a giant evening out in Austin. That’s why we’re beginning day two out with a leisurely brunch.
My advice goes to the world simply south of the river generally known as SoCo (South Congress). Inside a number of blocks, you’ll discover a few of the metropolis’s greatest brunch spots.
Some glorious choices within the space embody Cafe No Se, June’s All Day, and Magnolia Cafe. Wherever you eat, prepare for just a little stroll across the space seeking road artwork and boutique outlets.
Head as much as Jo’s Espresso, the place you’ll be able to snap a pic with the “I Love You So A lot” wall. Stroll a block south to take a look at one in every of my private favorites, the “Willie For President” mural.
You can even seize some chalk and scribble a message on the close by Earlier than I Die Wall. Write one thing that’s in your bucket-list then get to work checking it off!
Whilst you’re within the space, ensure to see the Greetings From Austin mural. Go forward and get your vital shot for the ‘gram with this iconic mural. Present everybody simply how a lot enjoyable you’re having together with your 2 days in Austin!
Down in SoCo you’ll additionally discover loads of good cafes, galleries, and boutiques.
It’s undoubtedly an space you’ll be able to linger for some time. We’ve nonetheless acquired a number of floor to cowl on this Austin itinerary, although, so let’s maintain it transferring.
Observe: If you happen to’re actually into road artwork, there are some incredible items to see in East Austin. Discover on foot for a few hours to offtrack areas that you just gained’t discover in your guidebook. Click on right here to study extra about this highly-rated expertise — it’s one you gained’t’ wish to miss!
Afternoon
Having fun with the nice open air is a should when touring to Austin. Fortunately you don’t should go very far to take action! Listed below are a number of totally different choices for spending a day outdoors.
Zilker Metropolitan Park – This large metropolis park is the right place to go on an attractive day in Austin. Right here you’ll be able to go for a stroll alongside one of many trails or simply take a dip within the Barton Springs Pool.
The park can also be residence to a very nice botanical backyard. Close by is the Umlauf Sculpture Backyard and Museum, which at $7 is a complete steal for all of the wonderful sculptures you get to see.
Enjoyable within the Water – You can even take within the sights from the water in a rented kayak, canoe, or SUP (stand-up paddleboard). Click on right here to study extra in regards to the tremendous enjoyable kayak skyline tour, and click on right here for an SUP small-group tour.
Girl Chook Lake – There’s a scenic 10-mile lengthy hike-and-bike path right here that makes for an incredible outing. Simply click on right here to obtain a map of the path.
There’s additionally a mile-long boardwalk in the event you’re in search of one thing a bit extra enjoyable. Remember to try the attention-grabbing Belting It Out artwork set up right here, which options belts engraved with lyrics from Texas musicians.
No matter choice you select, you gained’t should go far to discover a good lunch spot. If you happen to go to the lake, you gained’t be too removed from the legendary Rosita’s Al Pastor.
Over close to the park, there are many eating places on Barton Springs Street. There’s additionally the Picnic — a meals truck park with a number of selections. Right here yow will discover Italian, Thai, New Orleans model po’ boys and gumbo, and extra.
Night
In case your weekend in Austin occurs between March and November, it’s a must to see the bats in your final night on the town.
About half an hour earlier than sundown, over one million bats fly out from crevices within the bridge!
Yow will discover a spot on the hill beneath the bridge to absorb the spectacle or join a tour to see them from a kayak or SUP. Austin even has an annual Bat Fest in August. I informed you their slogan was “Preserve Austin Bizarre!”
Study extra in regards to the excursions with bats flying above — on a kayak, bike tour, or segway tour.
Another choice on your closing night in Austin is taking a river cruise.
Capital Cruises has a number of totally different cruises, together with a bat watching and sundown tour for $14 per individual. They’ll additionally set you up with a personal dinner cruise. Head to their web site to take a look at all of the choices.
If you happen to’re in search of a one-stop-shop for eating and nightlife to wrap up your weekend in Austin, head on over to Rainey Avenue. It’s well-known for the various bars set in historic, bungalow-style properties.
A incredible dinner alternative right here is Emmer & Rye. Along with their revolutionary menu of seasonal specialties, in addition they have a dim sum cart rolling round.
If you happen to’re into beers and sausages, you’ll be able to head to close by Banger’s Sausage Home & Beer Backyard. With 30 totally different do-it-yourself sausages and over 200 beers on faucet, the chances are infinite right here!
With the rest of your closing evening on the town, simply stroll round Rainey Avenue and pop into no matter place appears to be like and sounds good. On any given weekend in Austin, there are at all times tons of selections for stay music and good instances!
Insider’s Suggestions for a Weekend in Austin
There you will have it. I’ve set you up properly for an superior 2 days in Austin. Earlier than we wrap issues up, listed here are a number of ideas to make sure you get pleasure from your weekend to the fullest:
Skip the automotive – Whereas some individuals wish to lease a automotive for his or her go to to Austin, I don’t discover this vital. To begin with, having to be liable for a car limits your enjoyment of a weekend in Austin. You’ll have to fret about parking and gained’t have the ability to indulge within the metropolis’s well-known breweries and bars.
It’s simple sufficient to get round Austin by catching the bus, calling an occasional Uber, and possibly renting a motorcycle for a number of hours. Let different individuals fear about driving and have your self some enjoyable!
Ebook a desk – Austin is a fairly bumping place on the weekend. It’s a well-liked vacationer vacation spot and locals love going out right here as effectively. Keep away from disappointment by reserving a desk the place potential at a few of the locations listed on this information.
Verify the calendar – As I discussed, there’s at all times one thing occurring right here. Austin has festivals all all year long and there’s stay music each evening. Remember to verify and see what’s enjoying so you can also make a sport plan and purchase tickets if vital.
Tempo your self – It’s simple to enter a meals coma or get a bit tipsy in Austin. It would be best to eat and drink all of the issues right here, nevertheless it’s key to tempo your self when doing so! Don’t neglect that water is your buddy and it’s OK to eat a vegetable or two in between all of the BBQ and tacos.
Attending to Austin
Many guests arrive at Austin–Bergstrom Worldwide Airport (AUS), which is 5 miles southeast of downtown. There are fairly a number of choices for attending to your lodging from the airport.
By Bus
You recognize this metropolis rocks whenever you stroll out of the airport and see an enormous neon guitar for a bus cease. That is the place you’ll be able to hop on the Capital Metro bus to succeed in downtown, the College of Texas campus, and northeast Austin.
The bus runs 7 days per week and leaves each quarter-hour.
It’s solely $1.25 for a one-way ticket, or you’ll be able to seize a day move for $2.50 that’s good on all different routes. If you’ll want to switch to a different route to succeed in your lodge, remember to seize the day move.
Taxi/Rideshare
Different choices embody taking a shared shuttle, getting a taxi, or utilizing rideshare apps. A cab journey downtown from the airport prices round $30-35 lately.
It’s often a bit cheaper to make use of Uber or Lyft when you have an account and a working telephone.
Lease a Automotive
With only a weekend in Austin, it’s actually not a foul thought to simply lease a automotive. This offers you the liberty to maneuver across the metropolis as you please and extra simply attain locations outdoors of the middle.
That being stated, the town has strong choices for public transportation. It’s additionally an incredible place for biking and there are a number of outlets renting bikes out in addition to a bike-share program.
Arriving to Austin By Practice or Inter-city Bus
If you happen to’re already touring within the US, you even have the choice of arriving in Austin by prepare or bus. The Texas Eagle Amtrak line stops in Austin and continues so far as each Los Angeles and Chicago.
A number of totally different bus corporations have routes that undergo Austin, together with Greyhound and Megabus. If you happen to ebook
Megabus tickets early sufficient they’re tremendous low-cost. I feel we went from New Orleans to Houston to Austin for about $10 every!
Finest Locations to Keep for a Weekend in Austin
There are a number of strong selections on the subject of areas to remain for a weekend in Austin.
If you happen to’re on the town for a bachelor or bachelorette occasion (that are large right here), then the Rainey Avenue Historic District is a superb choice. This space is thought for its many bars in reworked bungalows.
One other in style space to remain in for two days in Austin is South Congress.
Positioned simply throughout the river from downtown, the world referred to as SoCo is filled with wonderful road artwork and performers. Your Instagram feed might be on level in the event you base your self right here for the weekend!
Only a few blocks west is the Zilker neighborhood. Residence to the town’s huge Zilker Metropolitan Park, that is the place to be in the event you’re hoping to spend most of your time open air.
Whereas all of those are high quality selections, my advice for a weekend in Austin goes to staying downtown. Extra particularly, the few blocks generally known as the Purple River Tradition District will get my vote.
This small however tight-knit neighborhood is the epicenter of Austin’s stay music scene.
There are a number of incredible eating places, bars, and golf equipment right here, that means you’ll be able to bounce round to totally different locations and have a brief stroll residence on the finish of the evening.
Through the day, you’re just some blocks away from the Texas Capitol and a brief stroll all the way down to the river. In brief, it’s the right residence base for an Austin weekend journey.
I understand that being surrounded by stay music bars isn’t for everybody. By no means worry — there are many locations to remain downtown in the event you want a quieter night.
Listed below are a few of the greatest choices for lodging in downtown Austin — a funds, mid-range, and luxurious option to fulfill all budgets:
After all, one other nice choice is to ebook an residence and have the place to your self or lease a room. Verify Reserving.com’s Austin Residences Web page for listings of the present top-rated flats within the metropolis.
The Finest Time to Go to Austin
If you happen to love stay music, then completely the perfect time to go to Austin is within the fall throughout the Austin Metropolis Limits Music Pageant. However in the event you can’t come then, there’s virtually at all times good stay music taking place in Austin.
One other nice occasion in Austin is South by Southwest (SXSW) in March. It has music, movie, comedy, exhibitions, and a lot extra.
However, in the event you’re extra into avoiding crowds and better costs, then undoubtedly don’t come to Austin throughout these two large occasions!
Austin will get highly regarded in the summertime and just a little cool within the winter. Due to the climate, my favourite time to go to Austin is throughout the spring or fall, when the climate is gentle and nice.
FAQs About What to Do on a Weekend in Austin
Nonetheless have some questions on how one can spend a few days in Austin? Try these FAQs.
I feel so. Whilst you may simply spend longer, two days in Austin will provide you with sufficient time to see the principle points of interest, have some BBQ, and go to a park or museum.
Saturdays in Austin are just a little busier than throughout weekdays, however you’ll be able to nonetheless have a breakfast taco, go to a museum, and head to a park for a while open air or on the water.
Sure, Austin is a really walkable metropolis. You’ll be able to discover lots by strolling round downtown throughout a few days in Austin.
Completely! It’s one in every of my favourite cities within the US, and I’ve traveled to plenty of them. Austin has cool neighborhoods, nice meals, glorious stay music, and world-class occasions like Austin Metropolis Limits and SXSW.
No, you don’t want a automotive in Austin, and I like to recommend you don’t convey one. You’ll be able to see loads on foot with a few days in Austin, and also you gained’t have to fret about parking.
Now You’re Prepared for two Days in Austin
As you’ll be able to see, you’re in for a deal with whenever you spend a weekend in Austin.
There’s at all times one thing occurring on this metropolis, which is residence to an exquisite mix of scholars, musicians, artists, techies, and entrepreneurs.
From huge festivals like Austin Metropolis Limits to the annual Bat Fest, there are an eclectic mixture of occasions right here. Whether or not you journey there throughout a competition or not, you’re sure to have a very good time in Austin.
If you happen to’ve been to Austin and have some suggestions on what to do, the place to eat, and the place to occasion, depart a remark and allow us to hear about it!
Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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