Weekend in Austin: The Good 2 Day Itinerary for 2023

Spending a weekend in Austin on a fast getaway is an effective way to get to know the Texas capital. Get able to rock within the metropolis that’s generally known as the Reside 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 number of the sights and benefit from the nice outdoor by day. Come dusk, it’s time to dive into town’s well-known culinary and dwell 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 dwell music, tacos, and craft beer is principally my dream come true.

The Good 2 Day Itinerary for a Weekend in Austin

Whereas Austin is the state capital, it’s really solely the 4th largest metropolis in Texas. The truth that it’s not an enormous metropolis makes it straightforward to cowl loads of floor with only a weekend in Austin.

In step with town’s unofficial slogan “Hold 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 examine 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 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 deal with the historical past and tradition of town in the course of the day earlier than indulging within the culinary and nightlife sights of Austin.

Morning

I can’t consider any higher method to kick off a weekend in Austin than with breakfast tacos. It is 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. In fact, every place has its personal specialty tacos as effectively.

There are 1,000,000 and one locations to eat breakfast tacos in Austin, however a number of the high decisions 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 typically ranked the greatest within the metropolis.

For a enjoyable and informative introduction to town, I like to recommend leaping on a free strolling tour. One standard 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 should you benefit from the tour. You may simply present up in order for you, 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 only head to the State Capitol and be 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 should you don’t really feel like taking any form of tour, you must nonetheless try the Capitol. It’s true that the whole lot’s greater 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 very least every 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 recognized for his or her chili right here. Attempt the XXX should you dare! Additionally they have a number 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 solely depends upon your pursuits, so let me offer you a couple of choices.

Initially, you’ll be able to try a couple 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 displays, movies, and an superior IMAX theater, this can be a good place to study all concerning the Lone Star State. Tickets for the museum price $13 and it can save you time should 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 definitely 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 relatively spend extra time outdoors. In that case, head straight to the College of Texas campus. It’s a ravishing place to discover, stuffed with artwork and historic landmarks.

One factor you gained’t need to miss is The Shade Inside. This Skyspace from artist James Turrell is greatest seen at sundown and is kind of standard, so make sure you ebook your spot effectively prematurely.

Different choices on campus embody heading to the highest of the UT Tower to soak up the views of this traditional American campus. It prices $6 and solely takes about 45 minutes to go to.

In case you’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 cellphone 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 record of some distinctive tradition, historical past and art-filled issues to do, click on right here to study concerning the standard Viator excursions on provide, and click on right here to search out cool excursions on GetYourGuide.

Night

After an enormous 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 Road for a stroll to see what catches your eye. You gained’t discover many completely satisfied hours on a weekend in Austin, however you’ll be able to catch dwell music nearly in every single place.

One place that’s undoubtedly value trying out is the Firehouse Lounge. It’s situated simply off sixth Road in an outdated hearth station. Discover the key entrance to this cool speakeasy and revel in Prohibition-era cocktails with dwell jazz and blues.

When spending two days in Austin, one merely should eat barbecue. This culinary artwork kind is a vital a part of the tradition right here, and locals are happy with their legendary barbecue.

I haven’t spent sufficient time in Austin to attempt 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 normally have dwell music right here as effectively, so it’s a one-stop-shop for a enjoyable night in Austin.

Different standard locations to get your BBQ repair downtown embody Cooper’s Previous-Time Pit Barbecue, Iron Works, and Gebby’s. If you wish to attempt the legendary beef brisket at Franklin Barbecue, you’ll should rise up early and wait in an extended line. But it surely’s value it!

Regardless of once you go to for a weekend in Austin, there’s positive to be tons of dwell music occurring. Whether or not you’re into rock, funk, jazz, bluegrass, hip hop, digital, or simply about another type of music, there’s a spot for you in Austin.

I like to recommend trying out this calendar of occasions within the metropolis to raised enable you plan the place you need to spend your money and time. The very last thing you need 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 simply’ve checked off lots of the massive sights, it’s time for some additional exploration outdoors of Austin’s downtown space. I’ll offer you some stable choices for the top of this weekend in Austin.

However first, brunch.

Morning

You is likely to be feeling just a little tough across the edges after an enormous evening out in Austin. That’s why we’re beginning day two out with a leisurely brunch.

My suggestion goes to the world simply south of the river generally known as SoCo (South Congress). Inside a couple of blocks, you’ll discover a number of the metropolis’s greatest brunch spots.

Some wonderful 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 in the hunt for avenue 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 too 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, be sure to see the Greetings From Austin mural. Go forward and get your crucial shot for the ‘gram with this iconic mural. Present everybody simply how a lot enjoyable you’re having along 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 loads of floor to cowl on this Austin itinerary, although, so let’s preserve it transferring.

Be aware: In case you’re actually into avenue artwork, there are some implausible items to see in East Austin. Discover on foot for a few hours to offtrack areas that you simply gained’t discover in your guidebook. Click on right here to study extra about this highly-rated expertise — it’s one you gained’t’ need to miss!

Afternoon

Having fun with the nice outdoor is a should when touring to Austin. Fortunately you don’t should go very far to take action! Listed below are a couple of totally different choices for spending a day outdoors.

Zilker Metropolitan Park – This big metropolis park is the proper place to go on a ravishing 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 be dwelling 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 superb sculptures you get to see.

Enjoyable within the Water – You can too take within the sights from the water in a rented kayak, canoe, or SUP (stand-up paddleboard). Click on right here to study extra concerning the tremendous enjoyable kayak skyline tour, and click on right here for an SUP small-group tour.

Woman Chicken Lake – There’s a scenic 10-mile lengthy hike-and-bike path right here that makes for an important outing. Simply click on right here to obtain a map of the path.

There’s additionally a mile-long boardwalk should you’re in search of one thing a bit extra enjoyable. Make sure you 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. In case you 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 decisions. Right here you could find Italian, Thai, New Orleans type po’ boys and gumbo, and extra.

Night

In case your weekend in Austin occurs between March and November, it’s important to see the bats in your final night on the town.

About half an hour earlier than sundown, over 1,000,000 bats fly out from crevices within the bridge!

Yow will discover a spot on the hill under the bridge to soak up the spectacle or join a tour to see them from a kayak or SUP. Austin even has an annual Bat Fest in August. I advised you their slogan was “Hold Austin Bizarre!”

Study extra concerning the excursions with bats flying above — on a kayak, bike tour, or segway tour.

Another choice to your remaining night in Austin is taking a river cruise.

Capital Cruises has a couple of totally different cruises, together with a bat watching and sundown tour for $14 per particular person. 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.

In case you’re in search of a one-stop-shop for eating and nightlife to wrap up your weekend in Austin, head on over to Rainey Road. It’s well-known for the numerous bars set in historic, bungalow-style houses.

A implausible dinner alternative right here is Emmer & Rye. Along with their revolutionary menu of seasonal specialties, additionally they have a dim sum cart rolling round.

In case you’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 remaining evening on the town, simply stroll round Rainey Road and pop into no matter place seems to be and sounds good. On any given weekend in Austin, there are at all times tons of decisions for dwell music and good occasions!

Insider’s Ideas for a Weekend in Austin

There you could 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 couple of ideas to make sure you take pleasure in your weekend to the fullest:

Skip the automobile – Whereas some individuals wish to hire a automobile for his or her go to to Austin, I don’t discover this crucial. Initially, having to be answerable for a car limits your enjoyment of a weekend in Austin. You’ll have to fret about parking and gained’t be capable of indulge within the metropolis’s well-known breweries and bars.

It’s straightforward sufficient to get round Austin by catching the bus, calling an occasional Uber, and possibly renting a motorbike for a couple 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 number 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 dwell music each evening. Make sure you examine and see what’s enjoying so you may make a sport plan and purchase tickets if crucial.

Tempo your self – It’s straightforward to enter a meals coma or get a bit tipsy in Austin. You’ll want to eat and drink all of the issues right here, nevertheless it’s key to tempo your self when doing so! Don’t overlook 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 couple of choices for attending to your lodging from the airport.

By Bus

You realize this metropolis rocks once you stroll out of the airport and see a large neon guitar for a bus cease. That is the place you’ll be able to hop on the Capital Metro bus to achieve downtown, the College of Texas campus, and northeast Austin.

The bus runs 7 days every 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 go for $2.50 that’s good on all different routes. If it is advisable switch to a different route to achieve your lodge, make sure you seize the day go.

Taxi/Rideshare

Different choices embody taking a shared shuttle, getting a taxi, or utilizing rideshare apps. A cab trip downtown from the airport prices round $30-35 nowadays.

It’s normally a bit cheaper to make use of Uber or Lyft if in case you have an account and a working cellphone.

Lease a Automobile

With only a weekend in Austin, it’s definitely not a foul concept to only hire a automobile. This provides you the liberty to maneuver across the metropolis as you please and extra simply attain locations outdoors of the middle.

That being mentioned, town has stable choices for public transportation. It’s additionally an important place for biking and there are a number of outlets renting bikes out in addition to a bike-share program.

Arriving to Austin By Prepare or Inter-city Bus

In case you’re already touring within the US, you even have the choice of arriving in Austin by practice 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 firms have routes that undergo Austin, together with Greyhound and Megabus. In case you ebook

Megabus tickets early sufficient they’re tremendous low-cost. I believe we went from New Orleans to Houston to Austin for about $10 every!

Greatest Locations to Keep for a Weekend in Austin

There are a couple of stable decisions on the subject of areas to remain for a weekend in Austin.

In case you’re on the town for a bachelor or bachelorette celebration (that are big right here), then the Rainey Road Historic District is a good choice. This space is thought for its many bars in transformed bungalows.

One other standard space to remain in for two days in Austin is South Congress.

Situated simply throughout the river from downtown, the world known as SoCo is stuffed with superb avenue artwork and performers. Your Instagram feed will likely be on level should you base your self right here for the weekend!

Only a few blocks west is the Zilker neighborhood. Dwelling to town’s large Zilker Metropolitan Park, that is the place to be should you’re hoping to spend most of your time outdoor.

Whereas all of those are high quality decisions, my suggestion 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 dwell music scene.

There are a number of implausible 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 dwelling on the finish of the evening.

Through the day, you’re only a few blocks away from the Texas Capitol and a brief stroll right down to the river. Briefly, it’s the proper dwelling base for an Austin weekend journey.

I notice that being surrounded by dwell music bars isn’t for everybody. By no means concern — there are many locations to remain downtown should you favor a quieter night.

Listed below are a number of the greatest choices for lodging in downtown Austin — a funds, mid-range, and luxurious option to fulfill all budgets:

In fact, one other nice choice is to ebook an condo and have the place to your self or hire a room. Verify Reserving.com’s Austin Flats Web page for listings of the present top-rated flats within the metropolis.

The Greatest Time to Go to Austin

In case you love dwell music, then completely the perfect time to go to Austin is within the fall in the course of the Austin Metropolis Limits Music Pageant. However should you can’t come then, there’s nearly at all times good dwell 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, should you’re extra into avoiding crowds and better costs, then undoubtedly don’t come to Austin throughout these two massive 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 in the course of the spring or fall, when the climate is delicate and nice.

FAQs About What to Do on a Weekend in Austin

Nonetheless have some questions on spend a few days in Austin? Take a look at these FAQs.

Now You’re Prepared for two Days in Austin

As you’ll be able to see, you’re in for a deal with once you spend a weekend in Austin.

There’s at all times one thing occurring on this metropolis, which is dwelling to an exquisite mix of scholars, musicians, artists, techies, and entrepreneurs.

From large 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 time in Austin.

In case you’ve been to Austin and have some suggestions on what to do, the place to eat, and the place to celebration, go away a remark and allow us to hear about it!

Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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