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Best of Austin

Breakfast tacos, greenbelt swims, and honky-tonk nights with a local crowd.

10 daysLocal gems
Best time to visit: March to May, September to November

Spring and fall are warm and comfortable, with marquee events like SXSW and ACL. Midsummer is very hot, often topping 100 degrees.

Day 1·South Congress & Downtown Delights

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  1. Food

    Jo's Coffee (South Congress)

    Grab an 'I Love You So Much' latte and soak in the SoCo vibe.

  2. Shopping

    South Congress Avenue

    Stroll, browse quirky shops, and admire the murals.

  3. Sightseeing

    Texas State Capitol

    Take a free tour of this impressive pink granite building.

  4. Food

    Contigo

    Enjoy a relaxed outdoor dinner with delicious farm-to-table fare.

Day 2·Barton Springs & Zilker Park

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  1. Activity

    Barton Springs Pool

    Start your day with a refreshing swim in this natural spring-fed pool.

  2. Activity

    Zilker Metropolitan Park

    Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, or just relax under the trees.

  3. Food

    Terry's Black's Barbecue

    Savor authentic Texas barbecue (it's worth the wait!).

  4. Sightseeing

    Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

    Wander through beautiful gardens displaying modern sculptures.

Day 3·East Side Eats & Entertainment

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  1. Food

    Veracruz All Natural (East Austin)

    Taste some of Austin's best breakfast tacos from this famous food truck.

  2. Shopping

    East 6th Street

    Explore the vibrant murals, unique boutiques, and coffee shops.

  3. Food

    Franklin Barbecue

    If you're willing to wait, experience legendary Austin barbecue (check hours).

  4. Nightlife

    The White Horse

    Hit the dance floor for some authentic Texas honky-tonk and live music.

Day 4·Museums & UT Campus

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  1. Sightseeing

    Blanton Museum of Art

    Discover a diverse collection of art, including Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin'.

  2. Sightseeing

    Harry Ransom Center

    See original Gutenberg Bible and other literary treasures.

  3. Sightseeing

    The University of Texas at Austin Campus

    Walk around the beautiful campus and admire the iconic Tower.

  4. Food

    Kerbey Lane Cafe (University)

    Enjoy classic Austin comfort food, open 24/7.

Day 5·Outdoor Escape & Sunset Views

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  1. Sightseeing

    Mount Bonnell

    Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and Lake Austin.

  2. Sightseeing

    Mayfield Park and Preserve

    Wander through peacocks and beautiful cottage gardens.

  3. Sightseeing

    360 Bridge Overlook

    Capture stunning photos of the iconic Pennybacker Bridge at sunset.

  4. Food

    Hula Hut

    Dine on Tex-Mex with a tropical twist right on Lake Austin.

Day 6·SoCo Shopping & Food Trucks

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  1. Food

    Magnolia Cafe South

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a side of Austin eccentricity.

  2. Shopping

    Shop South Congress Avenue (round 2)

    Discover more unique boutiques and vintage finds.

  3. Food

    Guero's Taco Bar

    Grab some delicious tacos and listen to live music on the outdoor patio.

  4. Nightlife

    Continental Club

    Catch a legendary live music performance in this historic venue.

Day 7·Greenbelt & Brewery Bliss

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  1. Activity

    Barton Creek Greenbelt (Gus Fruh Access)

    Hike, swim, or simply relax in this natural oasis. (Check water levels!)

  2. Food

    Pinthouse Pizza (South Lamar)

    Enjoy craft beers and award-winning pizza after your greenbelt adventure.

  3. Food

    Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden

    Chill out in this expansive outdoor setting with food trucks and live music.

Day 8·Rainey Street & Bat Watching

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  1. Food

    Emmer & Rye

    Indulge in a delicious farm-to-table brunch in a chic setting.

  2. Nightlife

    Rainey Street Historic District

    Explore the unique bungalow bars, each with its own character.

  3. Sightseeing

    Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

    Witness the spectacular nightly flight of millions of bats (seasonal).

Day 9·Museums & Eclectic Finds

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  1. Sightseeing

    Mexic-Arte Museum

    Discover contemporary and traditional Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art.

  2. Shopping

    Waterloo Records

    Browse an incredible selection of new and used vinyl.

  3. Food

    Torchy's Tacos (various locations)

    Satisfy your taco craving with unique and creative taco combinations.

  4. Nightlife

    ACL Live at The Moody Theater

    Catch a show at this iconic venue, home of Austin City Limits.

Day 10·Relaxed Morning & Departure

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  1. Food

    Juan in a Million

    Enjoy a legendary 'Don Juan El Magnifico' breakfast taco in East Austin.

  2. Activity

    Lady Bird Lake Trail

    Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic lakeside trail.

  3. Transport

    Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

    Head to the airport with fond memories of Austin!

Make it your own

Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.