Best of Austin
Breakfast tacos, greenbelt swims, and honky-tonk nights with a local crowd.
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
Open in MapsFood
Jo's Coffee (South Congress)
Grab an 'I Love You So Much' latte and soak in the SoCo vibe.
Shopping
South Congress Avenue
Stroll, browse quirky shops, and admire the murals.
Sightseeing
Texas State Capitol
Take a free tour of this impressive pink granite building.
Food
Contigo
Enjoy a relaxed outdoor dinner with delicious farm-to-table fare.
Day 2·Barton Springs & Zilker Park
Open in MapsActivity
Barton Springs Pool
Start your day with a refreshing swim in this natural spring-fed pool.
Activity
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, or just relax under the trees.
Food
Terry's Black's Barbecue
Savor authentic Texas barbecue (it's worth the wait!).
Sightseeing
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Wander through beautiful gardens displaying modern sculptures.
Day 3·East Side Eats & Entertainment
Open in MapsFood
Veracruz All Natural (East Austin)
Taste some of Austin's best breakfast tacos from this famous food truck.
Shopping
East 6th Street
Explore the vibrant murals, unique boutiques, and coffee shops.
Food
Franklin Barbecue
If you're willing to wait, experience legendary Austin barbecue (check hours).
Nightlife
The White Horse
Hit the dance floor for some authentic Texas honky-tonk and live music.
Day 4·Museums & UT Campus
Open in MapsSightseeing
Blanton Museum of Art
Discover a diverse collection of art, including Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin'.
Sightseeing
Harry Ransom Center
See original Gutenberg Bible and other literary treasures.
Sightseeing
The University of Texas at Austin Campus
Walk around the beautiful campus and admire the iconic Tower.
Food
Kerbey Lane Cafe (University)
Enjoy classic Austin comfort food, open 24/7.
Day 5·Outdoor Escape & Sunset Views
Open in MapsSightseeing
Mount Bonnell
Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and Lake Austin.
Sightseeing
Mayfield Park and Preserve
Wander through peacocks and beautiful cottage gardens.
Sightseeing
360 Bridge Overlook
Capture stunning photos of the iconic Pennybacker Bridge at sunset.
Food
Hula Hut
Dine on Tex-Mex with a tropical twist right on Lake Austin.
Day 6·SoCo Shopping & Food Trucks
Open in MapsFood
Magnolia Cafe South
Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a side of Austin eccentricity.
Shopping
Shop South Congress Avenue (round 2)
Discover more unique boutiques and vintage finds.
Food
Guero's Taco Bar
Grab some delicious tacos and listen to live music on the outdoor patio.
Nightlife
Continental Club
Catch a legendary live music performance in this historic venue.
Day 7·Greenbelt & Brewery Bliss
Open in MapsActivity
Barton Creek Greenbelt (Gus Fruh Access)
Hike, swim, or simply relax in this natural oasis. (Check water levels!)
Food
Pinthouse Pizza (South Lamar)
Enjoy craft beers and award-winning pizza after your greenbelt adventure.
Food
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
Chill out in this expansive outdoor setting with food trucks and live music.
Day 8·Rainey Street & Bat Watching
Open in MapsFood
Emmer & Rye
Indulge in a delicious farm-to-table brunch in a chic setting.
Nightlife
Rainey Street Historic District
Explore the unique bungalow bars, each with its own character.
Sightseeing
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge
Witness the spectacular nightly flight of millions of bats (seasonal).
Day 9·Museums & Eclectic Finds
Open in MapsSightseeing
Mexic-Arte Museum
Discover contemporary and traditional Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art.
Shopping
Waterloo Records
Browse an incredible selection of new and used vinyl.
Food
Torchy's Tacos (various locations)
Satisfy your taco craving with unique and creative taco combinations.
Nightlife
ACL Live at The Moody Theater
Catch a show at this iconic venue, home of Austin City Limits.
Day 10·Relaxed Morning & Departure
Open in MapsFood
Juan in a Million
Enjoy a legendary 'Don Juan El Magnifico' breakfast taco in East Austin.
Activity
Lady Bird Lake Trail
Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic lakeside trail.
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.