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Best of Austin

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

7 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)

    Start your day with an Iced Turbo and a classic Austin photo op.

  2. Shopping

    South Congress Avenue

    Browse the quirky shops, admire the street art, and soak in the local vibe.

  3. Nightlife

    Continental Club

    Catch a matinee show or just admire this legendary live music venue from the outside.

  4. Rest

    Zilker Park

    Enjoy the expansive green space, perfect for relaxing or people-watching.

Day 2·Barton Springs & Zilker Park

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  1. Activity

    Barton Springs Pool

    Take an invigorating dip in this natural spring-fed pool, a true Austin institution.

  2. Sightseeing

    Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

    Wander through beautiful gardens showcasing the works of Charles Umlauf.

  3. Food

    Terry Black's Barbecue

    Savor authentic Texas barbecue in a lively, casual setting.

Day 3·East Austin Eats & Art

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  1. Food

    Veracruz All Natural (East Austin)

    Indulge in some of Austin's most beloved breakfast tacos.

  2. Sightseeing

    Greetings from Austin Mural

    Snap an iconic photo at this vibrant local landmark.

  3. Sightseeing

    Zilker Botanical Garden

    Explore diverse themed gardens, including the serene Japanese garden.

  4. Nightlife

    The White Horse

    Experience a true East Austin honky-tonk with live music and dancing.

Day 4·Capitol & University Charm

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  1. Sightseeing

    Texas State Capitol

    Take a free tour of the impressive capitol building and grounds.

  2. Sightseeing

    University of Texas at Austin

    Stroll through the beautiful campus and admire its historic architecture.

  3. Sightseeing

    Bullock Texas State History Museum

    Dive deep into Texas history with engaging exhibits.

Day 5·Lady Bird Lake & Food Trucks

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  1. Activity

    Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail

    Enjoy a scenic walk, jog, or bike ride along the lake.

  2. Activity

    Barton Creek Greenbelt

    Hike, swim, or simply relax in this natural oasis within the city.

  3. Food

    Food Truck Park (various locations)

    Explore one of Austin's many food truck parks for diverse culinary delights.

Day 6·Eclectic North Loop & Live Music

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  1. Food

    Epoch Coffee (North Loop)

    Grab a coffee at this 24/7 local favorite with a quirky vibe.

  2. Shopping

    North Loop Vintage Shops

    Discover unique clothing, records, and treasures in this eclectic neighborhood.

  3. Nightlife

    Broken Spoke

    Learn to two-step at this legendary, authentic Texas dance hall.

Day 7·Relaxed Brunch & Last Bites

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  1. Food

    Kerbey Lane Cafe (various locations)

    Enjoy a classic Austin brunch with their famous pancakes or queso.

  2. Sightseeing

    Mount Bonnell

    Take in panoramic views of the city and Lake Austin, a perfect farewell.

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.