Best of Austin

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 & Sunset Bat Watching

1
Jo's Coffee (South Congress)
Iconic Austin coffee- stop for an 'I Love You So Much' photo op and people watching.
2
South Congress Avenue
Browse unique boutiques, vintage shops, and admire the colorful murals.
3
Continental Club
Catch a matinee or early evening show at this legendary live music venue.
4
Congress Avenue Bridge
Witness the spectacular flight of millions of bats at sunset (seasonal).

Day 2 · Tex-Mex, Murals, and East Side Beats

1
Juan in a Million
Feast on massive breakfast tacos, a true East Austin institution.
2
Greetings From Austin Mural
Snap a quintessential Austin photo at this iconic mural.
3
Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden
Enjoy craft sausages, an expansive beer selection, and live music on the patio.
4
Mohawk Austin
Catch an indie rock show at this indoor/outdoor venue.

Day 3 · Barton Springs Bliss & Zilker Park Fun

1
Veracruz All Natural (Various Locations)
Grab some of Austin's best breakfast tacos – the migas are legendary.
2
Barton Springs Pool
Swim in the refreshing, natural spring-fed pool; a local favorite.
3
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Lady Bird Lake, or just relax in the park.
4
Terry Black's Barbecue
Indulge in classic Texas BBQ with brisket, ribs, and all the fixings.

Day 4 · Capitol Views & Downtown Delights

1
Texas State Capitol
Take a self-guided tour of this beautiful and historic landmark.
2
Austin Public Library (Central Branch)
Enjoy stunning architecture, rooftop gardens, and great views of the city and lake.
3
Congress Avenue
Explore the heart of downtown Austin, with shops and restaurants.
4
ACL Live at The Moody Theater
Catch a major concert at the home of Austin City Limits.

Day 5 · Nature Trails & North Loop Charm

1
Walton's Fancy and Staple
Enjoy a delicious brunch or lunch at this charming deli and flower shop.
2
Mount Bonnell
Hike up for panoramic views of the city, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.
3
North Loop
Browse vintage shops, independent bookstores, and quirky boutiques.
4
Home Slice Pizza (North Loop)
Grab a classic New York-style slice in a casual, neighborhood setting.

Day 6 · Food Trucks, Dive Bars & Honky Tonk Nights

1
Radio Coffee & Beer
Enjoy coffee, beer, and a rotating selection of food trucks in a laid-back setting.
2
The Broken Spoke
Learn to two-step at this classic Texas dance hall, a true Austin institution.
3
ABGB (Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.)
Enjoy award-winning beers, delicious pizza, and live music in their beer garden.
4
The White Horse
Dance the night away to live country and roots music in East Austin's favorite honky-tonk.

Day 7 · Umlauf Sculpture Garden & South Austin Vibes

1
Kerbey Lane Cafe (South Lamar)
Enjoy classic Austin comfort food, especially their famous queso and pancakes.
2
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
Wander through beautiful gardens displaying works by Charles Umlauf.
3
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
Relax in a unique outdoor space with coffee, cocktails, food trucks, and live music.
4
Saxon Pub
Catch an intimate live music performance at this iconic South Austin venue.

Day 8 · Brunch & Souvenir Hunting

1
Cenote
Enjoy a delicious and fresh brunch in a bright and airy atmosphere.
2
Waterloo Records
Browse an extensive selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and local music.
3
Whole Foods Market (Global HQ)
Explore the flagship store of Whole Foods, a true Austin original (and grab some last-minute snacks).

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.