Austin is quickly becoming a top destination for young travelers and home for many Gen Z and millennials. Why is it you may ask? Because Austin is awesome. If you’re looking for good food (especially breakfast tacos and food trucks), great live music, and some of the nicest people around, then you’re going to LOVE Austin. Should you find yourself with some extra time off, then you’ll need to check out this Austin itinerary for all your tourist needs.
I live in Austin so you bet I’ve tried each and every activity on this list! You’re gonna get the best of the best for your 3 day weekend in Austin.
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How To Get Around Austin
- By Bike – You can do your own DIY bike tour and rent a Lime Bike. Downtown Austin is super bikeable and the city has a lot of protected bike paths. You can also take an Austin Bike Tour.
- By Bus – Capital Metro is Austin’s bus service and it’s one of the best ways to get around. There’s also a MetroRapid bus that serves the downtown area.
- By Ride sharing & Taxi – Obviously Uber and Lyft are great ways to get around the city.
- On Foot – Austin is very walking friendly (especially SOCO).
Where To Stay in Austin
Luxury Hotels in Austin
- The Driskill by Hyatt – Discover unrivaled luxury, state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional services at this legendary city center hotel. Renowned as a historical Austin landmark, The Driskill, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is only moments from the city’s most popular attractions.
- JW Marriott Austin – Located in the heart of downtown Austin, JW Marriott features a luxurious, modern design throughout the property. Free WiFi and a high-definition TV are provided.
Mid-Range Hotels in Austin
- Hotel Indigo Downtown Austin – This 3-star hotel features a restaurant, free WiFi, and a bar. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, evening entertainment, and room service.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton – Located on the border where Zilker and the Colorado River meet, Embassy Suites offers rooms with city views, free breakfast, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a nightly reception with complimentary drinks.
Budget Hotels in Austin
- Firehouse Hostel– Located in Austin’s oldest standing fire station, this unique hostel offers conveniences such as free WiFi. The Texas Capitol Building is 0.5 miles away.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Austin South – Stay here if you’re looking to do outdoor activities like canoeing and fishing at Lady Bird Lake. The 6th Street entertainment district is 4 miles away.
Areas of Austin to Stay In
- Downtown Austin – Perfect for those who like nightlife and being central to Austin’s main attractions.
- South Congress – This is a go to destination even among locals. You will find everything and anything on South Congress including tasty places to eat, cute boutiques to shop at, and endless photo opportunities.
- East Austin – The east side is one of Austin’s fastest growing neighborhoods where you’ll find plenty of old school dive bars and the best cocktails in town.
- South Lamar – For the budget traveler. Many establishments are moving to this booming neighborhood thus making it cheaper to eat, drink, and play here.
- North Loop – Located 10 miles north of downtown, the North Loop area is great for a super chill and relaxed vibe with great one of a kind cafes and vintage shops.
What To Eat in Austin
Austin is one of the best cities to visit in Texas if you’re a diehard foodie. One thing I absolutely love is that many restaurants in Austin offer vegetarian or vegan options.
- Arlo’s Curbside – If you’re looking for the tastiest vegan food in town, look no further than Arlo’s. You’ll get all your favorites like a “bacon cheeseburger” and be sent to paradise.
- Batch – Batch has awesome craft beer and some of the tastiest kolaches in town.
- Domo Alley Gato Tatsuya – The name itself should tell you you’re getting delicious Japanese curry and other favorite Japanese dishes like ramen. They even have vegetarian and vegan versions.
- Jack Allen’s Kitchen – For hearty Southern food with a Texas twist, you have to try Jack Allen’s Kitchen.
- la Barbecue – This is a woman owned business. Texans take their barbecue very seriously so prepare to be blown out of this world with la Barbecue.
- Lucky Robot – Craving some tasty sushi in a really cool Japan inspired atmosphere? Then you need to check out Lucky Robot.
- Seoulju Korean Kitchen and Bar – Get your Korean favorites like samgyapsal (barbecue), Korean fried chicken, and ramyun.
- Torchy’s Tacos – Support your local queso dealer! Torchy’s has a variety of delicious tacos for meat lovers and vegetarians.
- Veracruz All Natural – Austin is home of the breakfast taco so if you’re ready to dig into some seriously tasty tacos for breakfast, check out this food truck.
Where To Drink in Austin
Austin has a lot of cool bars! In fact, I think this is what really makes the city stand out.
Austin Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should you not miss in Austin?
Below you’ll find a list of all the things you should not miss in Austin like:
- Austin State Capitol
- Barton Springs Pool
- Boating on Lake Travis
- Mount Bonnell
- Party on Rainey Street
- South Congress
2. What is the best month to visit Austin?
The best times to visit Austin are October to April. Many people (myself included) don’t realize how stupid hot Texas is especially during the summer. Save yourself the trouble and visit during the cooler months so you’re not sweating profusely, getting chub rub, or heat rash.
3. What food is Austin famous for?
The top famous Austin foods are breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex, kolaches, and Texas barbecue.
4. What is Austin famous for?
Austin is famous for its music scene, outdoor graffiti, and also being one of the top night life destinations in Texas.
Three Day Weekend in Austin Itinerary Map
Austin Weekend Itinerary: Day 1
Your first day should be dedicated to exploring South Congress Road. There’s many fun restaurants, boutique shops, and things to see. Also, if you love Instagram worthy places, you’re going to have a field day on South Congress. If you’re interested in the most instagrammable places in Austin, check out my guide here.
1. Eat Breakfast At Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos is one of my all time favorite taco places in Austin. If you’re looking for a plate of happiness, you’ve come to the right place. They also have the best vegetarian queso!
2. Visit The Kendra Scott Flagship Store
Kendra Scott is a woman owned business in Austin established in 2002. Through the use of natural materials like genuine stone and shell, they creat quality and affordable luxury products that make fashion and trends accessible to all. I also noticed, its a Texan favorite!
3. Try on Cowboy Boots at Allen’s Boots
Were you really in Austin unless you stopped by Allen’s Boots? Didn’t think so. Be sure to try on many of their beautiful leather cowboy boots.
4. Take a Photo At The SOCO Mural
Austin is full of murals and the SOCO Mural is the staple icon of South Congress.
5. Eat at Home Slice Pizza
Not only is Home Slice Pizza the best New York style pizza in town, but the building also features two very famous murals—Mr. Rogers and Willie For President. Grab a slice of pizza and enjoy the atmosphere.
6. Visit Jo’s Coffee
You could be a goofy soul indeed should you miss an opportunity to take a photo at Jo’s Coffee which is the most famous instagrammable place in Austin.
7. Check Out The Austin Motel
The Austin Motel has some of the coolest pool parties in town. It’s also an LGBTQ+ friendly location and is just an iconic symbol of the South Congress area. If you’d like to book a stay at the Austin Motel, click here.
8. Congress Avenue Bat Bridge
One of the largest bat colonies in the United States lives under this bridge and its a pastime of many Austinites and tourists to count the bats and just watch them go. If you’re in the mood for Mexican free tail bat watching, check out this guide on the best times, places, and seasons to bat watch in Austin.
9. Tau Ceti Mural
The mural stretches from the bottom to top of the building and its very cool!
10. Austin State Capitol
You can’t leave the city without checking out the Austin State Capitol building. I highly recommend doing a self-guided tour of the building and checking out all the rich history within its walls.
Where To Eat on South Congress
- Amy’s Ice Creams
- Home Slice Pizza
- Lucky Robot
- Magnolia Cafe
- Torchy’s Tacos
Austin Weekend Itinerary: Day 2
Eat Breakfast Tacos at Veracruz All Natural
Don’t leave Austin without eating Veracruz All Natural Breakfast tacos. This food is a staple of the city and you should never skip happiness on a plate.
Go Shopping Pavement Modern & Recycled Clothing
Not only are there cool wall murals around the building, but the fashion inside is definitely popping. Thrift stores are a must to save planet Earth and I absolutely love the layout inside and outside of the store.
Austin Central Library
Austin Central Library is a beautiful library. It’s perfect for studying, hanging out and taking photos in. It trily is a stunning work of art.
Eat Lunch at Taquero Mucho
One of the newest crazes in Austin is Taquero Mucho and for good reason. It’s own by a boss Latina lady and everything about it is cute and spectacular. There’s so many Instagram worthy spots at the restaurant to take photos. 10/10 highly recommend.
Blanton Museum Of Art
Every Austin itinerary needs a little spice in it. Chances are if you thought about coming to Austin, you’ve probably seen many people take photos in front of the Blanton Museum of Art. The beautiful rainbow glass at the front makes it instagrammable. If you’re an art lover, you’ll love all the interesting installations inside.
You’re My Butter Half Mural
I seriously love this mural and I think it’s super cute. It’s popular with couples, but I think it’s best together with your pet.
Hike Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is super popular for watching the sunset over the river.
Go For Drinks at The Oasis Brewing Company
To me, there’s nothing more stunning than this view. Texas is famous for its never ending skyline. If this photo doesn’t prove it to you, I don’t know what will.
Austin Weekend Itinerary: Day 3
You should definitely take up the best of nature and put this on your Austin itinerary. I highly recommend trying these outdoor excursions and making a day trip out of it.
Tubing in Austin
One of the most popular tubing excursions in Austin is by ATX Tubing. The tube is provided for you and transport to and from the start destination. Most people bring their coolers and sometimes a tube with their pets. It’s popular to bring your own cooler of alcohol, tie the tubes together with your friends and float down the river. This has been one of my favorite things to do ever in Austin.
Go For a Dip at Barton Springs Pool
This is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s really fun to swim around and beat the Texas heat.
I hope you enjoyed the Austin, Texas Itinerary and found it super useful in planning your trip. Austin is easily one of the best and most fun cities in Texas and I recommend coming here!
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