Tips for how to plan the perfect 3 days in Austin. The perfect weekend itinerary in Austin with details on what to do, where to eat, and how to get around to make the most of your time in the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’.
Planning your Austin weekend itinerary?
You’re in for a real treat! And you’re in the right place, as I’ve visited Austin a number of times now. With my first hand experience, I can help you plan your trip to one of the coolest cities in the United States.
Knowing where to start can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
The key to planning the ultimate Austin itinerary is to: plan ahead so you know which things to see in Austin; stay in one of the centrally located, best neighborhoods in Austin; and plan strategically so you only visit 1-2 neighborhoods each day.
With these three approaches, you’re going to make the most of your 3 days in Austin itinerary. Keep reading for a neighborhood by neighborhood Austin guide, including where to stay and eat.
ACCOMMODATION: Fairmont Austin (Downtown), Austin Motel (South Congress), ARRIVE Austin (East Austin). Prefer an apartment? Check out Downtown Oasis Heart of Austin.
AIRPORT TRANSFER: Pre-book a private transfer to your hotel (from $86 per car).
AUSTIN CAR HIRE: Exploring more of Texas? Use Discover Cars to find the best price on a rental car.
SHORT ON TIME? Let a local show you around with this Best of Austin Driving Tour.
BEST AUSTIN DAY TRIP: Experience the world famous Texan BBQ and delicious Texan wines on a Texas Hill Country BBQ and Wine Tasting tour.
5 ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR AUSTIN: A universal travel adapter; a refillable water bottle; a a power bank (essential if you use your camera phone a lot); a crossbody/waist bag (to keep your valuables safely close to your body); and a copy of the latest Lonely Planet Texas Guide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IN AUSTIN: I recommend Heymondo, which includes Covid-19 coverage. And you can get a 5% discount when you buy with my link.
STAY CONNECTED: Buy an AloSIM eSIM for the USA before you leave home and get connected as soon as you arrive in Austin.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Austin
The best neighborhoods to stay in Austin are Downtown, East Austin and South Congress (SoCo).
Austin Downtown
Downtown is right in the heart of the city. It offers you the perfect blend of vibrant city life and convenient access to Austin’s top attractions and surrounding neighborhoods.
The best thing about staying in Downtown is that you’ll be steps away from top-notch dining, live music venues, and unique shops, making your stay both exciting and hassle-free.
Plus, with everything within walking distance, you can fully immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere that makes Austin so special.
Being at the heart of the city, Downtown is the most touristy area of Austin, and it’s also the best place to find accommodation.
> Book one of the best hotels in Austin Downtown
I stayed at the Fairmont Austin, located right in the heart of Downtown. Within walking distance of both Sixth Street and Rainey Street, this stunning hotel is the largest hotel in Austin and the largest Fairmont in the US.
This imposing looking 37-floor glass tower has incredible views over the city thanks to the floor to ceiling glass windows in each room. Depending on what side of the building you are, you’ll have a view of Downtown and the rooftop pool, or of Lady Bird Lake.
I had a great view of the city skyline with the pool right below my super stylish room. However, despite the fun happening in the pool right below me, you could not hear a thing.
Another thing I love about Fairmont Hotels, is that they take their sustainability efforts seriously and are way ahead of other luxury hotels.
> Book the Fairmont Austin Hotel here
East Austin
East Austin is a creative and eclectic neighborhood that’s brimming with personality. You’ll get to explore a fantastic mix of art galleries, trendy eateries, and vibrant nightlife, all while enjoying a laid-back vibe.
It’s the perfect spot for you if you’re looking to experience Austin’s cultural diversity and innovative spirit up close, and it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a taste of Austin’s nightlife.
> Book one of the best hotels in East Austin
South Congress (SoCo)
SoCo (South Congress Avenue) has an array of boutique shops, delicious food trucks, and some of the best live music venues in town.
So this is an ideal spot for you if you’re keen to soak up Austin’s quirky charm and vibrant street life, all while being surrounded by picturesque views and the friendly, welcoming spirit of the local community.
Staying in SoCo means you’ll be right in the pulse of one of the city’s most iconic streets.
> Book one of the best hotels in South Congress (SoCo)
3 DAYS IN AUSTIN – WEEKEND ITINERARY
Day 1: Best of Austin, Downtown & Lady Bird Lake
Stop 1. Best of Austin
Austin’s main attractions are spread all over the city, so one of the best ways to start your exploration is by joining a driving tour that will show you an overview of the must-see landmarks as well as hidden gems that a local would only know.
I joined this 2-hour driving tour that took me around the city in a really comfy van. Our local guide Joey, who also moonlights as a stand up comedian, was really entertaining throughout the tour.
Joey showed us the authentic Austin neighborhoods, tips for the best spots in town for food, drinks and just hanging out, and funny stories about the city. It made a lot of sense why the local motto is ‘Keep Austin Weird’.
During this tour you will also visit sites like the State Capitol Building, the seat of government of Texas and the second largest Capitol in the US, the iconic ‘Greetings from Austin’ postcard mural and the University of Texas at Austin, home of the famous Texas Longhorns
> Book the Best of Austin Driving Tour here
Stop 2. Downtown
Once you’ve found your bearings and know Austin’s hidden secrets, it’s time to start exploring them at your own pace.
Start with Downtown, the heart of Texas’ vibrant capital. This is where the city’s spirit is captured in colorful murals, eclectic museums, and lively entertainment districts that invite you to explore and engage.
Start your journey with a visit to the iconic murals of Janis Joplin and Willie Nelson, which pay homage to Austin’s deep musical roots.
These larger-than-life portraits not only celebrate two of music’s greatest legends but also embody the city’s ongoing love affair with the arts. Snap a photo and feel the connection to Austin’s rich musical heritage.
Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant Latino culture at the Mexic-Arte Museum, a downtown gem dedicated to traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art.
With its dynamic exhibitions and educational programs, the museum offers a window into the diverse artistic expressions that enrich the Austin community.
Other places to visit in Downtown
1. Museum of the Weird: Possibly America’s most bizarre attraction, this collection of freaky exhibits includes mummies, mermaids, freaks of nature and horror movie props amongst other oddities. This place is definitely helping to ‘Keep Austin Weird’!
2. Bullock Texas State History Museum: An immersive journey that tells the “Story of Texas” across three floors filled with interactive exhibits, special effects shows in the Texas Spirit Theater, and Austin’s leading IMAX Theatre.
3. Blanton Museum of Art: Voted the best museum in Austin by ‘Austin Chronicle’, it is one of the top university museums in the country, with the largest public collection in Central Texas of modern American and Latin American art, and Italian Renaissance and Baroque artworks.
Downtown Austin Tours
Where to eat in Downtown
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Founded in 1962, Cooper’s has been serving up authentic, off-the-pit barbecue, offering a true taste of Texas Hill Country style cooking. Their menu features everything from beef, chicken, and turkey to pork and goat, all barbecued right on the premises.
Join the fast-moving line, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to view each mouthwatering option and choose every element of your meal. Don’t miss the brisket with burnt ends.
If eating BBQ is one of the reasons you are visiting Austin, you can visit Cooper’s, as well as other iconic barbecue spots, as part of Small Group Red River Street BBQ food walking tour.
> Book your Red River Street Food BBQ food walking tour here
Stop 3. Lady Bird Lake
After walking around town, head to the serene and picturesque surroundings of Lady Bird Lake, a tranquil oasis in the midst of the city’s vibrant life.
This much loved area offers a great range of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and refreshing escapes, perfect for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind.
Start your exploration on the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail, a lush, green pathway that encircles the lake, offering stunning views and a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle.
Cyclists, joggers, and walkers share this 10-mile long trail connecting you with nature while not far from the city’s lively spirit.
Along the way, soak in the panoramic vistas of the downtown skyline and the tranquil waters of the Colorado River, which feeds into Lady Bird Lake.
On a hot day, dive into the refreshing waters of the Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming oasis within Zilker Park, just a stone’s throw from Lady Bird Lake.
With year-round water temperatures averaging about 20 C (68-70 F) degrees, it’s the perfect spot to cool off on a hot Texas day. This historic pool, a favorite of both locals and visitors, offers a unique swimming experience surrounded by lush parkland.
Other things to do around Lady Bird Lake
1. Zilker Park Boat Rentals: Rent a boat or a kayak from Zilker Park Boat Rentals and spend an hour or two paddling on the waters of Lady Bird Lake. Find them on the banks of Barton Creek, just downstream from Barton Springs swimming pool.
2. Zilker Botanical Garden: Located on 28 lush acres within Zilker Park this gorgeous garden is often referred to as “the jewel in the heart of Austin.” It features a variety of themed gardens, including a Japanese garden, and a rose garden.
Lady Bird Lake Tours
Where to eat around Lady Bird Lake
Terry Black’s Barbecue
As it’s all about the barbecue in Austin, this is another legendary spot that must not be missed.
Terry Black’s is a fourth generation traditional Texas BBQ spot where all kinds of meats like tender brisket, peppered pork ribs, and smoked turkey are paired with classic sides like creamy mac and cheese, creamed corn and baked potato salad.
Stop 4: Back to Downtown
Austin’s nightlife is really not to be missed, so end your first day in the city by hanging out in the live music venues and popular nightlife spots on 6th Street, better known as ‘Dirty 6th’ for being noisy, rowdy and party central.
Boisterous 6th Street is not for everyone, but it must be experienced. However, if it’s too much for you, head to Rainey Street, with its unique blend of historic homes turned bars and eateries, offering a cozy yet lively night out.
If you are a fan of speakeasies, you’re in luck! There’s no shortage of these fun and stylish watering holes in Austin.
Some fantastic speakeasies to add to your list are Red-Headed Stepchild, disguised as Floppy Disk Repair Co., Garage, located in a fully working parking lot, and Firehouse Lounge, hidden behind a bookshelf in a hostel lobby. Their cocktails are to die for!
Where to dine in Downtown
Casino El Camino
If BBQ is too heavy for dinner, Casino El Camino is a great option for a quick bite before you hit the town in earnest.
This no frills dive bar may not look like much from the outside, but their burgers are guaranteed to hit the spot. El Camino’s handmade beef patties are said to be the best burger in town. Plus it’s one of the few places on 6th Street where you will find locals hanging out. A true gem!
Day 2: Franklin Barbecue, SoCo & East Austin
Stop 1: Franklin Barbecue
Eating at Franklin Barbecue is an experience in itself, although obviously not if you are a veggie or a vegan. However, if you are not, don’t miss one of the most indulgent and succulent meals you will have in your life.
My pro tip for today’s first stop is to grab coffee and breakfast to go and join the Franklin Barbecue line as soon as you can.
The line is pretty long, so get there as early as you can. You don’t want to queue for a while and get to the front of the queue to find out that they have sold out. It is known to happen.
So I arrived, coffee in hand, at 11am, and made it to the front just before 2pm. It was a weekday, so if you are there on the weekend, the wait can be 4-5 hours long.
But is it really worth such a long wait? Yes, it absolutely is!! It was even featured on Anthony Bourdaine: No Reservations.
One thing I love is that the Franklin’s queue is a great equalizer. Nobody gets to jump to the front no matter who you are.
Well… unless you are prepared to pay for everyone’s bbq, like President Obama offered to do out of his own pocket to get to the front. Of course, everyone said yes!
Franklin started off in 2009 out of a food trailer, and ever since its opening it has run out of brisket every single day.
Order a bit of everything so you can try it all – pulled pork, brisket, sausage. You will not be able to finish it all, of course. Just get a doggy bag and have the leftovers for breakfast the next day in a freshly baked bagel. You’ll be enjoying the famous Franklin Barbecue for days!
Stop 2: South Congress (SoCo)
The vibrant and eclectic neighborhood of South Congress, or ‘SoCo’, as it’s affectionately known, is a treasure trove of Austin’s culture, history, and quirky charm.
Nestled just a stone’s throw from downtown, this bustling district offers an array of unique experiences, from iconic landmarks to novel shopping options.
Stroll down South Congress Avenue, where this Austin’s neighborhood vibrant lifestyle is palpable. Here, eclectic shops, galleries, and eateries invite you to explore and indulge.
Go into Allens Boots, an iconic destination where the scent of leather and rows of cowboy and cowgirl boots embody the spirit of Texas. It’s more than a store, it’s a cultural experience.
And if you fall in love with a pair of boots, don’t do what I did and walk away from them. I wish I’d bought them and still think about them today.
Make sure to capture a moment at the ‘I love you so much’ mural, one of the many vibrant street arts adorning the area. The story goes that a local artist wrote this message on her ex-boyfriend’s wall after a painful break up and it’s become an iconic piece of art.
Each street art piece in SoCo tells a story, adding layers of color and emotion to this really cool area.
For those with a sweet tooth, Big Top Candy Shop is paradise, offering everything from artisan chocolates to classic ice creams and candies.
A great way to explore these fun sights is by joining a SoCo walking food tour, where you can learn the stories behind each of these places and eat your way through the neighborhood.
> Book your SoCo Walking Food Tour here
As the afternoon draws to an end, head to South Congress Bridge. This is not only a crucial thoroughfare linking SoCo to Downtown, but it’s also the place to experience an unusual natural wonder that is rare to find in an urban setting.
South Congress Avenue Bridge is the home to over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that every evening put on a spectacle of nature.
At dusk, these fascinating creatures swarm into the night sky creating a ribbon of chirpy shapes, a truly unforgettable sight and a testament to Austin’s wild heart.
You can view the bats from the top of the bridge or from either riverbank, where there are viewing points. Alternatively, you can take a sunset bat kayak tour or a segway bat flight night tour.
> Book your Sunset Bat Kayak Tour here
> Book your Segway Bat Flight Night Tour here
Other places to visit in SoCo
1. The Continental Club: This historic venue is a mecca for roots, rockabilly, country and swing music. Watch a live show at one of the Best Bars in America, as named by Playboy Magazine.
2. C-Boys Heart & Soul: A swanky neighborhood juke-joint featuring classic soul and R&B music onstage every weekend.
As you are only spending 3 days in Austin, if you’d like to experience more than a couple of Austin’s iconic music venues, why not join an Austin live music crawl tour. After all, you are in the Live Music Capital of the World.
I absolutely loved this tour and it included stops at C-Boys, Skylark Lounge, The Broken Spoke honky tonk (featured in Queer Eye), and many more.
> Book your Austin Live Music Crawl here
South Congress Tours
Where to eat in SoCo
Home Slice Pizza
A popular pizza joint that serves NY-style pizza with a crisp, stone-baked Neapolitan crust.
The slices are so big that you have to hold them with both hands and fold them down the middle to eat them. But if you don’t fancy pizza, they also serve salads, subs, and calzones.
Stop 3: East Austin
Finish your second day in the ever-evolving scene of East Austin, where the eclectic mix of old and new creates a uniquely electric atmosphere.
This bustling neighborhood, known for its rich history and cultural diversity, now stands as a beacon for nightlife, innovative cuisine, and artistic expression. Here’s your guide to some of East Austin’s most compelling spots, ensuring your visit is nothing short of memorable.
Kick off your East Austin adventure at Hotel Vegas, a venue that epitomizes the area’s cool vibe with live music that spans genres, captivating performances, and a lively patio scene. It’s the perfect introduction to the neighborhood’s energetic nightlife.
For a more laid-back evening, Latchkey awaits with its nostalgic charm and cozy ambiance, offering a relaxed spot to enjoy a drink and good company. This neighborhood bar, with its vintage feel, is like stepping into a friend’s living room.
Wine aficionados will find their haven at LoLo, a boutique wine bar that specializes in natural wines. With a welcoming atmosphere and an informed staff, LoLo invites you to explore wines from around the world in a friendly setting.
Experience the essence of Texas nightlife at The White Horse, an authentic honky-tonk bar where live country music, two-stepping, and whiskey shots reign supreme. This spot offers a genuine taste of Texas culture and it’s possibly my favorite nightlife spot in Austin!
Lastly, don’t miss The LowDown, a renowned spot for its creative cocktails and inviting terrace. It’s a prime destination for those looking to wind down the evening with sophisticated sips in a stylish yet comfortable environment.
Other things to do in East Austin
1. East Austin Food Tour: Explore East Austin’s foodie scene by joining this tour that takes you to four popular restaurants where you can sample some of their best dishes. Plus, you’ll learn about how the chefs prepare the dishes from farm-to-table ingredients.
> Book your East Austin Food Tour here
2. George Washington Carver Museum: A museum that pays homage to Austin’s African-American heritage. It features four galleries, a theater, dance studio, museum store and library.
3. Canopy Austin: Canopy is a vibrant hub for artists, gallery owners, and creatives. At its heart lies a repurposed Goodwill warehouse, now home to 45 artist studios, three galleries, numerous creative offices, and a welcoming coffee shop.
East Austin Tours
Where to eat in East Austin
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Ramen Tatsu-Ya is Austin’s favorite ramen spot. And for a reason! With 6 different locations throughout the city, this authentic ramen shop serves some of the best ramen I’ve ever tried. And I’ve tried many! It’s certainly on my top 3 ramen I’ve had.
Don’t miss the Tsukemen ramen, a highly condensed pork bone dipping broth with yuzu zest, chashu pork, and other yummy ingredients. The noodles come served separately and you dip them in the rich broth before enjoying them. Mouthwateringly good!
Day 3 – Texas Hill Country day trip
Whether you’re just spending 3 days in Austin for a long weekend, or as part of a Texas Hill Country road trip, a day trip to the countryside is a must.
There are plenty of options for day trips, but located on Austin’s doorstep, Texas Hill Country was beckoning. So after a bit of research, I booked this tour that included two of my favorite things in the world – food and drink!
Texas Hill Country is not only famous for its deliciously succulent Texan BBQ, but also for being the third largest American Viticultural Area (AVA) wine growing region in the US, with over 100 wineries, and it’s the perfect place to do some wine tasting.
This day tour included a visit to the legendary Salt Lick BBQ, one of the most famous BBQ pits in Texas, and one of the best places to visit in Texas Hill Country, as well as two famous wineries for some wine tasting to wash down that delicious meat.
All this was led by Evan, a really fun tour leader with a great knowledge of Texan culture, food and wine!
After driving through one of the most scenic landscapes in the USA, the first stop was The Salt Lick BBQ, a family run smokehouse established in 1967 that serves up succulent, slow-cooked brisket, ribs, and sausages, all perfectly infused with the flavor of local woods.
I ordered the brisket burnt ends and it was one of my favorite things I ate in Texas.
On top of that, their spicy BBQ sauce was out of this world, so I had to bring a bottle home. And I should have bought a few more. It was so good, I had it with everything, so it didn’t really last very long.
Sit at one of rustic picnic tables and, as it’s BYOB, you can bring your favorite bottle of Texan wine to enjoy with your meal.
> Book this Texas Hill Country BBQ and Wine Tasting tour here
The second stop of this tour was located just across the road from The Salt Lick, so we didn’t have to go very far with a full stomach.
Fall Creek Vineyards was the first winery to open in Texas back in 1975 by 5th generation ranchers. Born out of a passion discovered by accident after a friends’ trip to France, it now produces award winning wines that compete with some of the best wines in the world.
The tasting was $25 (not included in the price of the tour) and it included 5 different wines – great value if you ask me!
I tried a chenin blanc, a sauvignon blanc, a chez rosé, a chez rouge and a GSM (grenache, syrah and mourvédre blend).
The second winery we visited was Duchman Family Winery set in gorgeous Tuscan-style grounds. This winery was voted as one of the 20 most picturesque wineries in the country by HGTV.
The winery offers romantic Hill Country scenery, breathtaking sunsets, and clear, star-filled skies, all set against the picturesque backdrop of a vineyard.
Their tasting menu was $20 and it included six different wines – Roussanne, Viognier, Dry Rosé, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico.
You can book your tour of this Texas Hill Country BBQ and wine tasting tour here.
If you’d prefer a meat-free day trip that focuses only on Texas Hill Country wine tasting, this tour is a great alternative.
> Book your Half-Day Hill Country Wine Shuttle here
If you have more than 3 days in Austin
If you have more than 3 days in Austin, the city still has a ton of things to discover, but I would consider focusing on the foodie scene.
Breakfast tacos hold a special place in the life of every Austinite, with a rightful obsession for the many variations of beans, eggs, cheese, and meat, all snugly wrapped in either a corn or flour tortilla.
That’s why a breakfast taco tour is a great way to acquaint yourself with this Austin specialty.
> Book your breakfast taco tour here
Another popular Austin food tour is the one organized by Secret Food Tours where you can sample from barbecue brisket to Austin-style breakfast tacos, and even Italian cannoli.
> Book your Austin Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours
If you are a music lover and happen to be spending a weekend in Austin in October, look out for the Austin City Limits Music Festival, an annual music festival which takes place in Zilker Park over a couple of weekends.
And if sunsets are your thing, head to Mount Bonnell, Austin’s highest point and a fantastic viewing point for sunsets.
Austin FAQs
Many visitors spend 2 to 3 days in Austin, drawn by the city’s eclectic charm and abundance of attractions. To make the most of your stay in this unique destination, you’ll want to immerse yourself fully.
Key experiences to prioritize include indulging in the culinary delights, delving into the vibrant nightlife, enjoying the live music for which Austin is famed, and exploring the city’s museums and historic landmarks.
Yes, Austin is pretty safe. Compared to other major urban areas, Austin maintains a reputation as a relatively safe city, characterized by a low rate and a minimal risk of violent crime.
My advice from personal experience is to never travel without travel insurance, no matter how safe the destination is. Anything could happen and you want to be prepared. I recommend HeyMondo, which includes Covid-19 coverage. And if you buy it through my link, you’ll get a 5% discount.
How to get to Austin
To visit Austin, fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (Code: AUS). Depending on traffic, plan for 20-30 minutes to get to your accommodation from the airport.
You can travel from Austin airport to the city by CapMet, Uber, or private transfer.
Airport transfers in Austin
Do you have any questions about this 3 days in Austin itinerary?
Let me know in the comments!
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