The Perfect Weekend in Austin: 3-Day Itinerary

I have curated the perfect guide for your weekend adventure. My husband went to the University of Texas and he is a local when it comes to Austin and the best things to do. So I have made the ultimate Austin travel itinerary for you, the perfect weekend in Austin!

When To Visit Austin

Spring and Fall are the best time because the weather is warm but not too hot. Austin, however though, is a year-round beautiful place to adventure.

Getting Around Austin

Austin is a highly walkable city. I have also used electric scooters or bikes in Austin plenty of times. Ubers are also highly available and usually not too pricy.

Where to Stay

We recently stayed at The Loren Hotel in Austin, and it was the perfect location for exploring everything the city has to offer. Nestled by Lady Bird Lake, this boutique hotel blends modern luxury with stunning natural views. Its chic design, rooftop restaurant, and proximity to downtown made it an ideal base for our Austin adventure. Some other hotels I would suggest would also be, Heywood Hotel (gorgeous renovated from the 1920s), Arrive Austin (great location), and Moxy Austin (conveniently located to the University of Texas).

Day One

Breakfast Tacos at Juan in a milliom

The best way to start your Austin trip is to start it how the locals would, with breakfast tacos. And breakfast tacos at Juan in a Million are a MUST.

Tour the Texas State Captiol

You can tour the grounds and the visitor center. Plus you can even tour the legislative champers. I also love the Texas State Capitol because it has the most insta-worthy shots leading up to it.

Visit an Austin Museum

My favorite museum was the Blanton Museum of Art because it is so cute and has some of the best work. Plus it is located on the University of Texas campus allowing you to tour around the beautiful campus afterward. Other museums that people love, the Mexic-Arte Museum and the Museum of the Weird.

Head to South Congress for Lunch and Shopping

South Congress Avenue is filled with excellent restaurants, shopping, and street artwork. It is a fun upbeat place that will keep you busy for a bit. Some great options to eat at are, Jo’s Coffee (an iconic spot), Hopdoddy Burger Bar, and Torchy’s Tacos.

Watch the Bats at South Congress Bridge

When I was told to watch the bats emerge I wasn’t sure I was into it. I was told, however, that it was a local favorite thing to share, so I had to check it out. The bats can come suddenly or emerge slowly so it all depends. You will have to get to the bridge at the perfect time which is usually around dusk. There are also different tour options that give you the best views, one being a kayak tour of the lady bird lake.

Dinner and Then Out to Sixth Street

There are many good spots to eat that are near sixth street. I would suggest any of the following, True Kitchen, Hestia, Uchi, and ATX Cocina. From there, you are within walking distance of sixth street, and a whole lot of fun. Although, it is usually bumping with young college kids and may not be your vibe if you are in your late twenties. Let’s just say, I felt super old there and I was only 25. Sixth street though, for those that don’t know, is a street full of bars and during the night, the city shuts the street down to only pedestrian traffic. They don’t call it the dirty sixth for nothing! A favorite bar on sixth street is Green Light Social.

Day Two

Brunch at Bangers

This is my husband’s favorite because of its craft beer options. It is a German bar that has outdoor seating and in the summer they usually always have a German band playing. They have 100 beers on tap making it an excellent beer garden. For brunch, order the ManMosa for an entire bottle of champagne with a little bit of OJ.

Check out East Austin

East Austin is the hipster part of Austin. There are many vintage shopping stores, coffee shops, and craft beer gardens. You will find the most beautiful murals and get those instaworthy shots!

Hike Mount Bonnell

It’s a short hike and one that is located right in the city but it’s a good way to burn off some of the food and beer you may be drinking/eating. Not to mention, it has one of the most beautiful views of Austin. The hike is only about 12 minutes long too so it’s nothing too strenuous.

Do a Guided Food tour

Honestly, Austin has some of the best food scenes! I would suggest doing a guided tour of all the secret and best food that it offers. Here is a tour company you should definitely check out.

End the Night on Rainy Street

Rainy street is definitely a more classy party strip. Usually, it has a more young professionals group of people. It is still a very fun place and gets rowdy itself. A bar you have to check out, and my husband’s favorite is the Container Bar.

Day Three

Start Your day at Franklin Barbecue

So this is Austin’s best BBQ spot and if you love BBQ you can’t miss it. However, it is only open from 11-3 pm and there is usually a long wait. If the wait is too long I would also suggest Biscuits and Groovy Food Truck

Spend the Afternoon on the Water

You can either head to the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool or rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP at Lady Bird Lake.

Enjoy the Views at Zilker Park

Zilker Park has some of the best views of the city and if you are already on the water, most likely you are close to Zilker Park. Ann and Roy Butler is a great bike trail for you to indulge in as well.

University of Texas

Dinner at Shangri-La

This spot is located in East Austin and has an ultimate frozen drink menu. It also has a great outdoor patio that is fun for groups of people to enjoy.

Hit Up a Honky Tonk

Would it be a successful texas trip if you didn’t hit up a honky tonk? White Horse is the perfect spot and is conveniently located on East Sixth Street. They have the most fun vibes, the drinks are cheap, and there is live music and dancing every day of the week.