36 Hours In Austin, Texas

Day 1: Afternoon - Stroll along SoCo (South Congress Avenue) and have lunch in one of the hip brunch spots

No trip to Austin would be complete without visiting South Congress Avenue. This vibrant street is lined with restaurants, cafes, and vintage shops. One of the most popular brunch spots is South Congress Cafe where you can enjoy delicious Southern dishes like shrimp and grits or sweet potato beignets. Afterward, stop by Allens Boots and take a look at the extensive range of Western cowboy boots. There are even some made from ostrich if you’re willing to pay a pretty penny. Also be sure to check out Big Top Candy Shop to indulge your inner child and maybe buy yourself some old-fashioned candy. There are also many shopping and art boutiques along the road, such as Yard Dog, or pop into South Congress Books and browse around. For a good photo op, track down some of Austin’s famous murals like the iconic “I love you so much” scrawled across the wall outside Jo’s Coffee. If you’re willing to walk a few blocks, you’ll find the famous “Greetings from Austin” mural at 720 1st St. At the end of all your exploring, be sure to stop at Amy’s Ice Cream for a refreshing treat.

Day 1: Evening - Hike along the shore of Lady Bird Lake and try out some water sports

You might miss Lady Bird Lake at first glance because it really just looks like a river running through downtown Austin! However, thanks to the Longhorn Dam, it’s actually a recreational lake that provides a perfect respite from the hot weather. For those who like hiking or biking, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail makes a complete route around the lake and offers beautiful views. If you want to get out on the water, try your hand at kayaking or stand up paddleboarding. If this strikes your fancy, check out Texas Rowing Center, Congress Avenue Kayaks or Paddle Shack.

Day 1: Night - Bar-hop along Rainey Street

I guarantee you haven’t visited bars like these before. Most are refurbished bungalow homes, trailers and even restored shipping containers! For craft beer fans, check out Craft Pride which offers options from the best Austin breweries. So many bars have beautiful outdoor patios lit up by string lights and plenty of seating. Try out Bungalow, Lucille and Parlor Room. There are also plenty of options for late-night snacking, ranging from food trucks to proper restaurants. Check out the Happy Lobster food truck for an amazing lobster roll, or Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden for some scrumptious Bavarian dishes.

Day 2: Morning - Have brunch at one of the cafes in Market District

After a fun night out, you’re going to need to refuel. The Market District has some great brunch spots, art galleries and even the flagship Whole Foods Market! For a quick fix, try Sweetish HiIl Bakery and enjoy freshly baked goods and pastries. For something more substantial, try Moonshine Patio and Grill or Holy Roller, which serves up hefty Southern portions of mouthwatering breakfast favorites. Of course, it would be a shame to pass up the famous breakfast taco scene. Luckily, OneTaco serves up an array of tasty and cheap breakfast tacos.

Day 2: Afternoon - Walk to the Texas State Capitol and check out the Bullock Texas State History Museum

It’s hard to miss the state capitol. It was built in 1882 in an Italian Renaissance Revival style. Tours of the capitol are readily available and worth checking out if you are interested in learning more about Austin’s history. But if you just want to walk around the grounds, there are many monuments and statues commemorating different historical events and figures. Later, stroll down to the Bullock Texas State History Museum to see exhibits on Texas’ history and culture.

Bullock Texas History Museum

Address: 1800 Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701

Website: Bullock Texas History Museum

Day 2: Evening - Watch the bats fly across Colorado River on Congress Avenue Bridge

Every night more than 1.5 million bats fly out into the night from under the Congress Avenue Bridge and people line the bridge, hoping to catch a glimpse. Get to know the people around you and enjoy the feeling of camaraderie. Just after dusk, the bats emerge to feed for the night and form stunning billowing clouds on the horizon. Take a look at this Austin Bat Watching Bike Tour that will take you around Lady Bird Lake and arrive at the bridge just in time to enjoy the show.

Austin Congress Avenue Bats Bike Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

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Day 2: Night - Catch a gig in one of the live music bars downtown

Austin is known as a great place for nightlife and live music. Try out some authentic honky-tonk music at The White House where the crowd is a mix of rocker hipsters and country music lovers. Alternatively, try the Sahara Lounge for a taste of blues, Brazilian, African or even swing music, depending on the night. Another great option is the Elephant Room which is a cozy and intimate venue featuring jazz performers.

Day 3: Morning - Explore Austin's growing barista scene at one of the cafes in the South Lamar neighborhood

South Lamar is a growing, popular and trendy neighborhood, just five minutes from the city center. Some coffee spots worth checking out include Opa Coffee and Wine Bar which also has tasty Greek snacks to share, or Ire Bean Coffee and Wine Bar, which has a cozier and more laid-back atmosphere. Also worth stopping by is the Dawson Stone House, located in a historical home and serving top notch brew.

36 hours in Austin

36 hours in Austin can be overwhelming, but if you plan it just right, it will be a whirlwind of a memorable experience. Luckily, Austin is a relatively flat and easy to navigate city, and the people are friendly. Be sure to hit at least one or two of our recommended brunch spots, as well as nightlife options, because no trip to Austin is complete without relishing the delicious food and exploring the vibrant music scene.