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Explore the vibrant culture, music, and cuisine of Austin with a 3-day itinerary full of live music, delicious BBQ, and outdoor adventures. The capital of Texas, Austin, is gaining popularity every day. Many people have started relocating to Austin because it is a rapidly growing city with abundant opportunities, diverse entertainment, excellent infrastructure, vibrant music events, a diverse culinary scene, beautiful parks, and more.

 

Especially if you are a barbecue and tacos enthusiast, this city is a perfect fit for you!

 

No matter when you visit Austin, you will always find plenty of exciting activities and unique attractions to explore during any season.

 

Have you ever been to Austin, Texas yet? If not, you might be wondering what this city has to offer…

 

I have always wanted to visit this city, but kept postponing it. In 2020, I finally had the opportunity to explore Austin for the first time. Despite some unlucky experiences in other parts of Texas, I must admit that Austin is not like any other Texas city. It is highly diverse and has an abundance of offerings.

 

I was pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of dining options available in Austin, catering to every budget and taste. The city boasts beautiful parks for relaxation, numerous hiking spots, exciting live music events, and breathtaking city views. It is challenging to capture the essence of this city in just a few sentences. To truly understand its charm, you need to experience it with your own eyes.

 

During your visit, there is so much to see and do in Austin, Texas. Ideally, you would want to spend as much time as possible exploring the city. However, I understand that our busy lives can make that difficult. To help you make the most of your trip, I have created this Austin travel guide, featuring free activities, useful tips, the best places to visit, and recommendations on what to eat during your 3-day trip. So let’s embark on our journey to Austin, TX, now.

 

Getting Around Austin

Navigating the city is easy with various transportation options such as the Capital Metro system, bicycles, or scooters. If you plan to explore outside the city, a car rental would be necessary.

 

For public transportation, a single-ride bus ticket costs $1.25, while a day pass is $2.50. Exact change is required unless you have a pass, which you can purchase at Capital Metro stations, most grocery stores, or by downloading the CapMetro app.

 

Austin also offers a fantastic bike-sharing system, similar to many other US cities. They provide several options, including pay-as-you-ride ($1.09), unlimited 60-minute trips ($12.99), or annual membership ($86.60).

 

Scooters are also a very popular transport these days. It is fast, and you can rent it almost everywhere. The cost starts from a $30 membership fee and $0.15 per ride.

 

While there was a temporary disruption in service by Uber and Lyft, they are now back in operation. Other ride-sharing options you can consider include Ride Austin or Fasten. Keep in mind that some services may have limited availability or poor service quality.

 

If you require a car rental, you can use platforms like Turo or explore other car rental companies. Daily prices for car rentals start at $10. It is worth noting that traffic in Austin can be challenging, and parking downtown can be problematic. Free parking is available on weekends (Sundays), some holidays, and during the evenings. Metered parking typically starts at $2 per hour.

Where to Stay in Austin

Downtown Austin is the ideal area to stay in as it is home to most of the activities and is easily walkable, eliminating the need for a car and the hassle of parking.

 

There are plenty of hostels and hotels in Downtown Austin, offering a range of accommodation options.

 

For the cheapest options, you can check the Greater Austin area if you have a car.

 

 

If you celebrate bachelorettes or birthdays or want to be closer to the entertainment, 6th Street is your choice.

 

As someone who frequents Austin for business trips, I have stayed at various hotels. During my most recent visit, we stayed at the Moxy Austin – University. This lovely hotel is located in Downtown Austin, within walking distance of many cafes, restaurants, and the Capitol. The hotel features a nice lobby area where you can work, play games, grab a drink, or simply relax. They also have Zombie tacos, which are open 24/7 and offer delicious food. The only downside is that the rooms are smaller compared to other hotels. However, despite that, I highly recommend staying there.

 

Tip: Regardless of the area you choose, ensure it is close to transportation options or within walking distance (if you won’t have a car).

 

Book an apartment with VRBO in Austin here.

 

The Best Austin Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary

There are numerous things to do in Austin, but if you want to make the most of your trip within a limited timeframe, I recommend planning for at least 2-3 days. Here are the main activities you can enjoy.

1. Visit the Texas Capitol

Explore the Texas State Capitol and learn more about a historic part of the city and state. It is located right in downtown Austin, Texas, and if you drive, you can find parking on the major streets and walk to the Capitol. Or you can park in the garage, which should be free for the first two hours (but always double-check as the rules are constantly changing).

 

A FREE tour lasts about 20-30min and operates every day from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm on weekdays. On the weekend, they have different operating hours (check it out upfront).

 

They cover most of the things during the tour but don’t walk you across the whole building. So the tour is a great way to get a better sense of the history, but you might walk to self-explore the Capitol before that to make sure you missed nothing.

 

2. Go to Barton Springs Pool

This is a must-do in Austin. The water in the pool is from nearby natural springs, and you can swim there if it is hot outside, but do not get upset if it’s cold. In that case, you won’t be able to use the pool directly, but you can still explore it.

 

They have some places to sit and walk, and the site is beautiful. When I was in Austin (in January), it wasn’t too hot outside (though some people were swimming), we just walked around, and even so, I had a fantastic time there.

 

The Barton Springs pool is public and accessible, but if you want to swim, you will have to pay a small fee ($8 a day); unless you are a resident, it will only cost you $3. Also, if it is a hot season (May to September), the pool might be crowded, and to swim, you might need to wait in line.

 

Did you know that there are lots of fantastic events in Austin? Do not miss the opportunity to visit one. Check out this site to see all events in Austin, Texas, in 2024.

3. Take Great Pictures by the “I Love You So Much” Wall

 

Head to South Congress to take a fun picture in front of the red graffiti on the green wall. If you wonder about the history behind that sign, it was done by a local artist named Amy Cook in 2010 as a love letter to the coffee shop owner, Liz Lambert.

 

There is usually a line for taking pictures, so be prepared to wait a little. However, if you want to learn more about the place and see more morals, you can book this Electric Bike City Sightseeing Tour here.

 

Did you know that they have a wall with the opposite sign? Which is “I hate you so much.” It is located on a “Bungalow” on Raine Street.

4. Take a Picture of the Famous Greetings From Austin Mural

You can’t miss Austin without taking pictures of the most colorful graffiti in the whole of Austin located on South Congress.

 

A little tip :). If you want to get the best pictures, wear something bright.

 

5. Watch the Bats From the Bridge

From March to October, you can witness the spectacular sight of a million bats emerging from under the Congress Avenue Bridge each evening around 8 pm. This natural phenomenon is a must-see when visiting Austin. Keep in mind that it is more enjoyable to watch when the weather is warm, as the bats are more active. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, and don’t forget your camera to capture this amazing event!

 

6. Visit the Cathedral of Junk in Austin

 

Who wants to see the junk, right? :). Agree, but this is something cool made from trash. It is private property, and if you don’t make an appointment, you won’t be able to get inside. The property owner made this exhibit from the everyday things he used. So it is a cool thing to see!

 

There is still something observable outside the fence, but if you want to get in and see it in person, make an appointment online and pay a small fee ($5). And FYI, they do not show it on Sundays.

 

As I skipped making an appointment and checking the business hours, I was so unlucky when I came there. So the only option I had was to look at it from afar :(.

 

7. Get the Best Austin View From the Pennybacker Bridge (Austin 360 Bridge)

 

The view is fantastic and breathtaking. You can see the highway with the bridge itself, the beautiful Colorado River, the scenic downtown view, and the green stuff of the city.

 

Spend your day in Austin by visiting the Pennybacker Bridge. Enjoy breathtaking views of the highway, Colorado River, downtown skyline, and lush greenery. A short 10-minute hike is required to reach the top. Parking is available on the right side of the hill (north) and is free. Be cautious and stay far from the edges.

 

8. Get Wild at 6th Street

Known as a vibrant entertainment district, 6th Street is the perfect place for a night out. Explore the numerous bars with affordable drinks, restaurants offering live music, and exciting meeting spots. Note that the street is closed to traffic on weekends (Thursday to Saturday) during the night.

 

Where to Eat in Austin, TX

Eating in Austin is a delightful experience, with options to satisfy every palate. Whether you crave delicious tacos, juicy barbeque, or excellent coffee, Austin has it all.

 

1. Torchy’s Tacos

If you are a tacos lover, I recommend you check out Torchy’s tacos. They have several locations across the city, so you can pick whichever is closer to you. Their menu is excellent, and you will have many options. Make sure you order at least two tacos (as they charge per 1 taco). I decided on Mr. Orange (a bit spicy) and Brushfire.

 

2. Terry black’s BBQ

For meat lovers, the best BBQ place will be the family restaurant Terry black’s BBQ. The food is excellent, not too pricey, and the lines are not extended.

 

3. Crepe Crazy

If you’re a crepe lover like me, I highly recommend visiting Crepe Crazy. This charming European-style eatery serves a variety of delicious crepe toppings. Don’t be surprised if the kitchen and employees seem quiet. The unique aspect of this place is that all the employees are deaf. They have an extensive visual menu at the register, making it easy to place your order by pointing to the desired item.

 

4. Jo’s Turbo Coffee

 

 

Get a Texas-based Jo’s turbo coffee after you take some nice pictures by the “I love you so much wall” as it is right on the corner. They also serve some food. You can find parking as close as across the street. They also offer free parking at the AMLI garage with validation.

 

5. Coffee and Crisp

There is another coffee shop which is so lovely. It is so nicely decorated and welcoming inside. They have such a great selection of roasted coffee and tea. They even offer free baked samples for everybody. It is a great place to relax, read a book, play games, or work.

 

Planning A DAY TRIP FROM AUSTIN and wondering what places to visit nearby? I suggest you visit San Antonio, Texas. It is just a couple of hours away from Austin, and the main activities are close to each other. 

 

Final Thoughts

Austin is a unique, fun, and beautiful city in Texas that I highly recommend visiting. You might ask yourself how many days in Austin should you spend. So, it will depend if you are flexible or tight with your schedule. In general, 3-4 days is plenty of time to see the main sights.

 

With its wide range of activities, attractions, and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll never get bored there. Whether you’re a music lover, a food enthusiast, or someone seeking adventure, Austin has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the charms of this remarkable city.

How was your Austin vacation? Let me know in the comments below. Happy travel!

 

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