A 7-Day Itinerary for Austin
Tackling all Austin has to offer in a week can seem like a daunting task, but with a little preparation and a bit of perspiration – this is Texas after all – it can be done! Whether it’s trendy nightlife you crave, first-class restaurants or just somewhere to relax and let the worries of the world slip away, this incredible city has you covered.
Spend your Monday learning about the history of the city
1. Texas Capitol
Building, Museum, University
2. Bullock Texas State History Museum
Building, Museum, Store, Theater, University
3. Hula Hut
Restaurant, Bar, Polynesian, Mexican
See out the day by watching the sun set over Lake Austin while getting stuck into “Tex-Mex with a Hawaiian twist” at Hula Hut. Make sure to try one of the restaurant’s signature Hu-La-La cocktails (a fishbowl of rum and fruit juice).
Find your inner zen on Tuesday at an Austin park
4. Zilker Metropolitan Park
Park
5. Barton Springs Pool
Swimming Pool
6. La Condesa
Restaurant, Bar, Mexican
Finally, since it’s Taco Tuesday and you’re in Texas, you might as well indulge. Head to La Condesa in the Second Street District and enjoy some mezcal while sampling a selection of tacos that, depending on where you’re from, could make you wonder if you ever actually had the real thing before.
On Wednesday, venture out to the Barbecue Capital of Texas
Take a day trip to barbecue’s holy land, Lockhart. Instead of spending most of your day in line at an Austin eatery, try heading out to the country. Designated by the Texas Legislature as the Barbecue Capital of Texas, Lockhart is about a 70-mile round trip from Austin and is home to first-class dining establishments such as Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market and Black’s Barbecue. Be sure to try all three, but Smitty’s – which sparked a feud with Kreuz (founded in 1900) by opening up with nearly the same menu in that restaurant’s own historic building shortly after it moved out in 1999 – is consistently great. Black’s brisket may also just give Austin standout Franklin’s a run for its money.
Thursday calls for shopping on South Congress Avenue
Find your weekend outfit on South Congress Avenue. Shop for proper Texas footwear at Allens Boots or Heritage Boot. Pick up a one-of-a-kind artistic piece at Parts & Labour, or scour the racks at Feathers Boutique. Check out the Native American jewelry sourced from across the Southwest at Turquoise Trading Post and then satisfy your sweet tooth at the Big Top Candy Shop. Stop by Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds to gawk at the elaborate costumes, followed by a burger and a brew at Hopdoddy. Finish off the day by popping into Jo’s Coffee next door – make sure to take a picture in front of the “I Love You So Much” mural, which has become as much a symbol of Austin as its music.
Friday-night sport is a Texas institution
7. Round Rock Express Game at Dell Diamond
Sports Center
8. Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile, Austin
Bar, Diner, Restaurant, American
Stay east and explore the funkier part of the city. Enjoy habanero-infused tequila at Stay Gold on its open-air patio. Grab a drink at Hotel Vegas and maybe catch some live music. Practice your two-step at The White Horse while country music plays, or dance the night away to hip-hop at The Eastern.
Embark on a hike, then party in Downtown on Saturday night
9. Mount Bonnell
Park, Natural Feature
Sixth Street
At night hit up the historic Sixth Street. Although the area has garnered the nickname The Dirty over the years in some circles for perceived lawlessness, it still offers a range of live music venues, cheap drinks and various other potential thrills for anyone willing to brave the crowds. It’s also home to one of the nation’s best vaudeville troupes, Esther’s Follies.
Rainey Street
After you make the loop, take a ride to Rainey Street and its crowded but much less chaotic bar scene. Have a chilled-out night at Lucille Patio Lounge, or look for love in the Container Bar. Whatever your vibe is, Rainey has it all. Finish off with some Detroit-style pizza from the Via 313 trailer.
Try Austin-style Sunday brunch
10. Moonshine Grill
Bar, Restaurant, Diner, American, Pub Grub, Contemporary
Places to stay
Before you can truly experience all the city has to offer, you first have to establish your home base. Austin has plenty of great hotels, Airbnbs, hostels and other accommodation for the weary traveler. But rooms fill up quickly, and the constant flow of festivals and events in the city could leave you stranded without a place to stay or paying a premium for somewhere if you don’t plan ahead. Here are three choices Culture Trip recommends.
11. Native Hostel
Hostel
For the student, budget traveler and the adventurer, the Native is a synergistic environment that showcases art, nurtures music and merrymaking, and features communal living areas plus private rooms. The Native is perfect for wandering groups struck or the solo traveler looking to make like-minded friends and indulge in everything Austin has to offer. The Native Bar & Kitchen provides residents with coffee, more mercurial liquid libations and food, while the 3,400-square-foot grand ballroom is the center of the party.
12. Austin Motel
Motel
Got a bit more cash, a little less tolerance for noise and a need to understand what is meant by “Keep Austin Weird?” Then Austin Motel is your starting point. This historic venue is located in the heart of the city’s trendy South Congress neighborhood, and its iconic phallic sign floats high over the shops and eateries below – a neon welcome mat for visitors. The motel’s 1960s ambience belies the simple luxury within, but the accommodation’s most important features include its knowledgeable staff, location at the center of the places to see and be seen, top-notch pool and deck, and easy access to Austin’s beloved hike-and-bike trail.
13. Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Hotel
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.