48 Hours in Austin, Texas: How to Eat, Explore and Party Like a Local
In Austin, the soundtrack never stops. From sunrise breakfast tacos to late-night honky-tonk jams, this city lives and breathes good times — all set to a steady beat of live music and laid-back charm. Whether you’re floating in Barton Springs, scouring South Congress for vintage finds, or chasing brisket at a roadside BBQ joint, Austin feels like the cool friend who knows all the best spots… and doesn’t mind if you tag along.
Texas’ capital is often called the Live Music Capital of the World, but it’s also a hotspot for creativity, tech innovation, and slow-smoked everything. It’s a place where cowboy boots pair perfectly with indie bands, and where “weird” is a badge of honour, not an insult.
With just 48 hours, you’ll barely scratch the surface — but you will leave full, sun-kissed, and maybe a little tempted to stay.
When to Visit Austin
Austin’s got a year-round buzz, but timing your trip right can make a big difference — especially if you want to avoid melting into the pavement.
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit. The weather is warm but manageable, wildflowers are in bloom (hello, bluebonnets), and the city comes alive with events like SXSW — a massive fusion of tech, film, and music.
Autumn (September to November) offers a second sweet spot. Temperatures cool down again, the crowds thin slightly, and Austin City Limits (ACL) brings top-tier music to Zilker Park.
Summer is long, hot, and humid — expect 35°C+ days — but it’s also prime time for Barton Springs dips and night-time adventures. Just be ready to pace yourself and hydrate constantly.
Winter is mild and quieter, with fewer festivals but plenty of charm. A great option if you prefer local vibes over big crowds.
Our pick? Late March or October — warm days, cool nights, and the city at its absolute best.
Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin.
Day One: City Icons and Local Eats
Morning: Murals, Markets and Breakfast Tacos
Start your day the Austin way — with breakfast tacos. Head to Veracruz All Natural or Joe’s Bakery for pillowy tortillas packed with eggs, chorizo, avocado and more. Coffee snobs should make a detour to Radio Coffee & Beer or Houndstooth Coffee for a proper caffeine fix.
Walk it off with a mural-spotting stroll through East Austin or South Congress. Snap a photo at the iconic “I love you so much” wall or “Greetings from Austin” postcard mural — cheesy but worth it.
If it’s a weekend, hit Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller or SFC Downtown. It’s a local-sourced paradise with food trucks, cold brew, handmade crafts, and a crowd that embodies Austin’s quirky cool.
Afternoon: State Capitol and South Congress Charm
Make your way to the Texas State Capitol, one of the most impressive in the US. It’s free to enter, grand as anything, and comes with a decent dose of Texas pride. Guided tours are short and surprisingly fun.
Next stop: South Congress Avenue (SoCo). This stretch is pure Austin — packed with vintage boutiques, oddball gift shops, cowboy boot emporiums (like Allen’s Boots), and unbeatable people-watching. Grab lunch at Home Slice Pizza or Guero’s Taco Bar, then wander at your own pace.
Evening: Bats, BBQ and Live Music
As dusk nears, make your way to Congress Avenue Bridge, home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Every evening from spring through early autumn, around 1.5 million bats emerge in a swirling, cinematic display — it’s wild and totally free.
Dinner? Go classic. Head to Franklin Barbecue if you’ve got time (and patience — the queue’s part of the ritual), or opt for La Barbecue, Terry Black’s, or the always-good Stiles Switch. Think brisket, ribs, mac and cheese… this is not the night for salad.
Cap off the day with live music — it’s everywhere. For classic Austin vibes, try The Continental Club on South Congress or Mohawk on Red River. If honky-tonk is calling, The White Horse delivers cheap beer, twangy tunes, and two-stepping locals.
Terry Black’s BBQ, Austin.
Day Two: Nature and Neighbourhoods
Morning: Swim, Stroll and Scenic Views
Start your morning at Barton Springs Pool, a beloved spring-fed swimming hole in Zilker Park. It’s refreshingly cold year-round — the perfect antidote to Texas heat (or any lingering BBQ coma).
Prefer a walk? Head to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake. It’s flat, green, and offers stellar skyline views. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and get on the water — early morning is peaceful and Insta-worthy.
Refuel with brunch at Bouldin Creek Café (vegetarian-friendly and full of character) or Snooze, an A.M. Eatery for pancakes and breakfast cocktails.
Afternoon: East Austin and Local Flavours
Spend the afternoon in East Austin, a creative neighbourhood where street art, indie coffee shops, and taco trucks rule. Explore Canopy, a warehouse turned artist studio collective, or browse quirky finds at Take Heart and Revival Vintage.
Grab lunch from a food truck park — try Discada (slow-cooked beef tacos) or Dee Dee (authentic Thai from Isaan). If the weather’s sweltering, cool off with a craft brew from Lazarus Brewing or a frozen margarita from Sour Duck Market.
Evening: Rainey Street and Sunset Vibes
Wrap up your 48 hours in style on Rainey Street — a lively strip of bungalow bars, food trucks, and backyard-style patios. It’s casual but energetic, perfect for bar-hopping or grabbing one last local bite.
Looking for views? Head to P6 Rooftop Bar at The LINE Hotel or The Oasis on Lake Travis if you’re up for a sunset drive. It’s a magical way to toast the end of your Austin escape.
Lady Bird Lake, Austin.
What to Pack for Austin
Austin is laid-back, creative and a little eclectic — your suitcase should be too. Here’s what to bring for a comfy, stylish 48-hour adventure:
Light, breathable clothing – especially if you’re visiting in warmer months (which is most of the year). Think cotton tees, loose dresses, and shorts.
Swimwear – for Barton Springs, hotel pools, or spontaneous river dips.
Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be covering ground from South Congress to East Austin.
Something funky – a band tee, bold sunglasses, or that cowboy hat you secretly love. Austin rewards a bit of flair.
Evening layers – a denim jacket or light sweater comes in handy, especially in spring and autumn.
Sun protection – hat, sunglasses and SPF are essential under the Texas sun.
Reusable water bottle – staying hydrated is key, especially if you’re sipping margaritas in between sightseeing.
Optional but fun: a small daypack for walking around, and room in your luggage for vintage finds or local hot sauce.
Austin city centre.
Travel Tips for Austin
Getting Around:
Austin’s compact core is walkable, but to cover more ground, grab a rental bike, electric scooter, or use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. Public buses are cheap but limited — if you’re staying outside the city centre, a car might come in handy (especially for late-night tacos).
Stay Central:
Look for accommodation in Downtown, South Congress, or East Austin. You’ll be close to food, music, and nightlife — and avoid traffic headaches.
Timing is Everything:
If you're visiting during SXSW or Austin City Limits, book early — hotels fill fast and prices spike. If you’re not attending the festivals, consider avoiding those weeks altogether, unless you enjoy big crowds.
Budget Like a Local:
Austin isn’t the cheapest Texas city, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Food trucks and happy hour specials keep things affordable. Entry to parks, the Capitol, and the bat bridge? Totally free.
Stay Weird (But Safe):
Austin’s vibe is famously welcoming — but like any city, keep your wits about you at night, especially around 6th Street after dark. Stick to well-lit areas and trust your gut.
Tipping:
As with most of the US, tipping is expected. 15–20% at restaurants, and a dollar or two per drink at bars.
Austin State Capitol building, Austin.
Two days in Austin is just enough to fall in love. You’ll leave with salsa on your shirt, music in your ears, and at least one moment you’ll be telling stories about for years — whether it’s jumping into Barton Springs at sunrise or dancing the night away under fairy lights on Rainey Street.
But as any local will tell you, Austin isn’t really a city you visit once — it’s one that lures you back with the promise of something new every time. A hidden bar behind an unmarked door. A band you’ve never heard of that blows your mind. A taco that changes everything.
So whether you came for the music, the food, the art or just the sunshine, one thing’s for sure: this won’t be your last time in Austin.
