“Art, Music, and BBQ: The Ultimate Austin Getaway”
Explore Austin's charm without breaking the bank!
21 June 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Austin, the capital city of Texas, offers an authentic Texan experience on a limited budget. Explore the city's vibrant music scene, visit museums, hike up to Mount Bonnell, and indulge in delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. Affordable accommodation options such as hostels, budget hotels, and camping sites are available for those on a shoestring budget.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Wake up early and head to Juan In A Million for a delicious Mexican breakfast.
- Experience walking around the famous Lady Bird Lake with amazing views of downtown Austin.
- Have a picnic lunch at Zilker Park while enjoying the warm afternoon sun.
- Visit the Texas State Capitol building for a taste of local politics and history.
- End the day by vibing with live music and dancing at any of the venues on Red River St.
- Hotel: Stay at The Guild East Side, a trendy and affordable hotel that gives you the authentic Austin experience.
- Start the day by having coffee and breakfast at the popular Bennu Coffee to kick things off.
- Experience the nearby East Austin Studio Tour, where you can take a look at local art and meet artists.
- Walk around the SoCo neighbourhood and shop for souvenirs at Allens Boots, Waterloo Records and other niche spots.
- Visit Franklin Barbeque for some delicious food, famous across the globe for its unique taste.
- End the day with a drink and great view at the rooftop bar of the contemporary Austin Motel.
- With this packed itinerary, you'll have experienced the best of Austin while also exploring beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Austin by plane is to fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is located just 5 miles outside of the city. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United all fly into this airport from various cities across the United States.
Car
Driving to Austin is a popular option, especially if you are coming from within Texas or a neighboring state. Major highways such as I-35 and US-183 connect to Austin, and there are several car rental agencies at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Austin. The closest Amtrak station is in San Marcos, about 30 miles south of Austin. From there, you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach Austin.
Boat
Since Austin is located in the center of Texas, there are no direct boat routes to the city. However, there are several nearby lakes and rivers that you can explore by boat, including Lake Travis and the Colorado River.
Bus
Taking a bus is a great option for getting to Austin from other major Texas cities such as Houston or Dallas. Greyhound and Megabus both operate in Austin, with a station located in the heart of downtown.