3 Days of Fun in Austin: Tacos, Trails, and Music!

Discover the Texan charm of Austin without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Austin, United States on a limited budget can be a unique and exciting experience. You can explore the vibrant city's rich culture, indulge in delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. With economical lodging options and free attractions like the Texas State Capitol and the Barton Springs Pool, you can make the most out of your stay in Austin while saving money.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discovering Downtown Austin

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast from Juan in a Million, a local favorite.
  • Walk from the Texas State Capitol building to the University of Texas campus and check out the iconic tower.
  • Visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum for an interactive experience on the state's history.
  • Take a stroll or rent a bike along Lady Bird Lake for scenic views of the city skyline.
  • Savor a unique dining experience at Hopdoddy Burger Bar for mouthwatering burgers and craft beer.
  • Stay: The Driskill Hotel, a historic landmark that offers elegant accommodations at a reasonable price.
Day 2

Texas Culture and Outdoor Adventure

  • Experience the authentic Texan cowboy culture at the Broken Spoke, where you can learn how to two-step and enjoy live music.
  • Visit the Blanton Museum of Art for a collection of modern and contemporary art, and the Mexic-Arte Museum for a glimpse into the Latino arts.
  • Hike or paddle the scenic trails of McKinney Falls State Park for an outdoor adventure.
  • Unwind at the legendary Stubb's Bar-B-Q with delicious smoked meats and music shows.
  • Head to Rainey Street for a nightcap at a funky bar like Container Bar or Icenhauer's.
  • Stay: The Carpenter Hotel, a trendy and affordable boutique hotel with a pool and restaurant onsite.
Day 3

Foodie Excursion and Live Music Scene

  • Start the day at Kerbey Lane Cafe for their famous breakfast tacos and pancakes.
  • Tour the famous graffiti and street art murals at the HOPE Outdoor Gallery.
  • Check out the eclectic vendors at the iconic South Congress Avenue shopping district.
  • Enjoy a late lunch of Texas-style fried chicken at Lucy's Fried Chicken.
  • End the trip with a night of live music at the legendary Continental Club, Antone's, or Mohawk.
  • Stay: The LINE Austin, a stylish and vibrant hotel with a rooftop pool, locally inspired cuisine and live music events.

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.

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