5 Days of Fun: Explore Austin on a Budget!

Discover Austin's vibrant culture and cuisine on a budget-friendly adventure.

21 June 2023

A trip to Austin, United States on a limited budget can still be filled with fun experiences. Take a stroll through the vibrant streets, admiring the colorful street art and soaking up the unique atmosphere of this lively city. Enjoy some local Tex-Mex cuisine, explore the numerous parks and hiking trails, and catch a show at one of the many music venues.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Gettin' Weird in ATX

  • Check into your hotel, the trendy Native Hostel, and drop off your bags
  • Walk over to the iconic 6th Street and immerse yourself in the bar scene
  • Grab dinner at Torchy's Tacos, where the unique taco combinations will blow your taste buds away
  • Head to the Cathedral of Junk, a hidden gem in a residential backyard, and take a tour of the quirky art installation
  • End the night at the famous Continental Club, where live music plays until the wee hours of the morning
Day 2

Bats, Brews, and Views

  • Wake up early and head to Congress Bridge for the bat colony viewing
  • Grab breakfast at Juan in a Million, known for their massive and delicious breakfast tacos
  • Visit some of Austin's famous breweries like Zilker Brewing and Jester King Brewery
  • Enjoy lunch at the picnic tables overlooking Lake Travis at The Oasis
  • Hike the scenic Barton Creek Greenbelt to explore the natural beauty of the area
  • Catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks during the show
Day 3

Cultural Exploration

  • Spend the morning wandering the exhibits at the Blanton Museum of Art
  • Grab lunch at the famous Franklin Barbecue, but be prepared to wait in line for the mouthwatering brisket
  • Explore the beautiful grounds and gardens of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden
  • Take a guided tour of the Texas State Capitol building and learn about the state's history
  • Enjoy an evening show at the Zachary Scott Theatre Center
Day 4

Foodie Frenzy

  • Start the day with breakfast at Magnolia Cafe, famous for their migas and pancakes
  • Explore the food trucks of South Congress, a hub for local flavor
  • Tour the Tito's Handmade Vodka distillery and sample their award-winning spirit
  • Take a leisurely walk through the funky shops of SoCo, like the Uncommon Objects vintage store
  • End the night with dinner and drinks at the East Austin hotspot, Whisler's
Day 5

Outdoor Adventure

  • Take a morning swim or kayak tour through the pristine waters of Barton Springs Pool
  • Grab lunch at the Austin food truck park, where a variety of vendors offer delicious meals
  • Visit the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, where rescued animals are cared for and celebrated
  • Take a hike up Mount Bonnell for gorgeous panoramic views of the city
  • End the trip with a relaxing sunset cruise on Lady Bird Lake, taking in the sights and sounds of Austin's thriving nature scene.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Austin

Welcome to a city known for its love of live music, breakfast tacos, and Willie Nelson. Keep Austin weird and explore all the unique experiences this place has to offer.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Austin Awesomeness: The Ultimate Family Day Trip

Explore the lively city of Austin, known for its vibrant music scene and family-friendly activities. Take a journey through the beautiful Zilker Park, where you can rent kayaks or paddle boards, enjoy a relaxing picnic, or take a dip in Barton Springs Pool. Discover the wonders of the Austin Children's Museum, where your little ones can engage in hands-on learning experiences and interactive exhibits.

3-Day Austin Adventure: Sights, Music, and Nature

As a tourist, a trip to Austin, United States is a perfect blend of culture, history, food and outdoor activities. Explore the lively music scene, visit the stunning and historic capitol building and enjoy some delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. From music festivals to outdoor adventures, Austin will definitely leave you wanting more.

Explore Austin's Fun-Filled Day Trip Itinerary

Discover the vibrant culture of Austin, known for its live music and delicious food scene. Take a stroll hand in hand along the Lady Bird Lake Trail, or soak up the sunshine at Zilker Metropolitan Park. End your day by indulging in some barbecue and craft beer while enjoying the romantic atmosphere of this charming city.

Romantic Weekend Getaway: Austin, United States

Experience the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of Austin with your significant other. Stroll hand-in-hand through the picturesque Lady Bird Lake and enjoy a picnic with a stunning view of the Austin skyline. Indulge in the city's famous live music scene while sipping on craft beers and enjoying delicious Texas cuisine.