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.