One Day in Austin Itinerary

  • Breakfast at Elizabeth St. Cafe (8:00am) - Start your day off right with a delicious Vietnamese-inspired breakfast at this charming cafe. Don't miss the fluffy croissants and the flavorful pho.
  • Explore Zilker Park (9:30am) - Take a stroll through the peaceful greenery of this spacious park. Check out the Botanical Garden and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, or rent a kayak and paddle on Lady Bird Lake.
  • Visit the State Capitol (11:00am) - Take a guided tour or explore on your own at the majestic State Capitol building. Learn about the history of Texas and see the stunning architecture and iconic dome.
  • Lunch at La Barbecue (12:30pm) - You can't leave Austin without trying the succulent barbecue, and La Barbecue is one of the best. Get there early to avoid the lines and savor the melt-in-your-mouth brisket and sausage.
  • Stroll through South Congress (2:00pm) - Wander through this trendy neighborhood filled with quirky shops, vintage boutiques, and food trucks. Don't miss the iconic Greetings from Austin mural for a photo op.
  • Explore the Blanton Museum of Art (3:30pm) - Check out this impressive museum's collection of contemporary and modern art. Be sure to see the iconic works by Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons.
  • Watch the bats fly out from under Congress Bridge (7:30pm) - Join the crowds to watch the amazing spectacle of over a million bats taking flight from under the Congress Bridge. It's a breathtaking natural wonder you can't miss.
  • Dinner at Second Bar + Kitchen (8:30pm) - End your day on a high note with a delicious dinner at this acclaimed restaurant. From the creative cocktails to the savory dishes, everything is sure to impress.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Elizabeth St. Cafe (1 hour, $20)
  • Zilker Park (2 hours, free)
  • State Capitol (1 hour, free)
  • La Barbecue (1 hour, $30)
  • South Congress (1.5 hours, free)
  • Blanton Museum of Art (1.5 hours, $12)
  • Congress Bridge Bat Colony (30 minutes, free)
  • Second Bar + Kitchen (1.5 hours, $40)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $102

Transportation

You can get around Austin easily by car or public transit. If you're driving, expect to pay for parking in most areas. Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft are also convenient options. However, if you want to take in the sights at your own pace, consider renting a bike or scooter. The estimated travel time for this itinerary is around 8 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting:

  • Barton Springs Pool - an iconic, spring-fed swimming pool
  • The LBJ Presidential Library - a fascinating museum about the 36th president
  • The Contemporary Austin - a unique art museum with a sculpture-filled garden
If you have less time, consider skipping:
  • South Congress - it can get crowded and touristy
  • The Blanton Museum of Art - if you're not an art lover or short on time
0