3-Day Shoestring Budget Adventure in Austin, Texas

Day 1: Exploring Downtown

Austin, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Juan in a Million

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Juan in a Million, famous for their 'Don Juan' breakfast tacos, known for their generous portions and incredible flavor.
Head southeast on E 1st St for about 0.5 miles to the Texas State Capitol.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tour the Texas State Capitol

Enjoy a free guided tour of the Texas State Capitol, a stunning example of Texas history and architecture.
The Capitol is in the same area; just walk around for an hour.
USD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Walk through Zilker Park

Take a brisk 20-minute walk to Zilker Park to enjoy the outdoors, the park's lush greenery and admire the views of the city skyline.
Walk southeast on Congress Ave, then turn left on Barton Springs Rd.
USD0, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Picnic Food Truck Park

Grab a budget-friendly lunch at the Picnic Food Truck Park with various options to suit your taste.
Just 5 minutes from Zilker Park, walk or bike northeast on Barton Springs Rd.
USD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Explore this free, outdoor museum featuring beautiful sculptures in a serene, garden-like setting.
The garden is a short 10-minute walk east along the river.
USD0, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore South Congress Avenue

Stroll along South Congress Avenue to shop at unique boutiques and take in the local vibe.
Walk about 1 mile south on South Congress Ave.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Home Slice Pizza

Savor a famous slice at Home Slice Pizza, an affordable option with delicious New York-style pizza.
Continue walking about 0.5 miles back along South Congress.
USD15, 1 hour

6:30PM

Live Music at the Continental Club

End your day by enjoying live music at the iconic Continental Club with affordable cover charge options.
Head north on South Congress for a 5-minute walk.
USD10, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Culture

Austin, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Elizabeth Street Cafe

Start your morning with tasty Vietnamese breakfast options and pastries at the charming Elizabeth Street Cafe.
Get there by walking up South 1st St about a mile.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lady Bird Lake

Take a stroll or rent a kayak to enjoy the beautiful waters of Lady Bird Lake, a picturesque spot in the heart of the city.
Walk 20 minutes east to the Lake area.
USD15 (kayak rental), 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Veracruz All Natural

Enjoy some of Austin's best tacos at Veracruz All Natural, known for their fresh, homemade ingredients.
Head back west to find this food truck near the lake.
USD10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Blanton Museum of Art

Visit the Blanton Museum to immerse yourself in art, which has some free admission times; check their schedule!
Walk 30 minutes north of the lake.
USD0, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll through the University of Texas Campus

Walk through the University of Texas, enjoying the campus architecture and the beautiful scenery.
Walk across the street from the Museum.
USD0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Coffee Break at Houndstooth Coffee

Recharge with a delicious cup of locally brewed coffee at Houndstooth Coffee, a great spot for people-watching.
Just a 10-minute walk north on Guadalupe St.
USD5, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Texas Memorial Museum

Discover more about Texas's natural history, fossils, and geology with affordable entrance fees.
Walk a short 15 minutes east back to the museum.
USD10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kerbey Lane Cafe

Enjoy dinner at the classic Kerbey Lane Cafe, serving hearty comfort food and awesome pancakes.
Head south on Guadalupe St for around 1 mile.
USD15, 1 hour

7:30PM

Evening Walk on South Congress

Enjoy an evening stroll along South Congress; check out more live music and boutique shops, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk back about 0.5 miles to South Congress.
USD0, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Local Experience

Austin, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Central Market

Start off at Central Market where you can find a variety of breakfast items, perfect for a shoestring budget.
Catch a bus heading northwest to Central Market.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Barton Springs Pool

Enjoy a refreshing swim at Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool located within Zilker Park.
Take a short walk back to Zilker Park from the market.
USD5, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Food Trucks on South 1st

Taste an array of inexpensive local cuisines at the food trucks on South 1st St.
Head back over to South 1st St, about a 15-minute walk.
USD10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit the HOPE Outdoor Gallery

Explore Austin's famous graffiti park, a canvas for local artists showcasing urban art that frequently changes.
Walk north about 0.5 miles to the park.
USD0, 1 hour

1:30PM

Check out the Texas Farmers’ Market

If it's the weekend, enjoy the vibrant farmers’ market, filled with local produce and handmade crafts.
A 10-minute walk south towards the downtown area.
USD0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Coffee at La Barbecue

Take a break with a coffee and enjoy the famous brisket with friendly service at La Barbecue.
Walk or take a short bus ride to the nearby joint.
USD12, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Mount Bonnell

Hike up to Mount Bonnell for a breathtaking view over Lake Austin—a perfect spot for your evening.
Catch a bus or bike to Mount Bonnell.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Salt Lick BBQ

End your Austin adventure with a classic Texas BBQ experience at Salt Lick, known for its mouthwatering brisket and ribs.
Take a short bus ride; the Salt Lick is located in Driftwood, about 30 minutes away.
USD20, 2 hours

7:30PM

Sunset at Lady Bird Lake

Finish your trip with a beautiful sunset view at Lady Bird Lake, enjoying the peaceful end to a fantastic adventure.
Return to downtown Austin via bus, about 30 minutes.
USD0, 1 hour
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