A day in Austin

Austin is brimming with world-class museums, live music venues, fine dining, lively nightlife, and many other fun and entertainment pursuits. This city is bursting with life and music is in the air. Visiting Austin just for a day? Here is a perfect guide to plan your 24 hours in Austin so you can get the true Austin experience-

Image by Jean-Marc Zaninetti via https://ssl.panoramio.com/photo/52385924

8:00am- Go for a run at Lady Bird Lake

Begin your day with a morning workout! Go for a run on the trail at the Lady Bird Lake. Experience the beautiful views of downtown; perfect blend of nature and city. Awesome way to kick-off the day!

9:00am- Grab a cup of tea or coffee at Jo’s Coffee

This is the perfect spot to sip coffee in the morning with a breakfast sandwich. Get a newspaper, iPad or your dog, and sip coffee or tea while watching people stroll by on South Congress Ave. This might be that cup of coffee that you need in order to kick-off your day well!

Address: 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Distance from Lady Bird Lake: 3.3 miles or 10 minutes drive

10:00am- Breakfast at Austin Java

Grab breakfast at Austin Java on Barton Springs. This spot has an indoor/outdoor seating area and serves up a nice breakfast. It is a “go-to” spot for the locals.

Address: 1608 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Phone: 1 512-482-9450
Distance from Jo’s Coffee on South Congress: 1.4 miles or 5 minutes drive

11:00am-Arty Exploration!

Stroll around the historic college- The University of Texas. Explore the campus. Visit the Harry Ransom Center (300 West 21st Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States) which carries several of the world’s prized possessions. Swing by the authentic copy of the Gutenberg bible in the main gallery on your way to the Harry Ransom Center’s viewing spots.

Just 0.5 miles from the Harry Ransom Center is the Blanton Museum of Art (200 East Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard) which has about 17,000 pieces, from antiquities to 20th and 21st century modern artwork.
A short walk across the campus is the LBJ Presidential Library, which has exhibits of events in LBJ’s life.

1:00pm- Some more history!

Head over to the Bullock Texas State History Museum (1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States) which showcases the “Story of Texas” through interesting and interactive displays. Then go to Texas State Capitol (1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, United States) which is just 0.2 miles from the Bullock Texas State History Museum. This spot features about 17 monuments and historic buildings. If you’re a history buff, these are your spots!

2:00pm- Lunchtime

There are a plenty of choices available near Congress Avenue and lots of options to select, grab a quick bite or just relax and eat, check out some places.
Franklin Barbecue- You can grab lunch here, it is famous for brisket.
Address: 900 East 11th Street, Austin, TX 78702, United States

Enoteca Vespaio- Famous for some savory food like pizza, pasta, etc.
Address:1610 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Clay Pit -Up for some Indian cuisine, head over to the Clay Pit.
Address:1601 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701, United States

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill-, or want classic American comfort food, head over to, get the true of Texas here!
Address: 303 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States

3:00pm- Outdoor Fun!

To enjoy the outdoors, head over to the Lady Bird Lake. You can go for rowing. Rent a paddle boat, kayak or a row boat. View the city while rowing- clear blue sky, lush greenery and expanding horizon. You can also go at the Barton Springs (2101 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78746, United States) - a natural spring fed swimming pool in the heart of Zilker Park.

5:00pm- Joy of Shopping!

After some outdoor fun, it’s time to shop! Head over to the South Congress Avenue (S Congress Ave, Austin, TX). This spot offers everything, from antiques, to vintage clothing to Gift shops. Buy your fav candy at the Big Top Candy Shop, or check out a Texas style cowboy boots at Allen’s boots, or get a haircut at the old-school barber shop. This spot has something for everyone, regardless of what their taste is!

Want to do more shopping, head over to Barton Creek Square (2901 South Capital of Texas Highway) which holds over 180 specialty retailers and stores. This spot has stores that you like, such as Macy’s Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Sears, Bebe, Aveda, and many more.

7:00pm- Rejuvenate and Unwind with Spa!

Need a respite from shopping, go for spa treatment at the Day Spa and Salon at Barton Creek to unwind.

8:00pm- Supper!

Up for some contemporary Japanese cuisine, head over to Uchi (801 South Lamar, Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704, United States) for dinner. You can also go to East Side Showroom (1100 East Sixth Street) and enjoy your dinner with music and cocktails; or to Alamo Drafthouse (1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States) to grab a drink and catch a live performance. You can even watch a movie here while having food and drinks.

10:00pm- Explore the Social Scene!

Sixth Street is the hip spot in Austin. Hang out there for some time and explore the Austin social scene at this spot. Enjoy live music at Continental Club (1315 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704, United States), Speakeasy (412 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, United States), Stubb’s (801 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States) which offers awesome BBQ and live music. Hit the Cedar Street Courtyard (208 West 4th Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States) which is situated in the heart of Warehouse district to enjoy martinis and live music.

12:00am- Nightcap

For a nightcap, head over to Clive Bar (609 Davis Street, Austin, TX 78701, United States). This spot is stylish and chic with a cool vibe. For some beer and mezcal, head over to Bar Illegal, a tiny stone space situated in the backyard of Clive Bars.

Distance from Cedar Street Courtyard: 0.8 miles or 5 minutes drive

Looking for a good place to dine in Austin? Check out here!