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!
A Map Guide on 24 Hours Austin Tour