24 Hours in Austin
Stay
Book a room at one of these Austin favorites.
In downtown Austin, the Four Seasons Hotel gives you both a perfect home base for exploring and serene views of Lady Bird Lake.
Looking for more of a boutique hotel vibe? The South Congress Hotel and the Hotel San Jose are stylish retreats on the always lively South Congress Avenue.
rise & shine
Start your day by experiencing the active outdoors lifestyle Austin is known for.
Whether you take a leisurely stroll or get your heart rate up with a jog or bike ride, Lady Bird Lake gives you a true sense of what Austin’s all about.
Feeling more like a hike? Head for the Barton Creek Greenbelt. If the weather’s right, you can even take advantage of some swimming holes that feel faraway even though you’re right in the middle of town.
Now you’ll need to fuel up after all of that activity!
Our pick for breakfast is Elizabeth Street Cafe. If you can, try to swing a couple of visits here, so that you can appreciate both the patio and the charming interior.
The perfectly crafted cortado of Houndstooth Coffee will energize you for the rest of the day. Hit the downtown location, or the branch on North Lamar Boulevard if you’re househunting in neighborhoods like Rosedale and Hyde Park.
Explore
Whatever you’re in the mood for next, Austin has it covered.
Shopping. At the intersection of Sixth Street and North Lamar Boulevard, you’ll find a
trio of beloved born in Austin businesses: the world headquarters of Whole Foods Market, indie bookstore BookPeople and Waterloo Records & Video, aka heaven for music fans.
Movies. Another Austin institution, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, has several locations around town, all known for great food, original events and hilarious movie preshows.
History. Tour the Texas Capitol or stroll under the oaks at the Texas State Cemetery.
More outdoors. If it’s a beautiful day in Austin, you might just want to head back
outside. And you have plenty of options. Visit the peacocks at Mayfield Park, or stop by the ever changing Graffiti Park at Castle Hill. Want more of a workout? Rent a canoe or standup paddleboard at Zilker Park.
dine
Now it’s time to see why Austin has become a must-visit destination for lovers of great food.
Here are just a few restaurants we can’t get enough of.
Dai Due. Everything is fresh, delicious and always local.
Launderette. This favorite never disappoints. Hint: Reservations are available for large parties only, so go early.
Uchiko. On the other hand, snag your reservation early for this Austin standout. The vibe: modern meets Japanese farmhouse.
Emmer & Rye. Taste everything here. This hot spot is on trendy Rainey Street, but it’s not too “sceney.”
Perla’s. Two words: Seafood. Patio.
sample the nightlife
Savor a local brew, creative cocktail or a well chosen wine at these spots, which are just as
memorable for their distinctively Austin atmospheres.
Travel back in time at Whisler’s.
Experience a reborn Austin classic during happy hour at Jeffrey’s, or relax at sister restaurant Josephine House.
Prepare to be impressed by Geraldine’s at the new Hotel Van Zandt.
Central Standard at South Congress Hotel is also new, but already feels like an Austin essential.
End the day with a pedicab ride around Second Street or Fourth Street downtown (but leave Sixth Street to the college kids).
Check Out Our Other City Guides:
referral program
We go the extra mile to show our gratitude for referrals with special perks at our appreciation events and little treats all year long, such as our Thanksgiving pie delivery.