3 Days in the Texas Capital: How to Have a Scorching Time in Austin

The city of Austin is evolving at breakneck speed. As businesses and newcomers flock to the Texas capital, it’s already ballooned into a megacity, sprawling with international designers, upscale hotels and inventive cuisine and playing host to large-scale events.

Regardless of what brings you to town, here’s how to pack Austin’s greatest hits into a long weekend.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday

Downtown Austin is always a good place to start your weekend, so after landing at Austin-Bergstrom, take a 20-minute taxi ride to the 2ND Street District and explore local businesses under trees draped in fairy lights.

You can’t miss Fareground, Austin’s first food hall, where you’ll find eateries showcasing some of the brightest chefs in town, as well as two bars and a café (perfect for a spot of people-watching). Shop for souvenirs at the hall’s speciality retailers, including Austin-based artisans and vendors such as Austin Jam, Texas Hill Country Olive Oil, and Dude, Sweet Chocolate.

Keep an ear tuned for free weekly live music outside on the Plaza, or walk a few blocks to The Well, known for its focus on wellness and sustainability — even when it comes to booze (think cocktails made with cold-pressed juices, spirulina and matcha).

Fueled up and looking to continue the festivities? Watch the sunset from a rooftop on the other side of the river without needing to get changed. El Alma has a relaxed vibe, funky beats and a brilliant happy hour every day until 6 p.m. You won’t find a better margarita anywhere else.

Saturday

Austinites tend to be most active in the morning before the afternoon heat sets in, so grab a cup of Jo’s Coffee to-go and explore the Texas Capitol. The landmark is one of America’s most recognizable state capitols, and the gardens surrounding it are gorgeous. Steps away is UT (the University of Texas at Austin), should you fancy a stroll on campus, too.

In the afternoon, follow the hipsters in East Austin. This neighborhood is where vintage meets modern, and you’ll discover a funky district lined with boutiques, cafés, street art, food trucks and unique eats.

Book a table at Sushi Bar ATX, where you’ll find a 17-course omakase experience in which sushi masters work their magic in front of 10 lucky diners (spots are hard to come by, so reserve well in advance). Paired with sake, it’s an unforgettable meal.

After dinner, make the most of being in the Live Music Capital of the World and check out a performance. The Circuit of the Americas plays host to some of the biggest music, sports and art events in the country, and Zilker Park is where the famed Austin City Limits music festival is held.

If you’re craving something more intimate, ACL Live at the Moody Theater hosts smaller shows year-round, and the historic Continental Club is a step back in time for fans of rock, country, swing and blues.

Prefer sports? No problem. Cheer on the city’s soccer team at the new home of Austin FC, Q2 Stadium, or root for the Longhorns at the DKR Memorial Stadium. If there’s time before evening hits, duck under South Congress Bridge pre-show to witness millions of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge for feeding. The spectacle happens each sunset between late March and October.

Finally, since it’s Saturday night, why not make it a late one? Go clubbing at Higher Ground, a church-themed space (think cocktails with names like Seven Deadly Sins and a DJ booth constructed from an organ) that’ll have you dancing with your hands up screaming “hallelujah.” What a night.

Sunday

Nurse the morning after with a visit to the adorable South Congress neighborhood. If you’re up early enough, have brunch at Aba; the Kefta & Eggs with lemon dill rice should help get you back on track.

And if you sleep in, hit up one of Austin’s beloved local chains for a later meal: It’s only a matter of time before Hopdoddy Burger Bar and Torchy’s Tacos catch on internationally, and don’t we all want to be the one who can say “I already tried it forever ago”?

It’s the steamy afternoon now, and you may want to bring down that body temperature. The Domain is the air-conditioned retail destination to do it, and best of all, the Museum of Ice Cream is here and open for all your selfie needs (adults can purchase a nighttime experience that includes spiked treats).

Don’t forget to buy YETI souvenirs at The Domain — the brand was born in Austin and the city has an army of collectors.

Finally, relax the evening away at Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre pool that’s fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees. Nearby, you can grab some goodies to sustain you in the outdoors, including Eastciders cans and Lick Honest Ice Creams. Yes, you just went to the museum, but there’s no such thing as too much ice cream in Texas — we promise.