It’s true — Austin is a little weird. And we love it that way. There’s simply no other city like it, in or outside of Texas.
Austin’s sense of uniqueness can, in large part, be credited to the city’s makers, artists and other creatives. Check out their wares in areas like South Congress, where funky boutiques offer made-in-Austin goods. In Downtown Austin, the city’s reputation as “The Live Music Capital of the World” is on full display, especially in the Red River Cultural District.
While Austin is widely buzzy, neighborhoods like North Loop offer a glimpse of Austin’s homier side, even as the area holds an incredible dining and cocktail scene.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Stroll South Congress Avenue for Local Wares
With its throngs of boutiques, hip restaurants and laid-back cocktail bars, South Congress, also known as SoCo, is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Austin.
Begin your exploration of the borough at Jo’s Coffee where you can fuel up with a cold brew and a pastry or breakfast tacos with hash browns.
Take the afternoon to stroll South Congress Avenue, a hopping street that offers a great view of the Texas State Capitol. Drop by shops like Feathers Boutique for vintage gems or the iconic Allens Boots for your pick of thousands of cowboy boots.
When it’s time for lunch, take a seat on the outdoor deck at Perla’s for fresh oysters and Gulf-sourced seafood.
For upscale shopping, stop by Music Lane for mainstay national stores and boutiques from Austin-based brands. Nak Armstrong, selling sleek rose gold ear cuffs and pendant necklaces, is a favorite among locals.
To find a natural refuge in the heart of the city before hitting the shops, take transit or stroll a mile over to Zilker Metropolitan Park, with over 350 acres of public lands including the Zilker Botanical Garden, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, and hiking and biking trails surrounding the juncture of Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake.
By night, opt for an omakase and sake spread at OTOKO before heading to the oak garden at Güero’s Taco Bar on South Congress Ave for live blues performances over shaken margaritas with fresh lime juice.
Saturday: Visit Downtown Austin’s Art and Music Venues
Today is a big day — your chance to take in the arts, business and entertainment district of Downtown Austin. After a meal of breakfast sandwiches and tacos at Eggman ATX, hit the 10-mile hike-and-bike trail encircling Lady Bird Lake. If the weather’s right, take out a watercraft rental to enjoy a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.
Then it’s time to explore the Texas State Capitol Complex on a free guided or self-guided tour, seeing classic Renaissance Revival architecture in a grand building taller than the U.S. Capitol. For more culture, browse rotating and permanent exhibitions at The Contemporary Austin–Jones Center.
Venture to Rainey Street, a formerly residential area that boasts food trucks and remodeled bungalow bars. Drop by casual eateries like Monk’s Momo food truck for delightfully stuffed momos or Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden for a hearty sandwich.
Nearby are the boutiques in the 2nd Street District like Luxe Apothetique, with unique homewares and gifts.
For a uniquely Austin experience, head to Congress Avenue Bat Bridge ahead of sunset to watch as millions of Mexican free-tailed bats set to the skies for their nightly flyover. Stroll over to nearby restaurants like Turf N’ Surf Po Boy for a casual hit with an extensive sandwich menu and gulf seafood, or Péché for a classic French meal and fine cocktails.
By dark, it’s time to enjoy the best of Austin’s nightlife and entertainment. Check out to live music venues like Mohawk in the Red River Cultural District or catch a comedy show at the historic Paramount Theatre downtown, and make sure to check the calendar to see what esteemed act is in for the weekend. For city views, enjoy rooftop bars like Maggie Mae’s on 6th Street, which also features live music, or gather around the firepits at Edge Rooftop on 2nd Street.
Sunday: Enjoy a Slow Morning in the North Loop
After a big night out downtown, spend a slow morning in Central Austin’s hippest hidden gem — the North Loop neighborhood, just above the University of Texas at Austin campus. For an early-morning pick-me-up, grab a latte at Epoch Coffee followed by stacked bagel sandwiches at Nervous Charlie’s.
Then hit the streets to browse the neighborhood’s retro boutiques. Drop by Room Service Vintage for antique jewelry and decor and Revival Vintage for its selection of mid-century modern furnishings.
In the afternoon, visit MonkeyWrench Books for a great browse. Check the schedule of events. This community-run bookstore often hosts film screenings, performances, and craft workshops.
For dinner, book a table at Foreign & Domestic for locally sourced meats, seafood, and vegetable pastas, or the upscale Barley Swine, with seasonal small plates and a deep beer list.
For your final foray into Austin’s nightlife, stop by an indoor-outdoor bar like The Tigress Pub for specialty cocktails or DrinkWell for perfectly sour daiquiris. Cheers to this wonderful and weird city.
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