Austin began as a frontier capital on the Colorado River and grew into the “Live Music Capital of the World,” where honky-tonks, indie venues, and jazz cellars share the stage. Its history runs from Republic-era politics to tech-fueled creativity, with the University of Texas energizing the city’s intellectual buzz. Today, Austin pairs public art, bat-filled bridges, and shimmering springs with a food scene that spans brisket temples and Michelin-recognized kitchens.

Expect big flavors and easygoing vibes: smoky barbecue, heritage Tex-Mex and tacos, inventive New American, and stellar coffee culture. Between meals, you’ll swim at Barton Springs, paddle under the skyline on Lady Bird Lake, and wander South Congress for murals and boot shops. Evenings crescendo with roots, blues, and indie rock on storied stages where legends still drop in unannounced.

Practical notes: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is 15–25 minutes from downtown. Summer heat is real—plan swims and shaded strolls midday. Museum hours often shift on Mondays, and top restaurants book out; reserve Franklin Barbecue pre-orders and dinner spots early. Public transit is improving, rideshares are plentiful, and e-bikes and scooters make short hops fun.

Austin

Welcome to a city where cowboy boots and startups mingle effortlessly. South Congress (SoCo) charms with boutiques, the “I love you so much” mural, and sunset views of the Capitol dome. East Austin hums with coffee bars, mezcal, and murals, while the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops Lady Bird Lake beneath a skyline that catches gold at dusk.

Top sights include the Texas State Capitol, the Blanton Museum of Art and Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin,” the LBJ Presidential Library, Barton Springs Pool, Mount Bonnell, and the 360 (Pennybacker) Bridge overlook. Food is half the itinerary: Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, Terry Black’s, Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ; tacos from Veracruz All Natural, Nixta Taqueria, and Suerte; inventive plates at Emmer & Rye, Comedor, and Uchiko.

Where to stay: For hotels, search Austin on Hotels.com or find entire homes on VRBO. Favorites include: The Driskill’s Gilded Age grandeur (The Driskill or The Driskill - in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt), lakeside views at Hyatt Regency Austin, value-friendly La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown, and social, central bunks at Firehouse Hostel.

How to get here: Book flights to AUS via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: NYC ~4 hrs, Chicago ~2.5 hrs, Denver ~2 hrs, LA ~3 hrs; roundtrips often range $150–$450 depending on dates. From AUS, rideshare to downtown is ~$25–$40 (15–25 minutes); CapMetro Route 20 bus runs to central Austin with local fares around a couple of dollars.

Day 1: Arrival, South Congress Stroll, and Live Music

Morning: Fly into AUS. If you arrive early, grab a light breakfast at Merit Coffee (Downtown) for balanced espresso or Houndstooth Coffee for meticulous pour-overs. Check in and drop bags.

Afternoon: Ease into Austin on South Congress. Snap the “I love you so much” mural at Jo’s, try a frozen paloma at Perla’s oyster bar patio, and browse Allen’s Boots (floor-to-ceiling leather and stitchwork history). Lunch ideas: Home Slice (NY-style slices), Guero’s for Tex-Mex classics, or Aba for Mediterranean plates in a lush courtyard.

Evening: Dinner on SoCo: try Neighborhood Sushi for pristine nigiri or June’s All Day for steak frites and a savvy wine list. Cap the night with live sets at The Continental Club (rockabilly, roots) or C-Boy’s Heart & Soul (soul, R&B). Nightcap at The Austin Shaker-style spots nearby or a scoop at Amy’s Ice Creams.

Day 2: Orientation Tour, Capitol, and Barbecue Classics

Morning: Start with breakfast tacos: Veracruz All Natural (migás is the move) or Juan in a Million (legendary Don Juan). Then get the lay of the land on the 2-hour Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour.

Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide

Afternoon: Tour the Texas State Capitol (free, grand pink granite and political lore). Walk to the Bullock Texas State History Museum for a sweep from Native nations to NASA, then pop into the Blanton Museum for Old Masters to bold contemporary, plus Ellsworth Kelly’s luminous “Austin.” Lunch nearby: Fareground food hall for quick, good variety.

Evening: Barbecue night. If you pre-ordered Franklin Barbecue, rejoice; otherwise hit La Barbecue (peppery brisket, snappy sausage) or Terry Black’s (beef ribs, creamed corn, riverside skyline). After, wander Rainey Street: craft cocktails at Half Step, tropical vibes at Idle Hands, and live bands most nights.

Day 3: East Austin Food & Murals + Downtown Tasting Tour

Morning: Breakfast at Paperboy (sourdough Texas toast, ricotta hotcakes) or Bird Bird Biscuit (buttermilk biscuits with hot honey chicken). Stroll East 6th and East Cesar Chavez for mural-spotting and coffee refuels at Fleet Coffee or Wright Bros. Brew & Brew.

Afternoon: Join a guided tasting walk that hits tacos, BBQ bites, and sweet finales while unpacking Austin’s culinary history and neighborhoods.

Austin Food Tour with Local Flavors, Tacos & 6 Food Tastings

Evening: Drinks at Whisler’s (mezcal, patio) followed by dinner at Suerte (heirloom masa magic—order the suadero tacos) or Nixta Taqueria (playful, James Beard–lauded, reservations advised). Two-step at The White Horse or catch an outdoor set at Hotel Vegas/Mohawk depending on the bill.

Day 4: Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and a Lake Austin Sunset

Morning: Espresso at Houndstooth, then walk or bike the Butler Trail around Lady Bird Lake. Spread a blanket at Zilker Park, then plunge into Barton Springs Pool (about $9 for non-residents; brisk year-round ~68°F).

Afternoon: Visit the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden for serene paths and bronze figures under the oaks. If you prefer water time, rent a kayak or paddleboard at the lake and glide beneath the skyline. Lunch at The Picnic food truck park (try Thai-Kun’s spicy larb or The Mighty Cone).

Evening: Bring your favorite beverages and board a captained sunset cruise for Hill Country silhouettes, Mount Bonnell cliffs, and the 360 Bridge glow.

Lake Austin Sunset Boat Ride

Post-cruise, head to Mozart’s Coffee Roasters for lakeside espresso and late-night pastries under string lights.

Day 5: UT Campus Culture, Libraries, and Ghosts After Dark

Morning: Grab a biscuit sandwich at Bird Bird Biscuit or a veggie-friendly plate at Bouldin Creek Café. Explore the University of Texas: the Blanton (if you missed it), the Harry Ransom Center’s treasures when exhibits are on, and the leafy South Mall. Coffee stop at Merit (up the Drag) keeps you sharp.

Afternoon: Dive into presidential history at the LBJ Library—Civil Rights milestones, the Oval Office replica, and Texas-size context. Late lunch at Sour Duck Market (smoked meats, bakery) or Dai Due (butcher-driven, Texas-sourced) if open.

Evening: Join a guided ghost walk through Austin’s shadowy past—Old West grit, Gilded Age intrigue, and a few chilling tales along historic streets.

Haunted Austin Walking History Tour

After, sip a speakeasy-style cocktail at Midnight Cowboy (reservation recommended) or descend to The Elephant Room for live jazz underground.

Day 6: Hill Country Day—BBQ, Wine, and Craft Spirits

Morning: Pick up a rental car and head 35–50 minutes southwest into the Texas Hill Country. First stop: Driftwood’s The Salt Lick for family-style platters and that famous open pit. If you prefer city fuel before leaving, try Tacodeli for a hearty Otto taco.

Afternoon: Tasting crawl: Jester King Brewery (farmhouse ales, wood-fired pizza, wandering oaks), Duchman Family Winery (Italian varietals beside vineyards), and Treaty Oak Distilling (bourbon and gin on a ranch-like campus). If you snag reservations, hike Hamilton Pool Preserve—check current conditions and policies before you go.

Evening: Return to Austin for a celebratory dinner: Uchi/Uchiko’s “Sake Social” hour is a value-friendly path into their creative sushi; Comedor’s bone marrow rice and blue corn dishes showcase modern Mexican craft. Night music pick: Antone’s for blues lineage or the Continental Club Gallery for intimate sets.

Day 7: Bat Bridge, Brunch, and Last Sips

Morning: Brunch at Kerbey Lane Café (queso, pancakes) or Josephine House (lemon ricotta pancakes, airy patio). Walk the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake for skyline photos or detour to the “Greetings from Austin” postcard mural on South 1st for a final snap.

Afternoon: If timing fits, stop at the Congress Avenue Bridge to learn about the Mexican free-tailed bats that spiral out at dusk March–October. Pick up local goods at the Texas Farmers’ Market (weekend) or at Atown for Austin-made gifts. Depart for the airport with one last cold brew for the road.

Booking Shortcuts

• Flights: Search fares to AUS on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Hotels: Compare options on Hotels.com (see also The Driskill, The Driskill - Unbound Collection, Hyatt Regency Austin, La Quinta Inn Capitol/Downtown, Firehouse Hostel).
• Vacation Homes: Browse entire places on VRBO.

Optional or Seasonal Add-Ons

• Double-decker overview ride: Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour

  

• Bat-viewing by kayak (Mar–Oct): Downtown Austin Sunset Kayak Tour with 1.5 Million Bats

  

Pro tips: Book high-demand dinners 2–3 weeks out. For barbecue without a wait, try weekday late afternoons. In peak heat, plan swims or museums midday and aim outdoor hikes for early morning. Always check venue calendars—Austin’s best nights often come from a last-minute show discovery.

Summary: In a week, you’ll taste legendary brisket, float past limestone bluffs at sunset, dive into cool spring waters, and hear guitar licks where Texas music history was made. Austin is a city that rewards curiosity—come hungry, pack a swimsuit, and leave room for an encore.

Featured Viator Activities in the Itinerary:

• Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide — Day 2
• Austin Food Tour with Local Flavors, Tacos & 6 Food Tastings — Day 3
• Lake Austin Sunset Boat Ride — Day 4
• Haunted Austin Walking History Tour — Day 5