3 Days Austin, USA Itinerary
This 3-day itinerary explores Austin's iconic landmarks, vibrant music scene, and delicious food offerings. It balances popular attractions with local experiences, all while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
3 days
Budget
$450-750
Best Time
The best times to visit Austin are in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November)
Activities
12
Daily Avg
$200/day
Pace
Moderate
Austin is a vibrant city known for its live music scene, delicious food, and outdoor activities. It offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for a diverse range of travelers.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 10 must-have experiences
Live Music Venue
Day 1: Live Music on 6th Street
Food Truck Park
Day 1: Zilker Park & Barton Springs Pool
Nature Trail & Park
Day 3: Mount Bonnell
Iconic Swimming Hole
Day 1: Zilker Park & Barton Springs Pool
Essential Austin BBQ Joint
Day 1: Lunch at Franklin Barbecue (or alternative)
Craft Brewery & Distillery
Day 3: Austin Beerworks Brewery Tour (or alternative)
Unique Shopping District
Day 3: Shopping at The Domain
Museum & Cultural Spot
e.g., Blanton Museum of Art, Bullock Texas State History Museum
Scenic Sunset Viewpoint
Day 3: Mount Bonnell
Paddle on Lady Bird Lake
e.g., Zilker Park Boat Rentals, Austin Rowing Club
Austin's food scene is a vibrant mix of Tex-Mex, BBQ, and innovative culinary creations. From food trucks to upscale restaurants, there's something for every palate. Expect bold flavors, local ingredients, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes
Slow-smoked beef brisket, often seasoned simply with salt and pepper, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. A true Texas staple.
📍 Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
A delicious and affordable Austin staple. Typically includes scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of fillings like bacon, sausage, potatoes, or beans, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
📍 Veracruz All Natural, Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ (breakfast only), Juan in a Million
A Tex-Mex breakfast dish consisting of scrambled eggs mixed with tortilla chips, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Often served with salsa and refried beans.
📍 Matt's El Rancho, Cisco's Restaurant Bakery, Jo's Coffee
Mexican street corn, grilled and slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. A flavorful and satisfying snack.
📍 Food trucks around Zilker Park, local farmers markets
Food Neighborhoods
Eclectic mix of restaurants, food trucks, and live music venues.
Trendy neighborhood with diverse culinary offerings, from food trucks to upscale dining.
Home to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and food halls.
Quirky area with vintage shops and unique eateries.
Austin has a strong vegetarian and vegan scene, with many restaurants offering plant-based options. Gluten-free options are also widely available. Check restaurant menus online or ask your server about allergy information. Halal options are less common but can be found with some research.
Tipping is customary in Austin restaurants, typically 15-20% of the bill. Casual attire is generally acceptable. It's common to share dishes, especially at BBQ joints. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations.
South by Southwest (SXSW)
MarchA large film, interactive media, and music festival that significantly increases accommodation prices and crowds.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
OctoberA popular music festival that draws large crowds and increases accommodation prices.
Eeyore's Birthday Party
AprilA quirky, family-friendly festival in Pease Park.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your downtown hotel, walk or take a short ride-share to the Texas State Capitol.FREE
9:00 AM - Texas State Capitol Tour
Explore the impressive Texas State Capitol building, learn about Texas history, and enjoy the architecture. Free guided tours are available. Arrive early to avoid long lines.
Book on Klook - 🚶From the Capitol, it's a short walk or ride-share to Franklin Barbecue.$20
11:00 AM - Lunch at Franklin Barbecue (or alternative)
Experience legendary Texas barbecue at Franklin Barbecue. Be prepared to wait in line for hours. If the wait is too long, try La Barbecue or Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ for equally delicious options.
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- 🚶From Franklin Barbecue, take a ride-share or bus to Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool.$9 (Barton Springs Pool)
1:00 PM - Zilker Park & Barton Springs Pool
Relax in Zilker Park, Austin's green oasis. Take a dip in the naturally fed Barton Springs Pool for a refreshing swim. Pack a towel and sunscreen.
Book on Klook - 🚶From Zilker Park, take a ride-share or bus back downtown to 6th Street.$10-20 (cover charges/drinks)
7:00 PM - Live Music on 6th Street
Experience Austin's famous live music scene on 6th Street. Explore different bars and venues to find your favorite genre. Be aware of cover charges at some venues.
Book on Klook
Downtown Austin
Close to many attractions, restaurants, and live music venues.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Austin are in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasantly warm with mild evenings, ideal for outdoor activities and live music. Spring brings events like SXSW (mid-March) and fall hosts Austin City Limits Music Festival (October), which draw large crowds and significantly increase accommodation prices. Summers (June-August) are extremely hot and humid, while winters (December-February) are generally mild with occasional cold snaps.
Austin enjoys warm, sunny days with comfortable evenings during the spring and fall. Humidity is generally low, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Occasional rain showers are possible.
Spring and fall are considered shoulder seasons, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer, but potentially higher prices than winter.
Major holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's can affect business hours and increase travel costs.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$100-200 (depending on origin)Accommodation
$150-250 (for 3 nights in a budget-friendly hotel or Airbnb)Food
$150-200Activities
$50-100Enjoy free outdoor activities: swim at Barton Springs Pool, hike/bike around Lady Bird Lake, or relax at Zilker Park.
Eat at Austin's iconic food trucks for delicious and budget-friendly meals. Many offer gourmet options at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Look for happy hour deals at local bars and restaurants; these often include discounted drinks and appetizers.
Indulge in a fine dining experience at one of Austin's acclaimed restaurants, or attend a major concert at Moody Center or ACL Live.
Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of East Austin for authentic local eats, dive bars, and unique boutiques away from the main tourist hubs.
Take advantage of CapMetro, Austin's public transportation system, for an affordable way to get around the city, especially the downtown area.
- Stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months, by carrying a reusable water bottle.
- Embrace Austin's vibrant live music scene; check local listings for free shows and popular venues.
- Tipping is customary in the US, typically 15-20% for service at restaurants, bars, and for ride-sharing.
- While downtown is walkable, Austin is spread out; consider ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) or renting a car for exploring beyond the city center.
- Explore beyond the main tourist streets like South Congress; neighborhoods like East Austin and South First offer unique local experiences.
- Be aware of crowds and increased prices if visiting during major festivals like SXSW (March) or Austin City Limits (October).
- Don't be afraid to try the food trucks; they are an iconic and delicious part of Austin's culinary landscape.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city's parks, trails, and lively streets.
- 2Light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen) for warm days, especially in spring, summer, and fall.
- 3Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the strong Texas sun.
- 4A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- 5Swimsuit for Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Lake, or other swimming spots.
- 6A light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings, especially in spring/fall, or for air-conditioned indoor spaces.
- 7Portable power bank for charging your phone while out and about, using navigation and taking photos.
- 8Insect repellent if planning to spend time near water bodies or outdoors around dusk (especially for bat viewing).
- 9Small backpack or day bag for carrying essentials during daily excursions.
- 10A casual yet stylish outfit for evenings out to enjoy Austin's music venues and restaurants.
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially if visiting during peak season or major festivals (SXSW, ACL) due to high demand and increased prices.
Rental Car
Consider booking if planning day trips outside the city center or prefer flexibility. Book 1-2 months ahead for better rates and availability.
Popular Restaurant Reservations
For popular eateries, especially on weekends or for dinner, book 1-2 weeks in advance.
Bat Cruise or Kayaking Tours
These can sell out quickly, particularly during the peak bat viewing season (spring-fall). Book 1-3 weeks prior.
Event Tickets (SXSW, ACL, F1)
If planning to attend major festivals or sporting events, tickets sell out months in advance. Secure as soon as dates are confirmed.
Museums or Attractions with Timed Entry
Check individual websites for places like The Blanton Museum or LBJ Presidential Library; some may require advance booking.
ESTA / Visa (for non-US citizens)
Apply well in advance of your trip to ensure smooth entry into the United States.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 T-Mobile stores, Best Buy, Target
📍 AT&T stores, Best Buy, Walmart
📍 GlocalMe website or Amazon
Free WiFi is widely available in Austin hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Many public parks and the Austin Public Library also offer free WiFi. Check for network names and passwords posted in these locations.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for instant connectivity upon arrival. Download offline maps in Google Maps in case you're in an area with spotty service. Check the WiFi speed at your hotel or cafe before relying on it for important tasks. Many cafes require a purchase to use their WiFi.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Austin is generally a safe city for tourists. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and take precautions against petty theft.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
Customize This Trip
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- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit Austin are in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, be aware that festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits can significantly increase prices and crowds. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is generally mild with occasional cold snaps.
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- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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