Here is your ultimate Austin Weekend Guide with our favorite things to do in Austin for out-of-town friends – mix and match what sounds good to you and comment below if you want to add something to our list! We always love new suggestions for our Austin travel guide!
SEE MORE // THE ULTIMATE AUSTIN SUMMER BUCKET LIST
Sunset from P6
Getting Around & What To Know About Austin
Getting from the Airport to Your Stay:
While there is a shuttle bus that exists for $1.25 from the airport into Austin, I will warn you it’s an HOUR TRIP at minimum. It’s a pain in the butt, and that’s coming from an Austinite. I almost ALWAYS recommend taking an Uber or a Lyft instead!
Should I Rent a Car or Uber?
You can totally get away with either option. I will warn you that while if you’re staying Central you’re fine without a car, places like Mount Bonnell or Lake Travis are going to be a lot cheaper if you have a car rented instead!
Should We Get a Hotel Room or Rent an AirBnb?
Don’t you love my “it depends” answers! If you plan on going out and enjoying local restaurants / don’t want to rent a car then opt for a hotel downtown. They have the added perk of those rooftop pools. Also, most have an airport shuttle to save you some extra cash there too!
But if you are looking for a more low-key chill stay or have a larger group, an Airbnb is likely the way to go. You can find some GORGEOUS AirBnb options up in the Hill Country or near the wineries if you’re looking for that route!
Austin Marriot Hotel Pool
Where to Stay in Austin
If you want a Winery Weekend…Hill Country
If you’re looking for a winery type weekend, look for places to stay in Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs, or Driftwood! I’ve got whole posts on things to do in Fredericksburg and Dripping Springs / Driftwood to help you out, and some of my favorite hotels at both!
If You Want to be On the Lake…Lake Austin
Weekends with lake days should be spent FAR WEST from Tarrytown. If you’re near Downtown then you actually won’t be able to enjoy the lake on a boat due to regulations. I would say the coolest houses are between Highway 360 and Lake Travis / on Lake Travis!
If You Want to be in the Action…
I would stay in the following areas mapped below! Focus on Downtown, East Side of Austin (below Manor), South Lamar, South Congress, or Tarrytown for the most convenient destinations!
My one tip is that I DO NOT recommend staying at the Domain. You might think it’s so cool and has everything, but you’re SO FAR from the actual action of Austin. You’ll end up dropping way too much money on Ubers getting around, and you’re going to regret your decision.
Bob Bullock Texas History Museum 
Austin Ladybird Lake Boardwalk
Things To Do in Austin, Texas
Walk Or Bike Ladybird Lake Trail
Prime spot for gorgeous views, sunsets, bat watching, and nice walks. Ladybird Lake Trail has one of the best views of Downtown, and you can park yourself by Congress Bridge to watch the bats fly out (Late Summer – Early Fall). We recommend parking by Auditorium Shores as it’s the easiest access point with the best views.
Mount Bonnell & 360 Bridge
You really can’t go wrong with either view. Contrary to popular belief, Texas does have hills and they can be spotted in Austin! Take a small trek up the hill for some stunning greenery shots of Austin. Picture-perfect moments and sunset spots!
View from Ladybird Lake
Watch the Congress Bridge Bats
Austin is famous for the bats that fly out from under Congress Bridge! This only happens up until the end of September, so if you’re there while it’s cold this probably won’t work out. But if you go right along the Ladybird Lake Boardwalk where it hits 35 you’ll have the BEST viewing point. Avoid waiting atop the bridge, because they’re way harder to spot from there!
Walk South Congress St.
Spend the afternoon exploring South Congress! Make sure you stop by South Congress Hotel or Perla for drinks outside. Foodie favorites are Home Slice Pizza, South Congress Cafe, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, and Hey Cupcake. Also home to the famous “I Love You So Much” mural!
Tour the Texas State Capitol
Texas is home to the largest state capitol building in the USA (shocker) and it sure is a beauty! Spend an hour or two walking around this gorgeous building and the beautiful lawn just outside. Photo opp!
Visit A Local Austin Brewery
I love hanging out at the many local craft breweries Austin has lying around! All are unique in their own way and perfect for a nice afternoon outdoors. Check out this list of my 12 favorite local Austin craft breweries!
Some Quick Favorites:
Central Machine Works (Pictured)
Hold Out Brewing in Clarksville
Pinthouse Brewing in South Austin
The ABGB in South Austin
Easy Tiger (Multiple Locations)
Sunday Funday
The best thing to do on a Sunday in Austin is Sunday Funday on Rainey St! Start off with brunch at Bangers (make sure you arrive by 10am) and enjoy some delicous German goods and a Manmosa. Then, hop around the different bars Rainey St has to offer! My favorite are Bungalow & Parlor Room!
Visit Bob Bullock Museum
History buffs – this one is for you! This is the perfect thing to do when it is cold and rainy in Austin (rare but it happens) and here are a few more things to do in Austin if the weather is down!
Grab a Beer at the Oasis on the Lake
It’s a drive, so not super doable if you don’t have a car handy, but if you can make it there I would ABSOLUTELY recommend. Not for the food, in fact the food is crap, but for the view. Skip the restaurant and go to the Oasis Brewery instead, and grab a beer on the SECOND floor (you’ll never find seating the third) to watch the sunset over the lake!
Walk Around Downtown Austin
Start at the State Capitol and check that out while you’re there, then wander down Congress Street! You’ll enjoy tons of cool Downtown Austin spots, before you take a right onto 2nd street. Walk all the way there (and if you wanna stop by a cute little restaurant you absolutely should) and straight toward the Central Austin Public Library because….
Visit the Austin Public Library Rooftop
The Central Austin Public Library in itself is a gorgeous piece of architecture that I would absolutely recommend everyone visit, but the rooftop is really the main reason to go. Atop the library on the sixth floor is a rooftop that overlooks Downtown Austin and the lake! It’s gorgeous, and its the perfect place to just chill and hang for a minute.
This is going to sound SO TOURISTY! But this is such a fun thing to do in Austin. Right at the corner of Congress and Riverside are two boat tour companies you can take for sunset cruises around the lake.
They’re BYOB so you can grab some beers and wines and listen to cute little stories about Austin buildings and end watching the bats fly out during sunset in Austin!
Walk Around the Many Austin Museums
So many great museums to check out in Austin! Whether you need something for kids (The Thinkery), consider yourself a history buff (Bob Bullock or LBJ Presidential Library), or are an art lover (Blanton Museum) there is definitely something for you here.
Twin Falls – Greenbelt 
Barton Springs Spillway
Things To Do in Austin in Summer
Greenbelt – Twin Falls or Sculpture Falls
The best place on a sunny day with some friends! Grab some beers, catch some sun, and you can jump off the rocks if you are feeling bold! Park at the “Gaines Creek and Twin Falls Access Point” and follow the trail on your right all the way to the Falls. It’s about a half mile walk through the trail, and you’ll know when you’re there!
Barton Springs Pool
If it’s a hot day, go keep cool at Barton Spring Pool! Half public pool, half river, 100% will keep you cool on a hot day. Beware: you cannot bring alcohol here and they do check.
Paddleboard or Kayak Lake Austin
It’s on every Austinite bucket list and it must be done if the weather is right! You can rent Kayaks or Paddleboard from SUPATX rentals (our personal favorites).
Hamilton Pool
If you have a car and are up for the drive, head on over to Hamilton Pool just on the outside of Austin! However, tickets MUST be booked an advance. View tickets here.
Attend a Texas Football Tailgate
If you happen to be there from the months of September to November, then you should hit up a Texas football tailgate! You can basically wander through campus and down south to the capitol and you will find about a million along your way. Plenty have free drinks, so just pick one and enjoy the Texas crowds!
SEE MORE : THE ULTIMATE AUSTIN SUMMER BUCKET LIST
Sawyer & Co
Where To Eat Brunch in Austin
SEE MORE \\ THE 16 BEST BRUNCHES IN AUSTIN AND WHY THEY’RE THE BEST
Bangers
Famous for their delicious German sausage brunch & Sunday manmosas! Make sure you go at 10am when it opens to avoid a very very long wait.
Launderette
A cutie little launch spot if you want something on a take-photos side.
June’s All Day
Another insta-cute gem with amazing food options, plus lunch options
Hillside Pharmacy
If you’re looking for healthy, vegetarian, or vegan options then Hillside should be your go-to!
Walton’s Fancy
A cute little bistro that usually has a manageable line! The kind of spot you’d take your mom.
Brunch Bird
The best vegan brunch you can find in Austin! Located at the Buzzmill, a local staple.
Cafe No Se
Perfect spot for Brunch if you plan on exploring South Congress afterwards! Also, instagram heaven!
Bird Bird Biscuit
If you want something fast and easy rather than a sit down spot, their biscuits are the BEST in town!
Taco Deli
Known for having the best breakfast tacos in town!
Where To Get the Best BBQ in Austin
Franklin BBQ
Arguably one of the best BBQ joints in the world. Even Obama had to spot by! BBQ lovers start lining up around 7am for their world famous brisket. Come prepared with some lawn chairs (they have some, but best be safe) and some beers and wait it out. Another Austinite bucket-list item, but be prepared that you’ll be here from 7am-1pm or so.
Terry Black BBQ
Another great BBQ spot in Austin, but there is occasionally a wait! If you know you want to CHOW DOWN then this is the place to be. I also think their sides are amazing if you happen to be traveling with someone that is a vegetarian…
Salt Lick BBQ
While it is about a 30 min drive outside of the city, it is my personal favorite. The environment is truly southern and the BBQ really lives up to expectations. If you go during a peak eating time there WILL be a wait, but its BYOB so bring some beers and enjoy the live music they have while you sit and wait!
La BBQ
I absolutely LOVE La Barbeque! And they just opened up their new location and own building in East Austin. Their brisket is AMAZING and their mac and cheese is literally my favorite in Austin. Its got a small line, but it moves pretty quick!
Where to Eat Tex Mex in Austin
Matt’s El Rancho
One of the oldest restaurants in Austin, and it has lasted this long because it is one of the most iconic tex mex restaurants in Austin! This gem is down South and perfect for a larger party. Beware, it get’s busy fast and the mexican martini is a MUST.
La Condesa
If you want the kind of tex mex place you can take your parents to, then this is your best bet! Love the options and the ambiance at La Condesa in Downtown Austin
Curras Grill
This place is the most unassuming place for margarita, but their avocado margarita is an Austin STAPLE and it lives up to the hype. It’s honestly more like an avocado smoothie than anything! It’s delicious and worth the cost, and plus their food is delicious and affordable to pair with it.
Torchys Tacos
Of course, Torchys Tacos is an Austin icon and their downtown location in Austin could not be left off this list! Obviously, their queso is one of the best in Austin and their tacos are pretty high up there too. Easy on the go option!
Licha’s Cantina
This is one of my go-to dinner recommendations for people visiting from outside Austin! It’s some of the best Mexican food in the city and has a killer happy hour to back it up. Plus, the space itself is adorable and just an Austin vibe.
Fresa’s South First
Fresa’s is Denvers favorite restaurant in Austin for a reason! The food is absolutely delicious, and someone in your party has to order the chicken because it is truly a feast. Personally, i’m a big fan of their tacos and margaritas so that’s my go-to order. But either way, Fresa’s has something for everyone. PLUS their gorgeous outdoor lit patio makes for a beautiful setting!
Il Brutto Brunch
More Austin Foodie Favorites Locals Love
EASY & AFFORDABLE
Better Half Burgers
Always a sucker for Better Half because not only do they have delicious beer and cocktails, but they have AMAZING burgers that I dream about for days.
Patrizis Food Truck
One of the BEST food trucks in the entire city and very beloved. It’s a local Austin staple, and if you want italian food THIS is the spot.
Buzzmill Riverside
It’s basically classic Austin! Buzzmill is a staple easy spot on Riverside to grab yourself some vegan food and a beer and hang with the locals.
SOMEWHERE TO SIT DOWN & ENJOY
Loro Eats
Love this Tex-Asian (collab by Franklins & Uchi) with amazing bites and killer cocktails (the frozen gin and tonic is worth it). Their outdoor patio with lights is perfect too!
Il Brutto
One of the perfectly located spots in town being right on the East side with a gorgeous patio and delicious food and a killer happy hour!
Bouldin Creek Cafe
A local vegetarian / vegan spot that’s just easy to eat at with absolutely delicious brunch and cafe style food!
SOMEWHERE YOU WON’T FORGET
Fonda San Miguel
This latin spot is not only absolutely gorgeous inside, but totally delicious! This is one of the fun special dinner spots I always love to take people from out of town!
Aba Austin
The outdoor patio itself is a stunner and jaw-dropping, but then the food and drinks are truly a level above (although…pricy).
Olamaie Southern
Southern comfort food to the extreme. You want the best southern biscuits of your live at a nice sit down dinner? Then this is the spot.
The Oasis Austin 
Loro Patio 
Loro Cocktail
Where to Grab a Drink in Austin
P6 Rooftop Bar for a Rooftop Cocktail
At the top of the Line Hotel is a gorgeous Austin rooftop bar that will blow your mind. It’s one of the best places to catch the sunset (apart from Oasis which is quite far). Just beware, it definitely is not a cheap spot!
The Oasis for a Lake View
DO NOT GO TO THE RESTAURANT. Go to the brewery. The food is literally better at the brewery and you get the exact same (if not better) view for absolutely no wait! Plus the beer is solid!
Central Machine Works for a delicious Beer Garden
A local favorite and definitely one of my favorite spots on the list! We basically spend an INSANE amount of time here enjoying the sunshine in Austin and it’s my go-to spot when we have friends from out of town. Good beer, also serves cocktails, also has food, gorgeous outdoor patio, and usually featuring live music!
Mean Eyed Cat for a Classic Texas Dive
This is basically just a chill bar over in Clarksville (West Austin) with solid beers and a patio and some Texas flare. It’s a great spot if you’re in Austin for work and working centrally and want something less frilly for drinks!
Taquero Mucho for Somewhere Cute
Probably the most instagrammed restaurant in Austin? I would opt for the Downtown Austin location, but their place is VERYYYY cute and also the drinks are cute and come in little pouches. It’s overall the must-go for any bachelorette party in Austin!
SEE MORE : THE ULTIMATE AUSTIN BEST HAPPY HOURS GUIDE
Javelina Rainey Street
Austin Nightlight & Bars to Visit
If you’re over the age of 21, then you can’t miss out on Austin nightlife. Sixth street could rival Bourbon St, Rainey turned houses into bars, and West turned Capri Suns in alcoholic drinks. It’s a win no matter which you’re feeling.
RAINEY STREET
If you want a night out (especially if you’re here on a girls/guys trip but aren’t up for pounding shots with 18 year olds, then this is the place to be! My favorites have to be Lucille’s (to hear yourself think) and Icenhauers (for a killer cocktail)!
EAST SIDE
This is more of the up-and-coming spot, so you’re going to get way more of a local Austin crowd here. Also if you want to go all out, then probably just do Rainey instead since East Side is more chill. Some favorites here are Kitty Cohen’s for a delicious cocktail, Whistler’s for a good night, Lazarus Brewing for a refreshing beer, and Domo Alley Gato for a twist!
DIRTY SIXTH
The name should tell you everything you need to know. If you are under the age of 23, this is a solid place to be! If you are over the age of 23, my guess is 20 minutes into Dirty Sixth you will wonder why everyone looks so young. Make sure you start at Chupacabra and order a fishbowl marg, and beware that it’s the size of your head.
Afterwards you can check out some of our favorites: Maggie Mae’s, Cheers, Barbarella (THE BEST), or Recess. Your last bar should be Buckshot where you top the night off with a Colt .45 shot on the rooftop, and make sure to grab some pizza from Ropollos before you Uber back!
WEST SIXTH
West Sixth is much like Dirty, but with an average age above 23! Our favorites are Kung Fu Saloon for the games, Greenlight Social for the Capri Suns, Concrete Cowboy for the dancing, and RIO because it’s simply a classic!
Thanks for checking out our Things To Do in Austin Guide! Hope you have an amazing trip, and definitely check out some of our other blog posts about Austin for more great recommendations.
15 Best Coffee Shops in Austin to Get Work Done
Where To Eat Healthy in Austin
12 Day Trips from Austin to Get Out of the City
Complete List of Austin Rooftop Restaurants & Bars
Comments (17)
Sierra
October 30, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Love all the recommendations!! I still have yet to try Irene’s, but it looks soooo cute!
This post is great, I’ll definitely use it as a point of reference when I have visitors for the weekends 😀
JP
September 26, 2018 at 10:08 am
I love this. Austin has been on my list of places to visit for awhile now.
nichole
September 26, 2018 at 1:57 pm
okay i’m ready to go now, the food there looks amazing! i live in a small midwestern town with virtually chain restaurants and not much to do. lol
Emily
September 26, 2018 at 10:57 pm
Ahhh such good recommendations! My friend did a vlog of her trip to Austin and ever since I watched it I’ve been dying to go!! Bookmarking this for sure.
-Emily
https://norepeatsorhesitations.com/2018/09/26/ohii-beauty-review/
Rachel R Ritlop
September 27, 2018 at 6:59 am
ahh i’ve always wanted to go to austin!! The food and culture looks so awesome!
Deborah
September 27, 2018 at 8:54 am
These are all such great recommendations! If I’m ever in Austin, I’ll be sure to check out one of those BBQ places!
Nicole Booz
September 27, 2018 at 12:22 pm
I spent one day in Austin last year but would love to go back and do more of these things!! There’s so much going on.
Tara Fuller
September 27, 2018 at 2:48 pm
there really is something in austin for everyone – love that city so much!
Alix Maza
September 27, 2018 at 4:28 pm
Austin is soooo much fun! Barton Springs has to be my favorite.
Tiffany Khyla
September 28, 2018 at 9:10 am
I love Austin so much! It’s definitely one of my favorite cities in Texas. I haven’t done so many of the things you’ve mentioned here though. It sounds like it’s time for another visit 🙂
Bella B (xoxoBella)
September 30, 2018 at 4:52 pm
Austin looks amazing!! I would love to visit one day soon!
Jiawun | Beauty Nerd By Night
October 3, 2018 at 10:49 am
Austin looks gorgeous! I’m especially excited for the 360 Bridge and of course, the museum! I LOVE museums! The food also looks so yummy. Gorgeous, gorgeous photos!
Paige
October 3, 2018 at 9:17 pm
I’ve never been to Austin but I am definitely adding all of this to my itinerary! Everything looks so fun!
xoxo, Paige
http://www.midwesterncharmblog.com
Jesse
November 13, 2018 at 1:24 am
Michelle,
I just subscribe to your blog post! I live here in Austin, TX and one thing I would love to add your post is our beautiful lake Austin. For any one wanting to experience the beautiful sigh seeing and check out a few of the restaurants and water front homes on the lake please check out: https://wakeriderz.com a boat rental company on Lake Austin. Come experience the Lake Austin party cove! Thanks Michelle!
Lars
May 21, 2020 at 2:59 pm
Great coverage of Austin and thank you for mentioning the East side as well. There’s also the Mueller neighborhood which used to be the location of the old airport. We still have the flight tower and now a wonderful, hip and modern neighborhood in Central Austin.
Steve
May 2, 2022 at 4:12 am
Great call not staying in The Domain. Any savings on the hotel room go straight to uber.
Kamil
June 21, 2022 at 5:19 am
I really love this city, Austin is amazing and so modern.