Itineraries for Your Trip to Austin
2 Days in Austin for First Timers
There's so much I love about Austin, and most of it revolves around its residents' unabashed motivation to "Keep Austin Weird." You can get the essence of that vibe with two days in Austin, especially if you seek out a haunted history tour or a tour to see the massive and stunning artwork at Hope Outdoor Gallery.
I never visit Austin without walking along 6th Street to find a new venue to enjoy the live music for which the city is known. My other top tip: Don't pass up a food truck when you see one. They offer some of the best Tex-Mex and other types of food I've tasted on my many visits.
If you only have time for one thing, make it live music.
You can expect hot summers and mild winters with some afternoon rain storms.
Your local guide will lead the way as you set off on an e-bike tour of Texas' capital city. A bike tour is a great way to get the lay of the land and get recommendations for where to eat and what to do for your Austin stay. You'll learn about the city's history as you pass the Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin City Limits Live, and other top spots.
Now that you've seen some of the city on two wheels, set out on an afternoon kayak tour on Lady Bird Lake. You'll start with a short kayaking lesson, and then your guide takes you to the best spots on the lake to view Austin's towering skyscrapers and share information about the area's ecology and animals.
When darkness falls over the city, it's the perfect time to learn about Austin's weird and macabre past on a haunted history walking tour. Visit famous locations like the Driskill Hotel and hear stories of hauntings and their historical context from engaging storytellers. It's a fun way to end your first day in the city—if you dare!
With two days in Austin, you have time to explore beyond the city limits, and this Texas Hill Country tour is the perfect option. You'll head to the city's outskirts to visit two wineries for wine tasting before making your way to Salt Lick BBQ for a delicious lunch. An air-conditioned van and a dedicated driver make it an enjoyable outing for your whole group.
Once you've made your way back into downtown Austin, you'll be picked up by your electric pedicab driver for a tour of the city's impressive murals. Your guide will take you through Barton Springs to the Pfluger Bridge, stopping for selfies and learning about Austin's street art scene.
Austin is famous for its live music scene, so you can't leave without experiencing it for yourself. On this evening walking tour, your guide will take you to various live music venues like Darwin's Pub (a piano bar) and The Blind Pig, with multiple stages to choose from. It's an excellent way to enjoy your night in the Live Music Capital of the World.
