48 Hour Guide: Things to do in Austin, Texas
The Live Music Capital of the World is also home to great food, art and sites. Here’s where to go during your short stop in Austin, Texas.
A view of The LINE from South Congress Ave Bridge.
Where to stay:
The Line Hotel.
This boutique hotel sits on the Colorado River, right along South Congress Avenue Bridge. It’s definitely more of a splurge, but certainly worth it if your stay is short. Within the hotel is an award-winning outdoor pool, Alfred’s Coffee, Veracruz taco, and a few other restaurants.
The Driskill Hotel (The Unbound Collection By Hyatt).
Whether or not you stay here, you should still make this a spot to visit. This is a historic hotel with luxury rooms, dining areas and bars. The hotel is full of beautiful marble and western memorabilia. Wander around and grab a drink in their bar.
Where to Eat:
Whatever the time of day, here are five spots to grab a bite to eat in Austin.
Le Cafe Crepe.
It was very difficult to find a breakfast spot in Austin, not because they’re short of them, but because they fill up fast. Luckily, after no success, we accidentally walked up on a small specialty crepe spot. The crepes were inexpensive, massive and delicious – I wish I could eat there every day. Just know, it’s a stand in line or don't get a spot type of place – you don’t make reservations or put your name in. The line for us was fairly short, but either way, I promise it’s worth whatever wait time you get.
Veracruz.
This place is known for having amazing tacos, and the same goes for their smoothies (I had one every day of my stay). If you happen to stay at The Line, they have this eatery on the main floor, with an ordering window in the pool area. The line can get fairly busy, especially for morning breakfast tacos, so here’s a pro tip: grab a spot at the pool (anytime before 9:30AM should be fine) and then order from the window – whatever long line is waiting inside the hotel, you’ll be completely skipping it by ordering by the pool – which, who are we kidding?, is a much better way to enjoy breakfast anyway.
Ironworks BBQ
Texas is known for their dry rub barbecue. If you aren’t heading to Franlkin’s, you must stop here. You’ll be able to enjoy a large platter, with a side of excellent cheesy corn. Seating is indoor, or outdoor on the roof area — and if you head up there, take a look at all the famous guests plastered all over the wall.
Dinner at Peche.
French cuisine and a great atmosphere. I ordered the short rib with duck fat mashed potatoes and it was excellent. They also make their own absinthe - if you order this, it comes in a coffee-drip type glass, which was fun to experience.
Lunch at Eurika.
A burger joint downtown, across the street from The Driskill. Everything on the menu looks good, and if you’re looking for an interesting drink, try the charcoal lemonade.
Where to Play:
Walk the Ground of the University of Texas.
The University of Texas is a short walk from the State Capital, if you happen to visit that. If you stay at The Line, it’s a 25 minute walk, however scooters are always an option. Be sure to walk over to the stadium — it’s newly updated, and if you’re lucky, you might walk up on an event.
Scope out art murals.
There’s several art exhibits and murals around the downtown. Walk around, take photos, and grab some street BBQ while you’re at it (but beware of scooter riders).
A view of the Colorado River.
The Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, typically April through August, you may be able to see a wave of bats – and by wave, I mean thousands – come out from under Congress Avenue Bridge. I’ve always gone in April, and have had an incredible experience. It’s a must see, but be sure to check the weather ahead of time, as they are less likely to hunt in rain.
As for where to watch, there are several great viewing options – but get there early, right before dusk, because it gets busy. If you’re going to view them from under the bridge, plan to be there around 30 minutes til dusk – either side is fine, but they end up going along the south tree line. The Line also has a hotel restaurant along the river that gets a good view, and there are tour boats and kayaking options that take you under the bridge to experience it up close. We attempted to view them from kayaks, but the kayak rental place closed too early, so plan ahead on where you’d rent from.
Visit the State Capital.
While, at the time, visitors were not allowed inside of the capitol, I was able to explore the grounds – which are very much set up in a similar way to DC. The most beautiful State Capitol grounds I have witnessed.
Walk 6th Street.
This district has bars, live music, and historic sites. If you’re one that enjoys the nightlife of Beale, Bourbon, or Broadway, this is the place to be.
Dining where a celebrity does is not only fun, because you get to people-watch, but it’s also safe to assume that the atmosphere and food is pretty great – because if one has the means, you don’t eat somewhere bad.