A few years ago, I finally got the perfect excuse to visit Austin, Texas. My best friend from high school and I snagged tickets to see Taylor Swift at the Circuit of the Americas. We even went full Swiftie and dressed up as Taylor vs Treadmill- yes, like her infamous workout scene. It made for one of the most fun weekends ever, and I completely fell in love with everything Austin has to offer.
Even though it was a quick trip, Austin’s food, music, and laid-back vibes totally won me over. We spent hours exploring South Congress (SoCo), which is one of the best neighborhoods to walk around in Austin. The boutique shopping scene is full of quirky local stores, vintage finds, and colorful art everywhere you turn. We stopped at all the iconic photo spots like the I Love You So Much mural and the Greetings from Austin mural, which are must-dos for any first-time visitor.
Food Trucks, Tacos, and Tex-Mex
One of my absolute favorite parts of Austin was the food truck scene. We made it our mission to eat at as many food trucks as possible- everything from breakfast tacos to fusion bowls to late-night snacks. And since I’m a huge fan of Mexican food, we made sure to try plenty of Tex-Mex while we were there. If you love tacos as much as I do, Austin truly delivers.
Where We Stayed (and Where I’d Stay Next Time)
Now, full honesty: we were both broke (I was in nursing school at the time), so we stayed in a super cheap hotel way outside the city — and let’s just say, I would not recommend it. If I could do it all over again, I would stay much closer to downtown to really soak in the Austin vibe. One spot I have my eye on for next time is The Carpenter Hotel. It’s in an amazing location, close to SoCo, Zilker Park, and downtown, with a cool, laid-back atmosphere that fits Austin perfectly.
The One Place I Regret Missing
Another thing we missed (and I definitely regret) was not making it to Franklin Barbecue. If you’re planning your own trip, make sure you set aside time to eat there. It’s one of the best barbecue spots in Austin and (from what I hear) totally worth the hype.
Planning Your Own Austin Trip?
Whether you’re visiting for a concert, a weekend getaway, or just to eat your way through the city, I put together a 3-Day Austin Travel Guide based on everything I loved (plus a few stops I wish I’d had time for). It’s full of restaurant picks, can’t-miss experiences, and tips that can save you time and money while you’re there.
Inside the guide, you’ll find:
- Clickable booking links for hotels, restaurants, and top-rated tours
- A detailed daily itinerary with recommended timing and activities
- Pre-trip checklists, budget tracking tools, and packing tips
- Restaurant recommendations that go beyond the usual tourist spots
This isn’t just a list of things to do. It’s a real, tested itinerary that works for different types of trips, whether you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or solo.
Want the Full Itinerary?
You can grab the complete 3-day Austin travel guide in my shop. It’s formatted to work beautifully on your phone or tablet, or you can print it if you’re a pen-and-paper planner. From your first coffee on South Congress to your last taco before heading home, I’ve got you covered.
👉Get My 3-Day Austin Itinerary Here
You’ll love the music, the food, and the chance to see a side of Austin that’s both vibrant and laid-back. And if you end up catching a concert after a day spent eating tacos and shopping SoCo? Even better.
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