How to spend 48 hours in Austin, Texas

Ever wondered how Austin got its nickname, Bat City? Well, just paddle under Congress Avenue Bridge and you’ll see a million reasons why. The bridge is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony—1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats to be specific. During early evenings, March through October, chill along the railing to watch this nocturnal colony emerge for an evening meal. If you’re visiting during the off-season, it’s still worth it to head to the bridge for a sunset stroll as the Austin skyline turns from yellow to orange to purple.

For travelers based downtown, see the city come alive Friday night with a bar-hop of the sexiest watering holes. It’s a chance to get dressed up and mingle with the locals (including the single variety if that’s what you seek). Start at The Statesman, a swanky new cocktail lounge on West Sixth. After that, stumble a few blocks over to The Roosevelt Room. This beloved downtown institution is where the Old Fashioned is always perfect. And for the finale, finish at Higher Ground, a spiritually-themed club set across two floors with DJs throwing slick beats till late.

There is no point in lying to yourself; you came (at least partially) for the breakfast tacos, and we won’t deny you one of ATX’s official dishes. To get a taste of what everyone is talking about, head to Veracruz All Natural (multiple locations) for the revered migas tacos, along with some local favorites like cochinita pibil and chicken mole enchiladas. Torchy’s Tacos and Tacodeli are also solid options if one happens to be situated closer.

Now you’re all taco’d up, experience Austin’s natural beauty with a trip down the Colorado River, which runs right through Central Austin. Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard from Rowing Dock or Austin Rowing Club, along Lady Bird Lake. Want to look like a local? Do a sweep of the original YETI flagship just off the bridge before you park along the banks to hydrate and people-watch. Now, you fit right in.

Since most of Austin’s art museums are located downtown, you can hit up a few in one afternoon. Start at the Blanton Museum of Art, home to one of the largest permanent art collections in Central Texas. It also happens to be one of the largest campus art museums in the country. Then explore what Austin is often known for: the wonderfully weird. It’s a sure bet you’ll find sideshow attraction strangeness at the Museum of the Weird. Finally, learn about the city’s connection to Latino art and culture, both historical and contemporary, at the Mexic-Arte Museum.

Looking to kickstart Saturday night? Electric Shuffle is a great way to break the ice with new pals or get old ones revved up. It’s shuffleboard like never before on a high-tech extravaganza, fueled with pizzas and cocktails from the bar. DJ-soundtracked boozy brunches, holiday parties, and happy hours are also on the menu. Snag a table at a trendy eatery if you prefer a relaxed dinner. Feast on Texas wagyu at Zoé Tong in Zilker or delicious grilled seafood at Yamas in Highland.

The Mohawk is one of the most reputable places for musicians to perform, and thanks to a tiered balcony, you’ll get a great stage view no matter where you park your feet. Hit up a show there, then venue-crawl your way through this district, rooted in Austin’s punk scene (though it now caters to music of all genres). Close the night with a dance session at either Cheer Up Charlie’s (an awesome vegan and queer bar slash nightclub) or Barbarella (trust us—you won’t want to go anywhere except for your bed after Barbs).

Refresh after a hot night out by beginning your final day in Austin reconnecting with nature at Barton Creek Greenbelt (lovingly referred to by locals as the Greenbelt) and its 7.9 miles of dense forest, limestone cliffs, shallow swimming holes, and hike-and-bike trails. There's beauty around every corner, whether you hit up the super-popular Campbell’s Hole, the gushing Sculpture Falls, or the relatively secret Lost Creek site. Bring a swimsuit just in case you decide to take a dip in one of the swimming holes—most notably, the popular Barton Springs Pool, located at the eastern end of the Greenbelt.

Franklin Barbecue is a major tourist draw, but do you really want to spend your last few hours in Austin waiting in line? Instead, hit up the equally mouth-watering la Barbecue, where, the lines are generally shorter and made up solely of Austinites who know where the meat is at. The tender brisket and the ribs are a must. As for sides, it’s all about their chipotle coleslaw—zestier than most with a kick to match the house-made chipotle sausage—and house-made pickles that raise the total-package bar a cut above.

Before you skip town, head to the South Congress neighborhood for some retail therapy and souvenir shopping. Allens Boots has been selling premium leather footwear to tourists and locals alike since 1977. With more than 4000 boots on display, you’ll be hit with the smell of leather as soon as you walk through the door. At South Congress Books just around the corner, you’ll find a selection of well-worn vintage books and posters, along with a selection of signed first editions. Finish your trip on a sweet note with a scoop of inventive ice cream from local favorite Amy’s Ice Creams. The Mexican vanilla is their classic.