The ultimate 48 hours in Austin, Texas

Besides being known for live music, Austin retains the nickname Bat City. And with good reason, too—the Congress Avenue Bridge is the world’s largest urban bat colony with a whopping 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats living underneath it. 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. 

If you have time, plan ahead for your first night in the city because Here Nor There not only requires a reservation but a secret password to make it through the gated entrance. Download their app, share the code, and step into this super exclusive funky venue where the signature drink, Milk and Honey, is served in a fancy teacup. Alternatively, step up to The Roosevelt Room for equally exciting cocktails without all the pre-departure effort.

There is no point in lying to yourself; you came (at least partially) for the breakfast tacos, and we’re not going to deny you Bat City’s official dish. To get a taste of what everyone is talking about, head to Veracruz All Natural (there are 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 beloved if one happens to be situated closer to your morning Local Foods coffee stop.

There’s no better way to experience Austin’s natural beauty than 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, situated along Lady Bird Lake. Local tip: slather on the sunscreen, hydrate, repeat.

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? Drag your pals to Electric Shuffle and shuffleboard like never before on this high-tech extravaganza, best fueled with pizzas and cocktails from the bar. DJ soundtracked boozy brunches, holiday parties, and happy hours are also on the menu if you're down for more, and trust us, this is a guaranteed mood booster.

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). Hang out on Geraldine’s rooftop pool bar, which you'll find at the very sexy, rock star-approved Hotel Van Zandt, and if you time it right, be there for one of the many live music sessions, then 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. Whether you hit up the super-popular Campbell’s Hole, the gushing Sculpture Falls, or the relatively secret Lost Creek site, there’s beauty around every corner. 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 (don't forget the cooler with your Snap Kitchen breakfast pancakes)

Yes, the meat is that good at Franklin Barbecue but do you really want to spend your last few hours in Austin waiting in line? It’s your call, but we’d like to suggest the just as mouth-watering la Barbecue. Treat your taste buds with seriously tender brisket, but don’t miss the ribs. Oh, and the sides? At this east side trailer surrounded by a few simple picnic tables with some enormous old trees for shade, it’s the 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. Down the block, wander the aisles at Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, the pièce de résistance in the Austin costume scene. 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.