Meeting Attendee Itinerary

72 Hours in Austin

Many meeting and conference attendees turn their trip into an extended vacation. Here’s how they can squeeze some of Austin’s very best into just three days.

Home Slice Pizza. Credit Julia Keim.

DAY ONE

Morning: Tuck into a veggie benedict or Texas eggs in a basket at Arturo’s Underground Cafe. Stroll South Congress with a coffee from Jo's Coffee and pop into Uncommon Objects, Monkey See Monkey Do, Parts & Labour and all spots in between.

Mid-Day: For lunch, snag a Buffalo Bill burger (made with bison meat) at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, a slice of margherita pizza from Home Slice or the tacos al pastor from Guero’s Taco Bar. Fresh air and stunning views beckon from the trail around Lady Bird Lake. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to spy the 1.5 million of Mexican free-tailed bats that roost under the Congress Bridge April through October.

Evening: Dine and indulge on Rainey Street with stellar cuisine from one of the multiple food trucks on the block. Stop in at Lustre Pearl for a cocktail or a local beer.

Paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake. Credit Nick Simonite.

DAY TWO

Morning: Rent a MetroCycle and cruise over to Manor Road. Get a honey nut latte from Thunderbird and then walk to Bird Bird Biscuit for decadent biscuit combos.

Mid-Day: Head up to North Loop for boutiques like Spring Frost and Atown. Don’t forget to geek out at Great Hall Games. Grab vegan tacos (the bean Diablo delivers the heat) at The Vegan Nom food truck.

Evening: Stop in for carne guisada or roasted goat pasilla at Mi Madre’s. If you’re craving Southern specialties, tuck into the chicken fried steak at Hoover’s Cooking. Head to the casual Butterfly Bar for patio libations or snag a ice cream cone from Zed's for dessert.

The White Horse. Credit Contiki.

DAY THREE

Morning: Magnolia Café’s migas or the three alarm taco will fortify and prepare you for a dip in Barton Springs, a 68-degree natural-fed pool in Zilker Park. Lounge and people watch the hours away.

Mid-Day: Lunch on delish French fare, like the salade Nicoise or ratatouille at Hopfields, a gastropub with a stellar beer selection. Learn about the state at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Meander among rare books and an extensive art collection at the Harry Ransom Center or check out the latest installation at the Blanton Museum of Art.

Evening: It's not a trip to Austin without trying some authentic Texas barbecue and Stiles Switch BBQ has some of the best in the city. Before you call it a night, sneak in some two-steppin’ at The White Horse.