Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide
4.92,426 reviews2h
from €48
Check availabilityBudget · 5 Days
€575
Mid-range · 5 Days
€1,215
Best months
Mar, Apr, Nov
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€160
With 5 days in Austin, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. This is a city where you can paddleboard on the spring-fed waters of Barton Springs Pool in the morning, tour the grand pink granite Texas State Capitol at noon, and lose yourself in the electric energy of Sixth Street's live music venues by night. It's a place where creativity is the local currency, celebrated in world-class festivals like SXSW and ACL, and in the everyday weirdness that makes Austin authentically, wonderfully itself.
Perfect for music lovers
Perfect for foodies
Perfect for tech workers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Austin adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
1
Sixth Street
Experience Sixth Street, one of Austin's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
South Congress
Experience South Congress, one of Austin's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Austin like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in United States.
1
Barton Springs
Experience Barton Springs, one of Austin's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
Lady Bird Lake
Experience Lady Bird Lake, one of Austin's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Austin. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
1
Texas State Capitol
Experience Texas State Capitol, one of Austin's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
2
BBQ Trail
Experience BBQ Trail, one of Austin's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into United States's culture and heritage.
⏱️ 1.5-2 hours
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hamilton Pool Preserve
Leave Austin behind for a day and head to Hamilton Pool Preserve (45 min by car).
1
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Visit a breathtaking natural grotto and collapsed cave with a jade-green pool and a 50-foot waterfall. Reservations are required for entry.
⏱️ Full day
💡 Tip: Highlights: The iconic grotto and waterfall, Swimming in the natural pool, Hiking trails in the preserve, Photography opportunities.
Day 5: East Austin & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in East Austin and seek out a few places most visitors to Austin never find.
1
East Austin
The city's rapidly evolving, hipster haven, where craft cocktail bars, innovative restaurants, and colorful street art have taken root in once-industrial spaces and historic neighborhoods.
⏱️ Half day
💡 Tip: Don't miss: Whisler's craft cocktail bar, Historic Victory Grill, Plentiful food truck parks.
2
Central Library Rooftop Garden
The stunning, modern central library features a rooftop garden with panoramic views of downtown and Lady Bird Lake.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: Offers one of the best free views in the city in a beautiful, air-conditioned building—a perfect midday retreat.
3
Radio Coffee & Beer
A sprawling coffee shop by day and beer garden by night, home to the legendary Veracruz All Natural food truck.
⏱️ 1-2 hours
💡 Tip: The ultimate local hangout spot where you can experience Austin's coffee, craft beer, and best taco culture all in one laid-back venue.
Top tours and experiences in Austin
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Austin Food Tour with Authentic Flavors, Tacos & 5 Food Tastings
4.81,092 reviews3h
from €78
Check availability
All things to do in Austin →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Why Visit Austin
A Festival for Every Passion: Time your visit for the interactive, film, and music convergence of SXSW, the two-weekend spectacle of ACL Fest, or the weird and wonderful Eeyore's Birthday Party in Pease Park.
A Thriving Food Truck Revolution: Graze your way through entire parks dedicated to mobile cuisine, like The Picnic on Barton Springs Road, for everything from gourmet donuts (Gourdough's) to inventive fusion tacos (Veracruz All Natural).
The Live Music Capital of the World: Experience legendary venues like the Continental Club and Antone's, where you can catch everything from blues and country to indie rock any night of the week, culminating in massive festivals like Austin City Limits Music Festival.
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How much do 5 days in Austin cost?
Plan on roughly €575 on a budget, €1,215 mid-range or €2,100 for a comfortable trip, per person and excluding travel to Austin.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €75 | €160 | €260 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €28 | €55 | €100 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €12 | €28 | €60 |
| Total per day | €115 | €243 | €420 |
| Total for 5 days | €575 | €1,215 | €2,100 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Austin
Hotels close to the centre of Austin, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
Budget
Mid-range
Upscale
LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Austin is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Austin is March to May (SXSW), October to November. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is US Dollar ($). Carry some cash for small vendors and markets.
- 4A few words in English go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Austin
Central Texas Brisket
Breakfast Tacos (Migas)
Queso
Kolaches
💡 For Franklin Barbecue, arrive by 8 AM (or earlier) to get in line, or pre-order 5+ lbs of meat weeks in advance online to skip the queue entirely.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Austin
Downtown & Sixth Street
The bustling heart of the city, home to the historic entertainment district and the state's political center.
South Congress (SoCo)
The epicenter of Austin's iconic, funky vibe.
Zilker & Barton Springs
Austin's outdoor playground, centered around the massive Zilker Metropolitan Park.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Austin, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
San Antonio
1 hour 20 min by car
Dive into deeper Texas history at the iconic Alamo and stroll along the famous River Walk, a network of canals lined with restaurants and shops below street level.
Texas Hill Country (Fredericksburg)
1 hour 30 min by car
Escape to a German-heritage town in the heart of wine country.
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