24 Hours in Austin: Eat Your Tacos and Get Work Done Too
When you think of a state’s capital city, you might not expect quirkiness, endless live music, and more food than you can possibly eat…. unless you’re thinking of Austin, Texas. Austin is renowned for Tex Mex and BBQ, concerts of all sizes, high-tech start-ups, and its unofficial slogan, “Keep Austin Weird”. Austin has become a hipster hub for young skilled professionals attracting organizations from all over the United States. When business next takes you to Austin, here’s how to make the most of your 24 hours in the city.
Start The Day With a Breakfast Taco
Austin is famous for its breakfast, lunch, and dinner tacos. Pick up a classic breakfast taco at Arturo’s underground café in downtown Austin for $2, or try a specialty option, like a spicy chicken taco, for $1.50 more.
Watch out for your suit if you have a business meeting later in the day as breakfast tacos are notoriously messy!
Type Away At A Co-Working Space
Young entrepreneurs in Austin have figured out a way to stay out of an office without working from home. There are dozens of shared office space providers in Austin with super-fast internet speeds, coffee shops, conference rooms and sometimes even free snacks. Some providers only offer yearly or monthly rental fees, but there are a few that offer a day rate for drop-ins.
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If you have a last-minute report to finish off, book a desk at TechSpace for $25 a day.
Try An Authentic Texas BBQ Lunch
You can’t visit Austin without eating a Texan BBQ. There’s no shortage of BBQ restaurants and unique food trucks to choose from.
If you’re after an authentic experience with great food that’s quiet enough for a lunchtime meeting, try Green Mesquite on Barton Springs Road. I recommend the mouth-watering beef brisket.
Check-In At Your Hotel
Unlike many American cities, Austin is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. The best area to stay is downtown for the entertainment options and ease of getting around without a car.
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The Westin Austin is a favorite for business travelers and is just minutes away from the entertainment on Sixth Street.
Watch Bats Take Flight From Under The Congress Avenue Bridge
The world’s largest urban bat colony lives under the Congress Avenue Bridge and takes flight every night from March to October. The best place to watch 1.5 million bats swarm into the sunset is from the southern shore of the Colorado River (aka Lady Bird Lake).
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Fill Up On Tex-Mex From A Food Truck
Austin offers over 1,000 food trailer and truck options. Food trucks are the best way to sample the best of Austin’s local cuisine. If you don’t want to venture too far from your downtown hotel, try a homemade tortilla from Veracruz All Natural.
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Feel The Beat at Broken Spoke Dancehall
Voted the “Best Dancehall in Texas”, Broken Spoke is the place to go for live music and to try out two-steppin’ on the dance floor. The 1800’s style dancehall has hosted countless music legends, including Tex Ritter and Willie Nelson.
If you’ve got a case of stage fright, try a dance lesson at 8pm before the live music starts at 9pm. Dance lessons and live music run Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Get Your Fitness Fix at the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail
Located at the center of Austin, Lady Bird Lake is the perfect place for a morning run, walk, or to hire a bike and cycle while you breathe in the fresh are and admire the waterbirds.
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After your run, grab a coffee from the nearby Summermoon Coffee Bar before heading back to the airport.
