24 hours in Austin, Texas

7 AM - 8 AM: The most important meal of the day.

Combining two quintessential Austin traditions—taco breakfasts and food trucks—the Veracruz All Natural Food Truck is the perfect place to start your day. Located within the grounds of Radio Coffee and Beer, you can enjoy a coffee after breakfast to energize yourself for a long day of exploring.

8 AM - 10 AM: Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake

Nestled between Zilker Park and downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake is an ideal location for water activities. Rent a kayak at one of the shops along Lady Bird Lake and spend the morning cruising on the water, taking in the stunning views of the Austin downtown skyline. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the University of Texas women's rowing team, who train here year-round.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the Texas State Capitol Building.

As the oldest surviving state office building in the United States, the Texas State Capitol Building is a great place to learn about Texas history and legislation. For the most complete experience, take one of the free guided tours that run every 30 to 45 minutes. If you prefer walking, the expansive 8-hectare grounds surrounding the Capitol Building are ideal.

12 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch break

It would be a waste to visit Austin without trying their barbecue. So, be sure to stop by La Barbecue for the best barbecue in town. You might have to wait a little while, but trust us, the quality of the food is well worth the wait. The brisket is so delicious it'll make your mouth water, and if you're still craving more, try their enormous ribs. And don't forget to pair it with their signature side dishes like potato salad and homemade pickles for a truly satisfying meal.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Brewery tour

Austin consistently ranks as one of the best craft beer cities in the nation. Visit Hops & Grain Brewing for a free brewery tour and learn about some of their sustainable brewing practices, such as turning grain into dog biscuits. You'll have the chance to sample some of the area's best craft beers and even make new friends.

3:30 - 5:30 PM: Watch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse.

After enjoying delicious food and excellent traditional beers, it's time to relax and watch a movie at the renowned Alamo Drafthouse. This theater offers a top-notch movie experience with the latest films as well as classic masterpieces, and in addition to the usual soft drinks and popcorn, you can also enjoy restaurant-quality food and drinks. Etiquette is highly valued at Alamo Drafthouse, as they are extremely strict with their no-talking and no-mobile-phone rules.

Sunset: watching bats and the setting sun.

Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, Congress Bridge is home to over 1.5 million Mexican grouse bats from spring through the fall. Every evening at sunset, these bats emerge from beneath the bridge and begin their nocturnal foraging expedition. It's a spectacular experience to watch the sunset while witnessing the bats take flight across the sky.

Sunset - 10:30 PM: Live music

Dubbed the live music capital of the world, don't leave Austin without experiencing some live music. There are hundreds of venues to choose from, so do some research to find the artists and genres that appeal to you. The Mohawk is always a great stop, with two stages where artists can unleash their energy.

10:30 PM - 2:00 AM: Late-night snack

Sixth Street, one of Austin's most iconic streets, is definitely the perfect place to end your day of adventure. Stop by Casino El Camino Bar and Grill for a late-night meal featuring one of the best burgers in town. After your meal, explore the rest of Sixth Street and have a sleepless night at some of the local bars like Midnight Cowboy, Blind Pig Pub, and Maggie Mae.

Hai Anh