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Austin on a Budget — Free & Cheap Weekend Plan

Free walks, cheap eats and the good stuff that doesn't cost anything.

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Friday

  1. 6:30 PM

    Veracruz All Natural (E 7th)

    Tacos · $ · East Austin

    Migas taco, $4. The best cheap dinner in Texas.

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    Why this pick
    • ·Light on the wallet without feeling cheap
    • ·Keeps you in East Austin — short walk from your other stops
    • ·A fall-perfect atmosphere
  2. 8:30 PM

    Bat-watching at Congress Bridge

    Free · South Congress

    1.5M bats fly out at dusk Mar–Oct. Free. Stand on the bridge or the lawn east side.

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    Why this pick
    • ·Light on the wallet without feeling cheap
    • ·Keeps you in South Congress — short walk from your other stops
    • ·A fall-perfect atmosphere

Saturday

  1. 9:00 AM

    Barton Springs Pool

    Outdoors · Zilker

    68°F spring-fed pool. $5 entry, free before 8 AM. Bring a towel and a book.

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    Why this pick
    • ·Light on the wallet without feeling cheap
    • ·Keeps you in Zilker — short walk from your other stops
    • ·A fall-perfect atmosphere
  2. 12:00 PM

    Franklin Barbecue

    BBQ · $$ · East Austin

    Pricier per pound but split a 1-lb brisket two ways = $20pp. Line opens 11.

    Open in Maps Hours + line tips
    Why this pick
    • ·Light on the wallet without feeling cheap
    • ·Keeps you in East Austin — short walk from your other stops
    • ·A fall-perfect atmosphere
  3. 3:00 PM

    Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike

    Free walk · Downtown

    10-mile loop along the water. Rent a kayak at Rowing Dock ($15/hr) if you want.

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    Why this pick
    • ·Light on the wallet without feeling cheap
    • ·Keeps you in Downtown — short walk from your other stops
    • ·A fall-perfect atmosphere
  4. 7:00 PM

    The White Horse

    Honky-tonk · East Austin

    Free two-step lessons 7–8 PM, $5 cover after, $4 Lone Stars all night.

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    Why this pick
    • ·Light on the wallet without feeling cheap
    • ·Keeps you in East Austin — short walk from your other stops
    • ·A fall-perfect atmosphere

Sunday

  1. 10:30 AM

    Juan in a Million

    Tex-Mex · $ · East Cesar Chavez

    The Don Juan taco — eggs, bacon, potato, cheese — under $10. Massive.

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    Why this pick
    • ·Light on the wallet without feeling cheap
    • ·Keeps you in East Cesar Chavez — short walk from your other stops
    • ·A fall-perfect atmosphere
  2. 2:00 PM

    Mount Bonnell sunset

    Free view · West Austin

    Highest point in Austin, 100 steps, killer river view. Free.

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    Why this pick
    • ·Light on the wallet without feeling cheap
    • ·Keeps you in West Austin — short walk from your other stops
    • ·A fall-perfect atmosphere

Remix

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