Austin is a vibrant, eclectic city that has become home to people from all corners of the US and the world, myself included! It’s known for welcoming culture, phenomenal food and art scenes, and an array of conferences and festivals that draw a constant stream of visitors through Texas’s state capital.
Whether you’re coming for a short time or a long time – here are some of my top recommendations for Austin:
Stay
Austin Proper Hotel
600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Whenever I visit a new city I like to be in a good spot for walking everywhere. With some of the best restaurants and bars in the city within the Austin Proper Hotel and its close proximity to the river, it’s hard to beat this location. Fun fact: the famed interior designer Kelly Wearstler’s hand was on the design of this Insta-famous getaway!
Hotel Magdelena
1101 Music Ln, Austin, TX 78704
Tucked away off the famed South Congress Ave is the funky, cool Hotel Magdelena. You’ll be steps from some of Austin’s most iconic shops, restaurants, and live music venues and if you need to cool off you can always hit the pool or grab a cocktail at the in-house restaurant, Summer House on Music Lane.
Este
Eat & Drink
Loro
2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
BBQ is always one of the first things people think of when they come to Texas. My favorite spot is a little non-traditional, but I think that’s what makes it great! Loro is an Asian smokehouse – combining unique flavors to make some of the best BBQ in town. Unlike many Austin hotspots, Loro doesn’t take reservations.
Can't miss: Smoked Turkey Breast
Este
2113 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Another one of Austin’s most celebrated cuisines is its phenomenal Mexican food. From the owners of the ever-loved Suerte came a new favorite of mine: Este. Este combines seafood, Mexican cuisine, and charcoal cooking in a beautifully designed restaurant. My favorite time to go is for Vino y Vinyl happy hour on Tuesdays.
Can’t miss: Ceviche Amarillo
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Austin has a vibrant Asian population which has colored the food scene with some of the best Asian food I’ve found in the States. Intrigued? Check out this charming neighborhood Vietnamese café with a French twist. Their creative cuisine and fresh flavors are so well-loved they’ve even made a cookbook!
Can’t miss: Flank Steak Spring Rolls
Lucky Robot
1303 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Lucky Robot always keeps me coming back for more with their rotating menu and creative flavor pairings. They’re known for being a sustainable sushi restaurant specializing in dry-aged fish (don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it) and they have one of the best happy hour deals in town (hint: half-off bottles of wine and a ton of their most popular menu items).
Can’t miss: Chef’s Special Dry-Aged Maki
June's All Day
June’s All Day
1722 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
While there are many to choose from, the vintage jukebox vibe plus a stellar menu has made June’s my go-to girl’s night wine bar in Austin. As with many on this list, I’d recommend making a reservation – this hot spot is no secret!
Can’t miss: Steak tartare
Cape Bottle Room
500 San Marcos St Ste 102, Austin, TX 78702
Whether you’re a lover of South African wine or a first-timer, Cape Bottle Room is a great spot to grab an after-work drink with friends and try a ton of different wines! I personally love their happy hour deals and charcuterie boards.
Can’t miss: Popup events (check their website for the latest)
Whistlers
1816 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Whenever I have a new friend visiting Austin one of our first stops is always Whistlers! I don’t want to spoil the experience by giving too much away, but I’ve always felt Whistlers is the perfect blend of Texas dive bar meets trendy cocktail bar.
Can’t miss: Upstairs Mezcal bar
Colorado River
See
Vintage Market
The perfect lazy Sunday activity! So many options to choose from and it’s really all timing. I’ve linked a list of some popular markets in town, but there are always more popping up. Happy hunting!
Get out on the River
Whether you’re walking the trail, grabbing coffee at a cafe on the river, or renting a paddleboard or kayak from one of the many vendors dotting the shoreline, one of the best ways to experience Austin is by getting out on the famed river dividing Austin’s downtown area.
Check out the local art galleries
Austin boasts a vibrant art scene that celebrates the city’s diversity and enormous creative talent pool. There are galleries all over town and you really can’t go wrong. Almost Real Things hosts Art Bus tours if you’re looking to make a day of it!
Go
Fredericksburg
Wine country in Texas? It’s real my friends! Just a short drive from Austin you’ll find an innovative and blooming wine country in the heart of Texas. While you’re out here check out the old town and if you come in the right season make sure to grab some peaches!
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