Austin, Texas, Travel Guide

The capital of Texas, Austin is a bustling metropolis that attracts everyone from tech giants to wannabe Willie Nelsons. It’s known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and every night of the week, you’ll find crooners belting out tunes at ramshackle dive bars and world-class theaters. Whatever genre you’re into, you’ll find it in Austin.

Apart from the coveted music scene, Austin is bursting with outdoor pursuits, from kayak trips across Lady Bird Lake and hikes through the Barton Creek Greenbelt to runs through the city’s vast trail system. Bikers love Austin, as it’s one of the few cycling-friendly cities in the state. The city is also home to the lively University of Texas at Austin, so expect a sea of burnt orange come football season and Matthew McConaughey, the university’s Minister of Culture, on the sidelines cheering on his Longhorns. “Because we have UT here, there’s still a lot of places that are targeted for younger generations, which helps me stay young,” says Cindy Y. Lo, an Austinite, event planner, public speaker, and author who came to study at UT in 1994 and never left.

Austin has plenty of incredible accommodations, from storied boutique properties to sprawling oases like the Commodore Perry Estate, which transports you to the Texas Hill Country, the Mediterranean, and the roaring ’20s all at once. Sprawl out next to a hotel pool for an afternoon, or get your steps in and check out some of Austin’s top eateries, which include arguably the best tacos you’ll ever have, award-winning craft barbecue, and Michelin-starred dining everywhere you turn.

Austin is undeniably a hub for creatives—whether your medium is paint, brisket, or a worn-out guitar. It’s always been a place for those looking to express themselves, with the motto “Keep Austin Weird” constantly igniting innovation across the city. Here, our guide to Austin’s weird yet wonderful scene.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Austin

Downtown, the Fairmont Austin offers six dining venues, three bars, an exceptional spa and pool, and gorgeous views of the skyline, Lady Bird Lake, and the State Capitol building. There are more than 1,000 guest rooms and suites, and locals and guests alike adore the rooftop pool, which offers cabana rentals and poolside cocktails and snacks. “The rooms at the Fairmont Austin are huge,” says Lo. “If size matters, they’re great compared to what you get at other downtown Austin properties.” Book a spa appointment so you can enjoy the solariums, complete with hot tubs and lounge areas.

Austin Proper Hotel

Everywhere you turn at the Austin Proper Hotel, you’ll find Instagrammable spaces, from a sculptural staircase lined with vintage rugs to a tiled restaurant wall that looks like a patchwork quilt. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the downtown hotel offers 238 rooms and suites; a rooftop pool, spa, and recovery area; and four on-site eateries. The Peacock serves Mediterranean food and organic wines in a warm, inviting space, while La Piscina delivers fresh ceviche, sizzling fajitas, and small-batch tequilas on the rooftop.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Awarded a Michelin Key in 2024, Hotel Saint Cecilia is a boutique property in the Travis Heights neighborhood with five suites, six poolside bungalows, six garden suites, and three studios. It was originally built in 1888 as the Miller-Crockett house and was once occupied by a descendant of Alamo legend Davy Crockett. It’s one of five remaining Victorian homes of the 12 originally built along this section of the Colorado River, and its secluded grounds are open only to hotel guests and members. Enjoy the heated lap pool, meals at the Hotel Saint Cecilia Lounge, and the lending library, where you can borrow vintage LPs to play back in your room’s turntable.

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection

Named the best hotel in Austin by T+L readers, the Commodore Perry Estate blends European opulence with Hill Country charm. Manicured gardens and a dreamy courtyard across 10 acres make the perfect backdrop for croquet and lounging by the estate pool, while rooms feature Juliette balconies, terraces, bold wallpapers, and heirloom furniture. Lutie’s Restaurant transports you to the Jazz Age with craft cocktails, velvet barstools, and vintage glam set in the formal gardens. “My favorite cocktail here is the Stay Gold, and their zero-proof cocktails as well,” Lo shares. The hotel has two Michelin Keys and on-site activities include en plein air painting classes, Texas wine tastings by the estate sommelier, culinary classes, and boat days on Lake Travis.

Line Hotel

Formerly a jazz club, the Line Hotel offers views of Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin, with 400-plus rooms and suites, an infinity pool that serves tacos and margaritas all day, and numerous on-site dining concepts. P6 is the hotel’s lounge and bar where you can watch the sunset over Congress Bridge, and Arlo Grey is the restaurant focusing on central Texas ingredients. Veracruz All Natural is a coastal Mexican taqueria, while Cantero honors sotol, a native Texas spirit. Guests may use complimentary paddleboards on the lake or check out the event calendar, which can include tarot in the lobby, happy hour, and yoga.

Best Things to Do

Get on the water.

Austin is warm for a majority of the year, and the city is full of swimming holes and spots for paddling. Lady Bird Lake is great for kayaking, as there are numerous launch points and the calm waters give offer a relaxed ride as you float through the city. For boating, swimming, and water sports, Lake Travis and Lake Austin are both excellent options with stunning views of hilltop homes nearby. And for a lazy day of sunbathing or hanging with friends, there’s Barton Springs, a three-acre spring-fed pool in Zilker Park, and the Deep Eddy Pool, another spring-fed option.

See live music.

You can’t go to the Live Music Capital of the World and not see a show or two. Venues large and small across Austin offer live music sets every night of the week, from grunge and pop to electric, Tejano, and Texas country. Antone’s, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, is the place for blues, and the historic Paramount Theatre is an iconic venue for country, jazz, rock, and more. Mohawk is the place for indie, hip-hop, and metal, and the Carousel Lounge’s small stage continues to keep Austin weird.

Hit the trail.

Austinites are generally very active. There are many options for hitting the pavement, and you’ll see bikers, hikers, and runners buzzing about everywhere. The Barton Creek Greenbelt has 12 miles of trails through South Austin for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and swimming, and the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake welcomes cyclists, walkers, and runners with gorgeous skyline views. Cyclists and inline skaters love the Veloway, a three-mile pedestrian-free path, and the Violet Crown Trail runs 13 miles from Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Lo recommends a morning trek up Mount Bonnell for stunning views of Austin and surrounding Hill Country.

Go on an Austin food tour.

There’s so much good food to experience in Austin, so why not take a tour through the city to get your bearings? Secret Food Tours Austin takes you to sample breakfast tacos, barbecue, and more, and Austin Eats Food Tours gets boozy with breweries, cocktail bars, and brunch spots, among other offerings. The Twisted Texas Tour has a Brew Bus and a Brunch Bus, where you’ll traverse the city for craft beers and brunch while enjoying a concert on the road.

Explore South Congress Avenue.

Austin’s South Congress Avenue (SoCo) attracts a mix of visitors and locals who come for eclectic shopping, live music, and great restaurants. The historic Continental Club has seen the likes of Leon Bridges, Robert Plant, Gary Clark Jr., and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the always-photographed “I Love You So Much” mural is nearby. Food trucks and bars are abundant, and vintage shops and boutiques will keep you busy for hours.

Best Shopping

The Domain

The Domain is an outdoor shopping mall in North Austin full of mid-range to luxury stores, including big names such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Anthropologie, Rolex, and more. This is your stop for it all: clothing, decor, furniture, gifts, and baubles, as The Domain has more than 100 shopping and dining options.

Vintage

Austin is ripe with vintage shops that are full of clothing and fun decor to add to your wardrobe or home. Leopard Lounge has denim, statement T-shirts, and must-have boots, and Monkies Vintage & Thrift is near the UT campus with regular deals. Uncommon Objects is stocked with jewelry, taxidermy, fine china, and everything you never knew you needed, and Room Service Vintage has furniture, lighting, records, and clothing.

Allens Boots

Looking for your first pair of cowboy boots? Head to Allens Boots, which has been open on South Congress since 1977. In-store experts can help you find the right boots with a perfect fit, or you can customize a pair of your own, choosing the leather and heel and toe type. Ready-made options come in short or bootie styles to knee-high showstoppers in a rainbow of colors. “Allens has the largest selection and widest price range for those on a budget and those who want to splurge,” says Lo. “I’ve never been able to leave Allens without buying another pair of boots.”

Maufrais

Cowboy hats are the name of the game at Maufrais, where you can choose your style and have it shaped to your liking. Add on a hat band, pin, or feather to customize your new lid. Styles vary, meaning you can pick your player: coastal cowgirl, boho cowgirl, or rodeo queen, among others.

Nightlife

East Austin

East 6th Street may have the nickname “Dirty Sixth,” but you’ll find a wide range of bars to explore for a night out. Whisler’s is an award-winning cocktail bar with four seasonal menus a year, plus an all-mezcal bar upstairs. If you’re looking for a honky-tonk, head to The White Horse. Yellow Jacket Social Club is a tucked away dive with weekend brunch, and The Lucky Duck has a large patio and a food truck. Lo recommends a night out here, noting every bar has something to offer.

Downtown

Downtown is packed with elevated bars and beloved dives. Powder Room is an upscale cocktail bar with a no-phone policy—you check your mobile at the door so everyone can hang up and hang out. El Cockfight is a mezcal and tequila bar with a cool rooftop vibe. Near The Driskill, Here Nor There is a hidden-in-plain-sight speakeasy that requires reservations. Once you secure a spot, you’ll be sent a code to unlock the entrance.

South Congress

Near downtown, South Congress is where throngs of people congregate for shopping, music, dinner, and, of course, after-dinner drinks. Watertrade is an intimate Japanese-style cocktail bar with whiskies, sake, craft cocktails, and bar bites coming from the attached omakase-style Otoko. Equipment Room, inside Hotel Magdalena, has classic cocktails and a heavy focus on music, while June’s focuses on wine.

Best Restaurants

Fonda San Miguel

Fonda San Miguel is worth a visit simply because it’s one of Austin’s most beautiful restaurants. Step inside and find breathtaking chandeliers, leafy foliage at every turn, bold-colored walls studded with Mexican paintings, and hanging alebrijes—dreamscape figures that depict animals, objects, and imaginary creatures. Interior and coastal Mexican cuisine is the focus, with dishes stemming from Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz, and Yucatán. “I highly recommend the mango frozen margarita, whatever special they have that day for starters, and enchiladas de pato or camarones con chipotle,” says Lo. “Plan ahead and make a reservation, or go early enough and try your luck sitting in the bar area, which is a large, enclosed patio.”

Discada

Great tacos are plentiful in Austin, and pinning down the best might be tough. But what makes Discada stand out is its simplicity. Discada cooking is a northern Mexican technique, where ingredients are mixed together in a tractor plow disc before being piled into tacos. Here, the only choice you need to make is how many tacos you’d like. Your order comes with beef, pork, bell peppers, and onions slow cooked for six hours in the disc. Tacos are topped with onion, cilantro, pineapple, and salsa. Did we mention this spot is Michelin recommended?

Lenoir

Great for date night, Lenoir is a Michelin-recommended spot highlighting seasonal Texas ingredients. There’s a wine garden out back, and inside, bench and bar seating create an intimate yet contemporary feel. The crab fingers, served with curry leaf leche de tigre and smoked chili oil, are always a hit, as is the gigantic house-made bread with fermented pepper pimento cheese. Seasonal menu items rotate, so expect something new often.

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue

Much like tacos, craft barbecue is abundant in Austin, and you’ll find tasty bites across the city. However, LeRoy and Lewis takes the cake with one Michelin star. The “new-school barbecue” spot blends classic Texas barbecue with new-wave options, like flat iron beef paired with kale Caesar slaw and grain salad. Of course, the classic Texas barbecue items, like brisket and sausage, are a must, but you should also dabble with the beef cheeks, whole hog, frito pie, and chori-papas (chorizo, fried potatoes, cheese, and salsa).

Emmer & Rye

Winner of a Bib Gourmand and Green Star from Michelin, Emmer & Rye is a New American spot focusing on seasonal ingredients. They make their own pasta, bread, and desserts from heirloom grains, and an in-house fermentation program allows the team to preserve flavors and serve in the off season. The cacio e pepe is a fan favorite, made with Challerhocker Swiss cheese, and the pappardelle is served with a smoked wagyu beef ragu, crème fraîche, and Texas olive oil.

Best Time to Visit

The fall months (September to November) are great for visiting Austin, as temperatures are lower and the city’s big events are unfolding. Austin City Limits Music Festival takes place in October, as does the Austin Film Festival. The Austin Food & Wine Festival is held in November, and football season is also in full swing during autumn. Spring is also a great choice, as you’ll get blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures. In March, SXSW takes over the city, and in May, the chef-driven Hot Luck Live Food & Music festival draws crowds at various venues. The summer months bring temperatures in the triple digits and it can be dangerous if you’re outside for too long.

How to Get There

Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which will put you directly in the city. If you’re located in Texas already, a flight would be faster than driving, but since many Texans love a road trip, plan for at least a few hours to reach the city. Austin is about 200 miles south of Dallas, or 80 miles north of San Antonio.

If you’re based in Dallas-Fort Worth, you could also take a Vonlane bus straight into Austin. Vonlane is a luxury bus company with large reclining seats, an on-board attendant who serves complimentary drinks and snacks, free Wi-Fi, plenty of electrical outlets, and, depending on the time frame, an included meal with your ticket. Plus, there are no middle seats. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle train also stops in Austin on its journey from Chicago to San Antonio.

Neighborhoods to Visit 

South Austin

The vibe is a bit slower in South Austin, where you’ll find people idling away in Zilker Park, tossing around a frisbee, or enjoying a picnic. South Austin is also home to Barton Springs, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, and the Zilker Botanical Garden—all places where people spend a lazy afternoon with loved ones. Lots of long-standing shops and restaurants are found in South Austin as well, mixed in with newer spots that keep things fresh.

East Austin

East Austin is an up-and-coming area, as more bars and restaurants continue to open here constantly. There’s always a new shop, food truck, or restaurant that seemingly pops up overnight, meaning this neighborhood is a hot spot for trendy eats and buzzy nights.

Downtown Austin

It’s hard to miss the heart of the city, but you should give yourself some time to explore here. See the Texas State Capitol building or kayak along Lady Bird Lake. Live music venues like Antone’s and the Moody Theater are plentiful, as are murals, local shops, and restaurants.

South Congress

South Congress is never sleepy. Here, you’ll find funky shops and boutiques, buzzy coffee spots, cute cocktail bars, top-notch dining, and, of course, more live music. This area is pedestrian friendly, so spend some time browsing the shops or take in an afternoon on a shaded patio.

How to Get Around

You can rent a car at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, but parking in Austin can be troublesome and limited, especially during festivals and large events. Yes, there are parking garages and lots throughout the city, but finding alternate transportation is easier. Ride-share services are abundant throughout the city and are great for getting around.

Scooters are huge in Austin, and you’ll find various electric scooter stations from Lime, Bird, Lyft, and more throughout the city. Electric bikes via CapMetro are available to rent from more than 40 stations throughout the city, and there are other shops like Barton Springs Bike Rental that offer rentals, too.

Public transportation via CapMetro is also an option. CapMetro is a network of bus routes with 1,600 bus stops and 82 routes. The CapMetro app allows you to buy passes and check out routes. The CapMetro Rail system connects Austin on a 32-mile line from Leander, Texas to downtown Austin with nine stops in between.