Austin, TX
Run & Play
Take in all the downtown views by going for a walk or run on Lady Bird Lake. So many of the downtown spots cater to visitors, so there is no shortage of rooftop bars, hangouts with live music, and fun games to play while you visit.
Eat
Austin truly has some of the best food in the country. Each neighborhood has a different set of restaurants and activities so you can’t go wrong no matter where you turn.
Stay
I’ve linked Hotel recommendations below, but I would try to find an airbnb as your first choice, since hotels are rather pricy. Staying in the South Congress area (SoCo) is perfect because it’s very walkable, or electric scootable if you’re into that, especially if the weather is nice. If you stay further away from the city (think: North Lamar, Domain, Mueller, Lake Travis) you’ll need to rely heavily on four wheeled transportation.
Hotels
South Congress Hotel
This spot is great for groups, and 10/10 for location. They even have a bunk room with four queen-sized beds.
Also in SoCo, the Austin Motel has a super cute pool to lounge by. You can quickly get to any of the fun neighborhoods and be able to enjoy all Austin has to offer.
Archer— Domain Northside
The Domain is definitely further North than I would recommend staying, but if you do need to be removed from the city, this is the best spot to be. The Archer has everything you could need, and the Domain is a super cool area with many restaurants and bars that you can also find Downtown. The Archer also has some fun itinerary guides based on your needs. Your visit could include Top Golf, shopping trip to Nordstrom, Sway, Second Bar + Kitchen, Velvet Taco, and some brick and mortar versions of some of the best online retailers.
*The Domain and Domain Northside are separate. Close by, but separate. Stick to the Domain Northside is my suggestion.
Austin by Neighborhood
SoCo and Bouldin Creek
South Congress is the perfect place to spend the day. You can grab coffee at Joe’s, check out the I Love You So Much mural, take a walk along Lady Bird Lake. People watch with a spritzer and ceviche on the patio at Perla’s, shop at Parts & Labour, byGeorge., and browse South Congress Books.
Next, sit by the pool at the SoCo Hotel with a frose. Take a walk through Bouldin Creek and play BYOB putt putt at Peter Pan Mini Golf. Finally, walk over to Sway for the most delicious, Thai food in Texas. If you arrive for breakfast, check out Bouldin Creek cafe for delicious vegan and gluten free options everyone will love.
Westfield-ish.
Start the day out by grabbing coffee at Mozart’s, then walk up to Mount Bonnell, explore the outdoor art sculptures at The Contemporary Austin— Laguna Gloria (tip: you can use your entrance ticket at their downtown location, too) then grab lunch at Pool Burger or enjoy a plant based brunch at Beer Plant. If it’s a Sunday afternoon, you’ll want to head to the Little Longhorn Saloon for Chicken Shit Bingo. Really. Then walk over to the Peached Tortilla for a drink, Uber to drink.well. for after dinner drinks and then make your way to Foreign & Domestic or Uchiko for dinner.
Cherrywood & East ATX
Check out all the breweries, all the food and all the little shops. Don’t skip anything :-) Haymaker is the best spot to watch sports, School House Pub is great after work, don’t skip Zilker Brewing Company or Lazarus Brewing Co.
Downtown
Make reservations at Midnight Cowboy Modeling Company, a former brothel, now speakeasy. Head Upstairs at Caroline for games and drinks, and finally enjoy dinner at Second Bar + Kitchen (raw kale salad is to die for, I miss it every day). For a more casual vibe, check out Irene’s, or shoot a fire in the hole at Ranch 616.
Rainey Street
This former neighborhood converted older homes into themed bars. Start with one of the most praised meals in Austin at Emmer & Rye, or a spicier meal at G’Raj Mahal before heading to Lucille for cocktails and mini donuts, Banger’s Sausage House for beer, Clive Bar and finally the Container Bar. If you can, grab some pastries at Easy Tiger to soak up the beer.
If you’re able to visit during SXSW (just “South By”) check out Rainey Street during this time. The bars are taken over by different companies for pop-up shops and super fun, interactive experiences. I was able to join the Lululemon team for a group run and then a multi-sensory yoga class and enhanced meditation at the Sweatlife House.
Breakfast / Lunch / Brunch
Holly Roller
You should probably get the trash fries.
Elizabeth Street Cafe
French breakfast, Vietnamese lunch
Picnik
Best salad in the whole wide world. Best Bulletproof Coffee in ATX. Amazing gauc with crudite.
Counter Culture
Cozy spot for vegan breakfast.
Fareground
A super chic food hall downtown where you can try all of Austin’s greatest!
Launderette
One of my go-to’s for sitting on the patio sipping cocktails
Juliette
When you’re craving Italian for brunch.
Flower Child
Quick, easy, healthy. And the olive oil lemon cupcakes are the most perfect treat!
Happy Hour / Dinner
Old Thousand
Phenomenal Chinese food with a Texas twist.
Bar Peached
Sister to restaurant Peached Tortilla, this neighborhood spot is delicious.
Suerte
James Beard semifinalist, one of the best Tex Mex meals you’ll ever have.
Grizzelda’s
TexMex with a stylish aesthetic. I usually take folks as soon as I pick them up for the airport.
El Alma
Sit on the roof top deck and order the margaritas, you won’t regret it.
The Peacock Mediterranean
Combining North Africa, Israel, Greece and Lebanon into a chic bar and grill.
Live Oak Brewery
Known for their hefeweizen, this brewery is the best spot to wait for friends arriving from the airport.
Odd Duck
Farm to table and amazing.
Bonus: Hill Country Wine Tour
If you have an extended amount of time in Austin or have visited before and had your fair share of the city, a Hill Country Wine Tour is a fantastic enhancement to your trip. There are quite a few tour companies, but I highly recommend Reserve Tours. The team there (I worked with Austin D.) was incredibly helpful and flexible. While this isn’t generally included, they arranged for our large group to be picked up at our hotel (The Archer Domain) and then brought us back at the end of the day. Our guide was just incredible, and we stopped at the most beautiful vineyards and had a blast on the bus.
