Where to stay in Austin right now, according to a local expert

The first stop for a powerhouse weekend of fun, downtown Austin is where you’ll find bustling activity day and night. From the most romantic restaurants to eclectic sightseeing tours, the downtown core is compact enough for walking yet has no shortage of must-dos. Take a museum stroll early in the day, dine your way around town and then be entertained at one of Austin's many comedy shows and live music venues before hitting up the downtown nightlife. 

EAT

Fareground Food Hall

You know those giant platters that make life easier for the indecisive? That is Fareground in a nutshell. Austin’s first food hall, located at One Eleven Congress, carries the best of the city under one roof so you can food-hop for your starter, main, side and dessert. Our top picks: Taco Pegaso for chips and queso, Austin Rôtisserie for rotisserie chicken and Four Brothers for Venezuelan Arepas. Two on-site bars provide liquid refreshments.

DRINK

The Driskill Bar

A legendary watering hole in one of the state’s oldest and grandest hotels, having a drink at the Driskill is a time-honored tradition. Go here and imagine the earliest days of Austin, progressing to the era of Lyndon B. Johnson’s first dates with Lady Bird. A variety of classic cocktails like a menu of Old Fashioneds, Sazerac and a drink named for Lady Bird just feel a bit more elegant in these stately environs.

DO

Paramount Theatre

As the Live Music Capital of Texas, Austin knows how to put on a show. The Paramount Theatre is Downtown’s most important stage for music, comedy, screenings, musicals, talks, drag performances and more. Opened in 1915, it is the oldest theater in Austin, with legends, such as Miles Davis and Dr. Maya Angelou, having graced the auditorium. Peruse their events calendar for your evening entertainment.

STAY

Fairmont Austin

This hotel has become as famous as the Texas State Capitol when it comes to social media’s most recognized downtown Austin landmark, and it's not just the all-glass outside that catches the light. Towering rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of social spaces you won't want to miss. The rooftop pool is the largest downtown, lined with palm trees and a very celebratory crowd, and downstairs, you'll find the acclaimed restaurant Garrison, famed for cooking Austin’s best steak.

If you do just one thing…

Duck into the Texas State Capitol, if only for a peek at the beautiful building (it is actually taller than our nation's capitol). Free daily tours are available, too.

There is an amazing range of diversity in East Austin. For starters, you’ll find old-school dive bars in harmony with the best cocktails in town. Plus, this artsy hub has an abundance of galleries, colorful street art, independent stores, taquerias and juice bars.

EAT

Old Thousand

There could be a thousand things Austinites love about Old Thousand, but just one is enough: they make the greatest Xiao Mian noodles and egg rolls in the state (sorry, Houston). The hangout fuses Chinese and Texan charm, which makes for a tremendous night out, and they cater to veggie friends (Kung Pao brussels? Yes, please) while also serving a killer cocktail program. 

DRINK

Whisler's

This iconic spot boasts exposed stone walls lit by flickering candles. Led by veteran Austin bartender Scranton Twohey, it is the perfect place to wet your Whisler (ahem). In addition to the main inside bar and a large open patio, you'll find Mezcaleria Tobala upstairs—an intimate venue styled after the traditional Oaxacan mezcal bar.

DO

Black Austin Tours

Learn more about Austin’s African American population and their contributions to the city’s vibrant music and dining scenes as you take a walking tour of some notable sites like the Masonic Lodge and stops along the Chitlin’ Circuit, learning about personalities such as Mahala Murchison, the first known African American to live in Austin and Mary Elizabeth Branch, the first Black woman to become president of an accredited college in Texas.

STAY

ARRIVE Austin

ARRIVE Austin makes a great first impression. Your check-in experience includes saddling up to the bar for a welcome drink and snack—on the house. There is an industrial-chic vibe here with polished marble that contrasts with concrete, airy windows alongside a wooden bar, and it's just the right balance between luxury and casual. Choose your fix between the on-site tapas bar Kalimotxo, Lefty’s Brick Bar, or Natuur for smoothie bowls, offering snacks and libations to fuel the perfect stay.

If you do just one thing…

Get down to the White Horse Saloon honky tonk. This joint is frequented by a mix of people unafraid to get up close and personal during a two-step class on Friday and Saturday nights.

Just across the river from downtown sits South Congress, a go-to destination even among locals. You’ll find funky boutiques and taco bars lining active streets alongside some of Austin’s most popular cafes. From March to November, the Congress Avenue bridge draws visitors to this part of town, hoping to see around 1.5 million bats take part in a nightly migration.

EAT

Nômadé

Veer off the main drag, a few streets over to South First, and you’ll stumble upon this Mexican restaurant focused on Yucatán cuisine. Nômadé restaurant has a verdant jungle garden dotted with romantic candlelit tables, and here, patrons dine on fresh seafood washed down with Agave-based cocktails. It’s a date night dream come sunset.

DRINK

Watertrade

South Congress Japanese restaurant Otoko has a trick up its sleeve: a sexy little speakeasy-style cocktail bar. Watertrade has a huge range of Japanese whiskies and sake, which can be crafted into delicious cocktails together with seasonal ingredients. A limited izakaya-inspired menu offers bites from the kitchen to accompany your pours.

DO

The Continental Club

The Continental Club opened its doors in 1955 on South Congress Avenue and has since hosted the likes of Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Wanda Jackson and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons—up to standard for a place that regularly billed the likes of Double Trouble, Paul Ray & the Cobras and Joe Ely back in the 1970s and ’80s. It’s a tiny stage in a small room, but the performances in front of the iconic red curtain make this the top spot for live music in SoCo.

STAY 

Colton House Hotel

Since opening on SoCo, this residential-style boutique hotel has been all the rage. Interiors are designed by award-winning Austinite Patrice Rios, who splashes Texan charm with chic style for an elevated home-away-from-home experience. There are just 79 rooms—all of which are suites—that contain anything from kitchenettes or kitchens to dining spaces, large living rooms and even washers and dryers. Social spaces include an outdoor hangout designed around three 80-year-old heritage oak trees, an open area to play bocce ball, croquet and lawn bowling with a heated outdoor swimming pool and Simona’s, a coffee and cocktail bar.

If you do just one thing…

Time your visit to a Candlelight Concert at some of Austin’s most beautiful and historic houses. Check Fever for a calendar of events that take place here, as well as AFS (North Loop) and The Mansion (Mueller).

Just 10 miles north of downtown, North Loop is a relaxed neighborhood with one-of-a-kind cafes and shops. Vintage collectors will lose track of time at five popular resale shops that neighbor one another and sell selections of vinyl, fashion and home decor. The Bohemian vibe around this northern nook makes it a perfect casual spot for visitors and locals alike.  

EAT

Foreign & Domestic

The small North Loop restaurant is a coveted spot for casual gatherings and Sunday brunch. On the weekend, treat yourself to comfort food like fried chicken biscuits or a cast iron frittata. During evening outings, grab friends and sample a tasting menu, or dig into entrees like leek risotto. 

DRINK

Workhorse Bar

If you're a jukebox fanatic, Workhorse Bar is right up your alley. This dive bar has a killer selection of music in addition to its comfort food-driven menu. Aim for the mac and cheese, hefty burgers, wings and an oozing grilled cheese sandwich that will coat your stomach while knocking back a few beers—which you should definitely do, as the beer selection here is solid.

DO

AFS Cinema

Academy Award winner Richard Linklater has plenty of projects to his name, but the Austin Film Society is a particularly important endeavor. Founded by Linklater in 1985, AFS supports independent filmmakers from Texas and brings the world of cinema to Austin. Choose between flicks showing on two screens, both with fantastic sound systems. Don’t miss the film memorabilia store, too.

STAY

Commodore Perry

Treat yourself to a stay at this two Michelin Key property (currently one of only three in Texas) and enjoy beautiful views of this romantic estate setting tucked away from the city. The hotel features daily activities, from chef-prepared picnics to en plein aire painting classes and lobby wine tastings. Linger over a meal at the on-site restaurant, Lutie’s, to immerse yourself in true elegance.

If you do just one thing…

Fill out your record collection at Breakaway Records. The owners have built a loyal following thanks to their role DJing at long-time local venues. This is a great spot to up your cool factor while discovering a new gem in a tried-and-true format.

If North Austin is Austin’s commercial hub, South Austin, the region south of the Colorado River including the eclectic South Lamar District, feels a bit more funky. In among quiet neighborhoods you’ll find funky watering holes, vintage shops and casual restaurants with sprawling outdoor spaces ideal for losing track of time. This region includes favorite stops like Barton Springs and Zilker Park. It’s a quick jaunt from the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, the Long Center for the Performing Arts and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Want to explore a lively area at night? Head across the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, and you'll be smack dab in the middle of the bustling West 6th district for boutique shopping, upscale dining and beloved, casual pubs.

EAT

Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar

Loro is the much loved byproduct of the union of Aaron Franklin’s renowned Franklin Barbecue and Tyson Cole’s Uchi, which consistently takes a place at the top of Austin sushi lists. The result is bursting-with-flavor ramen, rice bowls topped with barbecue delicacies, bun-bursting burgers and more.

DRINK

The Little Darlin’

Casual and unassuming, the Little Darlin’ is classic Austin—what most folks think of when they imagine an old school Austin watering hole. Belly up to the bar or stake your claim to a spot on the spacious outdoor patio for lunch, dinner, late-night snacks and drinks and weekend brunch. Cocktails go a little more complex than the average dive bar, from blackberry peach bourbon lemonade to pineapple jalapeno margaritas and strawberry chili mango mules.

DO

ZACH Theatre

ZACH, a local non-profit, creates intimate theater experiences that ignite the imagination, inspire the spirit and engage the community. Here, the city's finest performing arts talent performs musicals and plays like Into "The Little Mermaid" and "A Christmas Carol." The presentation is unlike anything on Broadway or the West End.

STAY

Carpenter Hotel

Few hotels captivate the offbeat yet easygoing swagger of South Lamar the way the Carpenter Hotel does. Originally a 1948 meeting hall for the local carpenters’ union, the hotel embraces its midcentury roots with exposed brick and polished concrete floors. Not to be missed: a trip to the Coffee Bar in the morning for a Ladybird Latte, delicately flavored with hints of orange blossom and rosemary.

If you do just one thing…

Take in a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, an excellent iteration of this popular chain where you can order food (plus boozy milkshakes!) from your seat while watching a film.

Driving over the Austin 360 Bridge, also known as the Pennybacker Bridge, on the way to West Lake Hills gives way to some of the most stunning views in Central Texas. With rugged cliffs overlooking the Colorado River, this is an ideal area for outdoor recreation: hiking, boating and relaxing over lunch at a picturesque outdoor restaurant patio.

EAT

sway

For Thai cuisine in chic Austin environs, head to sway. The two-level restaurant features wood-paneled walls with communal dining on the first level, along with a spacious rooftop bar and plenty of outdoor seating when the weather is nice. In April, the restaurant celebrates the Thai New Year festival of Songkran with special dishes and drinks such as drunken noodles, stuffed sea bass and shaved ice.

DRINK

The Wayback

Tucked outside the city in the live oak tree-shaded countryside along Bee Caves Road, The Wayback is a charming collection of cottages for overnight guests, along with a boutique cafe serving lunch and dinner between Wednesday and Friday, as well as breakfast on weekends. Head here for an espresso martini or a watermelon margarita and drink in the tranquil views.

DO

Take in the sunset views or the afternoon breezes in your hair with a cruise, starting under the Pennybacker Bridge and cruising along to Lake Austin. There are several operators that offer these cruises. One popular option is to take the Ski Shores Cafe boat shuttle, a 20-minute ride with a stop at this long-time lakeside bar/restaurant featuring live music and good times.

STAY

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

Set on 4,000 acres of rolling hills just 20 minutes from downtown Austin, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa has a little something for everyone, including four 18-hole golf courses, on-site dining and supervised kids’ activities throughout the year. Blind Salamander features fresh seafood and steak dishes with a picturesque view of the surrounding countryside.

If you do just one thing…

There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in this area, but if you can venture a little farther, head to two jewels of Central Texas: Westcave Preserve or Hamilton Pool, located 25 miles west of the area. Make advanced reservations for a guided hike into the magical, moss-lined grotto and waterfall at Westcave Preserve, which feels like escaping to a different world.

“North Austin” encompasses a large swath of northern neighborhoods like Allandale, Crestview and Mueller, plus popular shopping districts like the Arboretum and The Domain. Here you’ll find everything, from some of the city’s most delectable restaurants to walkable outdoor shopping areas with luxury brands and boutiques.

EAT

Barley Swine

One-star Michelin restaurant Barley Swine in the Allandale neighborhood is a must-do Austin experience for any self-respecting foodie. Make reservations for a seasonal tasting menu, each course crafted using fresh and local ingredients procured from area farms, like a journey through central Texas terroir. An optional add-on wine pairing is also available. 

DRINK

Veracruz Fonda and Bar

Starting from humbling beginnings as a food truck, Veracruz has been a beloved Austin tradition for tacos for many years. Having opened in 2023, this Mueller district restaurant straddles the line between artsy and homey. The menu includes traditional Veracruz favorites, as well as dishes representing other Mexican regions. Order up one of the specialty cocktails like the Muellerita, which is made with Arrete tequila and orange liquor; or an ATX Mezcalita, prepared with Mezcal and Peruvian Chicha Morada.

STAY

Lone Star Court

Nestled amongst the big chain stores of The Domain, Lone Star Court feels like an authentic, come-as-you-are kind of overnight stay that embraces the best of Austin’s friendly vibes. Swim in the outdoor pool, sit by the outdoor fire and say “Howdy” to a neighbor on one of the rocking chairs lining the porches. 

If you do just one thing…

Go off the beaten path and discover one of the great hiking trails in this region. Walnut Creek Park is a great option for getting a taste of what this region of Texas has to offer, miles away from the skyscrapers. And if it’s soccer season, grab tickets for a game at Q2 Stadium, home of the Austin FC.