AUSTIN TRAVEL GUIDE

The Capitol of Texas is known for a few things: bats, tacos, and live music. However, this city is so much more than legendary BBQ and food trucks. Austin is experiencing a building boom, and is one of the fastest growing cities in the country; with plans for the “largest neighborhood of 3-D printed homes” alongside rapid skyscraper development. Austin provides travelers plenty of new hot spots to explore along with classics to visit. 

Home to some very famous festivals such as South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, my week in Austin included a Formula1 Race, Tex-Mex, and plenty of Craft Breweries. I attempted to discover Austin’s Weirdness… but just got lost somewhere between Mezcal cocktails, breakfast tacos and bicycle rides.

MUST SEE (Top Recommendations for First Time Visits) 

• EXPLORE SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE

  One of the coolest streets in Austin. Full of restaurants, shopping and music venues, any visitor must take some time to explore this street.

• MURAL HUNTING  

  • Greetings from Austin Mural- 1720 S. First Street Austin, TX 78704

  • “I love you so much” Mural - 1300 S. Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704

  • Love From Austin – 1912 South Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704

• TEXAS STATE CAPITOL

  This prominent piece of Architecture stands tall over the city. With  free tours, take a walk around the neo-renaissance building and peek into state chambers. 

• HISTORIC PARAMOUNT THEATRE

  Opened its doors in 1915 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This historically preserved theater shines bright along Congress Ave and hosts many notable performers. 

• THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN (Jones Center)

  This building is one of my favorites from LTL (Lewis.Tsurumaki.Lewis) Architects. (I was obsessed with the design firm when I was in architecture school.) The building shows age, but it still strikes a cord with any design enthusiast. You can not miss the newly added text along the roof terrace, but make sure to check out the monumental stair and the uniquely spaced glass blocks on the building façade. 

• CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

  Designed by Austin-based Miró Rivera Architects, this world class motorsports venue was inspired by performance race cars. The F1- United States Grand Prix was such an amazing experience!

• LADY BIRD LAKE

  Walk or Cycle along the boardwalk and trail, it has some amazing views of the downtown skyline. 

EAT + DRINK 

• The Meteor

  This cafe/restaurant/bike shop was a true surprise! With a significant natural wine selection and large picnic tables in a “backyard” patio, we ended up spending an afternoon tasting and ultimately purchasing a few bottles of orange wine! 

• Güero’s Taco Bar & Outdoor Patio

  Our first night we stopped here for some amazing Tex-Mex and live music.

• Torchy’s Tacos

  A classic staple in Austin and home to some of the best queso you will ever taste. 

• Jo’s Coffee

  Plan for a breakfast taco and coffee at the Original location on South Congress. With the “I Love You So Much” mural, there is always a line/queue but it moves fast and it's worth waiting for. 

• Homeslice Pizza

  After walking past this pizza restaurant on South Congress multiple times, the smell of melted cheese finally broke us- and we had to try a slice! Arguably the Best Pizza in Austin.  

• ABA Restaurant

  Another beautiful SoCo restaurant with a striking patio covered by old trees. This restaurant serves classic Mediterranean mezza paired with beautiful cocktails. 

• Café  No Sé

  Located below the South Congress Hotel, this restaurant served a perfect dinner alongside beautifully curated interiors. I would recommend reservations! 

• Gordough’s Big. Fat. Donuts.

  Served up from a vintage airstream, these donuts are always topped with extra flavor. It just doesn't get more Austin than this! 

• Cafe Medici

  Grab a cup of coffee and explore and support Austin’s creative class at Springdale General. This campus of 10 buildings, is a “community of makers and creatives” and this coffee shop and roastery is an anchor tenant.  Architect Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.

• Flat Track Coffee  

  This small coffee/ bicycle shop makes one of the best almond milk lattes I have ever tasted. It’s a true local stop. 

• Blue Owl Brewing

  Serving Sour Beer or Seltzers, it is a perfect pit stop in an otherwise residential area. 

• Two Hands

  We had drinks on their outside patio, but this is also a charming spot for breakfast or brunch. 

• Joann’s Fine Foods

  This restaurant adjacent to the Austin Motel serves all-day tex mex. 

• Hotel San Jose

  This beautiful hotel bar and patio is an intimate spot for a nightcap. 

• Terry Black’s Barbecue

  “Line up early for Barbecue.” We went at 10:30 AM and were not the first in line. BBQ for brunch. 

• Hold Out Brewing

  A nice craft brewery tucked away off West 6th Street. The beer was great and the food was unexpected. 

GETTING AROUND (Transportation)

• B-CYCLE

  This city is very bikeable and with electric BCycle stations throughout the city,  it really was my favorite way to experience areas beyond South Congress! Download the BCycle app or use the kiosks and pay-as-you ride. Super easy! Just remember to return the cycle to a dock. 

• CAR RENTAL

  Depending on where you want to venture, you may want to rent a car as the city is a sprawling metropolis. . 

• SCOOTERS (LIME/ Bird)

  If you are going shorter distances, hop on a scooter. There are plenty around South Congress. Download the app, scan the barcode and pay. Just note, Don't drink and scoot. Obey traffic laws and treat scooters like riding a bicycle!! 

SHOPPING on SoCo (South Congress) 

• Maufrais 1512 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

• Allen’s Boots 1522 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

• Feather's Boutique Vintage 1700 B South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

• Parts & Labour 1704 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

• Revival Cycles 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

• Neighborhood Goods 1007 S Congress Ave Unit 120, Austin, TX 78704

SLEEP_ Where to Stay in Austin?

• Austin Motel

  This classic, uniquely American retro motel has had a prime location on South Congress for more than 83 years. With modern day artful design incorporated by designer and hotelier Liz Lambert. The boutique hotel is covered in vintage paraphernalia and highlights its original architecture, like the kidney-shaped pool overlooking Gensler’s office. This older motel offers character and a unique experience not to be missed. 

• The Driskill Hotel

  Off 6th Street in Downtown, this hotel is Austin’s oldest operating hotel. Its architecture, a grand Romanesque Revival building, dates back to the 1880s. If you can not stay at the hotel, check out the beautiful lobby, and have a drink at the famous bar. 

• Hotel Magdalena

  Designed by Lake|Flato, this new modern hotel right off South Congress is perfectly situated and great to walk to plenty of shopping and dining. 

A few additional hotels (I have not stayed at...but want to!) 

• Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt

• South Congress Hotel

• The Line Hotel

ON MY NEXT VISIT Further Explore Austin!

• South Congress Cafe

  During our trip it was closed for renovations! Nevertheless, this restaurant was recommended as a “must stop” and I plan on returning!

• June’s All Day

  Looked like a perfect place for a glass of wine (The owner is a Master sommelier!) and plenty of side-walk seating. 

• Veracruz Tacos

  Allegedly some of the best tacos in Austin. (We were told it would be an hour wait for our food, so we opted for something faster- BUT I want to go back!)

• Explore Rainey Street  

  This street is tucked away in between downtown and the river. Full of outdoor patios with festoon string lights, food trucks and converted bungalow-style bars, this area has all the charm.  (I wanted to try The Tipsy Alchemist, Craft Pride, and Emmer & Rye).

• Live Music on South Congress

  Snag a ticket to The Continental Club. From traditional Blues to Rock and Roll, grab a ticket ahead of time. 

• Watch for Bats on South Congress Bridge

  Mexican Free-Tailed bats take to the sky every night at sunset (from Spring/March to Fall/October). This is a classic city experience. 

• Go out on 6th Street

  This downtown district is lined with dive bars, restaurants, and people ready to party! 

• Paddleboard

  Austin’s Lady Bird Lake allows for a beautiful city skyline. 

• Visit Barton Springs Pool

  This man-made recreational outdoor swimming pool is filled with nearby natural springs. If you are visiting during summer, plan for a swim

• Blanton Museum of Art

  This Museum houses the notable Ellsworth Kelly permanent Exhibit/Building Temple for Light, and I am SO EXCITED to see the Snøhetta plans for a canopy and patio come to life!

• LBJ Presidential Library

  Designed by SOM, the dramatic archives are worth a visit! 

• Green Pastures

  This historic South Austin Farm house was built in 1916 and transitioned into a restaurant in 1946. Today, the legendary homestead is a restaurant and event space. Just need to make reservations!  

• Uncommon Objects

  Explore a multi vendor emporium for a unique souvenir. 

This city, while uniquely Texan, is authentically progressive and is an extraordinary destination to add to your USA bucket list