An Insider's Guide to Austin, TX
Photo shot by Megan Reed
Austin has incredible energy. Foodies will love the Texas barbecue and innovative food trucks, while music fans will find tons of live performances every night of the week. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike scenic trails or boat on lakes. Wine lovers can explore the Texas countryside for its up-and-coming vineyard scene. And if you’re a sports fan, you can catch a Texas Longhorns football game or Formula 1 race.
Whether you're here for a festival, a business trip or just to explore, Austin is a mix of energy and laid-back charm. Read on to learn where to stay, what to see and where to eat.
Need to know
Austin is a friendly, laid-back city that is generally safe. In busy nightlife areas, it’s always best to keep valuables secure. Tap water is safe to drink and healthcare facilities are easily accessible. Tipping 20% at restaurants and bars is standard — be sure to have cash on hand to tip live performers when a venue passes the hat.
Airports: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is just 15 minutes from downtown. Regularly scheduled flights to domestic and international destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City and London are readily available.
Transportation: Uber, Lyft and airport shuttles are quick and convenient options to hotels and downtown. To explore beyond the city limits, especially the Texas Hill Country, consider renting a car. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, try out a Waymo! Waymo’s are self-driving automated cars that you can requests using the Uber app.
Best time to visit: Austin is a year-round destination, but spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit. Expect mild temperatures for outdoor activities, al fresco dining and exploring the area. The summer months (June to August) can be extremely hot, so stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and take air-conditioned breaks. Be mindful of major festivals like SXSW, Austin City Limits and big sporting events (Longhorns, University of Texas, F1). They bring high prices, packed venues and limited reservations.
Ideal length of stay: Spend three nights in Austin to enjoy the music, food and outdoor scene. Extend your trip for a couple nights in the Hill Country for spa, wineries and natural hot springs.
Signature dishes: brisket (smoked low and slow; Austin’s brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender), breakfast tacos (morning staple packed with eggs, cheese and fillings like chorizo or migas), queso (cheese dip spiked with peppers and served with tortilla chips), Tex-Mex enchiladas (rolled tortillas stuffed with cheese, meat or veggies, smothered in chili sauce), kolaches (pillowy pastries filled with sweet jams or savory sausage and cheese, a nod to Texas’ Czech heritage), chicken-fried steak (battered and fried beef steak served with gravy) and pecan pie (Texas’ signature dessert — a buttery, caramelized pecan filling in a flaky crust).
What to wear: Austin’s style is effortlessly cool and laid-back. During the day, jeans, shorts or breezy dresses with sneakers or cowboy boots are perfect. For a night out, try darker jeans, stylish tops and polished boots or sneakers. If you’re headed to a honky-tonk spot like Broken Spoke, try denim, plaid and a belt buckle.
Photo shot by Megan Reed
Where to stay
Each neighborhood in Austin has a unique vibe. Downtown and South Congress put you at the center of Austin’s music, nightlife and dining scenes. Stay near Lady Bird Lake or Barton Springs for easy access to paddleboarding, kayaking and scenic trails. East Austin and Rainey Street are best for craft cocktail bars, food trucks and nightlife. For a more upscale stay, and access to Q2 Stadium for Austin FC soccer games, head to The Domain and North Austin.
Austin Proper Hotel: This modern downtown retreat is accessibility-friendly and perfect for travelers wanting a taste of Austin’s creative energy. Artfully curated rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s a scenic rooftop pool and bar, plus a holistic spa on site.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection: This high-end historic estate is secluded on 10 acres, with spacious contemporary rooms, an indoor / outdoor spa and delicious dining in a resort-style setting. It’s hugely popular for events, just minutes from downtown Austin.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The LINE Austin: A vibrant hideaway overlooking Lady Bird Lake, mixing downtown Austin’s artistic energy with laid-back luxury. Rooms and suites offer floor-to-ceiling views, while the hotel features an infinity pool and a rooftop lounge. It’s also accessibility-friendly.
Fora Reserve perks include a $50 food & beverage credit and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Magdalena: Charming and laid-back, this boutique hotel in South Congress is distinctly Austin. Creatives and friend groups will especially love the mid-century design elements, laid-back pool area and green courtyards.
Fora’s Standard’s Secret Agent partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Image courtesy of Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
Activities
Live music, nightlife, outdoors and cultural experiences define Austin. Catch a show at an iconic venue, unwind with craft cocktails or explore the thriving arts scene. Cool off in a spring-fed pool or take a scenic hike. No matter the interests, there’s plenty to do in and around Austin.
Music: Experience Austin’s live music scene with a show at the historic Paramount Theatre. For more intimate performances, check out ACL Live at The Moody Theater. And for an LGBTQIA+ Owned and Operated venue, check out Cheer Up Charlies!
Nightlife: For a local vibe, dance the night away at The White Horse (arrive early for a two-step lesson). Enjoy craft cocktails at the Midnight Cowboy speakeasy. Dive into the city’s underground, eclectic music scene with an immersive performance at Elysium.
Arts and culture: Check out the city’s creative energy with exhibitions at The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center. Explore more modern artworks at West Chelsea Contemporary.
Nature getaways: Beat the Texas heat with a dip in the springs-fed Barton Springs Pool. Take a clear kayak tour on Ladybird Lake with Get Up and Go Kayaks. For a more secluded escape, hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt to find hidden swimming holes and limestone cliffs.
Relaxation: Indulge in a private soak at Austin’s natural hot springs, in Hill Country, or treat yourself to a luxurious spa day at Lake Austin Spa Resort, a tranquil waterfront haven offering world-class wellness treatments.
Shopping: For some Texas style, head to South Congress Avenue to pick up handcrafted boots at Heritage Boot, customized hats at Maufrais, or high-end outdoor gear at the YETI flagship store.
Photo shot by Megan Reed
Add-on destinations
Austin is an incredible destination on its own, but it’s so central you can easily add a day trip or weekend getaway. These add-ons are perfect whether you're craving outdoor adventure, world-class BBQ or small-town charm.
Hill Country hiking and swimming holes (30–45 minutes away): Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature at McKinney Falls State Park or Pedernales Falls State Park. Both have scenic trails, waterfalls and natural swimming holes (favorites include Hamilton Pool Preserve and Jacob’s Well).
Lockhart (40 minutes away): Lockhart is a must for BBQ lovers. Home to legendary smokehouses like Kreuz Market, Black’s Barbecue and Smitty’s Market, you’ll find some of the best brisket and ribs in Texas here.
Fredericksburg (1.5 hours away): This charming, German-influenced town has over 100 wineries. You’ll love all the boutiques and restaurants, too. Stay at the stylish Albert Hotel, sip bourbon at Garrison Brothers Distillery or enjoy a pint at Altstadt Brewery. Visit in the fall for Oktoberfest celebrations.
Round Top (1.5 hours away): Design lovers flock to this tiny town, famous for its eponymous antiques fair. For a unique stay, book a weekend at the colorful, artsy Rancho Pillow, perfect for getaways or group buyouts.
San Antonio (1.5 hours away): Rich in history and culture, San Antonio is home to The Alamo, the scenic River Walk and the trendy Pearl District. Stay in style at Hotel Emma or Hotel Havana.
Waco (1.5 hours away): A must-visit for fans of Chip and Joanna Gaines, Waco is home to Magnolia Market, the Dr Pepper Museum and the beloved Magnolia Table restaurant.
Houston (2.5 hours away): A bustling metropolis known for NASA’s Space Center, world-class museums and an acclaimed food scene. Wander through the hip Montrose district for boutique shopping and unique cafés.
Dallas (3 hours away): Explore the Dallas Arts District, learn history at the Sixth Floor Museum and do some high-end shopping at Highland Park Village.
Marfa (6.5 hours away): A remote arts hub famous for Prada Marfa, The Chinati Foundation and the eerie Marfa Lights. Stay in style at El Cosmico or the unique Hotel Saint George.
Explore Ranches (Exclusive Texas Ranch Stays): Explore Ranches offers exclusive stays at private Texas ranches — perfect for reconnecting with nature in an unforgettable setting.
Image courtesy of Hotel Emma
