Austin, Texas (Tory Wortham)

• More about your oliver guide: Tory Wortham
• Trip type: Adult, City
• Activity level: easy
• Ideal length of trip: 3 NIGHTS

to & from

Southwest & American Airlines have the most flights to and from Austin.

Where to Stay

• New Austin: W, Hotel Van Zandt, JW Marriott, Fairmont (Opening Aug 2017)
• Boutique Hotels: Hotel Ella, Hotel St. Cecilia, South Congress Hotel
• Old Austin: Driskill, Stephen F. Austin

Where to Eat and Drink

• Uchi or Uchiko – argued to be the best sushi in the US, trust the server to order for you
• 2nd Bar + Kitchen – yummy small plates to share, crafted cocktails
• Fonda San Miguel – amazing interior Mexican food, you feel like you are in Mexico City
• Hula Hut on Lake Austin – casual Mexican, don’t miss the chips and queso
• Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar – sit outside below the enormous oak trees
• Taco Deli – delicious breakfast & lunch tacos, not open for dinner
• Food Trucks – South Austin Trailer Park and Eatery, Picnic on Barton Springs
• Red Ash – Downtown classic Italian
• Kuneho – Paul Qui “Top Chef” new Japanese restaurant
• Jeffrey’s (refined dining) and Josephine House (more casual sister restaurant) – both are delicious, cozy atmosphere, higher end
• Franklin BBQ – if you are willing to wait an hour our two!
• East Side King Thai Kun – Thai inspired dishes, warning “mild” is still hot
• Launderette – neighborhood café, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine

What to Do

• Visit Zilker Botanical Garden. You could spend 1/2 day exploring the different gardens. Don't miss the incredible Japanese Gardens.
• See live music at the ACL Moody Theater.
• Shop on South Congress.
• Take a picture at the “I love you so much” mural.
• Hike Barton Creek Greenbelt (wear a swim suit- it is hot).
• Swim in Barton Springs Pool – it is a live spring fed pool that is 68 degrees all year around.
• If you are a history buff – Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is fascinating.
• Tour the State Capitol – No reservation needed, it is free, the capitol is 15 feet taller than the National Capitol.

inside scoop

• UBER was kicked out of Austin, use Ride Austin or Fare instead
• Austin is laid back, it has a chic / casual vibe and is usually warm (so dress accordingly!)

more...

Looking for more places to eat and drink? Check out local, Coti Woodhead’s guide here! 

Looking for a tween’s take on Austin, check out Addie Leary’s guide here!