TRAVEL
The Austin, TX Travel Guide
October 24, 2025
We’re all about making bucket lists and finding the fun. Here’s where to stay, eat, sip, and shop in Austin, Texas, according to Tuckernuck.
The Austin Look
Modern, cool, effortless, eclectic. People tend to dress more casually—never too fussy or label-focused. Locals live by the motto “Keep Austin weird,” always drawing some bohemian flair into any look.
Getting There
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is just 20 minutes from downtown. Once you’re here, rideshares, scooters, and bikes make zipping around easy—but a rental car is best if you’re exploring beyond the city.
Explore Lady Bird Lake
Run, kayak, paddleboard, or bike along 10 miles of trails downtown—Austin’s skyline views are best from the water.
Eat Breakfast Tacos
Start the day like a local with a breakfast taco (or three). Our favorite spots are Tacodeli and Veracruz.
Shop South Congress
Boot shops, indie boutiques, and live music make SoCo the ultimate Austin stroll.
See the Bats at Sunset
At dusk, watch a million bats take flight from the Congress Avenue Bridge—it’s Austin magic.
Dance at The Broken Spoke
Two-step the night away under the neon lights at this Texas landmark and dancehall.
Check in, kick off your boots, and make Austin feel like home.
Commodore Perry Estate
Whimsical and over-the-top in the best way, this restored mansion feels more private estate, less hotel. Think lush gardens, dramatic interiors, and dinners to dress up for.
Hotel Magdalena
Tucked just off South Congress, this retro-inspired retreat is all about courtyard hangs, frosé by the pool, and a vibe that feels equal parts stylish and low-key.
Austin Proper Hotel
A blend of Cali-cool and Texas charm, surround yourself with art and plush suites. Don’t skip the tacos and margs at the rooftop restaurant, La Piscina.
Hotel Saint Cecilia
Built in 1888, this sophisticated spot is just a block from South Congress. Lounge in a poolside cabana, then grab a drink in the lounge while you enjoy time away from the city’s bustle.
From tacos to tasting menus, Austin always brings the flavor.
Breakfast & Coffee
Veracruz All Natural
For the best breakfast tacos in Austin (don’t skip the migas) and fresh homemade juices. Stop by the Tarrytown location, and explore the kid-friendly town of Littlefield’s.
Juice Land
For smoothie and fresh juice lovers, this is the spot to get your fix after a walk around town.
Picnik
Austin’s healthiest spot. Think clean ingredients, farm-to-table dishes, and the best chai latte in town.
Swedish Hill
From freshly baked pastries and signature cakes to artisan breads and deli favorites, Swedish Hill is an Austin staple.
Lunch
LeRoy & Lewis Barbecue
Creative BBQ with classics and twists like brisket with kimchi. The line forms fast here, but it’s always worth the wait!
Josephine House
This little blue house is our go-to for lunch or brunch in Clarksville. Grab a drink on the lawn before dinner next door at Jeffrey’s.
June’s
South Congress chic at its best. This neighborhood bistro has great wines, a cult-favorite burger, and fun people-watching.
Elizabeth Street Café
French bakery meets Vietnamese kitchen—think bánh mì, pho, and amazing croissants. Sit outside with a glass of rosé when the weather is nice.
Paperboy
A go-to for brunch or lunch classics in a laid-back space. From their cult-favorite Texas Hash to homemade pastries, it’s worth the wait.
Texas French Bread
An Austin staple, pop by their trailer for the best sourdough, sandwiches, or an afternoon coffee.
Pool Burger
Austin’s go-to burger spot, serving up tiki drinks, frozen cocktails, and soft-serve from a poolside airstream. Don’t miss the weekday happy hour.
Hillside Farmacy
Originally a neighborhood drugstore that closed in the ’70s, this historic spot was restored in 2011 and now serves a different kind of medicine: fresh, local farm-to-table fare.
Dinner
Fonda San Miguel
East Austin’s go-to for modern Mexican—great for special occasions. Think house-milled masa, creative cocktails, and tacos you’ll dream about later.
Suerte
East Austin’s go-to for modern Mexican—great for special occasions. Think house-milled masa, creative cocktails, and tacos you’ll dream about later.
Uchi / Uchiko
The James Beard Award–winning sushi is the best in Austin (and possibly the country). Reservations are a must as both spots book up fast.
Jeffrey’s
The place to go for a special occasion dinner, from the old-school martini cart and delicious popovers to the all-around impeccable service.
Birdies
Simple, seasonal, American food and wine served in a no-frills, welcoming setting. The kind of place you can bring the whole family. It’s counter-service, prix-fixe, and walk-in only.
Clark’s Oyster Bar
Inspired by the New England coast, this nautical spot is Austin’s institution for all things seafood—freshly shucked oysters, lobster rolls, fish specials, and caviar.
Pecan Square Cafe
With a small seasonal menu taking inspiration from Italian, Mediterranean, and California flavors, this relaxed yet refined spot is a go-to for fresh salads, handmade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas.
Buffalina
Named one of the top 50 pizzerias in the country, enjoy classic and creative pies to eat there or take out. Save room for dessert!
Raise a glass to a bar and brewery scene that never disappoints.
Flo's Wine Bar
Whether you’re sitting for a glass or taking a bottle to go, add this kid-friendly, neighborhood wine bar to your list. Don’t miss out on dinner and dessert from their restaurant, Allday pizza!
Hotel San Jose
A hidden gem that’s our go-to spot for frosé on the deck.
Here Nor There
Make reservation at this hidden speakeasy under the Driscoll Hotel by downloading their app. The handcrafted cocktails and cool, mysterious vibe are worth it.
Rosie's
Located in South Congress and tucked behind Howard’s, Rosie’s is a great spot for wine and bites on the patio before a music-filled night.
Austin style means a mix of polished, playful, and a little bit Western.
ByGeorge
Austin’s most iconic boutique brings together luxury fashion, fine jewelry, and curated home goods. The North Lamar flagship is a must for style lovers.
First Light
Part bookstore, part coffee shop, part bar—pop into this Hyde Park hub at any point of the day for a relaxing atmosphere, yummy bites, and happy hour deals you can’t miss.
Kick Pleat
Airy, modern, and artsy, this women’s boutique carries chic pieces from emerging and established designers. Effortless outfits live here.
Allen’s Boots
A South Congress landmark lined with every boot you can imagine. Even if you don’t buy a pair, it’s worth stepping inside for the full Texas experience.
Austin days hit different—make time to dive in, dance, and explore.
Visit a Museum
Spend an afternoon wandering the Blanton Museum of Art, home to contemporary collections and the stunning Ellsworth Kelly chapel.
Go to Ski Shores Cafe
Have a lake day and stop by Ski Shores Cafe, a landmark since 1954 known for its casual American food and waterfront activities like pickleball, live music, and a playground.
Go Swimming
Barton Springs Pool is a year-round favorite with chilly spring water and plenty of people-watching. Fun fact: Austin has some of the best natural watering holes and natural aquifers in the US.
See Live Music
Austin still earns its “Live Music Capital” title. Catch a show at Mohawk, ACL Live, or the Moody Center—there’s something every night.
We hope this inspires you to book a trip, pack your bags, and plan your itinerary!