Austin: Best Hotels, Restaurants and Activities

Austin, Texas, is a city bursting with rich culture and many unique experiences. No matter what you're looking to enjoy here, be it a tour of a unique distillery, or an upscale dining experience like no other, there's a great range of things to see and do in the live music capital of the world, other than, of course, witnessing some live music!

No matter what you want your Austin trip to look like, here are some of the city's best hotels, restaurants, and activities for you to enjoy.

Best Hotels in Austin

Austin's vibrant hotel scene offers a diverse range of great accommodations for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for luxurious on-site facilities such as pools and spas, a unique boutique charm, or one that's simply convenient for exploring the city, you're sure to find the perfect hotel for your stay in Austin.

From sleek downtown spots catering to business and leisure travelers alike, to upscale stylish retreats with stunning views that capture Austin's unique cultural vibe, every visitor will be able to find the perfect place to stay in this lively, eclectic city.

The Line, Downtown Austin

Located in the downtown area of Austin Texas is the outstanding The Line Hotel. Sitting just beside the Colorado River, it is close to a great range of attractions within the city, just a short walk from both the Capitol building and the Austin Convention Center, and it's pet-friendly at no extra cost!

The hotel boasts a great range of on-site amenities including free use of bikes for easy transport across the city, an outdoor swimming pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There is also an excellent on-site American restaurant, taco store, lounge, cafe, and poolside snack bar. Guests can indulge in a la carte or American breakfast during their stay.

The sleek and stylish interior design brings a gorgeous sense of modernity to the guest rooms which feature floor-to-ceiling windows that provide extraordinary views of the lake and city, complementary toiletries in the private bathrooms, and a fully stacked minibar.

Commodore Perry Estate, Central Austin

Situated right in the heart of the city in central Austin, Commodore Perry Estate is the place to stay If you're looking for a truly luxurious once-in-a-lifetime getaway all conveniently located in one of the best cities in Texas. Hailed by various sources as the number one hotel in Texas, why stay anywhere else?

The spacious estate by Auberge Resorts Collection Both stunning boutique accommodations with a traditional touch and excellent onsite facilities including a fitness center, private parking, free Wi-Fi throughout, a spacious garden, a terrace, and an outstanding on-site restaurant.

Rooms are available in a variety of different styles but each is equipped with a desk, mini bar, and TV, should you wish to upgrade you can also enjoy a room with a stunning balcony.

Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue, Downtown Austin

Less than a 15-minute walk from Shoal Beach and within 300 yards of the city center, Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue is a truly great destination for those looking to stay in the heart of the city.

Guests can enjoy the use of a fitness center and free Wi-Fi, sipping on cocktails at the rooftop bar, or dining at the signature restaurant, right next to the historic Paramount Theatre!

The contemporary guest rooms each feature a gorgeous eating area with a flat-screen satellite TV, a safety deposit box, and air conditioning, and each comes with its own private bathroom.

Hotel Van Zandt, Downtown Austin

Located in Rainey Street Historic District, Hotel Van Zandt is an outstanding place for young travelers looking for an outstanding place to stay during their Texas city break.

Sitting right on the edge of Ladybird Lake, guests can enjoy stunning views of this part of the Colorado River from the rooftop bar and pool area. There is also an on-site fitness center, valet parking, and free bicycle rental available. If you're looking to indulge in something special without straying too far you will be pleased to know that Geraldine's, the onsite restaurant and cocktail bar, has an outstanding menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, and live music on an evening. There is also a great snack bar on the pool deck and a great little cafe on-site for grab-and-go snacks and beverages.

Rooms at this swanky, modern hotel offer guests complimentary Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen cable TV, a mini-bar, a desk, and a safety deposit box.

Four Seasons Hotel, Downtown Austin

Located just between two of the other hotels on this list (The Line and Hotel Van Zandt), this stunning Four Seasons hotel also boasts stunning views of the Colorado River.

The hotel features 294 Gorgeous modern guest rooms, with plenty of space, and large floor-to-ceiling windows for soaking in the views. Each room has a large flat-screen TV, lounge chair, and work desk, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi.

Also on the property is a heated saltwater pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an award-winning spa, so no matter how you would like to spend your downtime, you can enjoy many great facilities here. There are also two self-service business centers available, and two marvelous restaurants.

Best Restaurants in Austin

The dining scene in Austin is truly a vibrant mix! With innovative dishes and both regional and international cuisine taking center stage at some of the city's best establishments, visitors can find themselves indulging in a great range of food at both well-established and lively new restaurants.

Whether you're looking to dine on something new and adventurous, or hoping to try the best of the best when it comes to your favorite dishes, there's a culinary experience for everyone's palette in Austin.

Foreign & Domestic, North Loop, Austin

Co-owned by two of the city's best chefs Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley, this fresh and lively kitchen may seem simple to look at but rest assured that the star focus in this restaurant is on the quality of the food.

This outstanding New American menu serves up plenty of favorites, including Short Rib Campanelli and Parisian Gnocci as well as a range of more adventurous plates such as the Chicken Liver Mousse.

A great spot to grab a quick meal, or for special occasion dining alike,  guests can take their pick of indoor dining both at tables and at the bar, or dine alfresco on the restaurant's small outdoor patio.

Bufalina Due, Brentwood, Austin

If you're looking for an outstanding pizzeria to enjoy during your time in Austin, head up to the neighborhood of Brentwood, in East Austin, where you can find the amazing Bufalina Due.

Whether your mouth is watering for a specially crafted, yet simple dish like the margarita or Neapolitan pies, or, if you're hoping to indulge in something unique such as the potato and Parmesan pie, then you've come to the right place!

The menu is also home to a great range of pasta, stracciatella, and Caesar salads, and there's a great range of unique and affordable bottles of hand-selected wine to enjoy, making this spot a must-visit for any occasion.

Komé, North Loop, Austin

Another outstanding restaurant in the area of North Loop, Komé is the best spot in town if you're looking for some truly outstanding Japanese cuisine.

With a casual Japanese interior, this restaurant isn't particularly fancy, however, their dishes are sure to wow. Originally beginning as the popular sushi trailer 'Sushi A-Go-Go', co-owners Také and Kayo Asazu have since transformed it into an amazing laid-back restaurant serving up homestyle Japanese dishes.

From the simple sushi and affordable handrolls Originally made famous when they were just a small trailer, their restaurant now features an exceptional lunch menu - boasting mouth-watering bento boxes for those looking to try a selection of different things, and fully loaded donburi bowls for a traditional Japanese experience.

Dai Due, Cherrywood, Austin

If you're on the lookout for an Authentic test of Texas then this is it. Located in the Cherrywood District of Austin, this New Texan restaurant truly commits to the theme, so much so, that even the beer and wine are all exclusively from within state lines.

Whether you're looking for a simple yet exciting brunch spot or somewhere for a hearty dinner then this restaurant is the spot for you. Sample some of the eclectic menu favorites for a truly Texan feast, such as the coffee-cured antelope leg filets, dry-aged Wagyu baby back ribs, grilled chicken hearts, and stuffed quail!

Olamaie, Downtown Austin

Situated in downtown Austin, this fancy, upscale restaurant, is truly a sensational dining experience. Serving up a variety of inventive and unique plates from their chef Amanda Turner (who was once a contestant on Top Chef!), guests can enjoy a Southern dining experience like no other! 

Dine on unique dishes such as blackened dayboat fish, blue crab sauce, Carolina Gold rice, or smoked cabbage, and finish it all off with a selection of drinks from their amazing cocktail and wine menus.

Best Activities in Austin

Austin offers an excellent and diverse range of activities, from enjoying unique local spirits to exploring the extensive music of what is frequently dubbed the 'live music capital of the world'. 

Visitors can immerse themselves freely in the city's vibrant and eclectic culture through scenic parks intriguing museums and some of the most iconic local events in the whole of Texas.

Desert Door Distillery, Driftwood

Located just outside of the city center near the area of driftwood, Desert Door Distillery is the place to visit for all alcohol enthusiasts on any trip to Austin. 

While not actually in Austin, this spot made the list thanks to it being the first and only distillery producing sotol in the United States. A spirit made from the desert spoon plant native to the Chihuahuan desert and Western Texas, sotol is herbaceous and slightly floral.

Visitors Can enjoy tasting sessions and tours of the distillery, before retreating into the stylish and cozy tasting room to admire regional artworks and sip on tasty cocktails on the comfortable couches near the fireplace.

Waterloo Records, Downtown Austin

Since Austin is also known as the "Live Music Capital of the World", plenty of music fans flock here each year to enjoy some great tunes. If that sounds like you then why not stop at the city's largest music store to take a piece of the atmosphere home with you?

Conveniently located in the downtown area of Austin, This huge record store boasts a truly outstanding collection. They seemingly stock everything, So whether you're looking to discover a small local band, or find a weird and unique vinyl from the bargain bin, you're sure to be impressed at whatever you come across at Waterloo Records.

It's even a great spot to visit if you're on the hunt for some great live music, be sure to check the events calendar before you visit if you're hoping to enjoy an in-store performance.

Mayfield Park, Tarrytown, Austin

Situated near the Colorado River in the Austin District of Tarrytown, this gorgeous historic cottage, nature, and garden preserve is one of the most peaceful retreats in the city.

If you're looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, then you'll find a relaxing day out in the beautiful landscape gardens surrounding the historic cottage in Mayfield Park. Be sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful free-roaming peacocks that have lived here since 1935, who meander seamlessly through the lush green trees.

Mayfield Park makes a perfect spot for an early morning walk, lunchtime picnic, or an evening stroll.

Bullock Museum, Downtown Austin

If you're looking for a truly outstanding history museum, then Bullock Texas State History Museum should be at the top of your list. Covering four centuries of Texas history across various exhibits, guests can marvel at the amazing artifacts and impressively restored shipwreck on site.

Learning about the history of Texas is a must-do for first-time visitors, and this museum has it all! Covering everything from the Alamo to the Kennedy assassination, Texas' rich and influential past is truly one of a kind!

Congress Avenue Bridge, Downtown Austin

If you're planning on a trip to Austin between late March and early Fall, then an evening visit to Congress Avenue Bridge should be at the top of your list.

Stretching across the Lady Bird Lake section of the Colorado River, locals and tourists alike gather each evening to watch the 1.5 million bats emerge from their slumber beneath the bridge to come out and feed. 

If you plan on visiting be sure to check the "bat emergency hotline" for daily times, And if you're feeling particularly adventurous then book a kayak trip along the lake to watch from the water Beneath the bridge where you can enjoy a closer look.

Should you be visiting in August, you'll definitely want to include Congress Avenue Bridge on your itinerary, as the annual festival of 'Bat Fest' Celebrates the city's fluffy flying residents with food, drinks, bands, and various other means of entertainment stretching right across the bridge.