Best hotels in Austin
Austin Marriott Downtown
304 E Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701
With over 600 rooms and 25 suites, the stylish and well-appointed four-star Austin Marriott is located close to the Austin Convention Center, Lady Bird Lake and a choice of shops and restaurants. Dine in at the Corinne and take in great views over the city from their tropical bar.
Hotel Saint Cecilia
112 Academy Drive, Austin, TX 78704
Stay at the four-star Saint Cecilia, a Victorian mansion in the South Congress District with a trendy bohemian vibe. The suites and poolside bungalows, each have their own distinct character and the incredibly comfortable Hästens mattresses. Rooms in the main house have original fireplaces and ornate crown moulding.
ARRIVE East Austin
1813 E 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702
In the creative East Austin district, this four-star hotel reflects the area with a bohemian style that blends modern touches with old school wood, brick and metal for a warm but industrial vibe. Concierge assistance is available with the Portuguese-inspired Vixen’s Wedding restaurant on site too.
Best restaurants in Austin
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
301 E 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Offering beautifully cooked and presented meat and seafood, Eddie’s is always busy, so make a reservation. Enjoy classics like goat’s cheese salad and oysters, or banana fosters cake with rum caramel sauce.
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Barbecue is big in Texas and chef Aaron Franklin’s place in Central East Austin is the place to go. Preparation and patience are key to the taste of their award-winning brisket, smoked turkey, sausages, chipotle slaw and more off the grill.
ATX Cocina
110 San Antonio Street #170, Austin, TX 78701
A modern Mexican restaurant on the banks of the Colorado River in Downtown, their homemade masa using corn from Mexican farms makes the tortillas here a must. Order as a starter with some salsa or packed with chili roast chicken as a main. Everything’s gluten free too.
Best attractions in Austin
Texas State Capitol
1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Taller than the US Capitol in Washington at 308 feet high, the Texas State Capitol is an impressive piece of architecture. Wander around the grounds filled with monuments and statues representing the Vietnam War, a Texas Ranger and even a miniature Statue of Liberty. The Visitors Center is full of exhibits covering the city’s and state’s history, and you can reserve a place here for a free tour.
Lady Bird Lake
2525 S Lakeshore Boulevard, Austin, TX 78741
This section of the Colorado River south of East Austin is a ten-minute drive from Downtown. Miles of walking and cycling trails run along the shoreline, connecting city parks and riverside attractions, including the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue and the Long Center of Performing Arts. In Zilker Park on the south shore, the Rowing Dock offers kayak, paddle boards and boat rentals.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Across three floors of interactive exhibits, you can learn about the story of Texas. You’re greeted by a 35-foot bronze sculpture in the shape of a Texas Lone Star, and then artifacts and displays covering the state’s independence from Mexico through to the roots of its oil industry. The IMAX screens works of Texan filmmakers and educational movies.