Austin Guidebook
Food scene
Great taco chain that’s very popular in Austin. This location on South Congress is close to many small shops and restaurants and is a very walkable area
1075 locals recommend
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StGreat taco chain that’s very popular in Austin. This location on South Congress is close to many small shops and restaurants and is a very walkable area
Mediterranean food with a beautiful atmosphere and decor. Reservations might be hard to get without advance notice but late night on weekdays might be the best bet to try to arrive without a reservation.
115 locals recommend
Aba
1011 S Congress AveMediterranean food with a beautiful atmosphere and decor. Reservations might be hard to get without advance notice but late night on weekdays might be the best bet to try to arrive without a reservation.
Very popular BBQ joint in the heart of Austin. Indoor and Outdoor seating, great meats and sides.
372 locals recommend
Terry Black's Barbecue
1003 Barton Springs RdVery popular BBQ joint in the heart of Austin. Indoor and Outdoor seating, great meats and sides.
One of Austin staples for coffee and drinks. Great outdoor area with several food options, unique drinks and friendly vibe.
205 locals recommend
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
121 Pickle RdOne of Austin staples for coffee and drinks. Great outdoor area with several food options, unique drinks and friendly vibe.
Another place similar to Cosmic (see above) with a slightly smaller outdoor area but cozier indoor seating. In the evening string lights light up and make everything pretty. Check out the mexican food truck while there for some great tacos!
435 locals recommend
Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdAnother place similar to Cosmic (see above) with a slightly smaller outdoor area but cozier indoor seating. In the evening string lights light up and make everything pretty. Check out the mexican food truck while there for some great tacos!
Papalote Taco House
My personal favorite spot for breakfast tacos in Austin
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st StGreat Vegan spot for breakfast and lunch
Neighborhoods
If you are looking to go out and drink late into the night Rainey St. is a great place for that. Lots of bars next door to each other with different DJs!
793 locals recommend
Rainey Street
Rainey StreetIf you are looking to go out and drink late into the night Rainey St. is a great place for that. Lots of bars next door to each other with different DJs!
Sightseeing
Awesome picture spot and a longer hike around the area is possible. Steep Rocky terrain to get up there so bring comfortable shoes
63 locals recommend
Pennybacker Bridge Overlook
North Capital of Texas HighwayAwesome picture spot and a longer hike around the area is possible. Steep Rocky terrain to get up there so bring comfortable shoes
Want to make sure you get that iconic Austin pic? This is one of the places for it!
85 locals recommend
Greetings from Austin Mural
1720 S 1st StWant to make sure you get that iconic Austin pic? This is one of the places for it!
Parks
Nearby public park with trails perfect for a morning or afternoon walk. This park also has a community pool and a skatepark.
One of my personal favorite trails for a brisk nature walk. Located in northwest Austin. Mostly shaded trail with lots of crossing streams and a chance to see dogs playing in the water and running around (If you’re into that)
20 locals recommend
Turkey Creek Trail
1401-1711 City Park RdOne of my personal favorite trails for a brisk nature walk. Located in northwest Austin. Mostly shaded trail with lots of crossing streams and a chance to see dogs playing in the water and running around (If you’re into that)
A short walk away, but feels like you are not in the center of the city anymore. Check out this park for a stroll or to get some exercise in. Turn right out of the building, Right on Catalina, then a left on Madera Dr.
8 locals recommend
Mabel Davis District Park
3427 Parker LnA short walk away, but feels like you are not in the center of the city anymore. Check out this park for a stroll or to get some exercise in. Turn right out of the building, Right on Catalina, then a left on Madera Dr.
Round trip hike that’s popular for locals and tourists. Walk along the river and bring some comfortable shoes. Trail is mostly shaded and a bit rocky. You can enter both either from the top or bottom of the trail. Reach out to me if you need help with directions
19 locals recommend
Hill Of Life
1710 Camp Craft RdRound trip hike that’s popular for locals and tourists. Walk along the river and bring some comfortable shoes. Trail is mostly shaded and a bit rocky. You can enter both either from the top or bottom of the trail. Reach out to me if you need help with directions
Groceries and Essentials
H-E-B plus!
2508 E Riverside DrHEB is a local grocery chain with multiple locations
This is an awesome grocery store, similar to Whole Foods. Great variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a great bakery.
765 locals recommend
Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdThis is an awesome grocery store, similar to Whole Foods. Great variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a great bakery.
Just a few minutes away, has everything you need including groceries, clothes, plants, and other essentials.
53 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
710 E Ben White BlvdJust a few minutes away, has everything you need including groceries, clothes, plants, and other essentials.
If you are looking for unique gifts to take back home that prove you visited Austin, this is a great place to start!
15 locals recommend
Austin Gift Company
4211 S Lamar BlvdIf you are looking for unique gifts to take back home that prove you visited Austin, this is a great place to start!
Breweries and Distilleries
Great stop within a few minute drive for some cold beer (known for “Electric Jellyfish”) good food and nice atmosphere
Pinthouse Brewing
Great stop within a few minute drive for some cold beer (known for “Electric Jellyfish”) good food and nice atmosphere
My personal favorite brewery in Austin with a large outdoor area and several good food truck options
53 locals recommend
Meanwhile Brewing Company
3901 Promontory Point DrMy personal favorite brewery in Austin with a large outdoor area and several good food truck options
Cool spot for beer and occasional live music performances. Spicy Boys chicken food truck on site with delicious chicken sandwiches
95 locals recommend
St Elmo Brewing Company
440 E St Elmo RdCool spot for beer and occasional live music performances. Spicy Boys chicken food truck on site with delicious chicken sandwiches
Traveler advice
Getting around
Public Transport or Not?
Austin has some public transport (mainly city busses). They can be hit or miss in terms of arrival but plenty of routes are available. Easiest way to get around is by your own car or with Uber/Lyft. Make sure to read signs when parking and avoid a ticket/tow. In downtown there are plenty of electric scooters available to go short distances quickly.