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AUSTIN ACTIVITIES

INNER CITY TRAVEL

UBER OR LYFT

  • Yellow Cab Austin – 512 452-9999

METRO/BUSES

Airport to Downtown Austin

CapMetro runs convenient, frequent bus service to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and its spectacular neon guitar bus stop. The stop is on the lower level just outside baggage claim.  Route 20 and Route 483 allow you to skip the hassle of the parking lot and the long walk to rideshare pickup! 

  • Route 20 runs every 15-30 minutes and Route 483 runs after midnight to 4 a.m.

  • $1.25 a single ride with no surge pricing

  • 35 minute ride to Downtown or transfer to another High-Frequency bus/rail route

  • If you are going to transfer from route to route, a $2.50 Day Pass will cover you for the next 24 hours. Valid on CapMetro's Local, Rapid, UT Shuttle Buses and Pickup. Provides connections throughout the Austin area and downtown.

DINING

BREAKFAST

  • BETTER HALF COFFEE AND COCKTAILS - 406 Walsh St (Downtown) – Mon 8-3, Tues-Thurs 8-10, Fri-Sat 8-11, Sun 8-8 - All-day cafe serving comfort food at reasonable prices, with cocktails, wine, beer, an espresso bar, and tea.

  • 1886 CAFÉ AND BAKERY – 604 Brazos St (Downtown) Daily 6:30am to 3pm - traditional Texas comfort foods served in a Victorian tearoom-style setting in the Driskill Hotel. $20-30

  • HILLSIDE FARMACY - 1209 E 11th St (Central East Austin) – Wed-Thurs 10-10, Fri 9-10, Sat-Sun 9-3 & 5-10 - Antique-chic eatery in a historic building for thoughtfully sourced local food, local beers & craft cocktails. Family Owned. Since 2014. $25 Steak Dinner Sunday. $20-30

  • GABRIELLA’S - 900 E 7th St (Downtown) – Daily 11-12 - Kitschy spot with expansive patio serving modern Mexican dishes, margaritas & mezcal cocktails.

  • PAPERBOY - 311 W 7th St (East Austin) – Mon-Thurs 8-2, Fri-Sun 8-3 – There can be long lineups.

  • MOTHER’S RUIN –1401 E 6th St Building A, Suite 204 (East Austin) – Daily 11am to 2am - an all-day brunch menu in a pub-style setting, but with bright, airy vibes and late-night hours

  • TWO HANDS –1011 S Congress Ave Suite 170 (South Congress) – Sun-Thurs 8-9, Fri-Sat 8-10 –An Australian café serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

  • CITIZEN ALL DAY –4818 Burnet Rd (Rosedale) – Sun-Thurs 7-9, Fri-Sat 7-10 – Australian-inspired brunch and dinner spot

  • MERCADO SIN NOMBRE – 408 N Pleasant Valley Rd (East Austin)– Tues-Fri 7-2, Sat-Sun 7-3, Closed Mon - little alleyway spot serving masa everything—from Mexico City level–inspired eats to creative drinks.

  • TEXAS HONEY HAM COMPANY - 3736 Bee Caves Rd #6, West Lake Hills – Mon-Fri 7-4, Sat 7-3, Sun 8-2 - affordable breakfast

  • MOONSHINES – 303 Red River St (Downtown) – Mon-Fri 11-10, Sat 10-10, Sun 9-2 & 4—9 – Buffet - Southwestern-style food

  • BOULDIN CREEK CAFÉ - 1900 S 1st St (Bouldin Creek) – Sun-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8-11 – Vegetarian

  • LAUNDERETTE - 2115 Holly St (East Austin) – Daily 11-2:15pm & 5-10 - Gourmet New American fare served in a polished cafe space in a converted gas station/Laundromat. $20-30

  • MAGNOLIA CAFÉ - 1920 S Congress Ave (SoCo) – Tues-Thurs 7am-12am, Fri-Mon 24 hours – Cheap and cheerful.  This diner-style restaurant features an extensive menu, including breakfast any time of day.

BAKERIES/CAFES/ICE CREAM

  • ROCKMAN COFFEE 7 BAKESHOP - 2400 E Cesar Chavez St Suite 200 (East Austin’s Holly neighbourhood) – Mon-Thurs 8-7, Fri-Sun 9-7 - outstanding laminated pastries, standout cookies, and excellent coffee.  Pricey but worth it.

  • COMADRE PANADERIA - 1204 Cedar Ave (Rosewood) – Thurs-Sun 8-2 – Pastries: Pan dulce, bean and cheese tacos, and breakfast empanadas are highly recommended.

  • CAFÉ NO SE - 1603 S Congress Ave (Travis Heights) – Daily 7-8 - Along with Launderette, Cafe No Se offers some of the best desserts in town. Also a continental all-day café serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and featuring a late-night menu.

  • QUACK’S 43RD STREET BAKERY - 411 E 43rd St (Hyde Park) – Daily 7am-9pm, Hip coffeehouse with an easygoing vibe selling baked goods, panini & espresso drinks.

  • OMG SQUEE - 4607 Bolm Rd Suite A (East Austin) – Tues-Thurs 10-6, Fri-Sun 10-10, Gluten Free Dessert: Quaint stop offering taiyaki sundaes, mochi donuts, macarons & cheesecake, plus fruit & milk teas.

  • GATI CAFÉ - 1512 Holly St (East Austin) – Daily 8-10 - Quaint parlor offering gluten-free sweet treats & creative coconut milk ice cream flavors.

  • MERRY MONARCH CREAMERY - 1123 E 11th St (East Austin) – Sat 5-10 – Small batch ice cream.

  • BESAME ICE CREAM AT MEANWHILE BREWING - 3901 Promontory Point Dr (Southeast Austin) - Mon-Fri 4-9, Sat-Sun 12-9 - The ice cream of ATX: Chef-inspired, artfully balanced, nostalgia forward. Limited Edition Pints drop every Thursday at 7:30PM.

  • DOLCE NEVE GELATO - 1109 E 5th St Suite 170 (East Austin) – Sun-Thurs 12-9, Fri-Sat 12-10 - family-owned and makes really authentic, creamy gelato.

LUNCH

  • LOCAL FOODS (Downtown) - 454 W 2nd S – Mon-Fri 10:45-9, Sat-Sun 9-9 - Local Foods features a menu of scratch-made sandwiches, hearty salads, and chef-created sides, using local ingredients whenever possible.

  • FAREGROUND (Downtown) - 111 N Congress Ave – Daily 11-9 - Austin's premier food hall, featuring multiple eateries, two bars, and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy lunch, dinner, happy hour.

  • MEAT & BREAD (Downtown) - 360 Nueces St STE 20 – Mon-Fri 11-4, Sat-Sun 9-3 - Fresh roast meat sandwiches.

  • SWEDISH HILL (Downtown) – 1128 W 6th St - Daily 7-7 – Coffee, pastries, sandwiches.

  • TURF N SURF PO BOY (Downtown) - 407 Lavaca St – Sun-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11 - Relaxed, Cajun-leaning sandwich stand serving tacos & po' boys from basic surrounds.

  • FRESH GYRO HALAL - 548 Nueces St (Downtown) – Mon 10:30-9, Tues-Thurs 10:30-2am, Fri-Sat 11-3, Sun 12-12 - Food truck serving Mediterranean fare, including falafel & gyro wraps, plus salads.

  • BETTER HALF COFFEE AND COCKTAILS - 406 Walsh St (Downtown) – Mon 8-3, Tues-Thurs 8-10, Fri-Sat 8-11, Sun 8-8 - All-day cafe serving comfort food at reasonable prices, with cocktails, wine, beer, an espresso bar, and tea.

  • COOPER’S OLD TIME PIT BAR-B-QUE - 217 Congress Ave (Downtown) – Daily 11-10 - Classic BBQ joint with picnic table seats serving brisket, ribs & more pulled straight from the pit.

  • FLOWER CHILD - 500 W 2nd St Suite 133 (Downtown) – Daily 11-9 - Health-oriented, bohemian cafe for custom salads, grain bowls, and soups with additive-free proteins.

  • MUM FOODS SMOKEHOUSE AND DELICATESSEN - 5811 Manor Rd (East Austin) – Wed-Sun 11-3 - Stand in line with your tray to order sandwiches, sides, meat by the half-pound, and even matzo ball soup — it’s a Jewish Texas deli meats smokehouse and sure feels homey like it. 

DINNER

AMERICAN

  • LOCAL FOODS - 454 W 2nd S (Downtown) – Mon-Fri 10:45-9, Sat-Sun 9-9 - Local Foods features a menu of scratch-made sandwiches, hearty salads, and chef-created sides, using local ingredients whenever possible.

  • FAREGROUND - 111 N Congress Ave (Downtown) – Daily 11-9 - Austin's premier food hall, featuring multiple eateries, two bars, and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy lunch, dinner, happy hour.

  • LORO ASIAN SMOKEHOUSE AND BAR - 2115 S Lamar Blvd (South Lamar or SoLa) – Sun-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11 – Seating for large groups.  Asian smokehouse and bar brought to you by award-winning chefs who merged their two loves of Asian and Texas cuisine together

  • COCKTI JUICY FRIED CHICKEN - 2701 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd (East Austin) – Fri-Sat 12-9, Sun 12-8 - food truck - favorite fried chicken sandwich

BARBECUE

  • TERRY BLACK’S BARBECUE - 1003 Barton Springs Rd (South Central Austin) – Daily 10:30am -9:30pm – Outdoor seating. Spacious, casual stop for pit-smoked meats & house-made sides from famous 4th-generation pitmasters.

  • LA BARBECUE - 2401 E Cesar Chavez St (East Austin) – Wed-Sun 11-6 - started as a food truck and now has its own Michelin-starred space - Hopping BBQ counter in a small market offering brisket, pulled pork & sausages, plus outdoor tables.

  • FRANKLIN BARBECUE - 900 E 11th St (Central East Austin) – Tues-Sun 11-3 - Long lines form early for brisket, pulled pork & other smoked meats at this bustling spot. Outdoor seating.

  • LEROY AND LEWIS – 5621 Emerald Forest Dr (South Austin) - Sun-Mon 11-9, Wed-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10 - Smoked meat trailer highlighting unusual cuts of meat & locally sourced seasonal side dishes. Outdoor seating.

  • KG BARBECUE - 3108 Manor Rd (East Austin) – Thurs-Sat 11-8, Sun 11-5 - The Egyptian-style barbecue at KG BBQ isn’t traditional due to all the Mediterranean ingredients, like nuts, pomegranates, za’atar, and raisins

CHINESE

  • JULIE’S NOODLES – 8557 Research Blvd 110 (North Austin) – Wed-Mon 11-8:30 - delicious soup dumplings, handmade noodles, and excellent bowls of spicy beef strew. Most dishes are under $15.

  • XIAN SUSHI AND NOODLE - 1801 E 51st St C370 (Central Austin) – Daily 11:30-2:45, 5-9:30, Inexpensive noodle dishes.

ITALIAN/PIZZA

  • FAVORITE PIZZA (Downtown) - 801 W 6th St – Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri 11-2, Sat 12-2am, Sun 12-10 - NY-style slices of pizza, subs, salads, and desserts.

JAPANESE

  • KOME SUSHI KITCHEN - 5301 Airport Blvd 100 (Central Austin) – Mon-Thurs 11-2 & 5-10, Fri-Sun 11-10 - affordable and good-quality sushi

  • NORI (Vegan Sushi) - 3208 Guadalupe St B (Central Austin) – Daily 5-10

MEXICAN

  • CARNITA’S EL GUERO – 8624 N Lamar Blvd (North Austin) – Daily 9am-2am - Quite possibly the best carnitas you're going to get in Austin. ·Great authentic Mexican food and experience! Inexpensive.

THAI

  • MAI THAI - 207 San Jacinto Blvd 201 (Downtown) – Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-12, Sun 12-10 – Authentic Thai Cuisine

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN OPTIONS

  • DE NADA CANTINA – 4715 E Cesar Chavez S (East Austin) – Mon-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 11-10 – Vegetarian Options

  • HOUSE OF THREE GORGES - 8557 Research Blvd 144 (North Austin) – Tues-Sun 10-2 & 4:30-8:30 – casual, inexpensive place with some great tofu and veggies dishes

PUBS AND UNUSUAL DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS

CHICKEN SHIT BINGO AT LITTLE LONGHORN SALOON

5434 Burnet Rd (North Central Austin) – Tues-Wed 5-11 Thurs-Sat 5-12 Sun 2-9 - Central Austin - Every Sunday, Little Longhorn hosts Chicken Sh*t Bingo, a quirky game where a giant bingo card is laid out inside a chicken coop. Players pick a number, the chicken is fed, and when nature calls, everyone hopes it lands on their chosen square!

CHEER UP CHARLIE’S

900 Red River St (Downtown) – Tues-Wed 5-2 Thurs-Sun 4-2 - Sizable gay bar offering a lodgelike indoor space, outdoor music, drinks, drag shows & more.

TINY MINOTAUR TAVERN

2701 E Cesar Chavez St(East Austin) - Wed-Sat 7-12 – Purchase a Day Pass to a fully immersive fantasy-world experience is always waiting at the Tiny Minotaur, a tavern that leans into elaborate costumes and face makeup, with regular performance art and live gameplay. It’s a place where nerds of all kinds are invited to show up as they are and share what they love.

OUTDOOR

AUSTIN MOONLIGHT TOWERS

There is one at the southeast corner of West 9th Street and Guadalupe, and another at the southeast corner of East 11th Street and Trinity. They are the 165-foot-tall towers that support outdoor lighting for parts of Austin. Thirty-one of these metal giants were erected in 1895 using electricity from Austin's first power plant on the Colorado River. The towers first used carbon arc lamps that were lit nightly by a worker who got to the top in an elevator that runs up the center of the framework. These were replaced in the 1920s by incandescent lamps and then by mercury vapor lamps in 1936. There are 17 towers in use today. A replica of a moonlight tower serves as the center post for the Zilker Park "Christmas Tree" of lights each year.

VELOWAY

4900 La Crosse Ave (Southwest Austin) – Daily 5am-10pm - Paved, 3-mile bicycle- & skateboard-exclusive path within Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park.

CONGRESS BRIDGE BATS

(Downtown) The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge hosts North America's largest urban bat colony, featuring up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. From mid-March to early November, these bats emerge at sunset, creating a spectacular, cloud-like flight, with peak viewing usually in July and August.  Emergences will occur every night during spring and summer, normally within 30 minutes before sundown, in hot, dry weather, but up to 40 minutes after in cooler, damp weather. In a typical year, mid-May through June would be the least likely times to view emergences, in part because pregnant bats tend to emerge later and because spring rains ensure plentiful food. Sunset time can be found at https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/austin?month=8.

Bat Watching Etiquette

  • No white lights shone on emerging bats.

  • No loud noises within 100 feet of the bridge, clapping, yelling, musical instruments.

  • No drones within 20 feet of emerging columns. Collisions kill bats and disable drones.

  • No capturing or handling bats.

  • Flash photos are okay, though flash isn’t normally useful during early emergences.

BARTON SPRINGS POOL

2201 William Barton Dr (South Central Austin) – Daily 5am-10pm - Barton Springs Pool is a 3-acre, natural spring-fed swimming pool located within Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, maintained at a refreshing 68–70°F (20–23°C) year-round. As a premier city attraction, it offers swimming in clean Edwards Aquifer water, surrounded by grassy hills for sunbathing and lounging.

WOODLAND FAERIE TRAIL AT ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN

2220 Barton Springs Rd (Downtown) – June to August Daily 8-4, Sept to May Daily 9-5 - Seemingly overnight, adorable faeries set up complete villages at Austin's beloved Zilker Botanical Garden. Explore the whimsical Woodland Faerie Trail that appears each summer. Admire dozens of miniature homes, gardens and playlands created by Austin-area families, children's groups and even Zilker docents.

MOUNT BONNELL

Daily 5am-10pm (Northwest Austin) - To get to Mount Bonnell, take 35th Street west over MoPac past Camp Mabry. After taking a left at the fork onto Old Bull Creek Road, take a right on Mount Bonnell Road and move up the hill, where you will then see parking to your left. All of this is free and, because of the short hike, is great for all ages. Located in Covert Park, Mount Bonnell is one of the highest points in Austin at 781 feet! The peak is named for George Bonnell, who served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Texas Republic.

MAYFIELD PARK

3505 W 35th St (West Austin) – Daily 5am-10pm - The Mayfield–Gutsch Estate, now named Mayfield Park, is a historic cottage, gardens and nature preserve in west Austin on a bluff overlooking Lake Austin. Originally built in the 1870s, the cottage was purchased by former Texas Secretary of State Allison Mayfield in 1909.

GHOST STREETS OF ONION CREEK

6607 Pleasant Valley Rd S (Southeast Austin) - In the 1970s, the area around Austin's Onion Creek was developed into subdivisions with thousands of single-family homes. At the time, southeast Austin was one of the few remaining areas of the city that hadn't seen any significant growth over the years. And as it turned out, that was for good reason. Due to mapping errors, many of the homes, went up in parts of the Onion Creek vicinity where 25-year floods are commonplace. It soon became clear that even the 25-year designation was incorrect.

MUSEUMS, ART GALLERIES AND ODD EXHIBITS

THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN – ART GALLERY

700 N Congress Ave (Downtown) – Wed 12-9 Thurs-Sun 12-6 This is the city's top institution for modern and contemporary artwork. Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, the Jones Center is hard to miss. Jim Hodges’ glittering outdoor installation, titled With Liberty and Justice for All, appears to be floating in mid-air and sets the tone for your visit. The 8,000-square-foot space showcases seasonal exhibits and educational events the whole family will enjoy.

THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN LAGUNA GLORIA

3809 W 35th St (West Austin) – Wed 9-3 Thurs 9-9 Fri-Sun 9-3 - The historic Laguna Gloria villa grounds are dotted with outdoor sculptures by renowned international artists in a magical landscape right on the shore of Lake Austin. Wander on your own or sign up for the Drop-In Tour Program.

BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART

200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd – Tues-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-8 Sun 10-5 - Located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin, the Blanton Museum of Art houses the largest and most comprehensive collection of art in Central Texas. It’s also one of the biggest university art museums in the country. Take in the permanent collection of over 21,000 pieces, rotating exhibits and special events. You'll discover European paintings, as well as modern and contemporary American and Latin American art. Admission is free on Tuesdays!

MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM

419 N Congress Ave (Downtown) – Mon-Thurs 10-6 Fri-Sat 10-5 Sun 12-5 - The Mexic-Arte Museum in Downtown Austin offers a learning experience highlighting Mexican, Hispanic and Latin American art and culture. View traditional and contemporary works in seasonal and rotating exhibits and events. The museum is known for its popular annual Día de los Muertos celebration. Be sure to look for the colorful mural painted on the side of the museum.

TEXAS MUSIC MUSEUM

Marvin C Griffin Building, 1009 E 11th St (Central East Austin) – Mon-Fri 10-4 - A tribute to the Lone Star State’s musical legacy, the Texas Music Museum displays memorabilia from across genres, including country, blues, rock and Tejano. It’s a meaningful stop for music lovers to explore the roots of Austin’s “Live Music Capital of the World®” claim to fame.

JAMES TURRELL SKYSPACE: THE COLOR INSIDE

2201 Speedway (University of Texas) - Artist James Turrell’s light and space installations can be found across the globe. His "Skyspaces" incorporate changing colors and shadows, and offer alternative frames for viewing the sky.  The UT installation seats up to 27 people in a dome-like structure that has an oculus open to the elements. Inside the room are hidden lights that project a sequence of colors on the curved white ceiling in such a way that makes it appear that the sky itself is changing hues. It’s interesting, meditative, and trippy all at the same time.

THE HARRY RANSOM CENTER

300 W 21st St (University of Texas) – Tues-Fri 10-5 Sat-Sun 12-5 - The Harry Ransom Center, known as the Humanities Research Center until 1983, is an archive, library, and museum at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in the collection of literary and cultural artifacts from the Americas and Europe for the purpose of advancing the study of the arts and humanities.

MUSEUM OF THE WEIRD

412 E 6th St (Downtown) – Mon-Thurs 10-7 Fri-Sun 10-9 - Any “wacky” outing in Austin should probably include a stop at the Museum of the Weird, where guests can browse mummies, shrunken heads, life-size wax figures of movie monsters, and other odd collectibles and knick-knacks. The museum is inside Lucky Lizard Curios and Gifts, so you can get a souvenir while you’re there.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL EPHEMERATA

1808 Singleton Ave (East Austin) – Curator-led tours on Saturdays at 11am by appointment at mnae.austin@gmail.com.  Strange artifacts can be seen at the Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata, an appointment-only exhibition inside an East Austin living room that displays one family’s collection of vintage dolls, figurines, and other oddities gathered around the world. 

TEXAS TOY MUSEUM AND ARCADE

312 Congress Ave (Downtown) – Mon-Thurs 10:30-9 Fri 10:30-midnight Sat 10-midnight Sun noon-9 - The Texas Toy Museum collection primarily features toys and figurines from the golden age of the '80s and is comprised of over 20,000 pieces. The toys range all the way back to the early 1900s. The museum houses many rare and unique items including prototypes of action figures acquired directly from some of the people who used to work in these great toy companies. Exhibits include action figures, dolls, merchandise, arcade games, comic books and over 50 video game systems all the way back to the first home console unit.

CURIA ARCANUM’S HOUSE OF CURIOSITIES

5924 S Congress Ave Suite 23 (South Austin) – Fri-Sat 1-7 Sun 2-6 - The Mystically Macabre Curio for the Curious & Odd An immersive experience specializing in curiosities, oddities, wet specimens, magic and occult books & items, taxidermy, antiques, reproductions, jewelry, a wide assortment of incense and burners, a gallery of fantastic artifacts, and much more!  Known for a strong selection of Western esotericism and Golden Dawn-related texts, often highlighting their upstairs collection.

CASA NEVERLANDIA

305 W Milton St (SoCo) - One of the most unique places to visit in Austin is Casa Neverlandia, an art exhibit that takes over an entire South Austin home owned by artist James Talbot. The house has become a living artwork filled with glass sculptures, murals, funky furniture, mosaics, and more. Just keep in mind that tours with the man himself must be reserved in advance at talbot@talbotworld.com (include which date and how many you are) and have a $15 entry fee, otherwise, viewing from the street is free.

SPARKY PARK

3701 Grooms St (Central Austin) – Daily 10-10 - This charming pocket park is an Austin original. Once a utilitarian electrical substation, Sparky Park was overhauled by local artist Berthold Haas — along with some helpful neighbors — in 2008. Bits of glass, stone, broken dishes, shells, marbles, and other shiny bits and bobs turn the walls and pillars into a tactile art installation that you’ll want to feel as well as see.

CATHEDRAL OF JUNK

4422 Lareina Dr (South Austin) – By appointment only.  Call 512-299-7413.  Reserve an appointment in advance to visit the Cathedral of Junk in South Austin and experience an art gallery based entirely on discarded and recycled materials.

AIRPORT EXHIBIT

INTERIMAGINERY DEPARTURES

Walking between gates 12 and 14 in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, you might see a sign for gate infinity — and that’s when you’ll know you’ve reached the Interimaginary Departures. While the rest of this terminal services domestic flights, this lounge sends its passengers to Narnia, Hogwarts, Panem, Middle Earth, the Emerald City, the Hundred Acre Woods, and hundreds of other destinations from the universes of literature, film, and video games.

ACCOMMODATIONS

DRISKILL HOTEL

604 Brazos St (Downtown) - One of Austin’s most unique places to stay is the Driskill Hotel, which opened over a century ago and still showcases many of its original features. Over the years, guests have shared stories about lingering spirits—like a young girl said to haunt the grand staircase and a bride who lives in one of the upper-floor rooms—only adding to the hotel’s reputation for spooky sightings!

SHOPPING

STORES

TOY JOY

403 W 2nd St (Downtown) – Sun-Thurs 10-9 Fri-Sat 10-10 - Austin's iconic toy and collectibles store for over 25 years! We are known worldwide for our eclectic collection of nostalgic, fun & age-appropriate toys!

UNCOMMON OBJECTS

1602 Fort View Rd (South Austin) – Daily 10-6 - For a curious shopping trip, check out Uncommon Objects, an antique decor shop in South Austin that focuses on quirky items from different eras of American history.

SWITCHED ON MUSIC ELECTRONICS

5013 Duvall St (Central Austin) – Schedule an appt daily - Switched On is a synthesizer and musical electronics dream store. We stock used and vintage electronic instruments for the musician, producer, composer, and sound designer. Our shop is full service! We offer sales, repair & restoration, in-store sampling, consultation, appraisals of vintage/rare gear, and event sponsorship. We buy used gear, offer trades, and will consign your items too! In our storefront you can view, play, or even sample any instrument on the floor. Our knowledgeable sales staff can educate you on the wide world of synthesis, new and old instruments, and audio production.

ALIENATED MAJESTY BOOKS

613 W 29th St (University of Texas) – Tues-Sat 10-7 - We specialize in a curated collection of international small presses, translations, literary fiction, indie comics, politics & theory, environments, and poetry.  From our literary screening series with AFS Cinema to our afterhours DIY punk shows, we pride ourselves in providing a gathering space for diverse, queer-friendly, and anti-apartheid folks.

SHOPPING STREETS

NORTH LOOP

(Central Austin) Weird and wonderful is the name of the game at this little enclave, where vintage stores, used bookstores and dive bars beckon. Stop by cult classics Revival Vintage, Ermine Vintage, Blue Velvet and Room Service Vintage.

EAST AUSTIN

From eclectic vintage shops and cozy independent bookstores and specialty home goods, East Austin has a wealth of local boutiques. Peruse a carefully curated selection of sustainable home goods, accessories and gifts at Take Heart. Stationery lovers will want to check out The Paper + Craft Pantry for cute paper goods and home wares. Shop secondhand at Charm School Vintage for unique clothing and BLK Vinyl for pre-loved vinyl records. Get cozy in an armchair with your next great read and a glass of wine at Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar.

SOUTH CONGRESS

Vintage shops and local boutiques mingle with high-end and luxury brands on this iconic avenue with a mix of casual eateries, cafes and bars. Uncover your next vintage find at Prototype Vintage, act like a kid in a candy store at Big Top Candy Shop, get outfitted with boots at Allens Boots or Tecovas, shop for jewelry at the Kendra Scott Flagship and pick up local art and gifts at Paper Work. On the north end of South Congress Avenue, Music Lane is home to international brands like Lululemon, Nike, Hermes, Reformation and more. Take a break for lunch at bright and airy Café No Sé, and round of the day with Tex-Mex and live music at Guero’s.

SOUTH FIRST STREET

This local favorite is just a few blocks west of South Congress and is home to a wealth of locally owned shops and eateries. Spend your afternoon strolling from shop to shop, then grab lunch or happy hour from one of the many restaurants or food truck parks. Don’t miss the vintage finds at Devil’s Details, certified fair trade boots at Fortress of Inca and trendy home goods at Maaribu. Fuel for the day with brunch at Elizabeth Street Cafe, a mid-day pick-me-up at La Patisserie, enjoy dinner at critically acclaimed Lenoir or dine on the patio at Fresa’s.

SECOND STREET DISTRICT

This upscale shopping area features high-end boutiques and emerging local designers. Try on handcrafted jewelry at Eliza Page, shop fashion-forward women’s clothing and accessories at United Apparel Liquidators, find Austin apparel and gifts at Austin Rocks, and shop for your inner child at Toy Joy. While you’re here catch an indie flick at Violet Crown Cinema then stop by La Condesa for flavorful tacos and tequila cocktails.

SHOPPING MALLS

THE DOMAIN

11410 Century Oaks Terrace (North Austin) – Mon-Thurs 10-8, Fri-Sat 10-9, Sun 12-6 - Stroll the tree-lined walkways at The Domain, an outdoor shopping mall where luxury brands, big-name department stores and staple shops beckon. Whether you’re looking to splurge big at the likes of Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton, pick up a new outfit at Anthropologie or Madewell, or spend hours browsing the racks at Macy’s or Neiman Marcus, this is the spot.

DOMAIN NORTHSIDE

11821 Rock Rose Ave (North Austin) – Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 12-6 - Just on the other side of Domain Drive, discover indie clothing brands and trendsetting home decor shops at Domain NORTHSIDE. Shop local jewelry maker Nina Berenato and fill your closet with bohemian fashions at Free People. Fellas will find their stride at stores like STAG or Mizzen+Main. Homebodies will love shopping furnishings and decor at CB2 and Restoration Hardware. Bonus: this retail district is also home to a vibrant dining and nightlife scene along Rock Rose, so you can sip specialty cocktails on the rooftop at 77 Degrees, munch on creative tacos at Velvet Taco or play arcade games while downing sake bombs at Kung Fu Saloon Rock Rose.

THE ARBORETUM AT GREAT HILLS

10000 Research Blvd (Northwest Austin) – Mon-Sat 10-9 Sun 12-6 - The Arboretum features a collection of big box stores and even bigger brand names. Buy the perfect piece for your home at Pottery Barn or Sugarboo & Co., find something for the foodie in your life at Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars or do some shopping for yourself at Orvis or Chico’s. For a quick mid-day pick-me-up stop into The Rose Bakery for a sweet treat or indulge in tasty Italian fare at Juliet Italian Kitchen.

BARTON CREEK SQUARE MALL

2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy (West Austin) – Mon-Thurs 10-8 Fri-Sat 10-9 Sun 12-6 - South of Downtown Austin, Barton Creek Square Mall is the perfect spot to shop with families with more than 170 stores at this indoor mall. Department stores such as Nordstrom and Dillard’s to clothing shops such as GAP, J. Crew, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. Every Saturday from 9-1, you also can pick up farm-fresh foods and just-baked treats at the Barton Creek Farmers Market.