Austin Travel Guide

How to Make the Most of Your Austin Trip with American Express Travel®

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Austin, Texas has boomed in recent years, with the arrival of tech companies and travelers of all types, from friends to families to Formula 1® fans. The vibe is still laidback, though, and the live music scene is going strong, with major events like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, plus regular shows at The Continental Club and the Rainey Street Historic District venues.  

The Texas state capital gets ample sunshine and has enviable acres of green space like Zilker Park where locals and visitors can bike, hike, play, and bask in the hot springs. The variety of things to do in Austin also includes shopping for vintage finds, vinyl records, and authentic western wear downtown – and eating your weight in barbecue and street tacos, some of the best you’ll find on this side of Mexico.  

When you’re ready to plan an Austin trip, turn to American Express Travel for a more rewarding stay. At Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties, Platinum Card® Members can enjoy an exclusive suite of benefits* that includes daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4pm check-out, and a $100 credit to use towards eligible charges, such as food and beverage, spa, or other on-property charges.1 When staying two nights or more at The Hotel Collection properties*, Platinum Card Members receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges1, a room upgrade upon arrival, when available,2 and 12 pm check-in and late check-out, both when available.

Plus, get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection3 bookings through Amex Travel™ when you pay with your Platinum Card*.

Read on for some of our favorite hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Austin.

Calendar

Best Time to Visit

It’s Texas, so summers in Austin can be very hot. Plan your visit during the fall, when the weather can be  more temperate – and you can attend events like Austin City Limits and F1 racing, both of which take place in October.

Airplane

Getting There

Recommended Flights offers Platinum Card® Members access to lower fares on select routes with Delta.* Plus, Platinum Card Members earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked through American Express Travel® or flights purchased directly from airlines.*

Where to Stay in Austin

 

 

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Fine Hotels + Resorts
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Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection

This elegant estate feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin. The striking Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection features Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, suites decorated with custom heirloom art pieces, and 10 acres of lush gardens and courtyards to explore. Your $100 credit can go towards a meal at Lutie’s Garden Restaurant, which serves elevated American fare with Texas flair, or a cocktail at the estate’s poolside bar. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the proximity to Hancock Golf Course, a nine-hole course near scenic Waller Creek.

Perfect for Luxury Travelers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Families
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Fine Hotels + Resorts
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Thompson Austin

Thompson Austin sits in the heart of Austin’s downtown music scene – and is within walking distance of iconic barbecue spots Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and Franklin BBQ. The upscale boutique hotel goes bold with its design: geode-inspired architecture, sculptural lighting, black and white terrazzo floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the lively downtown scene. Toast your visit over  cocktails at rooftop bar Arriba Abajo and take advantage of guaranteed 4pm check-out to spend your last afternoon lounging by the outdoor pool, which has three private cabanas along with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Perfect for First Timers, Nightlife Enthusiasts
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Fine Hotels + Resorts
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W Austin

Take in scenic views of Lady Bird Lake from W Austin in the 2nd Street District, known for being the city’s prime shopping destination. Select suites offer private balconies and all guest rooms feature modern, vibrant décor and curated artwork. Before hitting the district for a day of retail therapy, fuel up with your complimentary daily breakfast for two at Trace Restaurant, which sources its fresh ingredients from local farms.

Perfect for Shoppers, Couples
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The Hotel Collection
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Fairmont Austin

Conveniently located near the Austin Convention Center, the 37-story Fairmont Austin affords guests sweeping city views, plus the largest outdoor pool in downtown Austin; book a cabana or just grab a lounger to soak up the Texas sun. After exploring the city, relax with a treatment at the hotel’s luxe spa, which features separate women’s and men’s solariums, a saline soaking pool, and a restorative eucalyptus steam grotto. With any luck, you’ll enjoy both 12 pm check-in and late check-out, both when available.

Perfect for Wellness Enthusiasts, Business Travelers Families
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The Hotel Collection
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Hotel ZaZa

With their funky patterns, suites in the hip Hotel ZaZa channel the vibe of the surrounding Warehouse District neighborhood. Beat the heat at the hotel’s rooftop pool, a destination for visitors and locals; your $100 credit can be applied towards a piña colada or frosé at the pool’s Cabana Bar, which offers a menu of tasty bites and sandwiches along with a selection of beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails.

Perfect for Culture Lovers, Friends Getaway

Where to Eat in Austin

 

The blue exterior of Este features a bench with chairs, a couple of chairs on the porch, and compass points around the E of the name.
Overhead view of a pot with shellfish nestled on top of corn as a chef garnishes each item with parsley.

Este

You might not think of seafood when it comes to Texas, but when it comes to Este, think again. This buzzy seafood restaurant puts a Mexican twist on dishes like fried fish tacos on house-made tortillas and camarones “el ricas” – shell-on shrimp with lime, cilantro, and chile costeño garlic butter. Be sure to pop into sister spot Bar Toti, which takes inspiration from Spanish bar culture, for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail.

Suerte

The star at this Mexican-inspired hotspot (which shares a chef with Este) is the masa, made in-house from heirloom corn. Come to Suerte for the masa in all its many iterations and stay for the inventive cocktail list, which incorporates unexpected ingredients like yaupon tea and tomato brine.

The bright interior of Birdie nestles small tables against a bench built into one wall, with striped cushions for extra comfort.
Overhead view of myriad dishes, mostly olives and vegetables lightly charred and crusted with seasoning. A few diners’ hands pick at the edges.

Birdie's

Named Food & Wine’s Restaurant of the Year in 2023, Birdie’s  is a must-visit – just be prepared to wait as there are no reservations.  The husband-and-wife team describe their concept as “fine-casual” – the quality of the food and wine taste like fine dining, yet it feels like a casual neighborhood joint. You can expect a fantastic, approachable wine list and a dynamic menu usually featuring fresh pasta and incorporating local, seasonal ingredients. (birdiesaustin.com)

Top-down view of a bowl of pasta shells in melted, finely spiced cheese. The bowl rests on a weathered wooden table.

La Barbecue

This woman-owned BBQ joint debuted as a food truck and was so popular it’s since expanded into a full restaurant (no reservations accepted). La Barbecue’s menu favorites include a savory brisket and signature jalapeno sausage, both of which you’ll dig into while enjoying the convivial atmosphere and live music. (labarbecue.com)

Overhead view of several dishes on a slate-gray table. Full dishes aren’t visible but feature meats, greens, tortillas, and floral garnishes.
Comedor’s dining room is high-roofed, with long tables and a wall of retractable windows to create a continuous space with the patio.

Comedor

An upscale Mexican restaurant in a sleek, industrial-style space, Comedor’s menu largely comprises small plates intended to be shared. For good reason, as you’ll want to sample it all, from a light tuna aguachile with watermelon to rich bone marrow tacos.

Elizabeth Street Café

This cozy French-Vietnamese café is located a few blocks from the popular “I love you so much” mural and serves up an eclectic menu of bánh mì, noodle dishes, French pastries, house-made ice cream, and more. (elizabethstreetcafe.com/austin)

 The exterior of Odd Duck is overgrown with flowering vines snaking off trellises, and a garden of low-lying plants bursts along the side.
A chef in a floral apron holds out a plate of food. The dish is a pile of crispy meat dotted with sprigs of herbs and vegetables.
Close-up of a dessert, a baked square with curls of chocolate, a dollop of an orange cream, and a scoop of ice cream atop it.

Odd Duck

Another food truck that went brick-and-mortar due to its immense popularity, Odd Duck serves up an oft-evolving menu of elevated American fare in casual, welcoming digs. Depending on when you visit, the offerings will be wildly different – though always excellent – their cast iron cornbread and signature burger are mainstays.

Overhead view of a tray laden with piles of finely seasoned and charred meat, slaw, slices of white bread, and a big scoop of mashed potatoes.

Franklin's Barbecue

Franklin’s has garnered national buzz for its always reliable menu of smoked meats and other traditional ‘cue, so expect a crowd. (Word is Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to stop by to avoid a line.) However, visitors and regulars will tell you it’s worth it for their pulled pork, brisket, and lively atmosphere. (franklinbbq.com)

Casa de Luz

In a barbecue-heavy city, it can be a bit tricky to find vegan options. Head to Casa de Luz, a community wellness center that runs yoga classes and meditation workshops, as well as a casual dining room with a seasonal whole-plant menu of dark leafy salads, soups, and whole grains and beans. (casadeluz.org)

What to Do in Austin

 

Colorful racecars covered in sponsor logos jockey for position as they race.

Formula 1

Austin is home to one of the most iconic Formula 1® races on the calendar, the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix 2024, which takes place across October 18-20, 2024. Witness 36 hours of entertainment including thrilling racing and two incredible performances by global music superstars. There are a range of ticket types available across the weekend including general admission, grandstand, and hospitality passes which are on sale now. Eligible American Express® Card Members can also get access to exclusive at-race perks to elevate their fan experience. Terms apply. Learn More.

The continental club’s historic sign spells out its name in bright neon.

The Continental Club

This South Congress music venue, recognized as a historic landmark, hosts both local and national acts across rock, country, blues, jazz, and more. (continentalclub.com)

Rainey Street Historic District

If you’re looking for a hotspot with live music, look no further than Rainey Street. Sure, you’re likely to run into a bachelorette party or two but it’s all part of the fun. It’s worth a stroll alone to check out the bungalow bars set inside historic houses and sample fare from some of the many food trucks that populate the district.

Book your Austin walking tour with GetYourGuide

An aerial view of Austin City limits captures the crowds filling a wide field in front of a stage, which is backed by the city skyline.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

ACL Music Festival is taking place October 4-6 and 11-13, 2024, and American Express® Card Members have access to exclusive perks on-site. Card Members have access to the Amex Experience, limited-edition Festival merch, a Card Member lane at the main merch store, and more. Card Members can also register their Card for Cashless payments at the Festival to have a $5 spend credit applied to their Festival wristband for use on-site at ACL Fest. Terms apply. Learn more

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

Take time to stroll through this 6-acre outdoor sculpture garden, which houses the works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf alongside other contemporary artists. Depending on when you visit, the museum offers programming that includes a fall festival, free lectures, and gallery tours. (umlaufsculpture.org)

The Allen’s Boots sign features neon rope around the edges, two boots acting as Ls, and is accompanied by a large red boot.

Allen’s Boots

It wouldn’t be a trip to Texas without at least trying on a pair of authentic cowboy boots. Allen’s is the go-to destination for western wear – the South Congress shop has been selling custom leather boots, cowboy hats, and other Texas staples since 1977. (allensboots.com)

The Contemporary Austin

This modern art space on Lake Austin specializes in vibrant boundary-pushing contemporary works. The Contemporary, which includes two museums (the Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center) also hosts workshops, family events, and more. (thecontemporaryaustin.org)

Zilker Park

Just a couple miles from downtown Austin, Zilker is the oldest metropolitan park in Austin. The sprawling greenspace and woodland sanctuary counts more than 600 species of plants and animals – and offers sports fields, a children’s playscape, space for picnicking, and of course, Barton Springs. (zilker351.org)

Barton Springs Pool & Park

Whatever the season, locals and visitors alike flock to this natural, 3-acre outdoor pool filled entirely with water from nearby springs. A federally protected habitat within Zilker Park, Barton Springs is also the home of an endangered species of salamander that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

Book your kayaking tour through Barton Springs with GetYourGuide

View down an aisle at Waterloo Records, which has rows upon rows of vinyl records of various genres, including soundtracks, jazz, and funk.

Waterloo Records

Waterloo has been a mainstay for music buffs in Austin since opening its doors in the early ‘80s. The famed indie record shop has an impressive selection of vinyl, books, posters, and other memorabilia and regularly hosts live performances and signings. (waterloorecords.com)

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

Get in your steps or pedals touring this winding 10-mile loop along Lady Bird Lake. The scenic urban path, surrounded by both 200 acres of parkland and the city skyline, offers a prime way to tour the city by foot, bike, or skate.

Uncommon Objects

Shop Small® at Uncommon Objects, a longtime Austin emporium specializing in unique souvenirs and one-of-a-kind objects that include taxidermy, antiques, old toys, and much more. (uncommonobjects.com)

If you’re ready to plan and book your Austin adventure, get started at AmexTravel.com.

Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.

 

 

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