Guidebook for Austin
Sightseeing
Great museum highlighting the Texas Legend. Worth it if you've seen all the other museums on the list, or like 70's history. Very quiet area since this is so far on the eastern edge of campus.
240 locals raden deze aan
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
2313 Red River StGreat museum highlighting the Texas Legend. Worth it if you've seen all the other museums on the list, or like 70's history. Very quiet area since this is so far on the eastern edge of campus.
Stunning example of late 19th century public architecture and widely recognized as one of America's most distinguished state capitols. It's also the tallest and 6th largest. Events here all the time.
1119 locals raden deze aan
Texas Senate
1200 Congress AveStunning example of late 19th century public architecture and widely recognized as one of America's most distinguished state capitols. It's also the tallest and 6th largest. Events here all the time.
The Fountain is second only to the Tower for photos since they're perfectly aligned. Gorgeous photo spot and the gateway to the heart of campus. It's great during both day and night, when it's lit.
6 locals raden deze aan
Littlefield Fountain
201 W 21st StThe Fountain is second only to the Tower for photos since they're perfectly aligned. Gorgeous photo spot and the gateway to the heart of campus. It's great during both day and night, when it's lit.
The best place to relax, watch turtles, and contemplate life. There's a spacious lawn here next to the UT greenhouse, which is perfect for picnics and light reading.
UT Turtle Pond
The best place to relax, watch turtles, and contemplate life. There's a spacious lawn here next to the UT greenhouse, which is perfect for picnics and light reading.
The perfect outlet for your inner outdoor explorer! This urban oasis has miles upon miles of unadulterated nature, with rock walls, boulders, streams, caves, and natural pools.
531 locals raden deze aan
Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas HighwayThe perfect outlet for your inner outdoor explorer! This urban oasis has miles upon miles of unadulterated nature, with rock walls, boulders, streams, caves, and natural pools.
A UT and Austin favorite sight. It's been criticized, iconified, slapped on tshirts, photographed, paint-bombed, renovated, and still stands because of a lobby from local history preservation acts.
13 locals raden deze aan
Jeremiah The Innocent Mural
408 W 21st StA UT and Austin favorite sight. It's been criticized, iconified, slapped on tshirts, photographed, paint-bombed, renovated, and still stands because of a lobby from local history preservation acts.
Arts & Culture
Wonderful shows, concerts, and entertainment here. Catch a musical here if you can! Rush tickets are generally available for a great deal on show day.
30 locals raden deze aan
Bass Concert Hall
510 E 23rd StWonderful shows, concerts, and entertainment here. Catch a musical here if you can! Rush tickets are generally available for a great deal on show day.
Get your game day gear on, and your horns up! If you're in Austin for football, this is where you want to be. Hook 'em!
97 locals raden deze aan
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
2139 San Jacinto BlvdGet your game day gear on, and your horns up! If you're in Austin for football, this is where you want to be. Hook 'em!
One of the largest university art museums in the US, and a top 10 museum in Austin by The Guardian. Regularly features old and contemporary art, and a perfect way to spend an afternoon close by.
644 locals raden deze aan
The Blanton Museum of Art
200 East Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardOne of the largest university art museums in the US, and a top 10 museum in Austin by The Guardian. Regularly features old and contemporary art, and a perfect way to spend an afternoon close by.
36 million literary manuscripts, 1 million rare books, 5 million photographs, and more than 100,000 works of art are housed here. See the first photograph, a Gutenberg Bible, and more. And, it's free!
127 locals raden deze aan
Harry Ransom Center
300 W 21st St36 million literary manuscripts, 1 million rare books, 5 million photographs, and more than 100,000 works of art are housed here. See the first photograph, a Gutenberg Bible, and more. And, it's free!
A lesser-known gem even among Austinites. The park is constantly painted over by graffiti artists, so it is a living, breathing attraction. Bring closed-toe shoes, and climb to the top for the view.
207 locals raden deze aan
Graffiti Park at Castle Hill
1008 Baylor StA lesser-known gem even among Austinites. The park is constantly painted over by graffiti artists, so it is a living, breathing attraction. Bring closed-toe shoes, and climb to the top for the view.
An Austin original, this independent family of movie theaters combines the best of cinema and dining to make moviegoing what it was supposed to be. This is the closest location to the penthouse.
228 locals raden deze aan
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas
320 E 6th StAn Austin original, this independent family of movie theaters combines the best of cinema and dining to make moviegoing what it was supposed to be. This is the closest location to the penthouse.
Like the Alamo Drafthouse with movies + dining, but more upscale and intimate. They have plush seating, premium audio/video, and are in a great shopping district.
347 locals raden deze aan
Violet Crown Social Club
1111 E 6th StLike the Alamo Drafthouse with movies + dining, but more upscale and intimate. They have plush seating, premium audio/video, and are in a great shopping district.
Everything Else
Megabus Stop station
1500 San Jacinto BlvdOnly 4 blocks from the penthouse!
Only 5 blocks from the penthouse. If you're a professional, chances are you'll end up here. There's great indoor/outdoor work areas and a serene nature patch in the center courtyard.
14 locals raden deze aan
AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center
1900 University AveOnly 5 blocks from the penthouse. If you're a professional, chances are you'll end up here. There's great indoor/outdoor work areas and a serene nature patch in the center courtyard.
Chase Bank
4601 N Lamar BlvdOnly a handful of blocks away and great service!
Food Scene
The most underrated, and to me THE BEST BBQ in Austin. Craft cocktails and incredible BBQ; plus, no wait and plush saloon interior. Cover up the prices, order whatever looks good, and thank me later.
43 locals raden deze aan
Freedmen's
The most underrated, and to me THE BEST BBQ in Austin. Craft cocktails and incredible BBQ; plus, no wait and plush saloon interior. Cover up the prices, order whatever looks good, and thank me later.
Austin staple with huge wings, great flavors, drinks galore, and tons of TVs. Voted one of the best sports bars in America and started by UT students. One block away.
72 locals raden deze aan
Pluckers Wing Bar
2222 Rio Grande StAustin staple with huge wings, great flavors, drinks galore, and tons of TVs. Voted one of the best sports bars in America and started by UT students. One block away.
Everyone loves it. I think it's second to Freedmen's - there, I said it! - and I'm sticking to my guns. Bring a six pack, some friends, and your patience. It's a 3+ hr wait but the BBQ is pretty good.
919 locals raden deze aan
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th StEveryone loves it. I think it's second to Freedmen's - there, I said it! - and I'm sticking to my guns. Bring a six pack, some friends, and your patience. It's a 3+ hr wait but the BBQ is pretty good.
Fantastic cafe for coffee, creativity, and conversation. They are coffee purists here and their service reflects that. Across the street from UT, free WiFi, outlets galore. Skip Starbucks, come here!
342 locals raden deze aan
Caffe Medici
1101 W Lynn StFantastic cafe for coffee, creativity, and conversation. They are coffee purists here and their service reflects that. Across the street from UT, free WiFi, outlets galore. Skip Starbucks, come here!
Fantastic Indian food in a sit-down environment. Go to their lunch buffet for the best bang for your buck, or order anything off their menu for dinner.
85 locals raden deze aan
The Clay Pit
1601 Guadalupe StFantastic Indian food in a sit-down environment. Go to their lunch buffet for the best bang for your buck, or order anything off their menu for dinner.
Some call the service here "authentic." Others call it "slow." Ignore the service; you're here for the food. Order the lamb (or vegetarian), pair it with mango laasi and garlic naan. It's the best!
14 locals raden deze aan
Teji's
2100 Guadalupe StSome call the service here "authentic." Others call it "slow." Ignore the service; you're here for the food. Order the lamb (or vegetarian), pair it with mango laasi and garlic naan. It's the best!
Best place for dirt cheap, otherworldly authentic, outrageously delicious Mexican food in Austin. Best of all, it's open 24/7! Order the tacos (barbacoa is by far my favorite), and a side of chips.
61 locals raden deze aan
La Mexicana Bakery
1924 S 1st StBest place for dirt cheap, otherworldly authentic, outrageously delicious Mexican food in Austin. Best of all, it's open 24/7! Order the tacos (barbacoa is by far my favorite), and a side of chips.
Insanely great deli, and the #1 highest-rated 78705 restaurant on Yelp. Everything here is good. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Ainsworth - a custom chef's creation based on your tastes!
8 locals raden deze aan
Fricano's Deli & Catering
2405 Nueces StInsanely great deli, and the #1 highest-rated 78705 restaurant on Yelp. Everything here is good. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Ainsworth - a custom chef's creation based on your tastes!
It's not the same as Halal Guys in New York, but it's the closest you'll get in Austin! Lamb over rice is the star here.
30 locals raden deze aan
Halal Bros
2712 Guadalupe StIt's not the same as Halal Guys in New York, but it's the closest you'll get in Austin! Lamb over rice is the star here.
Austin's favorite taco shop. The Democrat and Trailer Park are my favorites here, and you can't go wrong with chips and salsa. Beware the terrible parking lot.
1075 locals raden deze aan
Torchy's Tacos
2809 S 1st StAustin's favorite taco shop. The Democrat and Trailer Park are my favorites here, and you can't go wrong with chips and salsa. Beware the terrible parking lot.
It'd be a crime to visit Austin and never try this Texas favorite. They're all over Austin, but this is the closest one and they're always fresh because of high traffic. Grab the #2 or Monterrey Melt.
97 locals raden deze aan
Whataburger
601 Barton Springs RdIt'd be a crime to visit Austin and never try this Texas favorite. They're all over Austin, but this is the closest one and they're always fresh because of high traffic. Grab the #2 or Monterrey Melt.
You like views - you'll love the one you'll have sitting on Lake Austin. Fine gourmet coffees, dangerously delicious desserts, free WiFi, and music on weekends. My favorite workspace in Austin!
371 locals raden deze aan
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin BlvdYou like views - you'll love the one you'll have sitting on Lake Austin. Fine gourmet coffees, dangerously delicious desserts, free WiFi, and music on weekends. My favorite workspace in Austin!
The original, and UT Austin-born cookie shop. Their cult following is earned. Everything here is amazingly fresh, rich, and reasonably priced, though my favorite by far is the Snickerdoodle Tiffwich.
29 locals raden deze aan
Tiff's Treats Cookie Delivery
1806 Nueces StThe original, and UT Austin-born cookie shop. Their cult following is earned. Everything here is amazingly fresh, rich, and reasonably priced, though my favorite by far is the Snickerdoodle Tiffwich.
Voted one of the best Asian restaurants in Austin. Ignore everything but the #7 Peppercorn Chicken if you're hungry, and any of the drinks here are solid. Free soup and WiFi! Only 3 blocks away.
19 locals raden deze aan
CoCo's Cafe
1910 Guadalupe StVoted one of the best Asian restaurants in Austin. Ignore everything but the #7 Peppercorn Chicken if you're hungry, and any of the drinks here are solid. Free soup and WiFi! Only 3 blocks away.
Conveniently located, with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Plus everything else you expect from Starbucks.
254 locals raden deze aan
Starbucks
1201 Barbara Jordan BlvdConveniently located, with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Plus everything else you expect from Starbucks.
An Austin staple, this 24-hour diner is best enjoyed after midnight. The chips and guac are solid.
59 locals raden deze aan
Kerbey Lane Cafe - University
2606 Guadalupe StAn Austin staple, this 24-hour diner is best enjoyed after midnight. The chips and guac are solid.
Cool little Hawaiian snow-cone stand that serves dozens of flavors. They're all tasty, but whatever you choose, make sure to add cream on it to heighten the experience.
21 locals raden deze aan
Sno Beach
412 Sterzing StCool little Hawaiian snow-cone stand that serves dozens of flavors. They're all tasty, but whatever you choose, make sure to add cream on it to heighten the experience.
An Austin product that serves high-quality, classic burgers and thin-cut fries at a deliciously cheap price. Add lemonade for best results, and make sure to ask for extra sauce!
302 locals raden deze aan
P. Terry's Burger Stand
404 S Lamar BlvdAn Austin product that serves high-quality, classic burgers and thin-cut fries at a deliciously cheap price. Add lemonade for best results, and make sure to ask for extra sauce!
It's here in Austin! The line is usually crazy busy after 4 but it's almost as good as its West Coast counterparts. Make sure to order everything Animal Style, and look up the secret menu.
31 locals raden deze aan
In-N-Out Burger
4515 Airport BlvdIt's here in Austin! The line is usually crazy busy after 4 but it's almost as good as its West Coast counterparts. Make sure to order everything Animal Style, and look up the secret menu.
My inner burger purist is adamant that this is the best burger in Texas, not just Austin. Try just the bun and you'll agree. A truly elevating diner experience. Say hi to Steve the chef for me.
211 locals raden deze aan
Counter Cafe
1914 E 6th StMy inner burger purist is adamant that this is the best burger in Texas, not just Austin. Try just the bun and you'll agree. A truly elevating diner experience. Say hi to Steve the chef for me.
Arguably, the best burger in Austin. Remind yourself that everything here is amazing while you're standing in line. Or sip on a milkshake or beer while you wait. Truffle fries here are to die for.
780 locals raden deze aan
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
1400 S Congress AveArguably, the best burger in Austin. Remind yourself that everything here is amazing while you're standing in line. Or sip on a milkshake or beer while you wait. Truffle fries here are to die for.
It's not from Austin, but it's hard to argue against these burgers, especially if you like yours gratuitously loaded. They only do burgers, fries, and hot dogs, and their simplicity pays in spades.
7 locals raden deze aan
Five Guys
3208 B Guadalupe StIt's not from Austin, but it's hard to argue against these burgers, especially if you like yours gratuitously loaded. They only do burgers, fries, and hot dogs, and their simplicity pays in spades.
It's a tight race for the best pizza in Austin, but to me this is #1-A. Go to More Home Slice next door if you don't want to wait.
791 locals raden deze aan
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveIt's a tight race for the best pizza in Austin, but to me this is #1-A. Go to More Home Slice next door if you don't want to wait.
My favorite Sunday brunch spot in Austin, because it's also the only gluten-free restaurant. Eat guilt-free and enjoy mimosas with your brunch! The French Toast here is killer.
18 locals raden deze aan
Wild Wood Bakehouse
1300 E 7th StMy favorite Sunday brunch spot in Austin, because it's also the only gluten-free restaurant. Eat guilt-free and enjoy mimosas with your brunch! The French Toast here is killer.
A cozy combination of alcohol, tobacco, and coffee all under one roof! They're open til 4 am and have tons of comfy furniture for groups, and their DIY s'mores make for a unique date experience.
136 locals raden deze aan
Halcyon
218 W 4th StA cozy combination of alcohol, tobacco, and coffee all under one roof! They're open til 4 am and have tons of comfy furniture for groups, and their DIY s'mores make for a unique date experience.
If for any reason, you have to leave the penthouse at 5 am for caffeine and eclectic furniture, just know this 24-hour coffee shop is waiting for you. Free WiFi and plugs everywhere!
223 locals raden deze aan
Bennu Coffee
2001 E Martin Luther King Jr BlvdIf for any reason, you have to leave the penthouse at 5 am for caffeine and eclectic furniture, just know this 24-hour coffee shop is waiting for you. Free WiFi and plugs everywhere!
Part of the West Campus Food Truck Court on 26th & Rio Grande, just down the street from the penthouse. Really rich ice cream!
9 locals raden deze aan
Cow Tipping Creamery
4715 S Lamar BlvdPart of the West Campus Food Truck Court on 26th & Rio Grande, just down the street from the penthouse. Really rich ice cream!
Eclectic, spacious coffee bar near UT campus with tons of space indoors and out. Parking is terrible in this area, but the cafe is fun and full of personality both day and night.
176 locals raden deze aan
Spider House Ballroom
2906 Fruth StEclectic, spacious coffee bar near UT campus with tons of space indoors and out. Parking is terrible in this area, but the cafe is fun and full of personality both day and night.
Another Austin favorite, locals love to come on Mondays for discounted Mexican Martinis. They're strong and come with a two-drink limit.
72 locals raden deze aan
Trudy's Texas Star
409 W 30th StAnother Austin favorite, locals love to come on Mondays for discounted Mexican Martinis. They're strong and come with a two-drink limit.
24-hour pizza and an Austin original make this a great pizza spot any time. They also have a bar upstairs! The Downtowner is my personal favorite.
8 locals raden deze aan
Austin's Pizza Guadalupe
2324 Guadalupe St24-hour pizza and an Austin original make this a great pizza spot any time. They also have a bar upstairs! The Downtowner is my personal favorite.
You used to have to drive an hour to Lockhart, TX to get this incredible Texas barbeque, but now they're next to UT campus! The brisket and ribs are killer.
99 locals raden deze aan
Black's Barbecue Austin
3110 Guadalupe StYou used to have to drive an hour to Lockhart, TX to get this incredible Texas barbeque, but now they're next to UT campus! The brisket and ribs are killer.
Drinks & Nightlife
Modern biergarden with excellent sausages, pretzels, cheeses, and a long drinks list. Plenty of seating throughout, and a ping pong table outside!
358 locals raden deze aan
Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StModern biergarden with excellent sausages, pretzels, cheeses, and a long drinks list. Plenty of seating throughout, and a ping pong table outside!
Historical district with craftsman-style houses that are converted to bars. Amazing food trucks in the area. The most relaxed bar district downtown. Come here if you actually enjoy conversation.
212 locals raden deze aan
Rainey Street Historic District
Historical district with craftsman-style houses that are converted to bars. Amazing food trucks in the area. The most relaxed bar district downtown. Come here if you actually enjoy conversation.
Best Irish pub in Austin, and the only one I trust to pour my Guinness. Lavishly decorated, with a tap system imported from Dublin. Fish & chips here are great. Pork belly is the star of happy hour.
17 locals raden deze aan
Fado Irish Pub Austin
214 W 4th StBest Irish pub in Austin, and the only one I trust to pour my Guinness. Lavishly decorated, with a tap system imported from Dublin. Fish & chips here are great. Pork belly is the star of happy hour.
One of the brights spots in the heart of "Dirty 6th." Dirt-cheap liquor pitchers, and 4 sprawling bar areas. Use the top-secret back entrance in the alley between 5th and 6th when it's busy in front.
27 locals raden deze aan
Shakespeare's
314 E 6th StOne of the brights spots in the heart of "Dirty 6th." Dirt-cheap liquor pitchers, and 4 sprawling bar areas. Use the top-secret back entrance in the alley between 5th and 6th when it's busy in front.
The best part of Dirty 6th, because it's unlike everything else! Get into this speakeasy by making online reservations. Finely decorated interiors and otherworldly tasty cocktails await.
107 locals raden deze aan
Midnight Cowboy Modeling
313 E 6th StThe best part of Dirty 6th, because it's unlike everything else! Get into this speakeasy by making online reservations. Finely decorated interiors and otherworldly tasty cocktails await.
The Living Room Lounge at the W Hotel is my favorite upscale bar in Austin. Finely decorated interiors, top-shelf drinks, and an actual fireplace have a way of elevating conversations and fun.
78 locals raden deze aan
W Austin
200 Lavaca StThe Living Room Lounge at the W Hotel is my favorite upscale bar in Austin. Finely decorated interiors, top-shelf drinks, and an actual fireplace have a way of elevating conversations and fun.
One of the best happy hours in Austin, and a straight shot from the penthouse. Dark interiors, real fireplaces, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The tapas menu and drinks are solid.
16 locals raden deze aan
219 West
612 W 6th StOne of the best happy hours in Austin, and a straight shot from the penthouse. Dark interiors, real fireplaces, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The tapas menu and drinks are solid.
One of the biggest bars in Austin, and one of the highlights of West 6th. Four massive bar areas, tons of dance floor space, and a more mature crowd make this vastly different from "Dirty 6th."
45 locals raden deze aan
The Ranch
710 W 6th StOne of the biggest bars in Austin, and one of the highlights of West 6th. Four massive bar areas, tons of dance floor space, and a more mature crowd make this vastly different from "Dirty 6th."
My favorite bar on West 6th, particularly for their "Free Play Sundays" where all the arcade games (there's a ton) are all free! There's also adult Jenga and their famous pickle shots.
93 locals raden deze aan
Kung Fu Saloon
716 W 6th StMy favorite bar on West 6th, particularly for their "Free Play Sundays" where all the arcade games (there's a ton) are all free! There's also adult Jenga and their famous pickle shots.
Shopping
You ARE here for UT, right? Prepare for a sea of burnt orange and get your horns up. Longhorn merch and souvenirs everywhere. Hook 'em!
17 locals raden deze aan
University Co-op
2246 Guadalupe StYou ARE here for UT, right? Prepare for a sea of burnt orange and get your horns up. Longhorn merch and souvenirs everywhere. Hook 'em!
Closest brand name convenience store around, only 3 blocks away. You'll find everything you need for your stay besides groceries here, and prices are reasonable.
174 locals raden deze aan
CVS
2101 S Lamar BlvdClosest brand name convenience store around, only 3 blocks away. You'll find everything you need for your stay besides groceries here, and prices are reasonable.
Awesome convenience store just a block away, with a huge selection that's just short of a grocery store. Reasonably priced, open until 12, and very clean.
11 locals raden deze aan
West Campus Liquor
709 W 22nd StAwesome convenience store just a block away, with a huge selection that's just short of a grocery store. Reasonably priced, open until 12, and very clean.
West Campus Liquor
709 W 22nd StJust a block away!
Essentials
It's just a straight shot down 21st from the penthouse. If you're here for McCombs, you won't find a better location.
6 locals raden deze aan
McCombs School of Business
2110 SpeedwayIt's just a straight shot down 21st from the penthouse. If you're here for McCombs, you won't find a better location.
Cool co-op full of healthy eats from local and smaller-name brands. An easy bus ride down Guadalupe, and you'll feel healthier just shopping here!
337 locals raden deze aan
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
3101 Guadalupe StCool co-op full of healthy eats from local and smaller-name brands. An easy bus ride down Guadalupe, and you'll feel healthier just shopping here!
Everything's bigger in Texas, especially our grocery stores. Chances are, your savings will be just as big by shopping here. It's best to book an Uber if you didn't drive your own car.
1667 locals raden deze aan
H-E-B
5808 Burnet RdEverything's bigger in Texas, especially our grocery stores. Chances are, your savings will be just as big by shopping here. It's best to book an Uber if you didn't drive your own car.
The original and an Austin product. You'll find everything from groceries to drinks to clothes here, the store is huge! The happy hour and self-serve food bar are my favorites here.
1332 locals raden deze aan
Whole Foods Market
525 N Lamar BlvdThe original and an Austin product. You'll find everything from groceries to drinks to clothes here, the store is huge! The happy hour and self-serve food bar are my favorites here.