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Curator’s statement
Austin is a great destination for anyone who loves traveling and trying new restaurants. BBQ is always a stop on every traveler’s Austin itinerary and for good reason, but now you can also try great tacos, sushi and donuts! With beautiful scenery, hikes, museums and great shopping, you’ll want to book a trip to Austin ASAP.
The Fora Difference
Book with Emily to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
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Killer perks
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Austin
The Driskill
A traditional stay in the heart of downtown and home to some of Austin Film Festival events. A historic setting with timeless charm within walking distance of the foodie scene, nightlife and historic attractions like the Austin Capitol.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Magdalena
Ultra-millennial hotel with stylish decor and a picturesque restaurant in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
Fairmont Austin
Modern Austin hotel with luxury service and offerings as well as access to a large pool.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 resort / hotel credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Carpenter Hotel
Just 12 minutes from Shoal Beach, this classic Austin property features a mid-century-styled coffee shop and a pool.
Fora Perks
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Food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
W Austin
Uber-modern luxury hotel within walking distance of all major Austin attractions.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
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$64 daily breakfast credit.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out, whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Emily to book your trip.
Things to do in Austin
Bullock Texas State History Museum: This interactive museum covers all things Texas history and is great for visitors of all ages.
South Congress Ave: South Congress Ave is a great street for shopping and has incredible restaurants. Spend an afternoon shopping and trying some of the best food in Austin.
East 6th Street: East 6th St shuts down to traffic on weekends, making it easy to navigate the street and check out all of the great bars!
Texas Rowing Center: Texas Rowing Center is right on Lady Bird Lake and offers kayak and canoe rentals. Spend a relaxing day hanging out on the lake and….
Barton Creek Greenbelt: Barton Creek Greenbelt is an 832-acre nature reserve with family-friendly trails and swimming holes! Spend the day hiking and the cool if with a swim.
Check out a Longhorns football game: Whether you’re a die-hard Longhorns fan or not, the atmosphere at a UT Austin game is electric and is a great addition to any Austin itinerary.
Go to a Honky Tonk: There are plenty of options in Austin, but check out The White Horse for a great Honky Tonk option!
Go see live music: There are plenty of bars in Austin offering live music options! Check out The Continental Club for a great venue right on South Congress Ave!
Places to eat & drink in Austin
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya: For a fun night out, check out this Japanese-Texas fusion restaurant with some of the best fried chicken in Austin.
Uchi: When visiting Austin, trying BBQ and Tacos is a must, but make sure you’re also adding sushi to your list. Uchi has great sushi and for a fancy date night, sign up for the Omakase.
Terry Black’s BBQ: One of my two favorite BBQ spots in Austin with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Make sure to order the Mac and Cheese side.
la Barbecue: My other favorite BBQ spot in Austin. Show up early or order ahead online to avoid the long lines. If you do end up waiting in line, the food is worth it.
Gourdough’s: There’s a lot of great food trucks in Austin, but Gourdough’s might take the donut. The menu is full of a multitude of donut flavors with even more toppings. The donuts are big enough to share, but you’ll want every last bite for yourself.
Elizabeth Street Café: This Vietnamese-French restaurant has great options for Lunch, Brunch and Dinner, and you might want to make three reservations so you can try all three menus.
Midnight Cowboy: This reservation-only speakeasy has some of the best cocktails in Austin. Keep an eye out for the secret entrance under the Midnight Cowboy Modeling sign.
The Driskill Bar: In The Driskill Hotel, at the top of the grand staircase, you’ll find the Driskill bar. With great live music and a bourbon list as long as your arm, you’ll be hanging out all night.
Taco Mafia: Create your own taco crawl and check out Nixta Taqueria, Cuantos Tacos and Discada, also known as the Taco Mafia, for the best tacos in Austin.
Travel Advisor
Emily McBride
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Austin. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Travel Advisor Parker White's guide, Foodie's Guide to Tacos, Coffee & More in Austin, TX .