Austin, Texas Luxury Travel Guide — Best College Towns

Its claim to fame is as the Live Music Capital of the World, but these days, Austin is also as much a mecca for Michelin stars, tony hotels, and world-class shopping. Equal parts cowboy and cosmopolitan, the city serves up grit and glamour in true Texas fashion—after all, where else can you find honky-tonk and Hermès on the same street? And with more than 50,000 students enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, one of the nation’s top state schools—with a beloved football team that turns the city into a sea of burnt orange come game time—Austin is as much a college town as it is a haven for entrepreneurs and tech power players.

Even if you’re mainly here for Longhorn football Saturday, there are a myriad ways to experience the capital to justify staying a while longer. Here’s our advice on how to make the most of Austin, from where to stay and what to eat, down to where to source your game day accessories.

Where to StayAuberge Resorts Collection

Auberge’s Commodore Perry Estate masters Euro-Texan glamour.

Just north of the University of Texas campus, the Commodore Perry Estate blends Texas charm with European country house elegance. Set on 10 manicured acres in Hyde Park, the 1928 mansion—once home to socialites Lutie and Edgar “Commodore” Perry—is now a 52-room Auberge resort with a private club. Ken Fulk reimagined the Jazz Age property in his signature whimsical fashion, decking out the landmark home and adjacent Inn in hand-painted murals, vintage finds from Round Top, and print-splashed walls. Kelly Krause, senior director of philanthropy at Kendra Scott, recommends booking either the LaVerne Suite or the Mountain Laurel Suite. “Both feel incredibly special and capture the character of the estate beautifully,” she says. Add a chapel and a Slim Aarons–worthy round pool, and you’ve got one of Austin’s grandest escapes.

Overlooking Google’s new HQ in the 2nd Street District, the Proper Hotel has a prime perch near Lady Bird Lake and some of Austin’s hottest restaurants. The 32-story high-rise houses 98 private residences and 238 hotel rooms, all done up in Kelly Wearstler’s pattern-soaked maximalism and sculptural style, with added touches for a Texas vibe (cowhide-paneled elevators, anyone?). With three restaurants, plus two plush cocktail bars—the Quill Room and Goldie’s Sunken Bar, which also serves a weekend tea spot—the Proper doubles as a go-to for dining and nightlife.

Proper Hotels

Kelly Wearstler’s signature brand of maximalism reigns supreme at the Proper Hotel.

If you’re seeking a more sustainably minded stay, look no further than 1 Hotel Austin, which is set to open this month. Located just steps from downtown’s buzzy Rainey Street and set along Waller Creek, its design draws inspiration from the surrounding Hill Country, leaning into locally sourced stone, reclaimed wood, and native plantings, with many of its 252 rooms facing the city’s skyline and Lady Bird Lake. Expect an entire floor dedicated to wellness, as well as farm-to-table dining options, including a a daily market stand in the lobby stocked with fresh seasonal fruit.

Further south lies Bunkhouse Hotels’ Hotel Saint Cecilia, a bastion of cool since its 2008 debut, long before nearby South Congress became the trendy draw it is today. Prized as much for its walkable location as its tranquility, the getaway’s 20 individually designed rooms and suites—which take cues from creatives of the 1960s and early ’70s—span an 1880s Victorian residence as well as more modern additions to the property. Each room has a secluded entrance—and is furnished with a heavenly Hästens mattress. Access is exclusive to guests and members of its private club, who flock to the grounds for the Hotel Saint Cecilia Lounge and the 50-foot heated pool.

Where to EatProper Hotels

Omakase in Austin? It’s a thing. The new Kappo Kappo is one of the best.

When the Michelin Guide expanded to Texas in 2024, Austin spots claimed seven of the state’s 15 stars, including downtown’s Hestia, where live-fire cookery and fermentation are front and center, and Barley Swine, known for dishes that showcase the bounty of Central Texas. But glitzy accolades only confirm what locals already know—that Austin’s culinary scene has been punching above its weight for years.

Austin may be landlocked, but sushi played a key role in catapulting the local food scene into the national spotlight. Uchi—now with outposts across the country—has been luring diners to its South Lamar bungalow since 2003 with chef Tyson Cole’s take on non-traditional Japanese cuisine. Look for Toyosu market selections, flown in fresh from Tokyo. But the hottest omakase to book right now is the new Kappo Kappo, inside the Proper Hotel, which is run by Paris-born Japanese chefs (and twins) Gohei and Haru Kishi.

Proper HotelsProper Hotels

Clarksville is home to stalwarts like Jeffrey’s, the storied neighborhood institution that opened in 1975, where wood-fired, dry-aged steaks and one of the state’s most impressive wine lists are paired with a side of old-school charm. Next door, its sister restaurant, Josephine House, offers an all-day take on the same polished hospitality, its blue cottage drawing locals for Monday night steak frites, as well as leisurely brunches of lemon ricotta pancakes and huevos rancheros.

Auberge Resorts Collection

Lutie’s welcomes a new chef, Jakub Czyszczon, this fall.

Downtown, J. Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse puts its spin on the classic steakhouse, with chef and owner John Carver turning out tomahawk ribeyes and bone-in filets prepared over a wood-burning grill in an opulent white-tablecloth setting. Carver is also behind the Kimberly, where American classics like steaks, seafood, and handmade pastas are served against views of the city.

Contrarian Wisdom: There will (and should) be plenty of steaks, barbecue, and Mexican on your food itinerary. Also leave room for omakase (seriously). Austin excels at it, and right now everyone wants to get it at Kappo Kappo.

Tucked inside the Commodore Perry Estate (and yet another reason to check in), Lutie’s blends fine dining with escapism, thanks to botanical motifs, Murano glass chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows that face the property’s lush gardens. Linger over seasonal dishes such as Texas pork with heirloom squash and butter beans—before newly named chef Jakub Czyszczon introduces a new menu this fall. Hot tip: In-the-know Austinites like to swing by for take-home pints of its famous Kouign Amann ice cream.

Justin Cook

The OG Driskell Grill & Bar is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year.

Hotel restaurants continue to steal the spotlight over at the Driskill Grill and Bar inside the landmark Driskill—Texas’ inaugural luxury hotel—which recently emerged from a top-to-bottom renovation ahead of its 140th anniversary. Led by executive chef Nick Erven under the creative direction of April Bloomfield, the restaurant pairs a menu rooted in timeless steakhouse fare, including prime rib carved tableside, with chilled martinis and in a beautifully restored dining room.

Contrarian Wisdom: Do as the locals do. Monday nights are for steak frites at Josephine House. And if you’d rather skip the scene at Lutie’s, at least stop by for a take-home pint of their famous Kouign Amann ice cream.

And let’s be real: no trip to Austin is complete without barbecue. Franklin Barbecue remains a crowd favorite, with its melt-in-your-mouth brisket attracting devotees who line up as early as sunrise for the 11 a.m. opening. As for those Austin Michelin stars? Three of them deservedly went to barbecue joints: InterStellar BBQ, la Barbecue and LeRoy & Lewis, a former food truck turned brick-and-mortar in South Austin.

For Mexican flavors, you can’t go wrong with buzzy East Austin spots Suerte and Este, both from owner Sam Hellman-Mass and exec chef Fermin Núñez. While Suerte revolves around masa and Texas-grown ingredients, Este places an emphasis on coastal Mexican cuisine and charcoal cooking. Added bonus: Este is within walking distance of the UT football stadium.

Where to ShopKendra Scott

Headed to the rodeo? Stop by Kendra Scott’s new Yellow Rose boutique for proper attire.

South Congress is the city’s most famous—and ever-evolving—shopping stretch, so it makes sense that local fine jeweler Nak Armstrong set up shop here, too, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Soho House and Hermès. Beloved for his stone settings that mimic the pleating of fabric, Armstong’s designs include standouts such as a bolo necklace with ruched diamonds—perfect for infusing your look with a little Southwestern swagger.

Contrarian Wisdom: Maybe you’ll never wear your cowboy boots and hat ever again, but if you’re in town for Longhorn football Saturday, better get in uniform (stock up at Yellow Rose).

Head further up South Congress past homegrown staples such as Allens Boots, Home Slice Pizza, and Amy’s Ice Creams, and you’ll reach Austin-based designer Kendra Scott’s boutiques, including the recently debuted Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott. Stock up on rodeo circuit and game day essentials such as pearl-snap shirts, fringed cowhide vests, and denim cut-offs from Scott’s collaboration with Wrangler. Top off your ’fit with a selection from the hat bar, where customizable options include feathers, vintage pins, and layered necklaces turned hat bands from Scott’s namesake line. “On Longhorn football Saturdays, you’ll see every interpretation of Texas fashion, but Western influences are always part of the mix, and Yellow Rose has become the modern game day uniform,” says Jamie Chandlee, co-founder of ERLY Skincare.

Nak Armstrong

Nak Armstrong’s 18k take on the bolo.

Vintage aficionados need look no further than Masha Poloskova’s Garment on South Lamar. Popular finds right now include pieces from the 1990s and early 2000s from the likes of Prada and Tom Ford. Four doors down, Poloskova’s Moss specializes in designer consignment, ranging from Chanel to Zimmerman, satisfyingly arranged in color-coordinated racks.

In Tarrytown, Estilo Boutique stands out for owner Stephanie Coultress O’Neill’s styling services and well-rounded selection of contemporary labels. On North Lamar, Kick Pleat has garnered a following for more than two decades with its tight edit of brands such as Marfa Stance, Dries Van Noten, and Emme Parsons. Nearby, ByGeorge has had its finger on the pulse of the local fashion scene for even longer—since 1979, to be exact—curating a discerning mix of Texan and international designers. After browsing through racks brimming with the Row, Phoebe Philo, and Dallas-based High Sport, make your way to ByGeorge’s new multi-brand marketplace Westside Market, just blocks away. Housed in a sleek industrial space, the concept brings together brands such as Austin eyewear and jewelry brand Vada, vintage clothing store Filth Mart, and Mother of God Studio ceramics under one roof. It also houses an excellent selection of reads from Marfa-born Stop & Read Books, but for a true lit-lover’s experience, head to First Light Books, an independent bookstore and café in Hyde Park with an always-packed schedule of author events.

For the ultimate souvenir, book an appointment to swing by textile designer Kyle Bunting’s studio and let your imagination run wild as you customize a hide rug (additional fabrics are also available).

What to Dodlewis33//Getty Images

The University of Texas at Austin campus has must-see works by Ellsworth Kelly (above) and James Turrell.

Located on the UT campus, the Blanton Museum is Austin’s definitive art destination, where a world-class collection meets serious architectural cred, thanks in part to Ellsworth Kelly’s transcendent chapel-like space, Austin, and a recent Snøhetta-led redesign of the grounds. Don’t leave campus without catching James Turrell’s The Color Inside—a trippy Skyspace best experienced at sunrise or sunset.

For an up-close-and-personal view of the local art scene, reach out to Nick Campbell, founder of Campbell Art Advisory, who helps both Austinites and out-of-towners navigate the city’s cultural landscape. Services include bespoke itineraries ranging from private studio visits that culminate in lunch with an artist (think Sara Carter, Claire Oswalt, RF Alvarez) to behind-the-scenes looks at world-class private collections. Fans of Alvarez can also sign up for Lovers, a series of candlelit figure-drawing classes taught by the artist and accompanied by a mezcal tasting, typically held at his studio in East Austin.

Contrarian Wisdom: It’s not only about football at UT Austin. The campus is also a world-class arts destination, where you’ll find Ellsworth Kelly’s famous Austin building, as well as an otherworldly James Turrell Skyspace.

On the spa front, LakeHouse Spa at Lake Austin Spa Resort, 30 minutes outside of Austin, is a perennial favorite, where wellness seekers can choose from a variety of day passes and indulge in offerings ranging from massages to clairvoyant readings and healings. Looking to take that relaxation a little further? Check in to one of the cottages or bungalows at the all-inclusive resort and partake in activities such as cold plunges and Hill Country hikes.

And because music is a quintessential part of the Austin experience, don’t leave without catching a show somewhere, be it at the historic Continental Club, on the patio of Hotel Vegas, or on a warm fall night at the Moody Amphitheater in Waterloo Park.