Name: Hilton Austin
Price range: USD190.87
Rating: 4.2

Historic hotels in Austin Texas

Best known for its live music scene, Austin, Texas, is also rich in history, much of which can be experienced through its historic hotels. These establishments showcase Austin's unique blend of Old World charm and contemporary sophistication. From iconic landmarks like the Driskill Hotel to re-imagined treasures like the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, they earned their prestigious status not just due to their age but also due to the significant events and famous personalities they hosted throughout their colorful history.

The Driskill Hotel, located in downtown Austin, is often hailed as the city's most historic hotel. Built in 1886 by a cattle baron, this property boasts a blend of Romanesque Revival and Italianate architectural features. Over the decades, it has hosted famous individuals from President Lyndon B. Johnson to singer Bob Dylan. Today, guests can still enjoy the Driskill’s original opulent atmosphere, from the intricate stained glass dome in the lobby to the hand-painted ceilings in the grand mezzanine.

Another historic gem, the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, has been a beloved fixture in the Austin skyline since its opening in 1924. It was designed to be Austin’s first high-rise hotel. Visitors to this historic hotel can luxuriate in the timeless elegance of its interiors, which are replete with Art Deco accents that hark back to the Roaring Twenties. Its central location also offers easy access to the Texas State Capitol, making it a perfect base for sightseers.

A more recent but palpably historic establishment is the Hotel Ella, a boutique hotel housed in the Goodall Wooten mansion, one of Austin's original landmark estates. Built in 1900, this Greek revival-style mansion was transformed into a hotel in the early 2000s. It now offers a unique blend of history and luxury, with its vintage charm tastefully complemented by modern amenities. These historic hotels in Austin provide more than just excellent service and comfort; they offer a tangible connection to the city's rich and vibrant past.

Cultural attractions in Austin Texas

Austin
Texas State Capitol
Emblematic of Texas history and politics, the stunning Texas State Capitol stands as the largest in gross square footage of all state capitols and is second in total size only to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C. A tour of this impressive building gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the state's legislative process.
1
Austin
Congress Avenue Bats
From March to October, Austin becomes the home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, making the Congress Avenue Bridge arguably the city’s most distinctive cultural attraction. Every night at dusk, spectators gather to watch the 1.5 million bats take flight into the twilight sky.
2
Austin
Sixth Street
Often compared to New Orleans' Bourbon Street, Sixth Street is a historic street and entertainment district in Austin. Known for its vibrant nightlife, Sixth Street offers an array of music festivals, pub crawls, and cultural events.
3
Austin
Blanton Museum of Art
The Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas is one of the largest university art museums in the U.S. The Blanton’s permanent collection consists of almost 18,000 works, with significant holdings of modern and contemporary art.
4
Austin
Austin Murals
Austin is famous for its colorful and engaging murals spread across the city. These murals range from historical to contemporary themes, reflecting the city’s vibrant arts scene and cultural heritage. The 'Greetings from Austin' mural at South First Street is one of the most recognized murals in the city.
5

Natural attractions in Austin Texas

Austin
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a man-made recreational swimming pool located on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The pool exists within the channel of Barton Creek and is filled by water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas.
1
Austin
Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake, an eponymous reservoir on Texas' Colorado River, is an idyllic venue for paddling, rowing, and fishing right in the heart of Austin. It's a treasured natural escape within the bustling city and also the easternmost lake of a chain of reservoirs on the Colorado River.
2
Austin
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park, is a prominent point alongside the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1850s, providing panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills.
3
Austin
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park is a recreational area in south Austin, Texas at the juncture of Barton Creek and the Colorado River. With over 350 acres, it serves as a hub for outdoor activities and features attractions including Barton Springs Pool and the Zilker Botanical Garden.
4
Austin
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural pool that was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago. It is located approximately 23 miles west of Austin, Texas off Highway 71. A popular summer swimming spot, it also features a 50-foot waterfall.
5

Top-rated restaurants in Austin Texas

Austin
Uchi
Uchi is an upscale restaurant in Austin that delivers innovative and delectable sushi and Japanese cuisine. These delicacies are served in a chic bungalow-style space that exhibits a warm and inviting ambiance.
1
Austin
Emmer & Rye
Emmer & Rye offers an innovative culinary experience that features rustic Italian dishes. This sophisticated Rainey Street eatery also boasts an impressive wine list, making it a fantastic choice for wine connoisseurs.
2
Austin
Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar
Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar provides gluten-free seafood choices and cocktails in a stylish indoor or outdoor setting by the sea. It is ideal for those who want a casual, yet upscale dining experience.
3
Austin
Wink Restaurant
Wink Restaurant is an American-style bistro offering locally-sourced, inventive dishes with a regularly changing menu based on the ingredients' availability. The location also serves a select choice of exquisite worldwide wines.
4
Austin
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya is a sensational spot for Japanese-Texan fusion cuisine, offering unique meat skewers, smoked fish, and a variety of sake options. This quirky, vintage izakaya-style establishment brings a fresh, unconventional dining experience.
5