© Faith Haddad, Hotel Vegas

Our ultimate guide on where to eat, sleep, groove & move about

Sleeps & Stays

# Check into Hotel Saint Cecilia for exquisite, retro vibes situated just around the corner from Austin’s hip southside. The glorious era of the late 1960s reverberates throughout the boutique hotel grounds, which are tucked away for some serious privacy and getaway comfort. Historical Saint Cecilia is dedicated to its patron saint of music and poetry, a completely inspiring stay.

# Coolest bungalow you’ve ever laid your eyes on? Hotel San Jose. Minimalist rooms offer just enough simple pleasure, completed with warm touches like colorful kimonos and stunning cowhide rugs. Count on San Jose’s lounge to be buzzing, attracting visitors and locals alike. Lunaria Tarot card readings go down every third Monday 8pm-midnight.

# Rent a gypsy airstream in East Austin if you’re on a tighter budget. Super charming, ultra quirky.

Eats & Drinks

# Brunch at Hillside Farmacy or Josephine House. Just do it + Bloody Mary.

# Coffee break at Cenote, a space completely transformed into Spotify House during SXSW music fest. Or Figure8. Or Houndstooth.

# Dine at Elizabeth Street Cafe, a Vietnamese Boulangerie serving homemade punches, rainbow macaroons & drunken noodles.

# For a quick bite, try a food trailer: Chi’lantro, Kebabalicious, Veracruz.

# Late night at Uchiko Japanese farmhouse, for an incredibly creative dining experience.

More deliciousness at Justine’s Brasserie, Bufalina, Lenoir, East Side King, Clark’s, Counter Cafe, Tamale House East.

Evenings & Nightlife

# Enter through ceiling-high velvet curtains to enjoy craft cocktails at East Side Showroom.

# For a grooving time: Hotel Vegas, live music and DJ sets.

# Born and raised in Texas, Pete’s Piano Bar is some good fun.

# Pop into pop-up-bungalow-bars lining Rainey Street.

Music & Arts

Live music capital of the world, Austin sounds almost nightly. Of course, check out the ACL Live Moody Theatre attached to the W Hotel. For some funk, Continental Club is your spot with The Gallery club just two stories up. For emerging talent, have a look at The Mohawk calendar.

Artful spaces include:

#  The Contemporary Austin | Jones Center + Laguna Gloria: 2 locations, 1 contemporary art museum.

#  Lora Reynolds Gallery: a showcase of international & national emerging & established artists.

#  Skyspace by James Turrell: a sunset space utilizing natural light to create a brilliant work of art. Truly a sight to see!

#  Blanton Museum of Art: largest university art collection in the nation devoted to European paintings, contemporary, modern American & Latin American art.

Shops & Stops

# Lucy in Disguise: South Congress costume galore! Enter the magical, mystery ride|. Address: 1506 S CONGRESS AVE.

# KICK PLEAT: Stunning brand portfolio. Address: 918 W 12TH STREET

# Uncommon Objects: Antique & Vintage treasures. An eccentric & transporting experience. Address: 1512 S CONGRESS AVE.

# STAG: Provisions for Men… and women! Address: 1423 S CONGRESS AVE.

# by George: Isabel Marant + Helmut Lang + Balenciaga. Address: 524 N LAMAR BLVD.

# MOSS: Designer Consignment Boutique. Address: 705 S LAMAR BLVD.

# Spartan: Carefully curated practicalities. Address: 215 S LAMAR BLVD.

# Trailer Space Records: Hard-to-find vinyls. Address: 1401 ROSEWOOD AVE.

Adventure & Discover

Lay a tapestry down at Zilker Park, sunbathe at Barton Springs, get lost in the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, hike the Greenbelt…

Faith Haddad also contributed to our latest print issue on VISION. She wrote about the London fashion and technology start-up Kovert. Curious? Issue 5 is out in September!

by Faith Haddad