It wasn’t long ago that the mention of Austin conjured up visions of BBQ joints and picnic table spots and live music coming from every other bar for me - only to be oh-so-pleasantly proven wrong on my first trip there in 2024.
Austin has quickly become one of my favorite cities for Opulist gems, causing it to be one of the most populated locations on the site. A place brimming with design-forward locations that are not only beautiful, but possess true character and vibe as well. There seems to be something for every aesthetic category, ensuring it’s not all cookie-cutter design styles, so that everyone can find places that suit their preferences, and hopefully we can help guide you to those spots along the way.
After my most recent trip there this Spring, I rounded up a list of favorites to make a guide offering aesthetic recommendations across multiple categories: where to stay, eat, drink, and what to do; so you can create your dream itinerary for a weekend (or beyond) in Austin.
Keep reading to see our list, and find even more stunning destinations for the city of Austin on our search site if you want to keep the inspiration coming.
Stay
Commodore Perry
Photo: Opulist
An estate-style stay that feels more European countryside than Texas, Commodore Perry is a visual feast of layered textures, romantic gardens, and interiors that balance grandeur with intimacy. You can also grab dinner or a drink at Lutie’s, their garden-esque restaurant on property.
Austin Proper Hotel
Photo: Opulist
A showstopper of maximalist design by Kelly Wearstler, Austin Proper Hotel blends high-style eclecticism with moody color palettes, striking art pieces, and a lobby that’s made to be lingered in. The Austin Proper also boasts 2 on-site restaurants and 3 beautiful bars as well should you want to check it out without a hotel reservation.
Hotel Magdalena
Photos: Opulist
Set against a backdrop of towering oaks and relaxed minimalism, Hotel Magdalena channels 1970s lakehouse vibes with earthy materials, breezy balconies, and a lush, terraced courtyard. An elevated retreat right in the middle of the bustling South Congress area.
Coffee & Breakfast
Two Hands
Photos: Opulist
Two Hands delivers bright, airy Australian café energy with soft woods, organic textures, and terrazzo details that make it just as pleasing to look at as it is to brunch in.
Elizabeth Street Café
Photos: Opulist
This French-Vietnamese charmer serves up darling design details alongside its incredible dishes - from its pastel exterior to its playful mix of bistro flair and tropical whimsy inside. Think rattan chairs, tilework, and lush foliage to go with your perfect brunch food.
Photo: Opulist
Morningbird
Photo: Opulist
A vibrant spot that combines bold colors, local art, and a playful approach to your local coffee shop. Morningbird’s retro-meets-futurist aesthetic adds a design twist to your morning latte.
Hank's
Photos: Opulist
With its airy interiors, oversized windows, and neutral-toned palette, Hank’s is the picture of laid-back sophistication. A seamless blend of indoor/outdoor design made for lingering mornings and a calming backdrop for a remote work setting.
Drink
Powder Room
Photo: Opulist
An ultra-chic speakeasy that makes checking your phone at the door feel like a luxury. Powder Room stuns with sultry lighting, layered textures, and a luxe retro aesthetic.
Watertrade
Photos: Opulist
Tucked behind a Japanese restaurant, Watertrade is an intimate cocktail bar with dim lighting, raw materials, and a serene yet sensual design that feels both hidden and intentional.
Photo: Opulist
Garage
Photos: Opulist
Housed in an urban parking garage, this moody cocktail den uses concrete, shadows, and vintage flair to create a cinematic, industrial hideaway right in the city center.
Photo: Opulist
Lobby Bar at South Congress Hotel
Photo: Opulist
A masterclass in modern minimalism, the South Congress Hotel lobby bar offers sleek lines, cheeky art, and carefully curated seating - perfect for a cool place to post up and work from during the day or enjoy a stylish pre-dinner drink.
Equipment Room
Photo: Opulist
Low-lit and cinematic, Equipment Room feels like a secret club in a Wes Anderson film - velvet banquettes, playful acoustics, and a stylish retro palette make this a standout late-night sip.
Eat
Swim Club
Photo: Opulist
For a theme-y lunch spot that makes you feel like you’re on vacation at a retro pool club, look no further than Swim Club at Downright Austin. Built out of an old indoor pool that used to reside at the previous hotel, this place leans into resort-inspired design with striking light fixtures, poolside tiles covering the bar, and cheery pinks and blues filling the space.
Aba
Photos: Opulist
Aba blends bohemian textures with Mediterranean elegance - think olive trees, earthenware, and layered textiles under softly glowing lanterns, and multiple outdoor and indoor bars and seating locations to choose from. Dining here feels like a mini escape.
Photo: Opulist
Aris Steakhouse
Photo: Opulist
Aris brings a sophisticated, modern edge to the traditional steakhouse. The interiors are moody, rich, and tailored - with leather and marble finishes throughout, and a gorgeous dimly lit half-circle bar. Make sure you don’t miss the rich and marbled restrooms as well.
Comedor
Photo: Opulist
A brutalist dream softened by natural finishes and sculptural elements, Comedor is a modern Mexican restaurant and an architectural marvel. From its hidden courtyard to its dramatic shadows, it’s design-forward at every turn.phistication of Mediterranean cuisine, inviting you to savor the essence of coastal living.
To Do
5th & Brew + check out the Visitor Center
Photos: Opulist
Even Austin’s new Visitor Center is cute, so make sure you plan to swing by and grab yourself a coffee from 5th & Brew, shop the merch, and ask for their expert opinions on exploring the city.
Pilates class at The Peach House
Tucked into a serene studio space, The Peach House offers thoughtfully designed Pilates classes and holistic skin and health treatments in a warm, light-filled setting that feels equal parts energizing and grounding.
Afternoon at The Blanton
The Blanton Museum of Art is as design-forward as it is culturally rich - with its striking Ellsworth Kelly exhibit and bold use of color, it's a must-see for anyone drawn to architecture and art.
Even with all these options, this is still just a taste of all the beauty Austin has to offer. Whether you're planning your first getaway to Austin or looking to see the city through a more design-forward lens, hopefully this guide helps you discover a few new favorites to add to your list. From beautifully layered hotel lobbies to thoughtfully styled cocktail bars, Austin continues to raise the bar with how effortlessly it blends creativity, culture, and charm.
Explore even more aesthetic gems in Austin and beyond on the site, and use Visit Austin as a resource to plan your perfect Austin trip. We can’t wait to see where you end up.
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