Alex Temblador

Once upon a time, the list of the best restaurants in Austin was all barbecue this and Tex-Mex that, but in 2023 that’s all changed. ATX has grown and graduated beyond brisket and queso; and while those casual options still reign supreme, they now do so alongside international concepts and fine dining establishments (finally, an excuse to dress up!). The dining scene here is sizzling hot, and the greats being served span across omakase speakeasies that transport you to the dens of Tokyo to Texas-sized French fare served at one of Austin's most romantic restaurants. Whether you’re into Mexican, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Italian or good ol’ American burgers, the city has it all. Wear loose-fitting pants, here are the best places to eat in Austin, y’all. Recommended: 🌮 Where to find the best tacos in Austin🍳 The best brunch in Austin  

When it comes to Mexican food in Austin, it’s safe to say that’s something we do best down here. Not just in terms of Tex-Mex, but when it comes to actual Mex-Mex. Everything from our food trucks to our fine dining restaurants brings hungry locals together to sample the very scope of the cuisine. That might be ceviche, mole, broiled fish, goat soup, duck enmoladas, or a bunch of stuff you’ve yet to discover. All (naturally) washed down with a cool and refreshing margarita, Texas-sized. Whether you’re craving best tacos in Austin, the juiciest burritos and enchiladas, or authentic bowls of beany goodness, it’s all served with love in ATX. Here are the top spots to tuck in. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Austin

When it comes to the best things to do in Austin, visitors and locals alike are absolutely spoiled rotten. Austin may be small but it's a mighty city packed with activities to please all kinds of personalities. Consider yourself a foodie? Then you’ll find our growing population diversifying beyond just tacos and BBQ (though these are still amazing, so don’t skip them!); Coming to rock out? The live music scene in Austin attracts big-name talent from all over the world, as well as welcomes up-and-coming acts to take to the stage each night. Or perhaps you’re the outdoorsy type? Well, the list of swimming holes, ATX hiking trails and parks is extensive and you’ll definitely need more than one pair of clean shorts. Whatever turns you on, we’re sure you’ll find it here in the all-inclusive Texan capital—where y’all means y’all. Here’s our guide to the very best things to do in Austin. RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from Austin RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Austin RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Austin

It is no secret that San Antonio is filled with some of the best attractions in the Lone Star State. River City is one of Texas’s largest cities (the seventh-largest in the whole country by population, in fact), and it is also one of the most visited alongside Austin, Dallas, and Houston.  You’ll discover that many of San Antonio’s sites highlight the city’s colonial, Mexican and western history, and do so in fun and fascinating ways that’ll engage both kids and adults alike. History aside, River City also has excellent parks and outdoor recreational areas, quirky contemporary exhibits, and a colorful dining scene (we suggest plucking items from our best restaurant and bar guides and slotting them between attractions). There’s just so much going on—we’ve narrowed down the top attractions to prioritize in San Antonio, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring. 

We're spoilt for choice when it comes to the best things to do in Dallas, also known as the Big D...with good reason. The ballooning metropolis is filled with an abundance of well, everything. When it comes to sports, tickets to a Dallas Cowboys game at the AT&T Stadium is a must, though the Dallas Mavs (basketball) and Dallas Stars (ice hockey) are too worthy of cheer over a cheesy Frito Pie. The arts scene isn't too shabby either. In fact, Dallas has an entire Arts District downtown, packed with fine art museums, performing arts venues and outdoor sculpture pieces. Arriving on an empty stomach? You've come to the right place. Dallas' restaurant scene encompasses everything from uptown glamor (think: afternoon teas, sexy rooftop bars and elevated Southern kitchens) to sauce-all-over-your-face barbecue and Tex-Mex. Disclaimer: the portions are always bigger than you think, so order accordingly. Whatever your tastes, there's really something for everyone. So roll on over to our feast of the best things to do in Dallas right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in DallasRECOMMENDED: The best attractions in DallasRECOMMENDED: The best things to do in DallasRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnb treehouses in Dallas

Whether you’re cooling off from the Texas heat or gearing up for live music at one of the city’s endless venues, the best bars in Austin are ready to serve. One thing’s for sure: Austin is a bonafide booze-loving city. With year-round sunshine fueling outdoor events, a culture that welcomes social gatherings, and the constant need to rehydrate, there’s a good excuse for a generous pour all day and everyday. Luckily, a variety of watering holes cater to virtually all manners of taste. You’ll find top-notch dive bars along 6th Street and Rainey Street for those looking to get down and dirty with their crew. In the heart of downtown, there are swanky lounges and rooftop bars atop the best hotels in Austin that swell with class and Insta-friendly backdrops. And of course, there are exclusive speakeasies guaranteed to impress any date, no matter how long they’ve lived in town. Ready for a strong drink? Handpicked by the locals, here are the 27 best bars in Austin.RECOMMENDED: best things to do in Texas

With Austin seeing sky-high prices on everything from apartments to avocados right now, trying to find things to do on a budget can leave many scratching their sweaty heads…but not the savvy. Boomtown has a bunch of awesome free activities to keep everyone occupied without spending a single dime. Music, art, and the outdoors are, after all, what makes this city so great, and there are free live music shows almost every night of the week, museums that offer free admission days, and lots of watering holes and hiking spots within the city limits that cost absolutely nothing to bask in. Oh, and that’s just the beginning. So leave the credit card at home: we’ve put together the ultimate list of free experiences in Austin — why pay for something when you can do it for free?   

Of all the best things to do in San Antonio, hitting its glorious outdoor spaces, from parks to hiking trails, ranks high on the list. It may be a bold statement, but the park system here is arguably one of the most impressive in the nation. You’ll find one of the oldest parks in the US, sprawling green spaces with archeological sites, extensive water features, and plenty of amenities to boot. South Texas’ delicious weather means that the outdoors can be enjoyed year-round, whether that’s biking or running the trail on cool summer mornings, dragging out the mobile grill for a barbecue on warm spring afternoons, or treating the kids to a winter’s day of breezy fun under the sun. No matter if you’re looking for a secluded spot to destress or a chance for a swim, the best parks in San Antonio are at your service. RECOMMENDED: The best attractions in San Antonio 

If apps aren’t your thing, why waste time swiping when you can meet someone IRL at one of these hip Austin bars for singles? Whether you’re in town alone and hoping to recruit a couple of travel buddies, or you’re in search of a long-time lover, Austin has plenty of fish—known for some of the most friendly and open-minded folk in the entire state, you’re in good company.From downtown’s trendy hotel bars to sultry speakeasies or mood-lit dive bars all across the city, the options are endless for singles of all ages looking to mix and mingle. To give you a head start, we’ve narrowed down the most friendly, social spots in town where you’re likely to bump into someone new. And while you’re here, why not take it another step? If you hit it off, make it a proper date at one of Austin’s most romantic restaurants—cheers, lovers. RECOMMENDED: the very best bars in Austin

Museums may not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting San Antonio, but rest assured, the city has come a long way over the years. At one time it was all about the River Walk and The Alamo, but not anymore. Today, they share the limelight among a heap of attractions, food, outdoor activities, and family fun, and there’s more en route. What’s great about San Antonio’s museums is that they cater to a broad spectrum of tastes, and what’s more, they’re surprisingly good for an under-the-radar city. There are art museums that are architectural masterpieces in their own right, funky new warehouses with futuristic immersive creations, and even old-school, slightly scary, displays of um, Texan trophies (you’ll see). For a dose of weird, provocative, and awe-inspiring, take your pick from our list of the 11 best museums in San Antonio. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in San Antonio

Sure, this city is better known for its buzzy bar scene, but the best clubs in Dallas know how to keep the party going (and going). It’s not a huge surprise considering that the Big D’s sheer variety of venues — from honky-tonks to rowdy dives and ritzy rooftops — bring as much energy to the table as Nashville’s Broadway or Austin’s Sixth Street. And with its own signature dose of glitz ‘n glam, Dallas is tough to beat. There’s a nightclub for all kinds of folk in Dallas, whether you’re keeping it casual with a bottle of Lone Star at a live music joint or indulging bottle service while listening to European DJs. Either way, don’t forget to visit one of the city’s best restaurants before your night on the town (you won’t last all night on an empty tank, trust us). What’s all the rage in this city’s nightlife? Here’s our guide to the best clubs in Dallas right now. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to nightlife in Dallas 

Like any major city, Dallas has a lot of concrete. But that doesn’t mean the best parks in Dallas don’t live up to the city’s larger-than-life persona—in fact, it has one of the biggest municipal park systems in the country with almost 400 parks. With warm weather year-round, it only makes sense that Dallas takes advantage of the outdoors. Whether or not you drive, most of the city’s parks are easily accessible, particularly the urban greenspaces that rank among Dallas’ most beautiful settings (Klyde Warren Park, for example, regularly tops Dallas’ must-see attractions). The rest? They’re an affordable ride-share away. We’ve rounded up a neat and varied selection of parks that you’ll find in Dallas from huge outdoor playgrounds where you can hike and bike (or sit for a picnic with the city’s best takeout) to pricey (but worth every penny) botanical gardens without balls and crowds. Ready for a nature moment in the Big D? Here’s our list of the best parks in Dallas to enjoy from sunrise to sunset.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Dallas