3-Day Itinerary of MICHELIN Dining, Posh Hotels & Spas
Don’t let the boot scootin’, food trucks and laid-back vibes fool you — Austin knows how to deliver seriously sophisticated experiences. Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or are simply looking to treat yourself, this three-day itinerary offers the perfect blend of swank restaurants and nightspots, high-end shopping, world-class attractions and sumptuous spas.
Courtesy of Commodore Perry Estate.
Day 1
Check-In
Your luxe escape starts with checking into a fabulous hotel. Architecture fans will love the posh, natural aesthetics at the one MICHELIN Key Austin Proper Hotel or The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, both with stunning skyline and lake views from their rooftop pools. If classic elegance is more your style, Four Seasons Hotel Austin offers lakeside serenity with exemplary service. Want something secluded and soulful? The two MICHELIN Key Commodore Perry Estate’s 10-acre property feels like a European country manor tucked into the city. Or go bold at Hotel Saint Cecilia, a one MICHELIN Key hideaway steeped in rock ’n’ roll glam. And if you're after a modern-meets-collegiate twist, The Otis Hotel Austin near the University District has a rooftop pool scene and chic design.
Afternoon
Once you're settled in, ease into vacation mode with a few hours of pure relaxation. Get a soothing massage at your hotel spa or book a treatment at one of Austin's top wellness spots, such as Milk + Honey, Hiatus Spa + Retreat or Viva Day Spa — all known for holistic therapies in serene settings. Get your steps in with the bonus of scenic city and lake views along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. Or simply post up by your hotel pool with a cocktail in hand and soak up the Texas sun.
Jeffrey's. Credit to Matt Harrington.
Dinner
Come evening, dress up for dinner. Austin’s MICHELIN Guide-recognized dining scene shines with refined experiences like Otoko, an intimate 12-seat, multicourse omakase located at the South Congress Hotel. Prefer timeless charm? Book a table at Jeffrey’s, where wood-fired steaks, truffled deviled eggs and martinis are served. For something quintessentially Austin, head to Mattie’s at Green Pastures, where Southern hospitality, 19th-century oak trees and peacocks on the lawn make a dreamy backdrop to your meal.
Nightlife
Cap off the night with a handcrafted cocktail. The Roosevelt Room serves inventive classics in a former 1929 railroad warehouse, while Howards Bar & Club offers a cool hangout with a retro edge. Want something secret? Head to the back of Howards and proceed to The Powder Room, a reservation-only speakeasy with plush surroundings, tableside mixology and nostalgic cocktails.
Paperboy. Credit to Likeness Studio.
Day 2
Brunch
Start the day with brunch at Josephine House, a charming Clarksville cottage serving lemon-ricotta pancakes and tequila concoctions indoors or on the patio. Or head to the East Austin location of Paperboy, where regional flavors star in items like Texas hash, kale salad and espresso drinks made with beans from local roasters, best enjoyed on the rooftop patio.
Daytime
Midday is the time to explore Austin’s style scene. Browse eclectic fashions and local finds along South Congress, where Maufrais offers custom hat fittings with felt and leather details, while Allens Boots lets you design your own one-of-a-kind pair of cowboy kicks. Looking for luxury labels? Head north to The Domain, Austin’s premier shopping district, with designers like Christian Louboutin, Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Goldie's. Courtesy of The Austin Proper.
Indulge in afternoon tea at Goldie’s inside the Austin Proper Hotel. This softly lit jewel box offers modern yet traditional tea service with artisanal teas, sparkling wines, scones and sweets. For oenophiles, book a wine tasting at Wanderlust Wine Co.‘s Barton Springs location, where you can sample small-production wines in their unique wine cave. Or you can connect with nature by reserving your place on one of the cruises on Lady Bird Lake in a plush seat with a chilled rosé, taking in skyline views at sunset. See one of Austin’s top sights from March through October in style by chartering a vintage boat from Retro Boat Rentals ATX for a dusk bat-watching cruise beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge.
Dinner
For theatrical dining, one MICHELIN-starred Hestia features live-fire tasting menus in a wood-fired, open kitchen. Craving seasonally inspired fare with an Austin edge? Try Odd Duck, where everything on the farm-to-table menu — from the field pea hummus to the braised goat pizza and oatmeal icebox cake — is made in-house. Or immerse yourself in the hacienda ambiance and art-filled interior at Fonda San Miguel, serving regional Mexican cuisine since 1975.
Nightlife
End your night at Parker Jazz Club, where candlelit tables and nightly live sets feel like stepping into a vintage movie. Or reserve a table at the Equipment Room, a moody listening bar in Hotel Magdalena’s basement, where a vinyl collection is the main attraction and libations are served with flair.
The Contemporary - Laguna Gloria. Credit to Rebekah Flake.
Day 3
Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or venture out for an elevated casual meal. Pastry chef Amanda Rockman, a James Beard Award semi-finalist who beat Bobby Flay in a desserts challenge on Top Chef, helms Rockman. She turns out flaky croissants, espresso drinks and bagels with schmears in an airy, minimalist space. Or swing by Mariela Camacho’s Comadre Panadería, where Mexican-inspired items — from empanadas to sweet breads and Texas pecan horchata — earned her a spot on Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2025 list.
Late Morning
With a few hours to spare, take in a bit more of Austin’s creative spirit. Stroll through The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, where modern art installations are dotted among historic Italian-style architecture and waterfront gardens. Or browse local galleries in the historic Clarksville neighborhood, with stops at West Chelsea Contemporary, Wally Workman Gallery and Lotus Gallery — each showcasing diverse talent in sleek, welcoming spaces.
Afternoon
As you prepare to leave Austin, you’ll realize luxury isn’t about indulgence. The combination of soulful experiences and refined hospitality make this city a refreshingly inspirational destination.
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