Exploring the best of Austin, with cheap flights from New Orleans

Exploring the best of Austin, with cheap flights from New OrleansPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on July 31, 2019

Looking for a trending new city to explore? Consider Austin, Texas, one of the fastest-growing large cities in the country and U.S. News & World Report's #1 place to live in the U.S. for the past two years running.

The self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World" is home to many students, artists and musicians, along with a booming tech industry and a classic Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex food scene. Despite its growth, Austin seeks to maintain its eccentric local vibe, with plenty of independent businesses and a strong commitment to the local environment. Austin hosts numerous festivals throughout the year and boasts more music venues per capita than any other city in the U.S. The list of local attractions also includes extensive theaters, museums and outdoor spaces like parks, lakes and waterways.

Using travel site Skyscanner, we’ve sifted through the cheapest flights between New Orleans and Austin in the next few months, including some standout hotel options and beloved local attractions. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Cheapest Austin flights

The cheapest flights between New Orleans and Austin are if you leave on Aug. 15 and return from Texas on Aug. 20. Frontier Airlines currently has tickets for $57, roundtrip.

Frontier Airlines also has tickets at that price point later in August. If you fly out of New Orleans on Aug. 29 and return from Austin on Sept. 3, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $57 roundtrip.

Top Austin hotels

Regarding where to stay, here are some of Austin’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.

The Driskill - in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt (604 Brazos St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

For an all-around top recommendation, consider The Driskill - in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The hotel has a 4.5-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $129.

A landmark in Downtown Austin, this legendary hotel was built in 1886 as the showplace for cattle baron Jesse Lincoln Driskill and has since become synonymous with traditional Texas hospitality. Enjoy convenient access to the best of Austin, from the Texas State Capitol and Austin Convention Center to the city’s world-famous Sixth Street nightlife scene.

The Hotel Ella (1900 Rio Grande)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking to treat yourself, try The Hotel Ella, which has rooms for $199/night.

"Hotel Ella is the perfect quintessential Austin vibe. Upscale luxury with laid-back personality," wrote visitor Alice. 

The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center (1900 University Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

A third option is The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center. The 4.8-star hotel has rooms for $129/night.

Located on the south side of the University of Texas at Austin campus, the AT&T Education and Conference center offers luxury hotel amenities and full conference center facilities. Guest benefits include access to the UT pool and gym facilities, in addition to the fitness room and pool on-site. 

Featured Austin food and drink

If you're looking to snag a bite at one of Austin's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.

Uchi (801 S. Lamar Blvd.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite, head to Uchi, which has an average of 4.9 stars out of 104 reviews on Skyscanner.

Uchi's culi­nary philos­ophy combines local, seasonal ingre­di­ents with an infinite spec­trum of seafood from around the globe, inviting diners to explore their gastro­nomic bound­aries by pairing tradi­tional Japanese offer­ings with new flavors and textures.

"Amazing sushi," wrote visitor Katie. "It's up there against anything you'll have in San Francisco, N.Y.C. or elsewhere."

Hopdoddy Burger Bar (1400 S. Congress Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Another popular dining destination is the Hopdoddy Burger Bar, with 4.7 stars from 127 reviews.

"Favorite burger place in town! There's a line out the door at dinnertime for a reason," wrote Jenna. "Amazing drinks, milkshakes, fries [and] burgers. A must-visit place."

Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, there's Home Slice Pizza, an independent neighborhood pizza joint serving authentic, hand-tossed New York-style pizza — by the pie or by the slice.

"Whether you're into spinach pizza or traditional cheese, this place is funky and fun," wrote Tiffany.

Featured local attractions

Not sure what to do in Austin, besides eat and drink? Here are two top recommendations provided by Skyscanner.

Barton Springs Pool (2201 Barton Springs Road)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is the Barton Springs Pool.

As one of Austin's finest attractions, the Barton Springs Pool is the perfect outing for those hot Texas days — or even the cool ones. Maintaining a comfortable 68 degrees, you will enjoy a natural swimming experience with no chlorine. The grassy hillsides and moss-covered rocks are perfect for sunbathing. Diving boards, concession stands and restroom facilities are also available.

"This is a must-visit in Austin especially in the summer," wrote visitor Nici. 

Zilker Metropolitan Park (2100 Barton Springs Road)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Then, there's the Zilker Metropolitan Park.

Patrons will enjoy a huge variety of activities here. You can check out the hike-and-bike trails, picnic facilities, the Zilker Botanical Garden, canoe rentals, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, riverboat rides on Town Lake, concerts, festivals and even a miniature train.  

"This is a great place to take a break from the bustling Downtown scene," wrote visitor Tyson. 


This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.