2 Best Places to Shop in Austin, Texas

Background Illustration for Shopping

The city's true shopping experience dwells in its plethora of independently owned, unique boutiques. To get a real feel for the city, browse the funky stores along South Congress, the record shops on South First, or the vintage boutiques around North Loop. For something more upscale, visit the hip downtown storefronts of 2nd Street District and explore the high-end galleries, antiques, and home-furnishings emporia of the West 6th. Out in Northwest Austin and Round Rock, upscale shopping malls and outlet stores are plentiful.

Tiny Grocer

South Austin Fodor's Choice

Pop into this beloved neighborhood grocery store in the heart of South Congress and browse thousands of hand-selected food and specialty items, from fresh produce and gourmet grab-and-go snacks to artisanal made-in-Austin gifts and travel-size essentials of luxury bath and body goods. It's a perfect place to refuel on a hot, sunny day thanks to an on-site deli with delicious, hot, made-to-order offerings. Don't ignore the ice-cold alcoholic beverages, such as their signature frosé, in which you can slip a straw and take right outside to keep SoCo shopping. A second location debuted in Hyde Park, just north of downtown, and boasts an on-site French bistro, Bureau de Poste, that is open for daily dinner service.

Breed & Co.

University of Texas Area

The classiest hardware store in Austin, adjacent to the UT campus, doesn’t just stock a prism of paints and garden gadgets. It’s dedicated to home improvement in all regards. Browse the Waterford china, Simon Pearce dinnerware, and aisles upon aisles of designer kitchen tools and decor. It’s the go-to place for popular local cookbooks from the Tipsy Texan, Uchi, and Fonda San Miguel and a variety of other locally made art and gifts, like sweetly scented soaps and candles and swoon-worthy leather goods all made in Austin.