Best Spots to Read a Book in Austin

Find a good place for a good read.

By Kaylie Kruk

Discover seven local book nooks to celebrate World Book Day, or any day you want to crack open a good read.

Austin Central Library

Austin Central Library is a city staple that offers over 350,000 books throughout its six-floors, decorated with colorful windows and meaningful sculptures. One of the best features of this modern library is the rooftop garden that looks out over Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek. Under the solar panel awning, you can experience the city ambiance while lounging for a daytime read.

Bennu Coffee on South Congress

Bennu Coffee on South Congress is a go-to study spot for the younger Austinites, that is incredibly quiet and homey. Greeted with an illuminated sign stating the shop is open 24/7, Bennu Coffee provides a place to binge read your new book at the crack of dawn or in the dead of night. Co-owner of Bennu Coffee, Stephanie Williams, is on the board of the Austin-based non-profit called BookSpring, which builds home libraries for lower income children.

First Light Books

Hidden in a neighborhood in historic Hyde Park, First Light Books transformed a local post office into a cute, retro bookshop. The shop provides its guests with a coffee bar and great outdoor seating options for anyone that loves a cup of coffee with their book. First Light Books provides many nooks and bay windows to sit and read your favorite book in, while serving as a perfect bookstore to discover your new favorites on Book Day. The shop has a unique and extensive book collection; from travel to fiction to cooking to essays, you can easily find your next read.

Freddo’s ATX

Located in the heart of Austin and originally built in 1876, you will find a two-story Victorian-style mansion that is now the home of a popular hang-out spot called Freddo’s ATX. Blending historic charm with modern flavors, Freddo’s ATX offers local bookworms the space to enjoy their novel while drinking delicious coffee or snacking on Greek inspired food.

Simona’s Coffee and Cocktails

Although connected to a luxurious hotel, Simona’s Coffee and Cocktails caters to its own identity through a chic 1920s townhouse inspired design. Venture to the upstairs library where you can find cozy couches and chairs against a muted color scheme that offers a calm and relaxed environment. If you enjoy background music while reading, Simona’s hosts live music regularly which provides even more of a warm and inviting atmosphere for your next reading session.

Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar

Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of East Austin, Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar brings the lively spark that its historic building has wanted for years. Also known as “Austin’s living room”, Vintage offers its guests a wide selection of books from new releases to the classics, along with a well-priced glass of wine to sip and savor. Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar will serve you with the best cozy, quiet atmosphere to curl up with a book on Book Day.

Zilker Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air and a spot in nature, Zilker Botanical Gardens is the spot to be. The gardens provide a change of scenery from the exhausting city life without having to travel far to experience it. Walk through the serene trails and along the bustling streams until you find your perfect spot to sit and absorb your book. Admission fees to the garden can range from $3-$8, however the next ‘free day’ is April 5th during ABC Kite Fest.