El Paso may not be the most obvious vacation destination, but it’s a city full of surprises. It’s welcoming, walkable, and bursting with great food. Work first brought me here, and after several trips, I found myself uncovering something new each time: a standout restaurant, a scenic overlook, or a quiet cultural gem. Together, these moments add up to a perfect two-day itinerary for anyone looking to experience a friendly, flavorful border town that blends Texas warmth with Mexican influence.

Places to stay

We had an amazing stay at the Hotel Indigo, an IHG property with a ton of charm and spectacular service. Artsy, but with touches of luxury, this property can meet a lot of travelers where they are and the price is right! Photos below don’t do justice to the lovely spaces in this small downtown hotel.

The Plaza Pioneer Park is a great choice if you’re looking for a stay with spacious suites, an elegant restaurant on the ground floor (and another on the roof), as well as cozy and well-appointed common areas adjacent to the lobby. And you can’t beat a mini bar with a choice of four different tequilas.

Stanton House is your hip option (also reasonably priced like Hotel Indigo). The bar and first floor restaurant have an energetic feel, with fun design choices like lamps that come up and down from the ceiling mimicking the look of jellyfish floating in the air with coordinated dimming and brightening lights.

The Hotel Paseo del Norte, an Autograph Collection property, is your best Marriott option in downtown El Paso, with a gorgeous bar on the lobby level.

Where to eat

The hotels above have good eating options! Mamacitas is in the Hotel Indigo with a variety of breakfast options and lunch salads The bar by their rooftop pool is not bad either!

Taft and Diaz in Stanton House has a delicious salad with salmon and the decadent scallops you see pictured here in a green curry sauce. The gorgeous hamachi tiradito at the bar also did not disappoint.

In The Plaza, Ambar has a great crudo and short rib you can take in from cozy booth seating. The huevos rancheros pictured below was also filling and flavorful.