Whether it’s historic buildings that light your fire or the buzz of a lively downtown sub-district, Austin has plenty to please. Texas’ fourth-largest urban area is crammed with notable landmarks for those visitors wanting to add symbols of the city to their photo albums. The State Capitol and the University of Texas Tower are must-sees while for anyone wanting to witness chiropterans en masse, a trip to the Congress Avenue Bridge should not be missed.
East Sixth Street
Known originally as Pecan Street, this is one of the city’s oldest streets and is a hive of activity, whatever time of day you choose to visit. In daylight hours, it’s filled with diners, shoppers and folk admiring the interesting historic buildings, while come night-time the street is the place to catch live music, shows, festivals and special events. The people-watching opportunities are excellent irrespective of when you visit.
Capitol Building
Erected between 1882 and 1888, the State Capitol Building was reportedly the world’s seventh-largest building at that time and though it no longer boasts this title, it’s still impressive. The magnificent Renaissance Revival-style structure features a large dome, atop of which is a five-metre tall statue of the Goddess of Liberty. Visitors are permitted access to the interior and can view the Main Hall, the Senate Chamber and the Texas House of Representatives Chamber.
Phone: +1 512 463 0063; www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/capitol/texcap.htm
Congress Avenue Bridge
Providing passage between opposing sides of Lady Bird Lake, the Congress Avenue Bridge is best known for providing home to North America’s largest urban bat colony. The spring and summer seasons are when the bats are in their greatest numbers, with around 750,000 on average and up to 1.5 million at the peak of the season. Head to the bridge as dusk sets in and you’re assured of sights of bats in their hundreds and thousands taking to the sky for their nocturnal activities.
Governor's Mansion
Situated opposite the State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion is the most significant historic home in the state, having served as the official residence for Texas governors since 1856. The first member of state to call the building home was Elisha Marshall Pease, the state’s fifth governor. He lived here with his wife and daughters from 1853 to 1857. Visits to the mansion are available by appointment only.
Phone: +1 512 463 0063
South Congress Avenue
This hip little district on the other side of the river from the downtown area is the place to head to find unusual shopping venues selling handmade goods, artworks and other unique products. After browsing the shops, settle in any of the many excellent eateries and enjoy fine local cuisine while watching the city’s trendier residents go about their business.
University of Texas at Austin
The university grounds are home to a variety of interesting sights, including the 27-storey high University of Texas Tower, a structure that dominates the city’s skyline and offers excellent views of the city from its observation deck. Also of note are the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and the Museum and the Jack South Blanton Museum of Art.
