Things to do in Central Austin

A wonderful insight into student and varsity life awaits at the University of Texas at Austin. Founded in 1883 as a one-building institute, today it boasts 19 colleges spread across a 433-acre (175-hectare) campus. Singer-songwriter Janis Joplin and NBA basketball star Kevin Durant are among its esteemed alumni.

Come to Sixth Street for an unforgettable night on the town, Texas-style. Stretching between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35, this seven-block area is affectionately called “Dirty Sixth.” Eat, drink and be merry alongside locals and tourists in Austin’s premier entertainment district.

The Texas State Capitol building houses the state's legislature chambers and the offices of the Governor of Texas. The structure is an example of 15th-century Italian Renaissance-style architecture, with a cylindrical granite dome and many large granite columns.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum aims to “tell the story of Texas." The modern museum has three floors of exhibits, providing a broad examination of the state’s struggles, individuality and innovation. This museum presents the fascinating story of a state that has been ruled by six different governments: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and the United States of America.

The Paramount Theatre sits in a busy area of restaurants, cafés and clubs on North Congress Avenue in the heart of downtown Austin. You can find all sorts of cultural fare at the Paramount. In the past this has included musical theater productions of classics like Evita or My Fair Lady, performances by comedians such as Rodney Dangerfield, or intimate speaking events with stars such as Glenn Close. There are also live shows from musical greats like B.B. King and regular screenings of recent or classic movies.