Downtown Austin

History & Character

The Story of Downtown Austin

Downtown Austin has evolved from a quiet frontier capital into one of America's most dynamic urban cores. Anchored by the Texas State Capitol — completed in 1888 from sunset-red granite quarried in nearby Marble Falls — the district blends 19th-century landmarks with soaring glass towers. Congress Avenue, the city's original main street, still runs from the Capitol to Lady Bird Lake, lined with historic hotels like the Driskill (1886) and modern icons like the Frost Bank Tower. The neighborhood's transformation accelerated in the 1970s when live music venues on Sixth Street drew national attention, eventually earning Austin its trademark slogan. Today, the Warehouse District, Rainey Street, and the Second Street District each offer distinct personalities within a walkable urban fabric.

Where to Eat

Top Restaurants in Downtown Austin