Things to do in Central Austin

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 LBJ Presidential Library is a vast monument to a presidency as well as to an important era in American life and politics. Lyndon B. Johnson’s Democratic Presidency spanned much of the 1960s, running from 1963 until 1969. Learn about this period in the nation’s history, and Johnson’s role in it, as you explore the thousands of books, documents, exhibits, audio recordings and more housed in this enormous building.

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.