Location: Austin
Top Things to do in Austin
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10 Historic Sites in Austin That You Shouldn't Miss
Every year thousands of hipsters, groupies, and die-hard fans flock to Austin for the annual South by Southwest festival, which has catapulted the Texas city up the must-visit charts for many travelers. The sandstone Capitol building is symbolic of the Lone Star State’s "bigger is better" mentality, featuring a gorgeous whispering gallery rotunda and 22 acres of grounds. Cool off with a dip in Barton Springs, a huge natural limestone pool that’s fed by underground sources.
Restaurants in Austin
1. Caswell House
2. Texas State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,840 reviews
If it's in Texas, it must be bigger and better. That is the motto that architects followed with the Capitol Building in Austin. At one time, it was the tallest capitol building in the nation. Others might be taller now, but this is still a beautiful building that shows off many of the natural resources which are so prevalent in Texas, such as limestone and the landscapes.
Reviewed By Wanderer776418 - Dublin, United States
A must even if you have little time. Lots of history, recommend you take a tour it’s free if you stop in or with tour company ( shortened version) just to learn some of facts that make it special!
3. Old Bakery & Emporium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Emporium of arts and crafts created by local artists. It is has a History Center, Art Gallery, Visitor Center and is a Historical Bakery built in 1876, complete with an old-fashioned oven and wooden baker's spade.
Reviewed By AvaE27 - Bradenton, United States
This is a great stop to pick up some local flavor in the form of arts, crafts and photos. The downstairs is chock full of colorful gifts and jewelry in a wide range of prices. I picked up a beautiful glass suncatcher for $17, but saw some lovely handmade cards and jewelry too. Upstairs is a photo gallery and secondary room with interesting historical information.
4. Neill-Cochran House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
The Neill-Cochran House Museum is home to two of the ten oldest buildings surviving in Austin, including the only slave quarters still standing in the city. Through period and original furnishings, carefully restored interiors, exteriors, and outbuildings, we tell the story of Austin's first decades as a successful and growing capitol city through the beginning of the 20th century. Two rotating exhibit galleries delve into art history, material culture, as well as US and Texas history. We also host contemporary art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and a speakers series. Look for our next historic happy hour or free, all ages History Lab workshops, too!
Reviewed By 342barbaraz
This gem is not noted in all the guidebooks. Even the Visitor's Center didn't have information. I am so glad I persevered -- very very interesting. The docents were informative, pleasant, helpful. I'm so glad I made the effort. Beautiful place.
5. The Driskill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,813 reviews
Austin's original and iconic hotel features beautiful Romanesque architecture from the late 1800's. With a grand entrance into the opulent lobby, you will be transported to an historic era, with its marble floors, stained-glass dome, and corridors filled with museum-quality artwork. Head up the grand staircase to the most authentic Texas bar in downtown Austin, with daily live music and happy hour.
Reviewed By Traveler62_12 - Austin, United States
My friend had her wedding there and it was the most fabulous evening in this wonderful historic hotel on Sixth Street, Austin, Texas
6. Rainey Street Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By 8ric - Tampa, United States
If you are looking for night life, this is the district. Lined on both sides of the street are hold homes converted into bars, pubs and food establishments. It literally lines the entire area of Rainey street. It also gets very crowded here as there is definitely a youthful vibe throughout the entire district. Not really a place for young children as I can't really see anything that would really interest them. This place also has two craft beer locations that have a ton of beer on draft - Bangers has over 201 distinct brews on tap and Craft Pride has over 50 Texas local brews!
7. French Legation State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 36 reviews
The French Legation State Historic Site in Austin began in 1841 as a private home for France’s representative to the Republic of Texas, Alphonse Dubois, after the French monarch officially recognized the Republic of Texas as a sovereign nation. Dubois was promoted to “chargé d’affaires,” which is a diplomat who heads an embassy in the absence of the ambassador, and established an official legation in Texas. When Dubois was unable to find a suitable house, he hired builders to construct the Legation house. The historic structure and landscape provide a cultural destination where people from the surrounding neighborhoods can gather.
8. O. Henry Home & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 78 reviews
Sydney Porter, the writer known as O. Henry, lived in this Victorian cottage from 1893 to 1895.
Reviewed By 355donaldw - Frisco, United States
Whether you enjoy O. Henry’s written work or just love a great story, the O. Henry Museum will interest you. The man eventually come to be known as O. Henry was someone who took years to find himself and ventured...fell unwittingly?...into crime along the way. The life story of the author of The Gift of the Magi will fascinate you, and the museum provides friendly, knowledgeable staff that makes sure you get as many fascinating details as you’d like. The museum, located in downtown Austin right next to the Susanna Dickinson Museum, is another historical gem. It’s very well organized and free!
