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Things to see in Austin

Attractions

Texas Capitol

Arguably one of Austin's most charming structures, this gorgeous pink granite beauty is a popular destination for tourists. Open and daily and free to the public, you don't have to make reservations to visit and you can even sit in on Texas legislation in the making. Don't forget to stroll the perfectly manicured grounds. Stop by the Visitors Center to pick up Austin memorabilia before you leave.

Address: , 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin,
Telephone: (512) 463 0001.
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 0800-2200, Sat-Sun 0900-2000.

Website: http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/capitol/texcap.htm
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Barton Springs Pool

This spring-fed pool located in the heart of the city is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.The vast pool is in a natural setting which means fish and water grass will tickle your toes as you swim by. It's important to get to the pool early in the sweaty summer months; the lawns can fill up with bathing beauties quite quickly. It's a tradition to jump into the pool on New Year's Day.

Address: , 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin,
Telephone: (512) 476 9044.
Opening times:

Mon-Sun 0500-2200, Thurs 0500-0900 and 1900-2200.

Website: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Zilker Park

This beautiful park located along Lady Bird Lake, with views of Downtown Austin, is a popular place for locals to brings their dogs or play sports with friends. Zilker Park is also the location of popular festivals such as Austin City Limits and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. During the summer months, the park can get pretty packed. Bring a blanket and enjoy a nice picnic or game of bocce.

Address: , 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin,
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website: http://austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Blanton Museum of Art

Located on the UT campus, this gorgeous museum offers over 17,000 permanent exhibits ranging from 15th century drawings to European Renaissance paintings, Latin American art to contemporary American sculptures. The museum offers lectures, concerts and workshops and also hosts a monthly "B Scene" event that brings the Austin creative community together to mingle and discuss art. A café and book store are also attached.

Address: , 200 East MLK, Austin,
Telephone: (512) 471 7324.
Opening times:

Tues-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1100-1700, Sun 1300-1700.

Website: http://blantonmuseum.org/
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail

Located along Lady Bird Lake, this trail for runners and cyclists is a popular destination during all months of the year. Locals love being seen and running into friends on this trail, while tourists enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds the location brings. It is on this trail that you can get a good view of the famous bats that fly from underneath the South Congress Bridge.

Address: Downtown, Lady Bird Lake, Austin,
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website: http://www.austintexas.org/listings/Lady-Bird-Lake-Hike-and-Bike-Trail/4369/
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

University of Texas Tower

Standing like a pillar in the middle of the University of Texas campus, this 94m-high (307ft) structure boasts beautiful views of the school grounds and Austin. The tower was closed down for many years, but is back open for the public. Schedules are limited, so make sure to call about availability or book a reservation.

Address: , 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin,
Telephone: (512) 471 3434.
Opening times: Website: http://www.utexas.edu/tower
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Harry Ransom Center

Located on the UT campus, this library and archive boasts over 42 million books, manuscripts, letters, photographs and art by some of history's most famous scholars, scientists, filmmakers and writers. Notable collections include that of William Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, James Joyce, Edgar Allan Poe and Jack Kerouac, Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo.

Address: , 300 W 21st Street, Austin,
Telephone: (512) 471 8944.
Opening times:

Tues-Wed and Fri 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-1900, Sat-Sun 1200-1700.

Website: http://www.hrc.utexas.edu
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

The Contemporary Austin Jones Center

The Contemporary Austin Jones Center is located in the heart of Downtown Austin and features a unique collection of contemporary and conceptual art. Though small in size and collection, the museum is mostly known for offering innovative art programs for adults, families and children, guest lectures by artists, film screenings and mixers for the creative community.

Address: , 700 Congress Avenue, Austin,
Telephone: (512) 453 5312.
Opening times:

Tues-Sat 1100-1900, Sun 1200-1700.

Website: http://thecontemporaryaustin.org
Admission Fees:

Yes (except Tuesdays).

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Austin Visitors Center

Address: , 209 E 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Telephone: (512) 478 0098.
Opening times:

Mon-Sun 0900-1700.

Website: http://www.austintexas.org
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