Texas State Capitol Reviews

4.6

4 of 637 Best Attractions in Austin


Reviews

Nice

By Jason S |

Had a very nice to leaning Austin history. Can’t wait to bring the kids and the family to see it . Parking was easy to find !!

Worth a visit

By AUSSIE4060 |

Well-managed tours were available. The building and extensions were impressive. We were surprised and disappointed to learn that the House and Senate rarely sat. The House, the Legislature of the State of Texas, convenes on the second Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years. The Legislature only meets every two years!
The building is impressive and the pink granite building material has an interesting back story.

A Spectacular Building

By InTheMomentManhattan |

Unfortunately due to covid restriction we could not enter the interior of the State Capitol. However, just visiting the exterior of the building is very memorable. It is quite huge and very well designed.

A couple hours of quality sightseeing

By Brad 🇭🇰 |

In addition to the State Capital, an imposing and fairly remarkable Texas Sunset Red Granite building, the capital grounds are surrounded by footpaths, small gardens and malls to the north and south with numerous monuments scattered throughout. Additional historic buildings can be viewed just south and southwest of the capital grounds such as the Governor's Mansion and the Old Baker and Emporium building.

In the southwest section of the capital grounds is the Visitor Centre which is located in the old Land Records building. This makes for a good stop if you want to learn a bit of history around the establishment, settlement and early history related to formation of administration and government in the State of Texas.

All together, there is at least a couple hours of good sightseeing. Note that there is free (2 hr) parking in the Capital Visitors Parking Garage directly east of the capital grounds.

Tourist

By Jill P |

Although it was closed due to covid-19 it's a beautiful building to see up close and personal. Parking is convenient it's meter parking therfore you don't have to pay for a slot all day!

Everything is bigger in Texas

By dreamspeaker |

I am a capitol building snob. I live in a capitol city, myself, and we widely regard OUR capitol building as the most beautiful. So I was prepared to be unimpressed.
You know how they say everything is bigger in Texas? The capitol building is HUGE and being made of red granite is also really interesting. Inside, the rotunda is really quite impressive.
I highly recommend a guided tour. We went there with Austin Detours (highly recommended) so we were only there for a short time, but it was enough to learn some of the history of Texas which is actually really interesting. I came away with a new respect for the state, and when a capitol building can do that, it's doing its job!

The capital

By ALAN C |

Beautiful building. Guided tour was very informative and the tour guide was great (and the tour was free). The capital is a very impressive building.

Amazing capitol tour

By Dewayne P |

There is plenty of parking around the Capitol Building. I recommend starting at the Visitors Center before going over the Capitol itself. The grounds have several monuments and statues you can take in before going on either a guided or self-guided tour. Be advised you will go through security when entering. I took a guided tour, but the Senate and House Chambers were closed. Lots of neat information about Texas and the building was provided.

Quick photo stop

By Krr1975 |

We only stoppped by for some quick photos. What we saw was pretty. We didn't spend any time walking the grounds.

A must see when in Austin..

By The Red Baron |

This is a fabulous building to visit. The entrance is free and it is air conditioned throughout - so fabulous on a hot Texas afternoon. A very impressive interior and exterior. In addition, they also conduct a very informative free tour of the building; covering both the architecture and general history of the Capitol which is well worth taking.

A Beautiful Building

By Trish W |

We enjoyed the 30 minute tour at the Capitol where we got to see where the House and Senate have their sessions. There is an interesting story on how Texas got the money and granite to build the new Capitol. After visiting there, you can go across to the Visitor’s Center where they have 2 videos and a number of artifacts and historic things. It is a very enjoyable activity. Their is a parking garage that gives you 2 hrs free parking. We were 5 minutes late and she charged us a dollar.

Spring break

By Fred77089 |

Enjoyed the visit. No complaints. Lots of walking, lots to see. Staff was friendly to my kids. Felt very safe and secured.

Worth the visit

By Pdonatyandkids |

Excellent tour. Lovely state capital. We were their during Cicadas were out. The grounds people seemed to have a lot of clean up to do each day. The grounds are very nice and a few of the trees are signed so you realize what you are looking at. Recommend visiting the Bullock State History Museum first which is located on the ground of the capital, this is so you have a back round on the history of Texas first. Parking was free at the capital parking garage. This garage E provides a nice view from the top of the University of Austin.

A must visit on any trip to Austin!

By LDN Explorers |

A really brilliant fascinating and stunning building. So great that it has free entry, and free tours too. It’s amazing to have such access to each of the main rooms and see how Texas is governed. A must visit on any trip to Austin!

Don't mess with Texas --- Big State Capitol for a Big State

By Lee M |

Got off a plane, found the city bus at the airport that took me right to Capitol grounds for $1.25, and the experience was as good as advertised. You have to like architecture and statues to enjoy this, but if you do you have it made. Great statues outside, Texas history all over. The building is imposing, attention to detail in its making is evident inside and out, and the security people are friendly great folks! The wood work around the doors in the lobbies and along all the extensive stretches of still operating offices in the wings compliment the graceful stairways and Corinthian columns. The towering dome is impressive and tourists love it. Go to the South side around back over to the side and find the Vietnam War statue.

Nice self guide tour.

By Minch N |

Magnificent building, wonderful architecture. The guards are very friendly and helpful. Beautiful landscape. Everything is free to visitors.

Grand Capitol

By JNYCwriter |

Nothing comes in small servings in Texas including the Capitol. The Capitol grounds are well maintained and the building is majestic. You will find a variety of unique memorials and statues as you wander around.

No different

By Sam S |

A building full of people that are a special kind of stupid that does not care what party you align with

Visited many times!

By Whatchugondo |

Residing in San Antonio, TX Austin, TX is a 45 minute drive depending on the traffic, so we are always visiting the Capital bldg. The Catacombs are very beautiful.

Wheels Needs Adjusted

By Ricky Jobes |

Hey “wheels” keep being an azzhole and you getting around on wheels will be the best thing to happen to you. You’re a feeble and petulant little man.

Make Sure to Stand on the Star

By Tim J |

Any trip to Texas in general and Austin in particular should have a visit to the Capitol included. The State Capitol Grounds are lined with a variety of statues paying homage to historical events that occurred, organizations honoring their fallen (Firefighters and Confederates) and a beautiful multi-part statue explaining the rise of the Texas state from its time as part of the Spanish Empire, through its emancipation from Spain as a Mexican territory to its independence from Mexico and finally its inclusion into the United States itself. It can, and probably should, take at least an hour for someone curious about immersing themselves in Texas history to go through the grounds themselves before making their way into the capital itself.

Thankfully, everything from the grounds to the tour are free. When you step inside you will see several heavily armed guards, as you should, and can choose to wait for the tour guide to begin. Through the arches there is a large room where you can stand on a big star surrounded by portraits of various territories in Texas and stare up at the interior of the large dome. If you do, and speak or lightly sing, you will hear your voice reverberate throughout and return to you due to the unique architecture of the multi-level surface created. It's a great way to start your tour.

The tour itself will show you the history of the elected assemblies, famous pictures of historic Texas battles (that are as big as a wall) while providing you with the opportunity (which they encourage) to go see a live session of either the House or Senate while it is in progress. One thing that definitely has to be acknowledged is the lengths to which the tour guide went to be honest about Texas history, including issues of slavery and Texas part in the Confederacy among other things. I always appreciate when historians are willing to paint such a broad picture instead of telling you only the finer parts they want you to know.

If you are looking for great gifts, the Austin gift shop is a good size and has a lot of trinkets and other items (I purchased a great umbrella with the Texas flag adorning the top) that make smart souvenirs if you have family or friends to buy for. Highly recommended, make sure you take the time to stop by here.

Sunday outing

By K. T |

Family Sunday outing
Great large facility
Did the self guided tour
Two teens,one child 9 two seniors I honestly don’t recommend for children under 12.
Great learning experience.
Great photo opportunities

An imposing and elegant historic Texas building

By Heiata |

An imposing and elegant building with amazing accessibility for a European. Indeed, it's free and you enter almost like a mill, just a security gantry. The, cupola is impressive, and if your legs are tired, you can use the elevator. The organization of the free visit is a bit complicated, because the building is huge, a lot of rooms are closed, we get lost a little. The garden is beautiful and very well maintained, many squirrels. Parking visitor nearby.

Texas State Capitol

By Munah |

A great place to visit while in Austin. This gift shop had everything! I spent a good hour in here checking out all the cool souvenirs they had. The staff was kind and answered all of my questions. I got so many things, but just know I will be back for that Texas waffle maker!

Cool spot for a bit.

By Pablo L |

We stopped by mid afternoon because there wasn’t anything else to do in downtown Austin. The grounds of the Capitol is huge with other adjacent buildings offering the history of the area. The architecture is amazing, lots of photo ops and history. This is a nice place to stop by for and hour if there’s nothing else to do.

State Capitol

By EnglishChinaDoll |

Taking a tour of the State House was recommended to us. It was informative and we enjoyed our time. The guided tour was not very long (about 30 minutes) and you can also do a self-guided tour, they provide free maps.

A Fascinating Visit to the Texas State Capitol in Austin

By James B |

Visiting Austin with my wife, one of the top places on our list was the Texas State Capitol, and I have to say it completely exceeded my expectations. Coming from New York, I’ve seen a lot of historic buildings, but there’s something truly impressive about the Capitol in Austin-the size, the detail, and the overall atmosphere make it feel like more than just a government building. It’s a mix of history, architecture, and culture that really captures the spirit of Texas.
As we walked up to the Capitol, the first thing that struck me was how massive and grand it looked. The pink granite façade stood out beautifully in the Texas sun, and the grounds surrounding the building were spacious and well-kept, filled with monuments and statues that added to the sense of history. My wife and I took our time strolling around outside before heading in, and it felt like a calm and welcoming space despite being such a significant landmark.
Inside, the building was even more stunning. The rotunda was breathtaking with its high dome and intricate design. We spent a good amount of time just looking up and noticing all the small details. The portraits of past governors and presidents of the Republic of Texas added a sense of weight to the place-you could feel the history in every hallway. We joined a free guided tour, and it was worth it. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and had a way of explaining Texas history that made it engaging and easy to follow, even for someone visiting from out of state.
What I really appreciated was how accessible the Capitol was. We didn’t feel rushed, and there were plenty of opportunities to explore on our own. My wife loved the House and Senate chambers, which were open to visitors, and we both enjoyed seeing how the space is still very much in active use today. It didn’t feel like just a museum-it felt alive.
By the end of our visit, I understood why the Texas State Capitol is considered one of the must-see attractions in Austin. It’s not only a beautiful building but also a meaningful glimpse into Texas pride and identity. For us, it was a five-star experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Austin, whether you’re into history, architecture, or just want to experience something uniquely Texan.

Interesting

By Jennifer H |

My family has taken to visiting the state capitol building when able. This building did not disappoint. Interesting architecture and history. Nice grounds.

Must See Spot!

By Shelbie Pleskonko |

Like they say, everything is bigger in Texas, and that is true, especially with the capital! Such a beautiful building inside and out, with so much history. I traveled to Austin with my mom, and we walked through as much of the building as we were allowed. So unique, and a must see if you are in Austin!

Only sort of interesting

By Teresamea |

Texas has some very interesting history but I didn’t find it at the capitol. I love “seeing” the capitol, particularly at night when lit. So pretty. But, going inside is something that just checked a box.

Free guided tour

By FrancescaR1986 |

The Capitol can be visited independently using a brochure indicating the main points of interest. But I recommend taking part in a free guided tour of about half an hour which leaves every 30 minutes from the south entrance and which allows you to have a global vision of the complex, before exploring it on your own.

More interesting and informative than I expected.

By Casper H |

More interesting and informative than I expected. We waited and joined the guided tour, and it was worth it. The guide was fun and bright and I learned a lot about american politics.

Loved it!

By mtt1220 |

Beautiful building. Informative guide. So glad that I stopped and took the tour, which was free! They are repairing the roof in the front of the building, so there is scaffolding at the entrance. Park in the free Capitol lot to the east of the building.

A Must See

By dambanker |

Squeezed in a visit the Capital and it's grounds. Happy that I did. Great architecture and history here. Did the self tour of course, but the staff here were very welcoming and friendly. A must see if you're in town.

Wonderful Building

By rkh32018 |

It was a rainy day so we decided to spend the afternoon touring the capitol. We joined the free 1/2 hour tour. Unfortunately English was not the tour guide's first language so one had to really concentrate to understand what she was saying. Since there was a big crowd of us and she didn't have a microphone or any amplification, this was difficult. We saw the rotunda (beautiful) and then were taken down to see some areas in the basement. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to see the rest of the building. (It is huge though)

Great capitol building

By swdctd |

Everything is big in Texas and the state capitol is exactly that. Overall great experience. The rotunda is beautiful. You really feel and learn Texas history in that building.

A must see!

By C H |

The Texas state capital is really a must see if your in Austin. It has beautiful architectural details inside and out that you can really appreciate. Take a guided tour if you can to hear some great stories and fun facts!

Beautiful building, interesting guided tour

By Scott B |

This is a very beautiful building, and the guided tour was informative. The rotunda in particular was really beautiful. Unfortunately, I couldn’t quite get over what the Texas legislature and recent governors have done to the state of Texas and to the country.

Exterior Beats Interior

By Kurt H |

As state capitol buildings go, the exterior of Texas' plus the landscaped grounds around it with a lot of stately trees are quite nice. The building exterior is more impressive and aesthetically interesting than it is in pics. The interior of both the building and the legislative chambers is more plain, and to be seen to reflect on the importance of a legislative body. So IMO, be sure to take time to walk around the grounds on the outside.

Impressiveness

By Debroahn D |

The building is an architectural landmark known for its magnificent pink granite details. The perfect harmony of art and history. The restorations were successful. They also increase the impressiveness with exhibitions.

Do a self-guided tour instead

By Icarus4335 |

We did a guided tour and it was kind of boring. There were a lot of people in the Capitol building, so it was difficult to hear our guide. The tour was also pretty short: rotunda, both chambers and the medal of honor plaques, then they just leave you in a basement. I would just do a self-guided tour instead.

Great Tour - A Must See In Austin

By David C |

Very good tour - and free! Tour guide did a great job, and you can continue on your own afterward to see whatever you want within the buillding.
Definitely a must do when visiting Austin.

Dominant dome; bloody battles

By cdub333 |

Having visited 35 State Capitol buildings, I’d have to say Texas’s is the tallest. We did a self-guided tour using the brochure you can get at the entrance.

The Rotunda is smaller than I expected for such a dominant dome. It was packed with tour groups and a loud homeless guy. The terrazzo floor is terrific. There are lone star images everywhere, including the top of the dome. Look straight up and note the shafts of light slicing through.

While the House Chamber and Governor’s Public Reception Room were closed, the Senate Chamber is impressive. You can view it from the visitors’ gallery or Senate Floor. Lots of history here, no doubt. Photos of each Senate “class” include - oddly - drawn images of the Senators’ children.

The building is adorned with huge paintings depicting bloody battles and long-dead politicians. Think of how many lawmakers, lobbyists, school groups, advocates and wheeler-dealers strolled these halls.

Beautiful - definitely worth going

By MTMHampshire |

Beautiful building inside and out. Alas we were not there at the right time for a tour but even self guided worth going. Free entry.

Beautiful architecture

By Randy F |

We walked to the building from our hotel. A nice walk, the we toured the grounds. We didn't have time to go inside but it looks very interesting.

Beautiful building with lovely great free tour

By La Dolce Vita |

Spent a quick morning trip here on a Monday and had a free guided tour of the capital building
The tour guide was very informative and definitely a proud Texan
The building is beautiful and loved all the lovely details of the workmanship in the building design.

Weekday visit to the State Capitol

By Adele Gee |

The place is big ! I decided not to take the tour but just look around on my own and it was a good decision. I would focus on the top levels only. The extension in the basement was not really worth seeing.

For lovers of history and civics...

By pwillard |

We visited on a Sunday when only self guided tours are an option. Given that we are in pandemic times, we actually preferred this. We went to every floor, down every hallway and into every crevice to see paintings and displays. All of the chambers and public rooms were closed to the public...I am not sure if this was because it was a weekend, or due to Covid. This was stately and historic state Capitol building. If you like history, you will enjoy visiting here. If you had the opportunity for a guided tour, then I would recommend one...not because I got to go on one here, but because history buffs generally enjoy them.

Don’t miss this one!

By Zann Y |

The Texas State Capital is well worth your visit. We waited for the free 45 minute tour and it was excellent. The dome is beautiful and the other buildings are impressive. We spent about 2 hours in total there. The visitor parking is very inexpensive.

Captivating Capitol

By avalawn |

The area by the capitol is a great place to walk around. You can see beautiful grounds and statues. You can also walk down Congress ave.to see shops and local bars in Austin. This was a must see in Austin.

Presentation was cringeworthy

By TeeBow |

Was shocked by the presentation. Racist and demeaning to indigenous peoples. Referring to the Native population as hostiles and " the Indian Problem" was in 2023 tone deaf. Was embarrassed that international visitors were subjected to this bs.

Georgia, our tour guide was amazing!!!

By Sherry823 |

We took a tour of the Capitol Building and learned quite a bit of history. Our tour guide Georgia was very knowledgeable and did an amazing job engaging the children. Please take the tour. It's worth it.

Amazing Experience!

By Micheal F |

Beautiful building. We learned a lot of previously unknown facts about the building's history and that of Texas, and it took us all over the structure. 

Informative, but could have been more organized

By countingmomma |

A tip - try to avoid the first guided tour of the day. We were with a pretty large group on the first tour on a Sunday. Despite this, we did have some good interaction with the guide, but we have appreciated a smaller group. The tours start in the lobby of the Capital. You do not need a reservation (at least not in June of 2022), and you do not need to make the hike out to the Visitor's Center. The grounds of the Capital are beautiful, but do those as early as possible to avoid the hotter part of the day.

Capitol Tour

By NH_Mom_4 |

Quick and informative tour of the Texas State Capitol. Great tour and there is plenty of time to wander around the Capitol and grounds before or after the tour.

Texas history

By NemoTraveler |

The Texas State Capitol is a beautiful landmark in downtown Austin. The impressive building has an interesting history and it is possible to experience it all on a free, guided tour, which is highly recommended.

The Capitol grounds too are worth a closer look with several historic monuments. Also, the visitor center in the Texas General Land Office building should not be missed. A couple of good films are on show at the visitor center.

Wonderful FREE experience to learn about Austin and Texas history

By Annelise L |

I took the free tour and Lezlie was absolutely wonderful and informative. I was surprised by how much of the capital we were actually able to access. The original furniture and architecture is absolutely incredible and it was just a really fun thing to do. I absolutely recommend especially for those traveling on a budget

Great grounds.

By Steven B |

Great grounds, beautiful monuments, well-manicured lawns, and the Texas state troopers who patrol are friendly and full of interesting stories if you can get them talking!

Quick stop on Segway tour

By Myka |

Grounds are beautiful, Cool stop on our Segway tour. Easy to see the grounds. Statues are interesting

Great volunteer tour guide

By Hunt F |

Friendly and well informed volunteer guide. He told great stories and was able to answer every question.

Lovely Capitol Building!

By EKS |

We always visit state capitol's when traveling, and Texas does not disappoint! The building it beautiful, and there is plenty of floors to explore. When we visited earlier on a Sunday morning, most rooms were closed to viewing the gift shop was also closed. We wish we could have seen more and gotten a souvenir. We will be back!

WALKING THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY CITY

By Ricarlop12 |

As always a fairly mild climate, incredible people, beautiful places to tour, friends of the best of my childhood, tasty food, chicken but not able, I wanted to eat crowfish but in general it was a beautiful experience as always with my beloved friends Henry Perdomo and Roberto Colocho. I already want to come back type in June 2026 to eat that delicious delicacy

The grounds are beautiful

By LadyN516 |

I didn't go inside the actual building but I did stroll the grounds and look at all the memorials and statues, which were very nicely done. The architecture is awesome and the views of many of the statues take on a whole new life at sunset. They seem a bit too proud of their confederate past but its a part of history so you have to roll with it i suppose.

A beautiful building and grounds

By markay163 |

An impressive capitol with beautiful grounds to explore. I wish our state capitol had park like surroundings like this to explore.

Friendly tour

By Adam T |

We were under the impression that the free tours would run every half an hour, but when we got there through the short wait for security the sign said the next one wasn’t for another hour and a half. According to one of the officers on security, school groups or large tours sometimes reserve entire tours, so be warned that there’s a chance you might not get on a tour when you’re expecting. We ended up waiting and going for a coffee in the canteen while our baby slept (which was a little soulless, but then nobody is coming specifically for that). When the time came we met back upstairs in the south lobby where we entered, and were part of a massive group of people waiting for the free tour. Our guide (didn’t catch her name, but a very friendly small black lady) was very hard to understand for the first two stops as her very thick African accent just echoed around the massive atrium. Things got a bit better after this point though, and she made a big fuss of our baby. While there were elevators in the building so getting a buggy through was no problem, after I’d carried it up 3 steps into the senate room (as a short few steps was easy), she said ‘oh you’re fine with stairs then with the stroller?’. I assumed she meant it would just be another set of 3 stairs, so said yes, and she proceeded to take us down about 3 full flights, which wasn’t ideal. Overall though the tour was interesting and it was far better walking around with a group and guide for 45 minutes than trying to do a self-guided tour, and definitely worth a stop if you’re in Austin.

Place steeped in history

By Clement L |

The visit to the capitol is very interesting.
We have access to many wings including state assemblies.
To visit

Beautiful building, interesting Texas history.

By Phil P |

We were walking by the Capitol en route to a museum and decided to stop in. I am glad we did! The building is beautiful and there was a free, relatively short (less than one hour) tour with many interesting tidbits of Texas history and politics.

Great place to visit.

By Neil M |

What a great place to visit! Laura was a great tour guide and the grounds are beautiful! I would highly recommend taking the time to tour the capital while in Austin!

Rich history for everyone!

By RMc179 |

There is so much history here, even if you're a lifelong Texan who thought you already had much knowledge. You can find new things to learn and research here. Beautiful complex and a little something for everyone. I have to give a shout out to Joyce, a wonderful docent stationed on the First Floor. I asked about the location of a particular artifact, and she directed us to it. We arrived at the exhibit's location, and then a few minutes later she showed up to make sure we found it PLUS she had printed additional information. She went the extra mile and was lovely! With Covid, some areas are closed so you have to go with the flow and expect restrictions, but that's fine.

Interesting building and history

By Maura H |

We are not from Texas, but we enjoyed joining a quick tour of the capitol. There was a "sit in" in the center of the capitol, so we were not able to do the stand in the middle; look up and enjoy part of the dome area. We got to see both sides and the additional areas below. Our guide was knowledgeable and helped explain several areas of the building and the additions over the years.

Easy self-guided tour

By RagsKP94 |

I was in town for a long weekend. Had a few hours and decided to do a self-guided tour. It is free. You need to pass through security but you can carry a bag in. The state senate was in session so I didn't get to see that chamber. But the representatives' chamber was open. I even stopped in the (open to the public) library for 30 minutes of work.

The building is beautiful. It very much captures the spirit of Texas. Very friendly staff and good self-guided tour. I recommend stopping in the visitors center on the capitol grounds first before entering the big building.

Such a gorgeous building and grounds

By FLGIRL |

The day we went, we found parking easily. It had parking meters which were reasonable. We walked the grounds, read the plaques, looked at the statues, took pics of the capital building. There is a visitor center too. Nice easy stroll. Located downtown where you may find shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Definitely worth a visit.

Free Entry

By Indah Edlightz |

Very nice area to visit and walk around. Entrance is free and if you are an architecture or history fanatic, its a great place to walk around and explore. They just don't build like this anymore.

It's bigger in Texas, even the capital building!

By ErinVM |

We took a bike tour that ended at the capital building and it ended up being an unexpected highlight of ours. Grounds are vast with lots of interesting statues and landmarks to see and learn more about. Worth a stop for sure!

Very large but disappointing.

By Blastingofftotimbuktu |

We went to visit the capital which is something we love to do. The Texas state capitol is the largest. It’s huge. We tagged on to four different tours to get a guide we could understand. They were no passionate about the building and were very scripted and quickly repeated memorized script. When I asked questions, they didn’t know the answer and didn’t care to find out. I was very disappointed that they had very little art in the building. Not impressed. We went to the visitor’s center to ask about things to do and the man in the travel and tourism desk was the rudest man we encountered in Texas on an 11-day road trip.

Beautiful building…fabulous tour

By Lois V |

Our tour guide, Sarah, was fabulous! We toured all four floors of this beautiful edifice and the annex, including the House and Senate chambers, and learned a ton of Texas history along the way. Don’t miss it!

Well wWorth the visit

By AlizaIsrael_11 |

I was there by myself and decided to take the free guided tour. Leslie was fabulous!!
Lots of Texan history and a beautiful State House.

Beautiful Capitol!

By Eric F |

Beautiful and majestic. Centrally located, and within walking distance from several other attractions.

Great start to Texas history tour!

By j m |

We took some of the grandkids on a Texas history tour and started with the state capitol. We've been a dozen times and it is always interesting. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. Could not have been better.

Even the capitol is bigger in Texas

By The Places Where We Go Podcast |

Our visit to the state capitol lasted about 3 hours. Do take the tour as the narration is helpful to round out the experience. We spent additional time strolling the inside as well as the grounds. Lots of memorials outside that present good photography opportunities. Recommended to visit when in Austin.

A great experience to learn more about Texas history.

By Thibaud A |

Visiting this historic building is just great.
The architecture is the history of the building are magnificent.
Stop by Austin. Stop by Austin.

Recommended!

By Mccloud24 |

We took the free 45 minute tour, Susan, a former teacher, told a lot and everything was interesting! Impressive to walk around. Excellent souvenir shop. The surrounding garden is beautiful with cute squirrels

Wonderful. Make sure you go with a guide.

By Carolyn L |

So very informative of the history of Austin. Take the time to learn a little bit about the state and city you are visiting.

DON'T BOTHER

By alaskan_red |

An impressive building but devoid of activity when not in session. Unless you enjoy cavernous emp0ty rooms and corridors, give it a miss.

Don't bother with the Visitors Center or its gift shop, it is dismal.

Beautiful Building

By Melissa Tee in DC |

We came here as part of the tour with Austin Detours. It's a gorgeous building. Make sure you stand in the very middle and talk out loud! The echo is cool!

Great Tour For a Reasonable Price (Free!) and Convenient Times (every half hour).

By Jackie D |

This is an excellent tour and give you a greater appreciation of the importance of our state capital.

Nothing was open in late afternoon

By David L |

As of summer 2023, the entire outside is covered in scaffolding, so not a good time for pictures. The rotunda inside was impressive. However, we were disappointed that nothing else was open to see. All the chamber and legislative rooms were locked. We were there early evening. Maybe earlier daytimes are better. Not sure.

Excellent place to visit!

By RJ |

This was an excellent experience. Security people at the Capitol were extremely polite and cooperative. Pictures are allowed all over the building. Very well kept. Very historic and very beautiful. There's a park by its side with sculptures and statues very nice. Highly recommended.

Another Capital!

By kmc11_11 |

We have a tradition of visiting state capitals, this was our 18th. Great way to learn of state history, government, see some interesting architecture and art work, etc.

We visited on the Texas State Capital on a Sunday afternoon, so there were many people visiting. We took a tour lasting about 35 minutes with an official guide, Jenna, who was very good. There is no sign up or reservation for tours, you just show up and stand by until the time the guide is ready to go.

There were also many people doing self guided tours, able to walk around the building on their own. Not sure how that works on days when the government is working and the legislature is in session.

With so many people in the entry lobby (first stop for tour) and the rotunda (second stop) is was often hard to hear our guide. As we moved to the house, senate, and other areas, there where fewer people and it was easier to hear her descriptions.

Each capital is unique in design, approach, and history.

Beautiful building

By G.See! |

We enjoyed walking the grounds, learning about its history and seeing how its art tells Texas' incredible story. Highly recommend when visiting Austin.

Great visit

By Larry L |

Took the free walking tour. Was interesting and the guide was knowledgeable. Saw the senate room and the house of representatives room. Along with many other things.

What a building

By pat m |

If you’re in Austin and have an hour to spare go and have a look
We went on a very hot day and sat in the grounds watching the wildlife and the world go past.
Easy access and a quick security check and you’re in.
The lobby is simply stunning, you have to see it to appreciate it. We then went upstairs to the chambers and again, just a wonderful piece of American history. A Quick Look in the library and we were done. I’m sure you could spend hours exploring this place.
Bonus, it’s all FREE. A very rare thing in Austin is

Great

By iver0185 |

Interesting building with a nice history. Very expansive. Had a great tour guide that was able to answer questions. Worth the visit.

Worth Visiting!

By JaniO |

Always worth visiting for both tourists and locals. The visitors center provides good information. Daily guided tours are available.

Meh, the grounds are beautiful, though!

By 689nada |

If you like this type of stuff, you will love it! The grounds are lovely, and the capital structure is nice, but I could have passed it by.

Historical

By Julie M |

Interesting history surounds the capital building and grounds. Be sure to take a good look at the monuments !nd signs on the grouds before you go in. We did a self guided tour, but guided arw offered.

Awesome

By Afitznii9 |

Beautiful building and so much history. Just awesome to see the efforts put into building this place.

Beautiful architecture

By lucianacordoba |

Beautiful government building, with wonderful architecture, you can visit inside, it is a free activity and worth it!
Tour the surrounding area as the whole area is beautiful.

Educational Experience

By ellenoftroy728 |

We arrived too early in the day to go on a guided tour, but still found the capital to be a worthwhile stop. The building is huge and has a ton of floors and rooms to explore. There is some information posted throughout, and we googled anything we were curious about. We stayed for just over an hour, but this feels like a place that you can breeze through or stretch out to your liking.

Don't miss a visit with a guide

By Lynn W |

Austin Detours tour "The Best of Austin" is a two hour guided, small group, (8) van tour that includes a visit to the State Capitol. A beautiful grounds and building with wonderful stories, history, and ongoing government activities.

Ok

By Brent R |

Not as good, or historical as other capital buildings we have visited. Should have more architectural details and historical information

Great capitol building, must see

By ItchyFeet |

I am here on business in Austin Texas and decided to go see the Texas State Capitol building. I took the free tour and it was very interesting. I saw the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Supreme Court all three rooms were very interesting. After the tour, I walked around the building to take more photos.

I would highly recommend taking the free tour and then wandering around at your leisure. There are bathrooms in several places / a gift shop and a restaurant for the employees that is open to public.

Good for a relaxing stroll

By Ramesh K |

Beautiful building and grounds (park), right in downtown. Close to Austin night life, restaurants and hotels.

Must visit if you are in the area

By Henry W |

The capital building is beautiful inside. The architecture is clean and looks like you are in some very rich persons house. What surprised me was how they hang a picture of all of the governors and how it goes up into the higher floors. When I did the tour, the government was not in session, which is unfortunate, as I wanted to see what that looks like. Overall, it’s definitely a building to check out if you haven’t been.

Great self guided tour of the grounds

By Davis Farmer |

The Capital and grounds are a great place for a sunny afternoon. Statues are interesting and the grounds are well kept.

A must in Austin!

By HoCeBi |

Definitely worth a visit! Beautiful architecture and really impressive inside. The grounds are well kept.

Beautiful buidling

By travelmom252017 |

At this time you can only do self guided walking tours. Most areas are open if not in session. It is still encouraged to wear a mask, and there are armed guards to ensure safety. If you make your first stop right next door at the Capitol visitors center, they have guides,maps and other free goodies for you.

Texas State Capitol

By lithlith |

The Texas State Capitol is free to visit and there are parking ramps within a few blocks away. There is construction right now around the capitol building, but signage directing where to enter. We visited on a Sunday morning with very few other visitors around. We just wandered around taking it all in and then were on our way. Spend as much or as little time as you like, for us it was 15-20 minutes.

Knowing the Capitol

By Catia M |

Guided visit, very well placed house one of the explanations. Location with architecture and amazing paintings. The garden is a spectacle. The gift shop is full of opportunities. Beautiful walk.

Texas State Capitol

By Ron S |

It's an interestig building. Its pinkish-brownish facade is pretty impressive. We did not go inside as we jjust stopped by on our way from San Antonio to Dallas and didn't have time for a tour of the capitol. The surrounding area is quite nice too.

Worth the visit!

By Rhys E |

wear a mask and enjoy some history! was beautiful weather in late October. Worth atleast two to three hours

God Bless Texas

By Mike H |

Great place to visit rather you're a resident or a visitor. Texas has such an awesome history and you cant help but feel it when you walk into this amazing structure.

The Dome Is The Big Attraction...And Worth Seeing

By Dennis F |

This sprawling structure atop a hill adjacent to downtown Austin is an imposing sight, and well worth a visit. There are offices and courtrooms for the legislators and judges, but the main attractions are the legislative halls of both the Senate and the House, and the especially the dome. That dome is by itself worthy of your visit. There is a free guided tour, and access to the capitol is also free. If you are in Austin this is a really "must see" destination.

Got to see some really interesting stuff!

By El-Presidente2022 |

Always good fun looking around official buildings in the States and this was certainly a good one. The tour guide was very information and we got to see lots of interesting stuff and find out a bit more about how the US system works - access all areas, the Governors room was very cool

Glorious building and grounds

By Passport11763963402 |

Access to a working centre for Democracy with plenty to see and learn whilst watching the business of the state go on around you. Immaculately kept grounds and public spaces within. A nice and fairly priced canteen and similarly a gift shop. The building can be seen from miles around giving it appropriate deference to it's regional importance. A must see for any visitor to Austin.

Not to be Missed

By B. Richard |

See where bills are made, the dome is incredible, great free tours, grounds with abundant seating, memorials

Great dog friendly place full of history

By Chris Knipping |

Wish I could’ve gone in but we had the dogs. Really nice grounds covered in statues. My favorites were the csa, police, and slave monuments

Free tour excellent.

By livinglifetothefull1 |

We parked for free for two hours in the visitor parking lot. Joined a free tour run by Tweed - lovely man who went through the history of the building and how it operates. We learnt loads. The grounds are interesting to walk round too with various statues.

Worth a half day visit

By Matthew P |

Words cannot describe how beautiful and amazing the Texas capitol building was to visit. I chose to do the self guided walking tour and arrived at 8 am and was greeted by staff and after security was inside the truly amazing building. The different hallways and rooms all offered a unique view of history and how the legal process in Texas works. I couldn’t believe how free flowing visitors can meander through this building. The different courtrooms and meeting areas are top on my list of things I enjoyed. The portraits were very interesting as well. I am not from Texas so this gave me a lot of insight. The library was awesome too.

An excellent guided tour

By Florida Peggy |

We were pleasantly surprised by the beauty and history of the State Capitol. The docent did an excellent job with the history.

Texas State Capitol

By framic69 |

Lots of history and plenty to see, the tour is free. The tour is about 3/4 hours to see it all. A must see.

Beautiful architecture and history lies inside this massive building.

By cathy t |

From the beautiful grounds and walkways to statues around the building we were in awe. The Capitol building is massive and built with marble - wood fitting the size of the building. The tour takes you from the front to the rotunda and onto the Senate and House floors. Interesting bits of history was shared by our guide.
She was truly interesting to follow and listen. She also guided us to the underground area of offices, the grill. And the gift shop. Of course we bought a few souvenirs. Then on our way. Plan on 45 -minutes to an hour and it’s worth every minute you have. Tours every day and every 30 mins. Free to visit and they do have elevators and restrooms.

Beautiful Building

By juliebfromindy |

Such an amazing building and free to visit!! Parking is on the street but there are plenty of spaces currently. Masks are asked to be worn but not in-forced. Docents are placed around so you can get history even though no tours are being given. We could see the house side which was beautiful. Wished we could see the senate side!!! We visited the state capital visitor center where there are more great exhibits and the gift shop.

Everything is bigger in Texas

By DDay1959 |

As part of the conference I attended, the host organization had scheduled a guided tour of the Texas state capital building for us. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and the tour was great. Looking up at the rotunda dome was an amazing experience.

Beautiful capitol building!

By Rachel Bottoms |

Even if you spend a half hour here, it is worth it!

Our family walked around the grounds and spent a few minutes in the rotunda on a Saturday before a football game. It is free to enter after passing thru a security check, and it was so nice to share a quick lesson on state governments with our young girls. I wish we’d have stayed longer, but if you are nearby and only have a few minutes, I’d still recommend it.

What a surprise!

By GwennyR |

We didn't plan to go here, but, well, it was right in front of our faces the whole time! Why not. We ventured into the building and were amazed by great architecture. What was even better was that both the House and Senate were in session! We got to watch the House debate some bills. Pretty interesting! Definitely picture worthy.

At the least, go by the front of the building. There are two memorials - one to Emancipation and one to the Confederacy. Have fun reading those and tell me it doesn't blow your mind that one of those still exists....

One word … AWESOME

By rubenfili |

Wonderful place to visit - security is at its highest and very friendly. A must to educate yourself on TX history

Good experience i got it

By Faisal J |

It's a good place to visit but with a tour guide to give you more information you need it
Ask there . In security point
I am not about price

Beautiful Capital Building and Grounds

By Gregory L |

Please take the opportunity to visit the Texas State Capital! The grounds have some beautiful monuments. The inside is amazing! The rotunda is something to behold. We walked up all three floors and the staircases as well as the various rooms (especially the Texas Supreme Court room with its "Texas Capital" door hinges!) are some of the most architecturally amazing works of art you will see. Portraits of prior Governors going back decades are displayed on each floor. We were also allowed up to the doorway of the Legislation room at the top level so we could watch a little of the session in process. Definitely worth including on your Austin city visit itinerary.

Worth a visit

By Steve B |

Texans are proud of their heritage and it was on full display here. We learned much about the state's history. Unfortunately, the legislature was in session so we could not visit the chambers on the tour. Still, we did get to visit many interesting places.

Nothing special

By ttiottn1 |

We had time to kill before a wedding so decided to see the Capital. It’s nothing special or spectacular; I’ve seen much better. If you have time to kill and want to see a state capital, it’s worth it; else skip it.

Fun to See

By Patrick302 |

I wasn't sure if I wanted to stop here but I was glad I did. It was fairly interesting and cool to see. I got to see what a cushy job our elected officials have. It was worth it to see the history and architecture.

Enlightening

By MASB |

After visiting the capitol visitor center we went into the capitol and joined a free tour. The docent was engaging and knowledgeable. We had free access to most of the building. We learned more about the Alamo than we ever did in school. Great service to help enlighten people. Had lunch in their Capitol Grill.

This beautiful and historic building deserves better than the brief tours offered.....

By tencatdaddy |

Granted part of the issue was that the legislature was in session so we were not allowed into the House or Senate chamber and the fact that there must have been a thousand plus school children all over/everywhere but most of the historic areas are off limits or at least not included in the tour. Essentially the tour was of how wonderful Texas history is and how it is represented in the building (not demeaning that but there should have been more). There is a tremendous amount of historic art work and much of that is mentioned in the tour but there is so much more that is not included. Instead too much is made of the addition (I would much rather have seen more of the earlier history).
The building is historic and beautiful but, again, I just wish there had been more concentration in the tour of those points and visiting more of the historic parts than what we got (granted time constraints are an issue).
The grounds are gorgeous and are something of a "park" for the history of the state and well worth taking a long visit wandering around and seeing the monuments. Unfortunately due to some reconstruction there is scaffolding all around the building so it is not, currently, very picturesque and despite that fact and the somewhat disappointing tour it is well worth a visit and when I return I will make it a point to visit again and see things I missed previously (& hopefully get a more in-depth tour)

Capitol of Texas

By Trina D |

My husband and I decided to walk to the Texas State Capitol building when we had some free time visiting Austin. As we walked inside, we found a free tour was starting in 10 minutes so we joined the group. We were escorted around the building and the guide was very knowledgeable explaining the different paintings, sculptures, and rooms. We walked past the portraits of current and former governors and lawmakers. We walked into the Senate and House Assembly chambers. We were shown downstairs to the different hallways. We looked up inside the rotunda and spied the Texas stars decorating the rooms. It's a beautifully designed building. Our guide was enthusiastic regarding Texas history and gave us a nice tour. If you're in town, check out the Texas State Capitol for a quick history lesson.

Must See

By Ganbatte24 |

They maintain the building and grounds immaculately. The building itself is very stately and reeks of history. Free guided tours available, but due to time constraints, we did a quick walk through. A lot of posted information as well sa original photos, documents and art work throughout the building and grounds. Easy to find and ample parking. It is even gorgeous at night when it is lit up. A definite "must see" when you visit Autin.

Beautiful State Capitol Building!

By Laura D |

Definitely worth a stop! The State Capitol Building is a beautiful and historic stop. The architecture itself is magnificent and the pride and beauty is evident in even the smallest detail. The history is clear and tours are available although if you go during the right times you are free to walk through any rooms which are open. There are exhibits in the basement levels too.

March 20222 visit

By harv2u |

It had to be spring break time! The capitol was very busy. There was even a line outside just to get through security. The building is beautiful. A must visit if in Austin.

Worth the Time!

By GotItDownPat |

As a Native Texan - this was my first visit. It was well worth the trip. Beautiful and interesting. Wasn't too keen on the guy expressing his freedom of speech inside, spoiling my freedom of experience. He was peaceful, just loud and never quite figured out his purpose. Enjoyed the grounds. We self-toured, everyone was so helpful. The library was impressive!

Impressive grounds and building

By Jedda1 |

Nice self tour and everyone made you feel welcomed, especially the state troopers! Got to pop around and see the legislature in action (or in action) so nice to see. Got a COVID test on site and simple (you'll need this or proof of vaccine to enter the galleries)

Classic building, inspirational

By K B |

The Capital was part of a "City Tour" our group did with "DeTours". As I mentioned in the review of the company directly, they were awful for us.
But the Capital as a building was really cool. I only wish we would have had more time to see it in more detail. But beautiful dome. Gorgeous wood work. Interesting to learn that this design inspired other state capitals but (of course) the Texas building is the BIGGEST!!!

Another Capitol Visited

By Lloyd F |

We're state capitol junkies and this was did not disappoint. Great history of the state and be sure to go to the visitors center for the film on the second floor.

Skip it.

By Kat |

Can't really get anywhere near it. Lots of armed guards, which starts to freak you out after a few minutes. Beautiful building, but there's nothing to do there right now.

Glad we went!

By Girlmurmuration |

It is a beautiful building. They offer a guided tour of about 40 minutes and a self-guided tour. It was somewhat difficult to hear our guide due to the echo created by the stone walls. They are doing a full roof renovation of the capitol. They were also doing some renovations inside the building but we were able to see the senate. The gift shop has some great items. Make sure you take a peak. There is public parking near the capitol for a nominal fee.

Nice architecture and free tour

By Gregsky |

Very impressive architecture inside and out, with a great free tour. I'm not a fan of Texas politics (don't get me started), but the building is pretty cool.

Great visit

By TamEliSha |

Very fun to visit. There are free tours every half hour. You dont have to make a reservation. Jeff was an awesome guide and the building is breathtaking

The (free) tour of the Texas State Capitol is a must-do in Austin.

By DJinNashville |

The Texas State Capitol is worth seeing, and we'd recommend doing the guided tour. It only lasts 20min, it's free, and it provides nice context to the different areas that you're visiting, including the Senate and House chambers and the underground part. A must-see during your visit of Austin.

Walk the Grounds if UYou Can!

By mshapiro99 |

Happened to drive by the State Capitol on a recent visit to Austin ... what a magnificent building, on well kept grounds! Worth a drive by, or if you have more time, park and walk the grounds! Beautiful!

Scavenger Hunt

By Judyluvscats911 |

Did a self-guided tour of the capital building, used the scavenger hunt list in the lobby. Found lots of history of the building and Texas that we did not know and it took us all over the building. We went to the Visitor’s Center to get it stamped upon completion! Even husband said it was fun!

Do not miss this!

By crzyldy1 |

What a beautiful building! It was one of our first stops. The tours are free and very informative about the history of the area and the building. A must do!

Very good tour!

By Stacy F |

Touring The Capitol building was a very cool thing to do! It’s so beautiful & the grounds are so picturesque with gorgeous trees & walking paths. You learn a lot about Texas history in 30-35 minutes. Our guide was very knowledgeable & professional.

Large building, great tours

By ald3114 |

Very historic and educational. Plenty of walking on multiple floors. There was a choir in the rotunda area, nice touch.

Dazzling views of the rotunda and dome.

By 1mo-traveler |

Best and worst thing is the architecture. Dazzling in its layout, but, horrible in acoustics and one's motility.

The tour guide reminded me of John (Motormouth) Moschitta although the former was quite knowledgeable of the Capitol. Unfortunately he was hindered by echoing reverberations in the entrance and rotunda areas.

The steps should include warning signs of the dangers of the last step in at least two areas, at least by this traveler. I recommend the elevators, despite them being located it what might be perceived as the entrance to the ladies room.

The rotunda was spectacular and the floor design memorable. Think of the origin of the Six Flags Theme Parks. View of the dome from the underground floor unique. Gift shop prices reasonable.

Great museum nearby definitely worth a visit

By GADawgGa |

You still can't go inside due to COVID19, but the massive and impressive capital building is not to be missed. The museum nearby was excellent with some great informative history and movies.

Capital Tour

By Janelle E |

This was an excellent, informative tour. He was articulate, enthusiastic and detailed in his information. He gave time for questions and answered them knowledgeable.

Capitol building - Austin

By Peter L |

Great to understand how Texas legislature works. Two bands playing in the Capitol building when we visited, one a jazz band the second a mariachi one. Brilliant. Excellent attraction where we also got to watch senators making decisions from the public gallery as in session.
Highly recommend if you’re in Austin but join a free tour for the history as very informative.

The best thing of the Capitol was to know the galery of presidents. The room of the politician is beautiful.

By Maria Cristina T |

The best thing of the Capitol was to know the galery of presidents. The room of the politician is beautiful.

Interesting historical

By Steven B |

First time to the state of Texas and loved it! This was my second stop on my trip and was blown away but how amazing the building was. On top of that the tour was really good by a guy called Gary. Made the tour interesting and would recommend any visitors to Austin or Texas to visit here for sure!

Beautiful!

By Cathyk455 |

If you are in the Austin area don't miss a visit to the beautiful State Capitol! The grounds are lovely and the capital building is very accessible and those Texans love to show it off for good reason! Its filled with awesome art, and everything Texas. We actually started to count all the stars on literally everything!

A must see attraction

By jamusaba |

Truly is a must on your first visit to Austin. It was a highlight for us. We took the free guided tour offered inside the capitol. It is only 30 minutes long but you get to see the grand lobby with statues of Austin , Houston and a nice portrait of Davy Crockett. You are taken to both the chambers of the Senate and House and history gallery of all the governors which begins in the grand lobby with the latest governor. Your only regret after your visit will be the short length of the tour given the legendary sized history of Texas.

Capital visit

By Jennifer P |

Great way to spend an hour or two in Austin. Tour and entry was free. Guided tours occur every half hour. Elevators available for those who are unable to take the stairs. Wonderful old historic building and nice to learn a little Texas history.

Texas State Capital exploration.

By lesliebray |

We just strolled the capital by ourselves on a Sunday afternoon. And it was a lot of fun! Next time, I'd do a tour to get some facts and history. But the building is beautiful!! It's been kept up beautifully over the years as well!!
Loved all the TEXAS sized details!!

The expansion was disappointing! There was not even an attempt to carry the original detail work and craftsman's ship into the expansion. It looks like a typical hospital floor. No character. No detailing. Very sad.

Nice bit of history

By mel19802016 |

Eldest enjoyed the older items on display. Had a nice gift shop. There are security measures in place to screen visitors before you can enter but nothing like an airport.

Amazing building and surrounds

By medwards415 |

The building itself and the surrounding grounds are just beautiful. Inside the building is amazing. The circle in the centre of the building enabling you to look up to the Star in the dome is spectacular.

Beautiful architectural building

By Dave S |

Texans should be proud of their state capital. It is beautiful and the architect and finishing are outstanding.

Spectacular!

By QusieSusie |

This building is not to be missed. The rotunda is breathtaking no matter how many times I visit. Take your kids. They will love it too.

Fabulous

By Vivian H |

It is fabulous, being the largest in Usa everytime i walk by it makes me feel like it's the first time watching it. It wad rebuild after the great capitol fire in 1881.

Nice free day

By LenaBean775 |

Went here with 2 teens just "check it out". It was Sunday, so everything (including parking) was free. Short walk to the capital and was able to view the Senate and House along with views of all governors. Nice, cool place to go.

Texas State Capitol

By AleDeo61 |

The Capitol is beautifully located in downtown Austin. It is open to the public where you can enjoy the history and architecture displayed. There is some construction going on, but you can still enter and enjoy the beautiful ceiling.
Don't forget to check out the grounds for additional historical information.

No guided tours still

By Bill L |

No guided tours still. Because this is the largest of the capitols, a guide helps to get the important details.

It is an amazing building, but only an average tour.

By Pferdina |

I've toured a number of State capitols, and in some ways they are all alike. You usually get a lot of information about the history of the State, the normally tumultuous saga of constructing the building itself (often after one or more previous buildings burned down or were otherwise lost), some boosterism for the State, and then a walk around to see the best rooms. I have to admit that I expected more than what I got in Texas.

The tour is free, and it is offered frequently during most days of the week. The building is open 7 days, so that's helpful for travelers. We started with a history, connected to the art in the hallway outside the tour office which depicts some of the biggest names (Crockett, Houston, Austin). Then we moved into the rotunda and talked about how big the space is, the meaning of the symbols on the floor, and the progression of governors' portraits along the walls. Next, we went into the basement for more history. Our guide specifically pointed out Barbara Jordan, the first African-American state senator since 1883 and the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas. From the basement, we crossed into the Extension, a four-story office building underground next to the rest of the Capitol. Here we talked about floor space and architecture and the tour ended in sight of the gift shop. It lasted just over 30 minutes.

After the tour, people could go on their own to the historic Supreme Court Chamber, the Representatives' Chamber, and the Senate Chamber. One is allowed to wander all over the building, but without guidance it's difficult to know what would be interesting. Since this was a working day for the legislature, visitors had to sit in the galleries and refrain from taking photos there. I was a little disappointed at not having more information from the tour guide about these spaces and the people who work in them.

The gift shop is nice. There is free parking about a block away, near the Capitol Visitor Center which has another gift shop (pretty much the same stuff as the other shop). The Capitol grounds are also pretty and there are monuments and sculptures to see.

Impressive State Capitol

By digitalroc |

The State Capitol is very impressive, so much that I abandoned my walk on Congress Avenue to scurry to the State Capitol. There was no admission at the State Capitol, just a friendly security check at the south entrance, which is one of the very few friendly checks I have had at any US federal building.

The State Capitol was impressive, it had 4 levels, and I was permitted access to nearly every area. I enjoyed the grandness of the Rotunda, the House of Representatives and the Senate. I skipped the free tour, but did somewhat stay close in proximity just to hear what the tour guide had to say. The Texas State Capitol is a must visit while you are in Austin!

Must see

By Carmen W |

Gorgeous outside and inside. Some exterior scaffolding was being set up outside but didn’t affect the view. Definitely would recommended. It’s free, the area has metered parking, the grounds are peaceful with very nice monuments.

A Definite Must See!

By Tanner L |

We visited the Texas State Capitol while in Austin and it was a very good experience. We did the self guided tour with a tour map on our own. It was pretty easy to find all of the rooms and walk up the many monumental steps of the Capitol. There is free Capitol parking in a parking garage very close by for up to two hours free (I believe)! There is a map for inside the Capitol as well as for outside the Capitol. We loved visiting this monumental building!!!

Highly reccommend

By BillUsma74 |

Excellent tour guide. Very I interesting historical building and visit. Highly recommend and suggest a stop by the Visitor’s Center first. Tip, the Visitors center outside is under construction, so don’t be put off.m

Interesting visit to the Capitol Building.

By St_Matty |

I've not been here for years but was in town with a friend, so I thought I'd show him around . It was a lot busier than I remember, but not much else has changed. It's still a very interesting place to go to. We went on the guided tour, which is free and definitely worthwhile. Entry is also free as well. The gardens are pretty and well kept.

Texas State Capitol

By Calondra B.♥️ |

Visited the Capitol for the first time.
Capitol Visitors garage parking lot about 2 blocks from the Capitol.

“Vehicles properly displaying an official disabled parking placard or disabled parking license may park at parking meters within the Texas Capitol Complex for free.”

Daily Rates
Weekday: Parking is free for the first 2 hours. $1 for each half hour thereafter. Maximum daily charge is $12. No Overnight Parking.

Weekend: Parking is sometimes free but is subject to pre-paid fees for special events. The maximum daily charge varies up to $25. No Overnight Parking.

The well manicured grounds offer lots of shade trees along the sidewalks. A major roof replacement project was in process during our visit. Docent tours and independent walkthroughs are available. Capitol Grille restaurant conveniently located in the Capitol offer a variety of reasonably priced menu items with restaurant seating, large Legislative Reference library open to the public, historical artifacts, and seating throughout to rest. “The restored 1857 General Land Office building, located on the southeast corner of the Capitol Grounds, serves as the Capitol Visitors Center. This three-story, castle-like structure stands as the oldest state office building in Texas. Recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1962 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.”

Capitol Fun

By rob c |

This was my girlfriend's and my first trip to Austin, TX. We decided to do a tour of the state capitol. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and you could tell he really enjoyed his job. This building is absolutely stunning! I really enjoyed learning something new. My girlfriend felt the same way. It was nice to see all the innerworkings of the government. We were taken all over the capitol. I would recommend a good 2 hours here. The grounds around the capital building are very well maintained and great for pictures!

Hot walk

By Liztravelsandeats |

Parking near but still a hot walk. The grounds there are beautiful. Free entry and free tours. You have to go through metal detectors to go in.

Historic must see when visiting Austin

By CoachJDC |

I twisted my families arms to get the to visit this historic capitol and they were both thrilled with the tour and enchanted by the history and stories of Texas.

The 22 acres, surrounding the State capitol allow you to "walk through the history" of texas by visiting the different memorials and sculptures.... from Tejanos, to the Alamo to black Americans to various famous Texas figures this will introduce you to Texas!

We took one of the 45-60 min free narrated tours and our guide was excellent, showing us rotunda, both the house and senate all while pointing out various historical figures.

We loved this tour and seeing this impressive building... Just Do It.

HInt, to prep for your tour, you might want to listen to a few you tube videos that provide virtual tours of the capitol...it helped us and was fun.

Gorgeous grounds and building. You're allowed to wander up the stairs high into the rotunda. Walk up and join a short to

By Jeanie V |

Gorgeous grounds and building. You're allowed to wander up the stairs high into the rotunda. Walk up and join a short, informative tour. Can't beat the security staff in boots and cowboy hats. Worth an hour

Visited capitol on sunday

By bynner |

Spent a few hours on grounds an inside Capital. Used Hop on hop off bus. Stops out front. recommend both.

Some unique things here

By Lisa S |

In recent years we have started doing guided tours of state capital’s if they offer them. Some of the capitals we have been to have amazing interiors. You see everything from beautiful stained glass to beautiful woodwork and so much granite and marble. They are, generally speaking, gorgeous buildings. The Texas State Capital had some unique things, like the hardware and the underground extension. We enjoyed the tour and afterwards we had lunch at the Capital Grill.

Neat walk

By kmazic |

We walked through the gardens and took some pictures with the building while exploring the city. There are a lot of benches and grassy areas where you can sit down and picnic as well.

Ideal for a quick visit

By dianedinky |

I was just passing through on our way from San Antonio to Dallas but managed a quick half hour here to at least get a taste of Austin - and say I'd been.
It's no problem to get through security and have a look around. There was some scaffolding at the back when I was there but didn't spoil the classic view. It is certainly impressive and the dome is massive (this capitol building is taller than in Washington DC).
Note that I walked a good bit down Congress Avenue to get a photo with the full building in...only to discover that the trees spoil it and that my earlier photo taken just from the gardens out front was much better, so no need for the walk!

Great tour!

By Katie C |

Such an interesting building to take a tour of. The art collection is amazing and the architecture is so fun to see!

A must see

By Beth B |

Interesting tour with docent. Very historical and informative. Entered both chambers since congress was not in session at that time. Grounds are lovely but it was too hot to walk through them and enjoy it. My teenager enjoyed it.

Historical Building

By mikesesq |

Anyone visiting Austin should visit the State Capitol, and surrounding grounds. Of particular interest are the statutes in front of the main Capitol building. A must-see in Austin!

Great building, beware the preacher!!!

By 2015Lil |

Enjoyed looking round this historical building while on holiday from the UK. Great to be able to see the chambers inside.
Visitors centre was also interesting with a nice shop and friendly assistant.
The reason for giving 4 rather than 5 stars is that for some bizarre reason they allowed some sort of fanatical preacher to stand continuously in the main hall spouting discriminatory nonsense whilst holding a bible.
We found it amusing to watch however I imagine could be very offensive to certain demographic groups. Considering the considerable security in the place we were rather surprised by this but perhaps it’s considered acceptable in Texas????!!

Worth seeing

By LoveTravel1847000 |

Tour guide informative. He knew his history. Free 30 minute tour was just the right amount of time. Professional and answered any questions you had.

Free tour 30 minutes

By advcards |

It was definitely interesting to see they offer a free tour on the hour and on the half hour and it only takes 30 minutes. I would recommend doing that one of the surprise highlights was the door hinges. Be sure and check them out. They’re very unique if you’ve got an hour to kill in or downtown, go for it

Beautiful building

By Tom Gill |

You don’t want to miss this. It’s free to enter and you can wonder all over the place on your own. So many interesting details. Like The door hingers that have Texas Capital engraved in them.

Beautiful walk inside on a hot day outside

By Kevin S |

Even though we didn't catch a tour, the information shared in the brochure was extensive. The building is truly beautiful.

Capitol building and ground tour

By Saif H |

Historical facts by the tour guide. Has free parking for the first two hours. Charges beyond the two hrs are reasonable. We spent half day on the grounds. Def recommend the guided tour. Visitor center is a must. The telescope upstairs provides a colse look of the topper on the capitol done.

Austin is a must see

By mdgarbaciak |

Austin was a beautiful city to visit. The accommodations, restaurants and venues for entertainment were lovely. We would definitely visit this city again.

Awesome

By Michael F |

The Texas State Capitol is an impressive landmark that perfectly captures the spirit of Texas. The architecture is stunning, especially the grand dome, which offers amazing views of Austin if you take the tour to the top. Inside, the building is filled with fascinating historical exhibits and gorgeous details like the rotunda floor design. The surrounding grounds are beautifully kept, making it a great place for a stroll or a picnic. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history, politics, or just exploring Texas pride!

Tour at the Capitol Hill in Austin Texas

By Indah B |

It was a beautiful experience . Our tour guide gave us a good educative tour. I got to know the history of six flags and why it’s called six flags. We got to enter the main chamber and saw the individual desks used by members of the house at Texas capitol. We also got the opportunity to sit in one of the rooms with an ongoing meeting where policy makers were deliberating. It was quite an interesting experience. I really loved it because I love history and educative tours.

Self-Guide Tour

By Kimberly D |

The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and so is the architecture. I went on a Sunday afternoon and spent hours walking around. I did the self-guided tour and had a blast.

Hallowed hall

By Scarlett |

We are in fondness of this architecture. There were some unusual activity going on, like someone holding a book shouting absurdities making our visit unsatisfactory.

A lot of history to take in

By OnTheRoadAgain8180 |

Like most things in Texas, the Capitol is a big facility, particularly if you include the basement with Texan Medal of Honor recipients on display. We did a guided tour and our guide (Gary) was great - lots of information presented in an interesting and fun manner. Most interesting was the rotunda itself, the Senate, history and background on some of the prominent paintings and history on key figures such as Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston and Davy Crockett. A very worthwhile and enjoyable hour at the Capitol.

Beautiful Capital, One of the largest in the nation!

By Jullie C |

The pink hues of this capital are beautiful. The six flags of the state of TX are on display front and center on the capital for all to see. Interestingly this is also the name of the states large theme park. Had fun taking a lot of photos of this pretty historical structure.

Completed in 1888

By RodrigoPaiva |

The Texas Capitol, in downtown Austin, is the seat of the state legislature and executive. It is 92 meters high, making it the sixth largest state capitol and one of several tallest than the United States Capitol in Washington. All in pink granite on the outside.

Beautiful building

By thenock55 |

A lot of history, about Texas, can be obtained by touring the Texas State Capitol building, whether walking around inside, or strolling the grounds.

Great gift shop

By maryann5499 |

Beautiful grounds and building. Go to the gift shop for all things Texas. Nice free museum. Capital made out of LEGO’s is very impressive.

Ice and snow shut down the city

By Passport139601 |

Do not visit Austin, Texas in the winter. Especially during a storm. Massive power outages, wrecks everywhere, streets and sidewalks are not treated for ice.

Very nice place to visit

By Oliver Bowen |

The building was very big and beautiful with lots of statues and information all around the grounds on Texas and it’s history. It’s not a place for a day but for a stop it is quiet nice.

Lots to explore

By ScottP_17842 |

Nothing was really wrong with the State Capital and the building itself is SO MUCH BIGGER than I ever would have thought but as far as a self guided tour goes it’s mostly just eh. The atmosphere of just “being there” is cool but once it runs off it’s just another building

Can’t Rave Enough!

By Marion Z |

Don’t miss the Texas State Capital Building! We did it with the Free Capital tour guide. She was so informative and entertaining! This magnificent state capital and the surrounding grounds and sculptures add to the beauty!

Highlight of our trip

By ronnie k |

Informational tours. our tour guide talked fast like a new Yorker Christmas Music in rotunda. Capitol Grille was bland but expensive. Made good use of the rainy day.

Take time to see this stunning building

By checkde |

Learning some Texas history is nice but visit this building for its design. The free tour is nice but take time to explore each floor and wings. The details are nice and there are many good picture opportunities. The outside seemed nice too but it was very hot when we visited.

Bigger in Texas

By MPollard |

The Texas State Capitol is a must see when you’re in Austin. The architecture is incredible, and we really enjoyed learning all about Texas history. Go during the week, as they are still closed to going in the building during the weekend, due to the pandemic. If you go during the weekend, the grounds are beautiful to walk around.

A must do on your visit to Austin

By Balasubramanya Basuvaraj |

Stunning Capitol Building which is supposedly taller than the US Capitol Building. Visited early in the morning as I had to work later in the day and therefore couldn’t spend much time there. But I was able to get on the first Capitol Guided Tour organized by the State Preservation Board. The tour is for 30 min and captures the essence of the Capitol. Tour starts of close to the South Entrance and finishes in one of the Extension areas. A short introduction to the Capitol including highlights and accounts of Texas History and Governors is given. After the tour, you can spend as much time as you want in the Capitol Building and extension areas till closing time. There is a small gift shop in the extension wing and there is supposed to be another one in the Capitol Visitors Center which is another building in the same complex. A must visit if you are interested in architecture and also to learn about Texas History.

Awesome free and historic capital to tour for a few hours

By MS |

Visited in Dec’22 with family with young children. It’s free admission and limited free parking (for a couple of hours only). The building is beautiful and you are able to roam about pretty freely. Tons of security guards to answer questions along the way. There are plenty of persists from party governors and state figures and a nice big lawn outside. There also have elevators so it’s handicap accessible throughout but note we could only locate a ramp onto the building from the front entrance and only saw stairs in the rear. They have a capital grill and gift shop in the basement level as well. Great place to visit with family for a few hours.

An informative educational walk through history

By Houghton Yonge |

Free tours are offered frequently throughout the weekday and there are lots of memorials on the grounds outside the building offering a lot of history to learn about. My tour guide was excellent and taught us a lot about the history of the state government’s formation and inner workings

Impressive

By TravelingSoccerLoon |

Impressive building with beautiful surrounding grounds. Didn't get a chance to tour the inside but will try to do that next visit.

Historic!

By Stephanie C |

Great free stop in Austin! Beautiful old-world architecture, quiet since the legislature is on break, and the House chamber was already decorated for Christmas. Easy to explore and completely free to enter—definitely worth a visit!

One of the nation's most imposing state capitol buildings

By Taylor B |

Everything about the Texas State Capitol is imposing and impressive. Located at 1100 South Congress Avenue, on a hilltop overlooking downtown Austin, it was constructed from 1882 to 1888, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. At the time of its construction, it was the seventh largest building in the world. It is 302.64 feet tall, making it the sixth tallest state capitol and one of several taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. It is a rectangular building with a four-story central block, symmetrical three-story wings extending to the east and west and a dome rising from the center. It is built in an Italian Renaissance Revival style and modeled on the design of the U.S. Capitol but with its exterior clad in local red granite. It contains 360,000 square feet of floor space, more than any other state capitol building, and rests on a 2.25 acre footprint with nearly 400 rooms and more than 900 windows. The interior of the central portion forms an open rotunda beneath the dome. Massive cast-iron staircases flanking the rotunda connect the various levels of the building. The central rotunda is hung with portraits of all the past presidents of the Republic of Texas and governors of the state. The south foyer features a large portrait of David Crockett, a painting depicting the surrender of General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto and sculptures of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin. On the exterior, the Capitol building is surrounded by 22 acres of statues and monuments, viewed by a "Great Walk" of black and white diamond-patterned pavement shaded by trees. The four oldest monuments are the Heroes of the Alamo Monument (1891), Volunteer Firemen Monument (1896), Confederate Soldiers Monument (1903) and Terry's Texas Rangers Monument (1907). In 2014, the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument was dedicated. A free tour of the building allows visitors to stand on the floors of the two chambers of the Texas Legislature.

Worth seeing

By Travels With My HP |

Impressive building and gounds standing at the top of Congress Avenue. Also features a number of memorials to various campaigns

Quick nice stop!

By Jessica M |

Big as Texas, we went on Saturday and pleased open! Observed a lot of people and visited the rotunda. Didn’t stay long. Was fabulous as saw a 15 year old celebration birthday. Staff were pleasant and wished had time for tour.

Must see place in Austin

By SybarJeagar |

Amazing visit to the state capitol building. Beautiful interior and grounds. Recommend doing the short free tour. Marsha our tour guide was brilliant and full of amazing facts that really bought the building to life.

very informative... superb guide (Marsha)

By Dick T |

we'll return. great historical review... entertaining and very educational. Political genre... photos, videos, explanations, visit to the House and Senate chambers. inclusive of past Alamo history, 1800's "people" in government, anecdotal tales, fantastic paintings. Rated the tour: 10 out of 10.

Nice visit

By Captain O |

Very accessible state capitol building. Unfortunately no tours when we were there, extra signage would be great (I know it has a dual purpose as working capitol and a "museum"). We went in and out fairly quickly as we got there way later than expected. Yes there is a lot of state police around as the legislative branch was in session. Grounds are immaculately kept, pickup the brochure for which statues are where (again some information would help).

do it for the Rotunda

By rane84 |

The Rotunda was absolutely stunning but the tour was not worth the time. Would recommend a brief visit to appreciate the architecture.

Beautiful and impressive on the outside.

By Vishtron |

Beautiful building with a lot of history. Did you know Texas had a female governor in the 20’s.? The 1920’s. And yes the occupants of this building are keen on preserving this legacy and taking us back to those times. Apart from that beautiful on the exterior. Nice grounds to walk around with friendly knowledgeable staff. Missed the tour, but got to see both the senate and the house. The rotunda with multiple levels holds portraits of governors and presidents of the old. Definitely worth a visit.

Outstanding Architecture

By Nicole A |

We had a great 30- minute tour with Angela. She was knowledgeable and thorough about Texas history, Austin history and the building, itself. We went into the Senate and House Chambers, stood in the rotunda and visited the new expansion area. You're free to explore the Capitol on your own, but taking this tour was worth it as we learned some important facts. The building is outstanding. The finishes, details, craftsmanship are all something to marvel at. I recommend a tour through this beautiful piece of architecture.

Political home of Texas -

By StreetwiseSmart |

Beautiful building, with free access across all floors (two down & three up). Tours are free but we opted to self tour (guide maps are available after entry). We toured on a Friday and clearly this is a ‘WFH’ day for the Texas legislature as the place was empty of anyone working on Texas behalf. Fascinating to see the different chambers (reps, senate and court) but it’s the building itself which is the stand out. The grounds are good to explore too, beautifully maintained.

A Great State Capitol

By Jim W |

Great place to walk around. We were there on 4th of July and building halls were open for self guided tour. Great architecture and history in the halls. The grounds were immense and definitely woth walking for history and beauty.

Halloween tour

By Angie L |

Fun Halloween tour that shared the ghost and death in the building. Quick 30 minute tour. Then I explored the rest of the capital.

Take A Complimentary Tour And Pay Attention To The Little Things

By HappierInNewEngland |

We were pleasantly surprised that free tours are offered late in the afternoon on a Sunday, when parking was easy and the crowds were relatively thin.

While everything does seem to be bigger in Texas, it was the small things, such as intricately engraved door hinges, that impressed me most.

Before leaving the public building, be sure to visit the well-stocked gift shop that offers a wide variety of quality products for all ages in a broad range of price points. I struck gold when searching for graduation gifts for an Auustin native.

Free tours

By California_momofsix |

Great place to visit for both locals and tourists. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the state capitol. The building is huge, there are four floors and a modern basement addition. I would recommend taking a tour. The tours are free and not too long, they give a nice overview of the history and use of the building. Tours meet every half hour in the entrance hall, in front of the former state auditor's office. No sign ups are necessary, just show up. I would further recommend standing as close to the tour guide as you can because there is a good amount of echo. We visited right after the eclipse and tour groups were quite large and the guides could have used a microphone. Beautiful building with lots of special details, like the decorative door handles and hinges. The visitor gallery is open for the house and sometimes the senate. Everyone was very nice, and didn't make us feel like we were bothering them. When we were standing outside the governor's reception room, staff inviting us inside and answered our questions, even though they were working. The grounds are also beautiful and shady and visitors can park in a garage across the street for a small fee. If you want to learn more about the capitol and Texas history, you can go to a visitor center on the grounds to see a movie about the building of the capitol narrated by Matthew McConaughey and the capitol built in legos.

What Happened Austin

By ATW |

The Capital is amazing and the tour is fun but I have to say this city has taken a huge turn for the worst. 5 years ago Austin was vibrant and exciting and we returned this time to consider moving here... NO WAY! The southern hospitality is gone and it has been replaced with dirt, filth, homeless encampments everywhere you look. Every street has people urinating and leaving garbage. It's been destroyed! Save your money and visit another great Texas city. Austin is dangerous and dead.

Texas through and through!

By thedogColumbia_MO |

Terrific tour by Lauren, of the Historic Preservation group. She was knowledgable! Her presentation was friendly, not robotic. The building itself is very impressive and portrays a sense of Texas from its beginning, not just as a state. We enjoyed our stay tremendously. I would have liked to spend more time looking at the various art. Also -- a great gift shop! Having lived in Texas for a few years, I can appreciate their IMMENSE pride in their state!

Girls weekend away

By Mgmt800 |

Beautiful day to enjoy this capital. Scenic statues in a well manicured setting. Lots of beautiful trees reaching up toward the sky.

Austin Capitol

By Patricia W |

A must tour to take. You can do it on your own but we highly recommend taking the free tour. Very interesting and so informative

Worth a visit

By Roger W |

The Texas State Capitol is certainly the highlight in Austin. Following the motto "everything is bigger in Texas," this Capitol is even bigger than the one in Washington. We had the opportunity to participate in a guided tour, which will be provided free of charge. This was very informative and the tour guide also had some exciting stories in store. Unfortunately, the Capitol is currently being renovated and therefore something is fenced. Nevertheless, if close by absolutely visit.

Very impressive State Capitol building

By AJMglobaltraveller |

Beautiful building which dominates the skyline, even though the skyscrapers are now encroaching on it.
The rotunda is beautiful from the inside.

Beautiful building

By JK |

This capital is as gorgeous as as the Washington DC rotunda’s capital.
Free walk-in tour is nothing informative. But the building is just gorgeous ! Worth the walk through.
(I have most of the same photos already on here…)

Worth a Visit

By Ellyk2012 |

Beautiful building and grounds, well maintained, the rotunda was very impressive and nice to see that Texas had a number of women governors over the years. Free to visit and worth stopping by.

A must do

By Scottybucks |

The history and importance of this building make it fascinating. It’s grand and super impressive, make sure you also visit the visitor centre within the grounds. We really enjoyed seeing the model of the Capitol after visiting it to understand its construction and interior.

The staff were excellent and offered great detail and information.

It’s an amazing view looking down Congress Avenue from the steps of the front entrance.

Great experience!

By Ace5150 |

Visited this iconic and beautiful building with high hopes after spending the previous morning viewing the beautiful monuments in its magnificent grounds.
There is a security clearance to go through and the no-nonsense armed guards, whilst looking intimidating, are really nice and friendly.
Once you pass through, you are able to explore the corridors of power and absorb the atmosphere. Great portraits of some very iconic Governors of Texas, including future US President George Bush.
Great photo opportunities, some great museum type exhibits too.
Overall, a fascinating place that for me, a limey, REALLY enjoyed.
An absolute pleasure visiting.

What a massive place with terrific grounds.

By YotaPower |

Some places were under construction while we were there, but the place is so big there was plenty to see! We spent a few hours here and didn’t see everything we wanted to see.

Capitol visit & grounds

By 2point31181225 |

Free visit of the Capitol building & grounds. Large empty spaces. Every 2 years the seats of the congress gather to write the laws of the nation.

If you want your capitol passport book stamped don't go after 5 pm

By Dianna P |

The capitol was open until 8 the day we went but the visitor center and gift shop were closed so I couldn't get my passport book stamped. I wish this would have been made clear. The least they could do is leave the stamp out so people who come in late can stamp their book.

Happy visit to the largest Capitol in the country

By lilith a |

Beautiful place, super well preserved and with a beautiful park around full of very friendly squirrels, I love them! Really highly recommended to visit.

Great experience

By ubl666 |

Visited State Capitol Building on a damp cold winters day. On arriving we were greeted by friendly staff and joined a tour party to learn a great deal about the building and its famous forefathers

Fascinating and informative.

By Sigs67 |

We were very impressed with our tour of the Texas State Capital and recommend it for people of all ages, especially school children. The history surrounding the facilities and the amazing architecture are well worth the time and it’s free. It’s a must see.

Nice Architecture

By 2012natty |

I’ve visited a lot of State Capitol buildings, and this one makes the top 5. It even has a dedicated free parking garage. Plenty of scaffolding when I went, unfortunately.

Beautiful Building

By Natalie B |

We were visiting on the weekend and did not think the building would be open to visitors. We took a quick self guided tour inside and was able to get some great pictures and learn some Texas history. It was not busy or over crowded and all the DPS Officers were extremely nice.

MUST SEE IN TEXAS

By ajmcguire1963 |

Fabulous building and if you go to the west entrance you can wait for the free tour taking in the various halls and displays with the history of texas .... all free

An imposing building!

By Lee A |

This is quite a large building filled with portraits of past governors and images of when Texas was a Republic. It was good to see the portrait of Ann Richards in the rotunda.

Put this on your itinerary!

By worth_flying_for |

I visited here before covid but still wanted to leave a review!

The Texas Capital tour is a great activity in Austin. The inside of the capitol is beautiful and the guide is very informative. We had all ages in our group and everyone enjoyed it! Even if you're only in town for a few days this is a great way to get a quick history lesson.

Interesting

By rleNewEngland |

We visited the capital building on a sleepy Saturday morning and felt we almost had place to ourselves. Most chambers were open and the public/common areas have gorgeous architectural features. The grounds are beautiful also.

Free tours

By Ellebee |

Free guided tour of this most fantastic building in Austin. Took about half an hour then you can explore on your own. Definitely worth visiting and most informative. Grounds are also stunning with so many squirrels running wild. There’s also a very nice cafeteria with comprehensive range of food and drink at a good price.

Great outside, Okay Inside

By GeneralShamu |

There are plenty of things to see and read about on the outside premises of the capitol - and they are all excellent. The inside was okay, not great. Congress/Senate (state) was in session so we were able to listen in on that after obtaining a negative COVID rapid test in the outside tents on the north side (free, military run).

colossal capitol

By MelissaWP |

We started our visit by stopping at the visitors' center to read everything and watch the film on the second floor. We headed over to the massively large capitol building to participate in a free 45 minute tour, which was good, but not as informative or impressive as the recent 1 hour tour I had in Denver, CO to be honest. We also walked around and looked at everything inside as time allowed. We ended our visit by strolling around outside to soak in the beautiful well manicured grounds and historical statues.

A must-see in Austin!

By HappyTraveler1957 |

Fascinating inside and out. Walk the extensive and beautiful grounds and see the various monuments to history. Tour the visitor center and main capitol building. Lots to see. All free and open to the public.

Amazing Building

By spinneroos |

Beautiful building to tour and hear about the history and our tour guide was great as well. It was obvious she loves Texas.

Thoroughly enjoyable visit.

By scubamex |

From the visitor center (lots of stuff here) to the grounds to the capitol building itself, a very satisfying way to spend about 3 hours or so. You'll also learn a lot as well. You should definitely plan on visiting whether you're from Texas or not. Highly recommended.

Must Visit: At awe with its grandeur and archietecture

By Bhaskar_10 |

Visited on 6th July 2023

the place is in the must visit list for tourist coming to Austin and there is free parking at walkable distance for this attraction.

The attachtion do not have any entry fee. Try to dress modestly as it is a senate building and sometimes teh session may be going on. the building grandeur and archietecture gives wonderful feel for the visitors and pamphates with information are available to the tourist.
There are many photo options inside teh bulding and if senate session is not going on then you have a chance to see teh senate as well.

Souvenior shop is located at the ground floor and stairs and evelators are available.

Outside the attractiion there is a curated garden and peices of hostory displayed and this place can take 1/2 day of visit time.

Must must viist to this place.

Beautiful building

By Vacation_Commander |

This is a beautiful building with lots of history.
There was a tour going on when we showed up, but we found it hard to hear her with a mask on, so we just did our own walking tour.
The grounds around are also beautifully landscaped and maintained.
Nice place to explore and spend an hour or 2.

Great State Capitol

By Grovean |

Very friendly and informative free tour of the state capitol. Would also recommend the State Capitol Visitor's Center as well as walking the state capitol grounds to see the amazing scultptures.

Stroll around the capital

By ZenDark30 |

While the capitol building itself is being renovated, the surrounding grounds are pleasant to walk around. There are several statues commemorating, the various wars and other heroes and heroines with Texas roots.

Yeehaw

By Amanda B |

Really liked the memorial for Black Texans and less enjoyed some of the confederate memorials. The capital is quite pretty and large.

Beautiful place

By Keith H |

The capitol building, grounds, and monuments are beautiful and impressive. Entry is free, as are the regularly scheduled guided tours.

Fabulous

By Tanya B |

We v8sited the Capitol today. It was a wonderful tour with time on your own. Of note there is a parking garage that is inexpensive a block away. The tour is free!

The free tour is a must!

By Jennifer S |

Sometimes it's good to have low expectations as anything exceeding them is a nice surprise. Visiting the State Capitol was a highlight of our visit to Austin. Could have spent even more time, but our parking meter was running out. Without the excellent tour by Joseph, we would have missed so much! Take the time, and take the tour! Totally worth it. Hopefully all the guides are as knowledgeable and interesting as Joseph was.

A Stately Tour

By ChuckLz14 |

We chose to do the basic walking tour on our own. They have guided tours as well. We enjoyed the grounds as much as the inside which is beautiful too. The great thing about this attraction is that it opens at 7am so you can see most of it in under 2 hours before other tourist destinations are open.

Capitol visit

By DraconFarms |

This is one of the most amazing building I've ever seen in my life. The architecture and craftsmanship throughout the facility is breathtaking. What a magnificent display and a must see location for anyone visiting Texas or just a resident wanting to learn about more about their state.

What a trip

By James |

beautiful in one word. if you ever plan to visit there don't forget to visit presidental library. also many more beautiful places to visit.

Austin

By TPG58 |

Loved visiting the Capital building and learning more about it. The visitor center and mansion are both nearby. Wasn't to crowded either.

Worth checking out

By TravelerGabe |

I visited Austin briefly and I got to check out the Texas State Capital. It sure is a very pretty area and you have the chance to get some cool pictures too! Just be aware of the mosquitoes as they can be pretty bad in some areas FYI. Would definitely check out if you have the chance!

Austin Chitty Limits

By Robert B |

Honestly I expected something different from Austin. Was excited to go, thought it would be a nice place to visit, and a mandatory business conference was held there so I went. The state capital building is pretty. The rest of the city is not much to speak of. It's dirty, there are enough drunk, drug addicted or mentally ill people asking for money that you might confuse it for San Francisco. It may have been different in the past, but it is a pretty left leaning city, if that's what floats your boat, have at it, not for me though. Extraordinarily expensive as well, the tourism industry bring lots of suckers with money to be extracted from, but if you are on a budget, hotels, Ubers, restaurants are more expensive than you might be prepared for. The human population seems to have emigrated from the streets of Portland Oregon. The music scene is not what I expected, more a show for tourists, most places are shady and creepy. There are some good food trucks and Banger's restaurant was a bright spot, and there are some fun places nearby, not much barbecue, one famous place had a 3-4 hour wait the whole time we were there, didn't see any cowboy hats or boots, except on several drunk women having a bachelorette party, if I had to do it over, I wouldn't go. If I want to go to Texas and have a nice time, I would probably to San Antonio.

Very nice and free

By Iurvik |

Great place, everything is free, including the tour which is interesting and allows to learn more about Texas institutions.
It is also possible to visit freely.
Unfortunately a lot is currently under renovation but this remains a nice visit to do.

Beautiful building, interesting history.

By Shauna B |

I learned the building was made using Sunset Red Granite and it is absolutely stunning. There are skylights around the back grounds that provide natural light to the basement. Beautifully designed gardens too.

Beautiful and Great Access

By Jennifer F |

Loved touring this beautiful capitol and as the legislature wasn't in session, we had great access and got to go on the floor of both Houses. The gift shop is GREAT.

Very interesting place.

By karen187061 |

Well worth a visit, lots of history there, staff all excellent. (Free) tour guide very good. Surrounding areas all nice and clean, plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

A must-do in Austin!

By Mieke |

Recommended! What makes it especially worthwhile is that you can join at certain times to walk through the building with a guide. Both admission and the guide are free.

One of the better capitol buildings

By bcsystems |

We did not go inside the capital as it was a weekend. However, the outside is a nice walk and the statues are interesting.

Wish more Capitols looked like this and were as welcoming.

By kantbyluv |

This place was amazing to see. They offer free 30 minute tours throughout the day. There is also a parking garage two blocks away, which gives you two free hours of parking when visiting the capital. It was very interesting to see the meeting rooms for the House of Representatives and the Senate. These looked exactly like they do on TV and it felt surreal to be inside there.

One of the must visits when you are in Austin.

By giji365 |

The Texas State Capitol building in Austin is an architectural marvel, renowned for its stunning Renaissance Revival style and its impressive pink granite façade. The expansive dome and intricate detailing reflect both historical significance and artistic grandeur. Inside, the Capitol is equally captivating, with beautifully restored interiors and informative exhibits that highlight Texas's rich history. The surrounding grounds offer a picturesque setting for visitors to explore and appreciate. Overall, it’s a must-see landmark that embodies the pride and heritage of Texas.

Somewhat interesting attraction in the heart of the city with limited memorabilia to see

By LisandroVoyager |

Our guide with ease told the stories about the balding, its chambers, and about the political system of Texas. The building does not contain too much memorabilia but one can visit the senate, the house, the governor's receiving room and the north extension, which is very modern. It is possible to visit the governor's mansion by booking at least a week in advance.

Texas built it bigger!

By Lynn Berg |

What an impressive, great piece of architecture! Texas built this bigger than the capitol in DC!

Free entrance. We had an excellent guide who informed us of so much. I love history and learned a lot.

When you enter, you will go through a security check.

I’d highly recommend touring the capitol.

Enchanting inside and out

By DRBAUKE |

A great building, especially from the outside but also inside. Free to visit. A great place to linger is the associated park, where an estimated 100 squirrels live.

Beautiful building

By Patrick H |

I did a visit to the capital with friends and loved the history and architecture. It reminds me of the US capital, but I was told that the Texas capital is just a little bigger.

Lovely area around the Capitol

By Ortwin |

It is indeed a huge building in a very lovely park. Lots of statues and trees, so lovely to stroll around on a warm day. There were several gatherings when I was there, so that enlarged the experience. Inside there is the usual of a state or administrative building.

Weekend visit for Texas History

By mcwoote |

Decided to visit on a Saturday. That was a good choice as it wasn’t crowded. But, the visitor’s gift shop is closed on the weekends. Easily walkable with beautiful grounds. If you love history, make it a stop.

Nice Grounds for a walk

By PSmitty123 |

Nice place for a walk. Nice grounds. could not go in the Senate chamber without a covid TEST. no thanks. House chamber was OK with a mask. Could not hear what was going on very well. Interesting stop.

Sure is big in Texas!

By bikerbabe2014 |

This beautifully ornate building is a must if you are visiting Austin. Surrounded by lovely well maintained grounds with many statues and monuments to American history. Free Tours are offered or you can wander around and get a feel of the majesty of the place. A lovely gift shop is in a separate building which also gives a history of the area.

Happy Y'alladays

By Laura |

Absolutely beautiful capital in the heart of Austin. My son and I visited the day after Christmas and loved exploring the grounds. The officers working were also very kind.

Beaut.

By Ms Nick |

Stunning! Really brings out your patriotic side. Visited ona typically warm and sunny day, big crowds but well-managed.

Interesting! Building with enviable and well-maintained architecture! Very clean and organized! 15-minute guided tour!

By MARANGA70 |

Free guided tour! A beautiful experience! Polite, easy to access, very quick! There is no translation, but it's worth it for the grandeur!

Texas likes to do things big doesn't it

By PipPaul W |

Yes, Texas likes things big, and that includes their State Capital Building that is 14 feet taller than the US Capital in Washington
They give regular free tours, and we took one of these, around 45 mins.
What is amazing is that then, or just anyway, you can just wander at will freely around the building
Really enjoyed our visit

Pictures from sidewalk

By Likes2travel_13 |

The capitol is beautiful. Greens are nice. Due to the current political climate, staff was visible. Safe area. We bicycled around.

GORGEOUS!!

By Cindy S |

This is one beautiful State House. And in true Texas fashion it is BIG!! I was fortunate to have a great view from my hotel of this beautiful building.

Great tour of the building with Rick

By Cedric |

Thank you to Rick for visiting this symbolic and iconic building. It was perfect, we managed to understand the southern accent (not so easy for French)
And thank you also for the tip of the restaurant in San Antonio which is excellent

Great visit

By rusconire |

The Congress building is open to visitors, but not all rooms are open , inside you can feel the history of Texas. Very nice garden outside

Great History

By Leisa M |

Incredible building! We went to look around and found a really nice free tour. Very informative but not too long-about 45 minutes. Parking in a garage across the street.

I definitely recommend visiting the Texas State Capitol

By Jason D |

I did a self guided tour of the Texas State Capitol last week it's a beautiful state capitol inside and outside. If you visit Austin this needs to be one of the places you visit and even though the House and Senate chambers were closed you still got to see a lot of the capitol especially the Governor's reception room where the Governor signs legislation into law and you get the opportunity to sit in the same chair where the Governor sits when he signs bills into law and I thought that was really neat to experience. I definitely want to come back to the capitol when the House and Senate chambers are open again.

A Stunning Architectural Wonder

By Ansalem 😜 |

It is a magnificent building with a rich history and a stunning architecture. The guided tour was very informative and entertaining. I learned a lot about the state's political and cultural heritage. The grounds are also beautiful and well-maintained. I highly recommend this attraction to anyone who loves history, art, or politics. It is a must-see in Austin!

Very informative.

By VanillaAce |

Our tour guide, Jenna was very informative and provided a nice tour of the capital. The building is currently under renovation so you can’t enter the house or senate chambers.