Texas State Capitol

Texas State Capitol showing a city, heritage architecture and an administrative building
Texas State Capitol
Texas State Capitol
Texas State Capitol
Texas State Capitol


A glorious, sunset-red granite structure that overlooks the city on one of Austin's highest points.

Both the state's legislature chambers and the offices of the Governor of Texas occupy the Texas State Capitol. Standing tall and dignified, the structure is built in the 15th-century Italian Renaissance-Revival style, with a cylindrical granite dome, held up by large granite columns.

While most people see the resemblance between the Texas State Capitol and the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C, it surpasses its D.C. counterpart by 4.5 metres in height, and is the largest in overall land size of all state capitols in the country. Based on a winning design in a national competition, the magnificent edifice was constructed mostly by convicts and immigrants in the late 1880s, and paid for with land grants of more than 1 million hectares. Since then, it has been the power base of Texas. Besides the role it plays in politics, the building is significant for its magnificent beauty and stately presence. Such is the beauty of the building that there are state laws disallowing the construction of buildings that obstruct the view of the capitol from various vantage points around the city.

To get the most out of your visit, join in one of the free tours of the building which offer an insightful perspective into the history of the place. Tours are held daily, with one going every 45 minutes from the Capitol South Foyer. There is also a self-guided tour option where you will be given a brochure highlighting important sections of the building and its surrounding grounds. After your tour, spend some time wandering the extensive manicured grounds dotted with historic monuments.

The Texas State Capitol building is situated in downtown Austin. Entrance is free of charge. There are no food vendors on site, so bring along your own and picnic in the quiet gardens.

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit


Top Texas State Capitol Hotel Deals

Omni Austin Hotel
Omni Austin Hotel
4 out of 5
700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
Omni Austin Hotel
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
2.5 out of 5
300 E 11th St, Austin, TX
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Austin Capitol / Downtown
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
3.5 out of 5
901 Neches Street, Austin, TX
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown
Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin
4 out of 5
101 Red River St, Austin, TX
Fairmont Austin
Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel
Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel
4 out of 5
701 E 11th Street, Austin, TX
Downright Austin, A Renaissance Hotel
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
4 out of 5
701 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
805 Neches Street, Austin, TX
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown - University, an IHG Hotel
The LINE Austin
The LINE Austin
4 out of 5
111 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX
The LINE Austin
Aloft Austin Downtown
Aloft Austin Downtown
3 out of 5
109 E 7th St, Austin, TX
Aloft Austin Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

Black Friday: Members save 30%+

Members save 30%+ on selected hotels until 4 Dec (property time) with our Black Friday deals. Stay by 15 Dec 2025.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.