Live Music Capital

Austin architecture

Austin is home to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the Congress Avenue Bridge, forming the largest urban bat colony in North America. At sunset, thousands of people gather to watch them take flight, a sight that has become a quintessential part of the city's quirky culture.

15Landmarks
1874Oldest · St. Mary's Cathedral
312 mTallest · Waterline
14Architects

Texas State Capitol
The Frost Bank Tower
UT Tower (Main Building)

Before you go

Fly intoAustin-Bergstrom (AUS)
Reflecting its title as the Live Music Capital of the World, the airport features several permanent stages where local musicians perform for travelers daily. The terminal is also famous for its local food scene, allowing passengers to grab authentic Texas BBQ and local coffee before their flight.
CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish
The local vernacular heavily revolves around the city's unofficial motto, 'Keep Austin Weird,' and a shared obsession with BBQ and live music. It is a laid-back linguistic environment where tech-sector jargon blends seamlessly with traditional Texas friendliness.
Getting aroundCapMetro
The Red Line is a unique freight-share commuter rail system connecting downtown to the northern suburbs. Local and MetroRapid bus lines provide high-frequency service along the city's major corridors. The CapMetro App allows for seamless mobile ticketing across all transit modes.

15 landmarks in Austin

Photo: LoneStarMike, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Texas State Capitol

1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Constructed of 'Sunset Red' granite, this Renaissance Revival masterpiece serves as the grand seat of the Texas government. It is famously 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., emphasizing Texas's bold architectural identity. The interior features a breathtaking rotunda with a star-topped dome that serves as the building's focal point. Below the main structure, an extensive underground annex was added to provide modern office space without disturbing the historic view. It stands as a National Historic Landmark and remains one of the most visited sites in the state of Texas.

Built
1888
Architect
Elijah E. Myers
Style
Renaissance Revival
Height
92 m (302 ft)
Stories
4
Today
State Capitol / Government Offices
Photo: LoneStarMike, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Frost Bank Tower

401 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA

The first skyscraper built in the United States following the events of 9/11, it is known for its distinctive 'folded' glass crown. Locals often joke that the jagged top looks like an owl or a pair of nose-hair clippers. Despite the nicknames, it remains a defining icon of the Austin skyline and a pioneer of modern high-rise design in the city. The building utilizes blue low-emissivity glass to maintain energy efficiency under the intense Texas sun. It serves as a primary financial hub and was the city's tallest building for several years after its completion.

Built
2004
Architect
Duda/Paine Architects
Style
Postmodern
Height
157 m (515 ft)
Stories
33
Today
Commercial Office / Banking
The Independent

301 West Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Commonly known as the 'Jenga Tower,' this residential skyscraper is famous for its staggered, cantilevered blocks that appear to defy gravity. It features a massive outdoor amenity deck that projects out from the 34th floor, offering residents unparalleled views. The building's unique silhouette was designed to provide a variety of floor plans and maximize natural light for every unit. It currently stands as one of the tallest residential structures west of the Mississippi River. Its bold engineering reflects Austin's rapid growth and willingness to experiment with unconventional urban forms.

Built
2019
Architect
Rhode Partners
Style
Modernist / Deconstructivist
Height
210 m (689 ft)
Stories
58
Today
Residential Condominiums
Apple NW Austin Campus (Capstone)

6900 W Parmer Ln, Austin, TX 78729, USA

Apple’s massive secondary headquarters represents a significant $1 billion investment in the North Austin technology corridor. Designed with a meticulous focus on sustainability, the campus features solar panels on every roof to offset energy consumption. The six-building layout is carefully integrated into the native landscape to preserve the local ecosystem and greenery. A central 'town square' acts as a social heart for the thousands of employees stationed at the facility. It stands as a model for the future of the corporate campus, blending high-tech functionality with environmental stewardship.

Built
2022
Architect
HKS Architects
Style
Modern / Sustainable
Height
25 m (82 ft)
Stories
5
Today
Corporate Headquarters / Technology Hub
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

UT Tower (Main Building)

110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78712, USA

The architectural emblem of the University of Texas, this tower serves as a lighthouse for academic and athletic pride. It famously glows bright orange to celebrate Longhorn sports victories and major university milestones. Originally built to serve as the university's central library, it now primarily houses administrative offices. The tower's carillon bells ring out across the campus daily, marking the passage of time for students and faculty alike. Its observation deck remains one of the highest points for viewing the sprawling Hill Country landscape surrounding the city.

Built
1937
Architect
Paul Philippe Cret
Style
Beaux-Arts / Spanish Revival
Height
94 m (308 ft)
Stories
30
Today
Administrative Offices / Observation Deck
Austin Central Library

710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Recognized as one of the 'World's Greatest Places' by TIME Magazine, this facility redefines the role of a public library. It features a six-story sun-drenched atrium that serves as a flexible community gathering space. Visitors can enjoy a rooftop butterfly garden that offers tranquil views of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown area. The building is equipped with technology-rich 'maker spaces' to encourage local innovation and hands-on learning. It achieved LEED Platinum status, making it a benchmark for sustainable public architecture in the United States.

Built
2017
Architect
Lake Flato
Style
Contemporary / LEED Platinum
Height
30 m (98 ft)
Stories
6
Today
Public Library / Event Space
Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Driskill Hotel

604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

As the oldest operating hotel in Austin, this building was originally commissioned by a wealthy cattle baron. It is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, distinguished by its intricate brickwork and grand marble lobby. The hotel is legendary for its haunted history and has served as a meeting place for generations of Texas politicians. Its storied bar is often cited as the place where many significant state laws were first discussed over drinks. Today, it remains a premier luxury destination that anchors the historic 6th Street district.

Built
1886
Architect
Jasper N. Preston
Style
Romanesque Revival
Height
18 m (59 ft)
Stories
4
Today
Hotel / Historic Landmark
Austin City Hall

301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

This unique, low-profile building was intentionally designed to resemble an armadillo or the local limestone canyons of Central Texas. It utilizes sustainable recycled materials and features copper cladding that has developed a distinct green patina over the years. The structure houses municipal government offices alongside a public art gallery showcasing local Austin creators. Its outdoor plaza serves as a frequent site for public protests, celebrations, and community performances. The architecture aims to reflect the city's 'Keep Austin Weird' ethos through its organic and non-traditional form.

Built
2004
Architect
Antoine Predock
Style
Contemporary / Organic
Height
20 m (66 ft)
Stories
4
Today
Municipal Government / Art Gallery
Photo: Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

St. Mary's Cathedral

203 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

This stunning Victorian Gothic structure is crafted from local limestone and serves as a spiritual anchor for the downtown community. It features radiant stained-glass windows that were imported from master craftsmen in France and Germany. The interior is noted for its intricate longleaf pine trusses that support the vaulted ceiling. As one of the oldest churches in the city, it has witnessed the transformation of Austin from a small town into a major metropolis. It remains a quiet sanctuary of beauty and history amidst the surrounding glass and steel skyscrapers.

Built
1874
Architect
Nicholas J. Clayton
Style
Victorian Gothic
Height
45 m (148 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Religious / Cathedral
Photo: Pixelsandbacon, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fairmont Austin

101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

A massive luxury hotel that transformed the skyline with its 170-foot lighted spire that changes color for special events. It is connected directly to the Austin Convention Center by a signature skybridge for convenient guest access. The building features an expansive rooftop pool deck that is considered one of the largest in the city. With over a thousand rooms, it serves as a primary hub for visitors attending major festivals like SXSW and ACL. It currently stands as one of the city's tallest structures, providing a modern gateway to the Rainey Street district.

Built
2018
Architect
Gensler
Style
Modernist
Height
181 m (594 ft)
Stories
37
Today
Hospitality / Hotel
Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Moody Center

2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712, USA

This state-of-the-art arena features a massive real-wood canopy that creates a shaded public 'porch' for concertgoers. It was meticulously designed for world-class acoustics, making it a premier destination for global touring artists. The facility achieved LEED Gold certification by prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainable building materials. It serves as the home court for University of Texas basketball and a versatile venue for large-scale community events. The design successfully integrates the high-energy atmosphere of an arena with Austin's love for outdoor social spaces.

Built
2022
Architect
Gensler
Style
Modern / Sustainable
Height
31 m (102 ft)
Stories
5
Today
Sports Arena / Concert Venue
Waterline

98 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

This structure represents the first 'supertall' skyscraper in Texas, finally surpassing the significant 1,000-foot height threshold. The design features a 'stacked' aesthetic with three distinct sections separated by lush, landscaped outdoor terraces. It has become a potent symbol of Austin's meteoric economic rise and status as a global tech hub. Inside, it houses a luxury 1 Hotel along with premium office spaces and high-end residential units. Residents and office workers enjoy 360-degree views that stretch from downtown to the distant horizon of the Hill Country.

Built
2026
Architect
Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)
Style
Modernist Supertall
Height
312 m (1,024 ft)
Stories
74
Today
Mixed-use / Supertall
COTA Observation Tower

9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617, USA

This 77-meter landmark serves as the visual anchor for the Circuit of the Americas racing complex. Its most striking feature is a 'veil' of 18 bright red steel tubes that fanned out to mimic race car tail light streaks. Visitors can ascend a double-helix staircase or take an elevator to reach the summit for a panoramic view of the track. The observation deck includes a glass floor that allows brave guests to look directly down at the ground below. It stands as a unique example of structural expressionism, celebrating the speed and energy of motorsport.

Built
2012
Architect
Miró Rivera Architects
Style
Expressionist / Structuralism
Height
77 m (253 ft)
Stories
22
Today
Observation Tower / Landmark
Photo: TerraFrost, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sixth and Guadalupe

400 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

This massive mixed-use tower briefly held the title of Austin's tallest building during its final phases of construction. It is particularly notable for its extensive 'sky-park,' which provides the largest elevated outdoor green space in the city. The building’s facade is wrapped in high-performance glass to reflect the punishing Texas heat while maintaining transparency. Its interior floor-to-ceiling windows offer occupants stunning, unobstructed views of the nearby Texas Capitol building. The project integrates luxury residential living with high-end corporate offices and ground-floor retail experiences.

Built
2024
Architect
Gensler
Style
Contemporary Glass Skyscraper
Height
264 m (866 ft)
Stories
66
Today
Residential / Office / Retail
Apple Domain NORTHSIDE

11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, USA

This signature retail pavilion serves as a major architectural anchor for the vibrant Domain Northside shopping district. The store is instantly recognizable by its massive, single-span cantilevered roof that provides deep shade for the glass walls. Its design blurs the line between the indoor technology forum and the bustling pedestrian street outside. It serves as a community hub where local residents gather for creative sessions, workshops, and technical support. The minimalist aesthetic perfectly complements the modern, upscale atmosphere of the surrounding urban development.

Built
2016
Architect
Foster + Partners
Style
Minimalist Modern
Height
10 m (33 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Retail / Technology Hub