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8 Interesting Places to See in Downtown Austin

Deepa Kartha
Interesting history, hippy culture, great music, delicious food, and amazing nightlife await visitors at Downtown Austin, Texas. With an array of museums, theaters, restaurants, bars, clubs, visiting Downtown Austin can be fascinating.
One of the tallest state capitol buildings in the USA, the Texas State Capitol is an impressive monument.
Texas State Capitol

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The pink-granite exterior of the Texas State Capitol is magnificent, and its interiors and architecture are nothing less than enthralling.
You get an insight into its fascinating history in the free tour. Lasting 30-40 minutes, it gives a glimpse of the important rooms and some interesting stories. Complete your tour by walking around the 22-acre grounds of the Capitol.
Learn everything about Texas, from prehistoric times to the present day and how it evolved into what it is today, at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
The Bullock Texas State History Museum
Opened in 2001, this museum has 3 floors having more than 500 artifacts, photographs and documents. The exhibits at Bullock Museum are interactive, informational and remarkable.
You will also get to see a historical movie or even the latest blockbuster at the in-house IMAX theatre. Visit the Story of Texas Cafe to grab a snack after the museum tour.

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Covering 10 miles, Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail offers lush greenery, scenic view of city skyline, and great cultural attractions. The trail also has a boardwalk running over Lady Bird Lake.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

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The trail is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the city, and ideal for those who want to run, bike or indulge in recreational activities. Do not miss the 36 bronze belt sculptures along the trail that have lyrics of popular Texan songs engraved.
A one-of-a-kind theater, at Esther's Follies you can watch spectacular shows with themes like political satire, comedy and magic. The fast moving and evolving performances will tickle your funny bone.
Esther's Follies
Performers sometimes move out on the street, right in the middle of the performance. You can catch their act through large windows at the back of the theater. These improvisations make the shows  popular.
Rainey Street, with its old bungalows turned into stylish bars and restaurants, is Downtown Austin's premium entertainment district, most popular for its nightlife.
Rainey Street

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Day or night, you would find a bar to get a drink and a restaurant or food truck to get something delicious to eat. Emmer & Rye, Geraldine's' 'Little Lucy's Mini Donuts, and Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden are some popular eateries here.
If you are looking for a place to have beer, and dance on the tunes of a DJ or even a live band, 'Container Bar', 'Craft Pride' and 'Lustre Pearl' are few of the most well-liked ones.
Congress Avenue Bat Bridge
This is one of the best places to witness sunset in Downtown Austin. The bridge is home to more than 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats.

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If you visit the bridge during the summer months, you would not only get to see the sunset but the flight of millions of bats at the same time. The sight is nothing but spectacular.
Once a gift and curios shop, the Museum of the Weird is inspired by the dime store museum. Exhibits at the museum include everything from just odd to extremely ghoulish.
Museum of the Weird

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You would get to see a furry trout, a mummified mermaid, a hand of glory, a two-headed chicken, a Cyclops pig and the Minnesota Iceman. The live sideshow performance here is only for the brave hearts.
Your visit to the Live Music Capital of the World cannot be complete without watching a performance at the Moody Theater.
Moody Theater

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With 2750 seats and 12 bars, Moody Theater is a hotspot for live music performances in Downtown Austin. The theater has hosted several amazing live concerts, including the Austin City Limits Live series.