Texas Capitol

To get a solid understanding of the state's past and present, stop by the capitol—zip by for a photo or, better yet, walk in for a guided Texas Capitol tour. The building is part of most downtown Austin small-group tours, and some Segway and bike tour guides can explain the history of this important building and its presence in Texas politics throughout the years.

• The Texas Capitol is ideal for fans of history and politics.

• No need for Texas Capitol tickets; free 30-minute guided tours of the capitol's interiors are available every 30 to 45 minutes, seven days a week.

• The Capitol Visitors Center, located east of the main capitol building, houses various artifacts and information for visitors, as well as a gift shop.

• All capitol buildings are accessible to wheelchair users.

The Texas Capitol is located on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin, between 11th and 15th Streets, just west of I-35. Parking is available at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage on San Jacinto Street. It's usually free for the first two hours, but there may be a fee during events.

The capitol is a busy building throughout the year, filled with visitors, constituents, and legislators when in session. Tours are available between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 3:30pm Saturday, and 12pm to 3:30pm Sunday. Specialty themed tours, such as women in Texas history, heroes of the Texas Revolution, African-American trailblazing Texans, and a Halloween ghost tour, are offered at various times during the year.

The Texas state legislature is in session for only five months every two years, and legislators earn just $7,200 per year. That arrangement began in the 19th century, when Texas lawmakers had a more difficult time traveling from their districts to Austin. Despite modernized transportation, there is little indication that lawmakers will change their biennial schedule.

Yes. Guided and self-guided tours of the Texas State Capitol and grounds are offered for free, daily. Guided tours start inside the South Foyer between 9:30am and 3:30pm, depending on the day. Self-guided tour brochures are available online or at the Capitol's north entry or outside Capitol Room 1S.2.

Yes. The Texas State Capitol building and grounds are open to the public. Visitors can explore the complex by stopping at the Visitors Center and taking a self-guided tour or free guided tour, offered daily. The Capitol grounds cover 22 acres (9 hectares), also explorable via self-guided tour.

Yes. The Texas Capitol is open to visitors weekdays between 7am and 6pm and from 9am to 6pm on weekends. You do not need to join a guided tour to explore, and self-guided tour brochures are available at the Capitol's north entry, outside Capitol Room 1S.2, or online.

There are guided and self-guided tours available at the Texas State Capitol. The guided tour covers the Capitol building, while there are separate self-guided tours for both the building and grounds. Building tours cover the history and use of 13 areas, including the South Foyer, Senate Chamber, Rotunda, and Dome.

There is no dress code for visitors at the Texas Capitol, but legislators and staff generally wear business attire. Like any other place of business, appropriate attire is expected. This shows respect for the institution, the people working there, as well as the important legislative work being carried out.

The free, guided tours of the Texas State Capitol departing daily from the South Foyer generally last about 30 minutes. In contrast, self-guided tours can be tailored to specific schedules or timing using the brochure found at the Capitol's north entry, outside Capitol Room 1S.2, or online.