Historical Overview

Downtown Austin represents the historic core of Texas's capital city, evolving from a frontier settlement in the 1830s to a modern urban center. The area was planned by Edwin Waller, Austin's first mayor, who designed the city's distinctive grid pattern with Congress Avenue as the main thoroughfare.

 

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Downtown served as both the commercial and governmental heart of Austin. The Capitol building, completed in 1888, remains a defining landmark. The area experienced a decline in the mid-20th century as the population shifted to the suburbs, but underwent significant revitalization beginning in the 1990s.

 

Major redevelopment initiatives, including the Second Street District, Seaholm District, and Rainey Street transformation, have reshaped Downtown into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that blends historic architecture with contemporary high-rises. Today, Downtown Austin stands as a symbol of the city's dynamic growth while maintaining connections to its past.

Unique Characteristics

• Home to Texas State Capitol complex
• Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail
• Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony
• Active nightlife in the Warehouse District and Rainey Street
• A mix of historic architecture and modern skyscrapers
• Host major events including SXSW and Austin City Limits
• Growing tech presence with multiple company headquarters
• Ongoing development with new residential towers
• Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail encircling Lady Bird Lake

Neighborhood Highlights

Dining

1. Uchi - Award-winning contemporary Japanese
2. La Condesa - Modern Mexican cuisine
3. Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill - Southern comfort food
4. Fixe - Progressive Southern cuisine
5. Swift's Attic - Creative small plates and craft cocktails
6. The Driskill Grill - Fine dining in a historic hotel setting
7. Wu Chow - Modern Chinese and dim sum

Coffee Shops

1. Houndstooth Coffee - Specialty coffee with meticulous preparation
2. Medici Roasting - Local coffee roaster with café
3. Halcyon - Coffee shop by day, lounge by night
4. Caffe Aragona - Italian-style espresso bar
5. Café Ruckus - Trendy spot with excellent pastries

Shopping

1. 2nd Street District - Fashion boutiques and specialty stores
2. The Domain - Upscale shopping center
3. BYOB - Bring Your Own Bag - Sustainable local goods
4. League of Rebels - Men's bespoke suits and accessories
5. Eliza Page - Jewelry and accessories

Art Galleries

1. The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center - Modern Art Museum
2. Mexic-Arte Museum - Mexican and Mexican-American art and culture
3. Ao5 Gallery - Contemporary art gallery
4. Art on 5th - Fine art gallery specializing in pop art
5. Wally Workman Gallery - Representing established and emerging artists

Entertainment

1. Paramount Theatre - Historic venue for concerts and performances
2. ACL Live at The Moody Theater - Home of Austin City Limits tapings
3. Esther's Follies - Long-running comedy venue
4. Speakeasy - Multi-level entertainment complex
5. The Hideout Theatre - Improv comedy venue
6. Alamo Drafthouse Ritz - Iconic cinema with food and drinks service
7. Violet Crown Cinema - Independent and art house films