UT Tower
An iconic Austin landmark on the UT campus, known for its distinctive architecture and special event lighting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the tower lit up!
UT Tower
Best Time
See the tower lit up!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Austin landmark on the UT campus, known for its distinctive architecture and special event lighting.
"The UT Tower is a beautiful landmark in the heart of a stunning campus."
Check for Tower Tours
Access to the observation deck is limited. Look for occasional guided tours if you want to go up. :ticket:
Look for Special Lighting
The tower is often lit up for Texas Longhorns victories or special occasions. :flashlight:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic UT Tower
A quintessential Austin landmark, the UT Tower stands tall, symbolizing the spirit of the University of Texas.
Campus Stroll & Architecture
Wander through the beautiful UT campus, admiring the classic architecture and peaceful grounds surrounding the tower.
Illuminated Tower Views
Catch the UT Tower lit up in special colors for events, a truly memorable sight for Longhorn fans and visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the UT Tower
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Tower Tours
Access to the observation deck is limited. Look for occasional guided tours if you want to go up. :ticket:
Look for Special Lighting
The tower is often lit up for Texas Longhorns victories or special occasions. :flashlight:
Explore the Campus
The surrounding UT campus is beautiful for walks and photos, even if the tower top is inaccessible. :walking:
Carillon Bell Performances
Listen for the unique melodies played by students on the tower's 56 bells. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Tower Tours
Access to the observation deck is limited. Look for occasional guided tours if you want to go up. :ticket:
Look for Special Lighting
The tower is often lit up for Texas Longhorns victories or special occasions. :flashlight:
Explore the Campus
The surrounding UT campus is beautiful for walks and photos, even if the tower top is inaccessible. :walking:
Carillon Bell Performances
Listen for the unique melodies played by students on the tower's 56 bells. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The UT Tower is a beloved and iconic Austin landmark, praised for its classic university feel and the beautiful campus surrounding it. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to stroll through the well-kept grounds and admire the architecture. While direct access to the observation deck is limited, seeing the tower lit up for special occasions is a highlight for many.
"Super cool stop if you’re in Austin. The UT Tower is iconic — you can’t miss it. Even if you’re not a Longhorn, it’s still fun to see up close.
The campus around it is beautiful for a walk, with lots of spots to relax or snap a few pics. Feels like a big part of the city’s vibe — definitely worth a quick visit."
JESUS PR
"The UT Tower is a beautiful landmark in the heart of a stunning campus. It really stands out and gives you that classic university feel. The surrounding grounds are peaceful and well-kept, great for a stroll or photos. Definitely worth a visit if you’re exploring Austin or checking out the University of Texas."
Stephen Barrios
"Tower tours were not available on the day we visited. There was construction on one side of the tower so we couldn't walk all the way around but the side with the war memorial and Greek style fountain was lovely. Beautiful architecture and grounds."
Alison Perry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The UT Tower is located on the University of Texas at Austin campus. You can reach it by car, ride-sharing services, or public transportation. Parking can be challenging, so consider using the UT Austin parking garages or exploring nearby public parking options. Many visitors find it convenient to walk around the campus once they arrive.
Yes, there are several parking garages on the UT Austin campus, such as the San Jacinto Garage and the Brazos Garage, which are relatively close to the UT Tower. Street parking is also available but can be limited and metered.
Absolutely! Several Capital Metro bus routes serve the University of Texas campus, making it easy to reach the UT Tower via public transit. Check the Capital Metro website for specific routes and schedules.
The UT Tower is situated within a beautiful and walkable campus. You can easily explore the surrounding buildings, green spaces, and other campus landmarks on foot.
Many visitors enjoy approaching the UT Tower from the south end of campus, walking up the main mall area. This offers a grand perspective of the tower and the surrounding historic buildings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need tickets to see the UT Tower from the outside or to explore the surrounding campus. However, access to the observation deck has been restricted.
Access to the observation deck of the UT Tower is generally restricted and not open to the public for regular visits due to security reasons.
Occasionally, guided tours of the UT Tower are offered. It's best to check the official University of Texas at Austin website or contact their visitor services for information on availability and booking.
The UT Tower itself has restricted access. However, the University of Texas campus grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific building access may vary.
There is no admission fee to view the UT Tower from the exterior or to walk around the campus. If guided tours are available, they may have a fee.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the main mall leading up to the tower, from the South Mall, and from various vantage points across the UT campus. The tower looks particularly striking when lit up at night.
Yes, the UT Tower is often illuminated at night, especially for special events or Texas Longhorns victories. This makes for dramatic and memorable nighttime photography.
Generally, photography is allowed on the UT campus for personal use. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of students and campus activities.
Both daytime and nighttime offer unique photo opportunities. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting on the tower and campus.
For daytime shots, a standard aperture like f/8 will ensure sharpness. For nighttime or low-light shots, consider a wider aperture and a tripod to capture the illuminated tower clearly.
🎫 👻 Haunted History
There are local legends and stories about the UT Tower being haunted, with reports of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity.
Some stories involve security guards reporting unexplained phenomena like flickering lights, moving shadows, and whispers within the tower.
You can find information about the haunted history of the UT Tower through local folklore, paranormal websites, and some social media content that explores these tales.
While there aren't official paranormal tours of the tower itself, some Austin ghost tours may include the UT Tower and its legends as part of their route.
The haunted history is more of a local legend and a fun aspect of the tower's lore. While some people believe it, others view it as folklore.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Point out the impressive architecture and discuss the history of the university. Listening for the carillon bells can be a fun auditory experience for children. If you're lucky enough to be there when the tower is lit up, it's a visually exciting spectacle for all ages.
+1🎓 Students and Alumni
While direct access might be restricted, many alumni recall fond memories of the campus and the tower. The occasional guided tours offer a chance to reconnect with this iconic landmark.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
While official tours don't focus on the paranormal, you can explore the lore surrounding alleged ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena. It adds an intriguing layer to the tower's history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The UT Tower's Carillon Bells
These student musicians perform a variety of songs, adding a unique auditory dimension to the campus experience. Listening to the carillon is a special treat, and it's fascinating to know that students are the ones bringing these melodies to life from high atop the tower.
While you might not always see them, the sound of the carillon bells is a distinctive part of the UT Austin atmosphere. It's a tradition that has been part of the university since the 1930s, with the guild officially forming in 2010.
Campus Life and Study Spots
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the tower, the UT campus offers numerous other study locations, from libraries to outdoor seating areas. Students often share recommendations for new spots to try, especially during busy periods like finals week.
While the tower itself may not be a primary study destination due to access limitations, its presence is a constant reminder of the academic energy and community spirit that defines the University of Texas at Austin.
Iconic Lighting and Celebrations
When the Longhorns win championships or mark important milestones, the tower often glows in burnt orange or other celebratory hues. Seeing the UT Tower lit up is a powerful symbol of school pride and community spirit.
Visitors hoping to catch the tower illuminated should check university announcements or local event listings, as these special lighting events are often tied to specific dates and occasions. It's a visual spectacle that adds to the iconic status of the landmark.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit