The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
From cowboys to condominiums, take a walk through the story of Austin, beginning and ending in what was once a roaring red light district in Austin’s earlier years. Along the way, we'll explore the rich history of Austin and discover how it became the vibrant and dynamic city it is today, with emphasis on the eccentric and heroic Austinites who shaped Austin's story. Topics of historic vice may not be appropriate for children. Large Group? Visit our website. This is an outdoor tour that only goes inside the Driskill Hotel.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Places to sit at each stop are not provided.
This walking tour covers 1.1 miles.
Recommended for ages 13+ due to content regarding the historic red light district.
You may use the restroom at Halcyon Coffee without making a purchase if you let them know you're with the walking tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Dumont's Down Low Bar
In what was once a bustling vice district, we will begin with the origin story of the city of Austin and talk about the old west mentality that built the biggest red light district in the southwest. We do not go inside.
O. Henry Home & Museum
Famous short story author O. Henry lived here in Austin before he made it big. Outside his home, we will dig up a few tales of his time here in Austin. We do not go inside.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Gratuities
Options
The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour
Reviews
201 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome Austin Tour
MELISSA W,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00David was an excellent guide! Learned so much about the city of Austin a would highly recommend this tour.
A great way to see downtown Austin
Tanya L,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great tour! Informative and a very doable walk. Was able to get an overview of the downtown layout and learn some fun facts.
I was lucky to have a...
Charles B,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I was lucky to have a private tour with David Hess. He was quite knowledgeable and entertaining, and a great ambassador for the city of Austin.
Austin 101 😀
Julie P,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Emily gave us a first rate tour of Austin! We learned a lot of history which was new to us. We saw interesting architecture, as we walked through the downtown area. We got so many ideas for places to visit around town. Highly recommend!
Emily was friendly,...
Michele W,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Emily was friendly, informative, and eager for us to learn about Austin history. I recommend this walking tour,
Nice background on history of Austin
tonyhR4344VG,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emily was very knowledgeable, informative and easy to understand. It was a very nice tour. She is a good storyteller which made the history interesting.
Caroline was super...
Nicholas C,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Caroline was super knowledgeable, made the tour fun, and shared lots of food and activity recommendations
Great tour
Tony C,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emily did an excellent job of showing us the highlights of the city and giving us a thorough history of the city and key landmarks. Really enjoyed it
Walking History
Austin J,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Emily’s knowledge of Austin was incredible! She was extremely kind and helped us find a couple great breweries after the tour as well. Highly recommend if you are interested in history.
Austin's history tour worthwhile
L4073PJjoelg,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was informative and enjoyable. I learned a bunch about Austin's past. The 2 hours went quickly. The guide really was good.
-20% off
From US$24.80Was US$31.00
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Operated by Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin