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
213 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Emily was a great...
Stephen S,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Emily was a great communicator and was able to provide an engaging tour with good area recommendations.
Fantastic Austin Architecture Tour with Emily
Jessica M,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time on Emily’s Austin Historical Architecture Walk with Nitty Gritty City Tours. This was easily one of the highlights of our trip downtown. Emily is incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about Austin’s architectural history. She brought the city to life in such a fun, story-driven way — not just pointing out beautiful buildings, but explaining how Austin evolved from the 1800s through the early 1900s, and how culture, class, and even a little scandal shaped what we see today. The stops were perfectly chosen (loved seeing landmarks like the Bremond Block and the Driskill), and the whole walk felt like the perfect mix of design details, local history, and fascinating context. Emily also made everything feel approachable, even if you’re not an architecture expert. If you want to explore Austin beyond the usual tourist spots and actually understand the city’s personality through its buildings, I can’t recommend this tour enough. Emily was an absolute gem of a guide!
Great introduction to the...
Timothy P,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great introduction to the history of Austin! Caroline was an engaging guide with local recommendations too!
Great Austin Tour
Keith S,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide, Emily, was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and enjoyed telling us about Texas history with a focus on Austin. There wasn’t too much walking and the pace was comfortable for most people. I would highly recommend this tour. Great recommendations for other things to do, see, where to hear live music, and where to eat and drink.
Highly recommend
Kim B,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was awesome. Emily was great! She is very knowledgeable about the area. Learned a lot, very interactive, so glad we booked this.
Great Austin Walking Tour
bighack,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David was an excellent guide. The information was very helpful.
David
Valerie B,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was Fun and Very interesting. Our host David was friendly and very knowledgeable. He did an excellent job!!!
Great Tour with David
Chris L,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with a lot of knowledge about the history of Austin and Texas. In addition to history, great recommendations on the city. David does a fabulous job!
Great Tour of Austin and Texas History
927ChrisL927,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour that was very affordable and informative. David was a great tour guide. We got to see many sites within downtown Austin and learn the history of the city.
First time in Austin....
Kandi W,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00First time in Austin. Thought this tour would be a great way to get to know the city. Loved hearing the history and all the little tales. The walk isn’t far and once over made me want to explore more. Would definitely recommend
From US$32.00
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Operated by Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin