The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour

5.0
(179 reviews)

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

Tour Guide
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Downtown Austin outside Halcyon Coffeehouse @ 4th Street & Lavaca. You may use the restroom inside Halcyon without making a purchase if you tell them you are with the walking tour.

End point

We finish two blocks from where we start, right outside the Koppell Building @ East 4th Street and Congress Ave.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    How did the last survivor of the Alamo end up in Austin? We'll discover this and more outside the home she lived in on 5th St.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Learn the historic and current significance of Austin's most famous street.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    We'll get to go inside this one! Built in 1886 and sometimes called "the people's hotel", the Driskill is teeming with historical tales of greed, politics, vice, music, celebrities, and more.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included

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.
Supplied by Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin

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Tags

Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Excellent Quality
Best Conversion
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 179 179 reviews
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