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Austin Downtown History: Vibrant Storytelling Walking Tour
5.0
105 Ratings
Austin
Discover the vibrant history of Austin on a storytelling walking tour. From cowboys to condos, explore the city’s transformation and learn about the eccentric Austinites who shaped its story.
Discover the vibrant history of Austin on a storytelling walking tour. From cowboys to condos, explore the city’s transformation and learn about the eccentric Austinites who shaped its story.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 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…
- 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 questionable tales of his time here in Austin. We do not go inside.
- Joseph and Susanna Dickinson Hannig Museum - 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.
- 6th Street - Learn the historic and current significance of Austin’s most famous street.
- The Driskill - 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.
What's Included
- Expert local guide
- Insightful commentary on local culture
- Entry fees to all attractions included
- Complimentary refreshments and snacks
- Comfortable transportation throughout the tour
- Special access to exclusive areas
- Expert local guide
- Insightful commentary on local culture
- Entry fees to all attractions included
- Complimentary refreshments and snacks
- Comfortable transportation throughout the tour
- Special access to exclusive areas
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
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…
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.
- 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.
Location
Halcyon
West 4th Street
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(105 Ratings)
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Joanna_i
Aug 17, 2024
Best guide ever! - It was a captivating tour with a very special guide who had wide knowledge about the history of the city and of Texas. Every question was answered and above all it was fun, fun, fun!!!
Review provided by Viator
Sarah_s
Aug 17, 2024
Great tour for Locals AND Tourists alike! - We had an amazing time with Emily. She was so enthusiastic, patient, and knowledgable about all aspects of Austin history & culture. Huge THANK YOU for answering our many many questions! Even my friend, who was born and raised in Austin, kept saying how much she learned. I especially liked our detour into the history of Austin's music scene. Would recommend to anyone living in, working in, or visiting Austin- you will walk away with a much richer context of the city.
Review provided by Viator
Heidi_s
Jul 14, 2024
Great time. - Emily the tour guide was great and so informative. She spoke clearly and was patient with all or questions etc. My friends and I very much enjoyed the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Lauren
Jul 13, 2024
Excellent History Tour - Emily was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Austin's rich history, bringing the past to life with fascinating stories and detailed anecdotes.
We explored iconic landmarks including the Driskill Hotel and the historic Sixth Street. Our guide provided deep insights into the significance of each site, making it easy to imagine life in Austin during different periods.
The pace of the tour was perfect, allowing ample time for questions and photo opportunities without feeling rushed. We also appreciated Emily’s tips on local eateries and hidden gems to explore further after the tour.
Overall, this walking historical tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Austin. It's an engaging, educational, and fun way to delve into the city's vibrant history. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_d
Jun 22, 2024
Learned alot - Learning Austin history. Seeing different areas of downtown Austin. Very informative. Recommend this tour with Emily.
Review provided by Viator
B4127woivanf
Jun 16, 2024
Interesting tour - Emily was very friendly and considerate with the weather with stops for cooling down. She also seems very knowledgeable of the history facts she narrated.
I definitely recommend for first timers in Austin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cheryl_l
Jun 9, 2024
A hit with History - Emily was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Austin and the neighborhoods and buildings we visited. She was personable, receptive, patient with all our questions, and engaging. We highly recommend this tour and Emily in part!! Well worth the money (despite the heat!).
Review provided by Viator
Colton_h
Jun 8, 2024
Good into to Austin - Emily was great. She is very interested in Austin history and does a great job sharing it. It was fun to see the night life coming alive too as we got closer to dark and the City activities were getting going.
Review provided by Viator
Rodmen
Jun 7, 2024
Professional and customer oriented - Very thorough. Her tour info has a common thread which she has developed through her investigation. I came away with a better understanding of the events and people that created present day Austin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Msharma65
Jun 6, 2024
Very informative Austin tour! - We had an amazing historical tour of Austin, Emily was great and knew a lot about Austin’s path history! It ended up being more of a personal tour for my husband, and I so I really appreciated that she didn’t cancel the tour because it was just the two of us.
I highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
