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Austin Downtown History: Vibrant Storytelling Walking Tour
5.0
118 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
(118 Ratings)
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Dream679169
Jan 11, 2025
10/10 would recommend - Emily was very knowledgeable about the history of Austin and Texas. She was also very patient with answering all our questions.
If you’re new to the city or are visiting for a few days, I highly recommend doing this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cesar_h
Dec 22, 2024
Awesome storytelling of Austin - I love learning about the history of Austin and hear great story telling. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
198kumies
Dec 3, 2024
Such a great experience - My tour guide, Emily came and finished on time and she was very knowledgeable and friendly. All of her story was interesting and the amount was good enough. I didn’t know anything about Austin before starting but now I know the basics of this beautiful city. Thanks a lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannahjanegillingham
Nov 24, 2024
Very informative and interesting - top guide as well - This is a great tour if new to Austin - extremely interesting , informative guide (Emily) with just the right amount of standing / talking / walking. Great way to spend a couple of hours learning about the city. Emily also gave us a great recommendation for Mexican food - she knows her stuff! If you like a Walking tour look no further …!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kentuckyroamer58
Nov 22, 2024
Great way to start an Austin visit - Nice tour around downtown Austin with a good mix of history and local culture. Very informative but not so long that you get tired of it. Great way to get to know the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roger_r
Nov 19, 2024
We enjoyed the stories of... - We enjoyed the stories of past Austin citizens and how they shaped the history of Austin Emily really is a great story teller.
Review provided by Viator
Dave_d
Nov 14, 2024
Great guide, great tour - Really enjoyed this tour. Guide is a great storyteller and a lot of fun to spend time with. Appreciated her academic perspective - she shared different views that historians have on various topics around Austin history.
Review provided by Viator
Texastourist2016
Nov 13, 2024
Fun but Factual overview of Austin history - I enjoy walking tours and usually take at least one every trip. Some tour companies tend to play fast and loose with historical details in order to tell a more sensational story while presenting their version as factual. I appreciated my guide’s presentation of what her research led her to conclude as well as “popular” alternative versions. I am a native Texan, lived in Austin 25 years and still visit frequently so was familiar with most of the information presented but thought it would be interesting to hear it from a different perspective. The other 6 people in my tour were from out of state and seemed to equally be enjoying the Texas history primer. If I’m staying downtown again I will definitely join another of her tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S9846bodavidk
Nov 7, 2024
Great time. - In Austin and had a free day so I booked the tour. Emily was great. Smart, funny, and explains in great detail.
Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andreapearlstein
Nov 5, 2024
Learned lots - We had a great tour with Emily! We learned so much about the city’s storied past. Our local friends now want to go on the tour since it was so interesting
Review provided by Viator
