The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour

Austin, US
98% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (120 reviews)

Highlights

  • Explore the rich history of Austin
  • Step inside beautiful historical buildings
  • Learn about the eccentric and heroic Austinites
  • Discover the origin story of the city
  • Get to go inside the historic Driskill hotel

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.

Meeting point

218 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701 , United States

End point

End Point

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

Meeting point

320 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

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.

Duration 20 minutes
2

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.

Duration 10 minutes
3

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.

Duration 5 minutes
4

6th Street

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

Duration 10 minutes
5

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.

Duration 15 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    Places to sit at each stop are not provided.
  • Additional information
    This walking tour covers 1.1 miles.
  • Additional information
    Recommended for ages 13+ due to content regarding the historic red light district.
  • Additional information
    You may use the restroom at Halcyon Coffee without making a purchase if you let them know you're with the walking tour.
Provided by Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin

What our experts say

  • icon
    Grab a coffee at Halcyon before starting.
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    Check out the Driskill's history inside.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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    Consider visiting nearby 6th Street after.
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    Plan for some historic content not for kids.

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