The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour

5.0 (285 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

285 reviews

5.0

The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

From cowboys to condominiums, take a walk through the story of Austin, beginning and ending in what was once a roaring red light district turned warehouse 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. This tour is not suggested for children under 13. Large Group? Visit our website. This is an outdoor tour that stays outside.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Likely to Sell Out Excellent Quality Likely To Sell Out Best Conversion

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–20
Guide: English
Operated by: Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin

Ages: Adults (14–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Tour Guide

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Dumont's Down Low Bar

20 min

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

10 min

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.
Joseph and Susanna Dickinson Hannig Museum

5 min

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

10 min

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

15 min Admission included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

Using your ticket

Meet at Halcyon Coffee: 218 W 4th St 78701. Tell your guide your first and last name. Ticket is only needed for occasional verification. Nitty Gritty City Tours phone number accepts calls and texts.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.
You may use the restroom at Halcyon Coffee. Let them know you're with the walking tour.
Let Halcyon Coffee know you're there for the tour and receive 10% off your drink order.