Austin Downtown History: Vibrant Storytelling Walking Tour
4.9
72 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.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Oilcan Harry’s - In what was once a bustling vice district, we will begin with the origin story of the city of Austin and talk about the Western mentality that built the biggest red light district in the southwest.
- 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.
- 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
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
From ranch hands to high-rises, stroll through Austin’s history starting and concluding in what used to be a bustling pleasure quarter during Austin’s youth. En route, we’ll delve into Austin’s diverse past and uncover how it evolved into the lively and progressive city it stands as now. We’ll venture into stunning historic structures and gain knowledge about the unique and gallant Austinites who molded Austin’s narrative. This excursion provides a vibrant image through narration.
- Places to sit at each stop are not provided.
- This walking tour covers 1.1 miles.
Location
Halcyon
West 4th Street
Downtown Austin outside Halcyon Coffeehouse @ 4th Street & Lavaca.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(72 Ratings)
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Hannah_m
Apr 23, 2024
Great walking tour - Emily was great. We learned a lot about the history of Austin and got a great tour of the area. Very pleased with the tour.
Review provided by Viator
O4487swandreab
Apr 20, 2024
Engaging and knowledgeable tour guide ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This was an excellent tour by a passionate and knowledgeable historian. Emily is a great guide, she truly knows her history and is an engaging speaker and thoughtful guide. I would recommend it for everyone who visits downtown Austin!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rico36461
Apr 16, 2024
Great orientation to the city - Emily was our guide, and she did a great job. We enjoyed the walk around town, and her stories at each stop were memorable and well told. My only suggestion would be to make the stories slightly shorter (like 20%) so that we could get a few more stops in (like getting from 5 stops to 8). But, this is a suggestion, not a complaint. She answered all our questions, and since it was the first time for many in our group to Austin, we all felt more comfortable and welcome with the quick history lesson.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annieo187
Apr 14, 2024
Fun, interesting and lots of detail provided - Excellent and very interesting tour led by Emily. She is an engaging and dynamic speaker and very knowledgeable about Austin history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen
Apr 13, 2024
Great tour! - We so enjoyed this tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and filled the time with historical stories that made us interested to learn more about this great city. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_m
Apr 13, 2024
Good to hear about the founding of Austin! - Great history and walk. Good to hear about the early days and put Austin into perspective
Good to hear about the early settlers and put history into perspective
Review provided by Viator
Travellersightseer
Apr 12, 2024
Great tour! - Emily, our tourguide, is extremely knowledgeable and a delightful person. The stories she shared with us were so much fun! Do yourself a favor and join one of her walking tours – you will enjoy it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pioneer63961024920
Apr 12, 2024
Fun and Informative Tour - Emily, our tour guide, provided an entertaining and informative discriptin of Austin's history. Emily was easy to talk to and provided good answers to our and others questions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E9962vsninat
Apr 10, 2024
Downtown Austin history … with a little spice! - Emily was AMAZING! It was evident that she loves researching and sharing the history of the various time periods of Austin. We heard the good and the bad. The tour was just the perfect length (2 hours) snd the walk was just right. We highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dgminnc
Apr 9, 2024
Knowledgeable Guide - Emily has a vast knowledge of Austin's history. She selected some intriguing sites to show us. She was quite personable and we followed 2 of her recommendations for dinner and were very pleased. Thanks for the tips!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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