The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour Discount Tickets

Get your discount tickets for the The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour, save up to 9% !

Overview

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.

Meeting and Pickup

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

End point

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

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

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 mins
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 mins
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 mins
4. 6th Street
Learn the historic and current significance of Austin's most famous street.
Duration: 10 mins
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 mins

Inclusion

Tour Guide

Exclusion

Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

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

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

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.

Supplied by Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin

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