Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour & Driskill Stories

Summary

Walk Austin’s wild past from 6th Street to the Driskill Hotel

You’ll walk through Austin’s old vice district with a local guide who brings wild stories to life—from cowboy days to O. Henry’s quiet porch and the legendary 6th Street buzz. Step inside the Driskill Hotel for tales of music, scandal, and maybe even ghosts. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve met Austin’s real characters.

What’s the experience like?

We started the downtown history walking tour right where Austin used to get rowdy—our guide, Sarah, waved us over near some old brickwork and just jumped into stories about cowboys and saloons. I could smell coffee drifting from somewhere (Halcyon, I think), but honestly I was more distracted by Sarah’s imitation of a 19th-century barkeep. She had this way of making even the dust on the sidewalk seem like it had a story. I didn’t expect to laugh so much hearing about Austin’s red light district—she warned us some bits might not be for kids, and yeah, probably true.

Outside O. Henry’s old place, Sarah told us how he basically wrote his way out of trouble here. The house is small and plain, almost easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Someone walked by with a guitar case and nodded at our group—felt very Austin. We didn’t go inside anywhere except later at the Driskill Hotel, but standing there you could almost picture O. Henry scribbling notes while watching people pass by. The air was sticky that day but there was this weird comfort in it; maybe that’s just Texas in June.

We kept moving—past the home of an Alamo survivor (her story surprised me; I’d never heard it before) and then onto 6th Street itself. Even in daylight you can tell it’s got layers—bars shuttered up, murals half-faded, music posters everywhere. Sarah pointed out where old gambling halls stood and how things have changed (and not changed). At one point she asked if we wanted to try saying “Driskill” with a proper Texas drawl—I failed miserably, which got a laugh from everyone.

The Driskill Hotel was our last stop and honestly felt like stepping into another world—marble floors that echo under your shoes, gold trim everywhere, portraits staring down at you like they know all your secrets. It smelled faintly of lemon polish and something older underneath. We wandered through as Sarah shared stories about politics and parties and ghosts (she swears she saw something once but wouldn’t say what). I still think about the hush in that lobby—the kind that makes you want to whisper even though nobody tells you to.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Austin's historic downtown

• Start at old vice district
• Visit O. Henry's home exterior
• See last Alamo survivor's home
• Learn about 6th Street history
• Enter and tour Driskill Hotel

Top questions

How long is the Austin downtown history walking tour?

The walking tour covers about 1.1 miles through downtown Austin.

Does the tour go inside any buildings?

You’ll go inside the Driskill Hotel; other stops are outside only.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is recommended for ages 13+ due to stories about historic vice districts.

Are restrooms available during the walking tour?

You can use restrooms at Halcyon Coffee if you mention you’re with the walking tour group.

Is the downtown history walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the route is wheelchair accessible throughout downtown Austin.

Who leads this Austin history walking tour?

A knowledgeable local guide leads each group through downtown Austin.

What attractions are included on this walking tour?

The route includes stops outside O. Henry’s house, an Alamo survivor’s home, 6th Street, and entry into the Driskill Hotel.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk led by a local expert through downtown Austin with stories at every stop plus entry into the historic Driskill Hotel; restroom access is available at Halcyon Coffee along the way if needed.