Austin: Haunted Ghost & Murder Walking Tour Downtown

Summary

Austin’s haunted past comes alive with ghost stories and true crime

You’ll walk through downtown Austin after dark with a local guide who brings haunted legends and true crime tales to life—from Emily’s shoes at The Tavern to ghostly sightings at the Driskill Hotel. Expect laughs, uneasy chills, real paranormal photos, and stories that linger long after you’ve left those creaky old bars behind.

What’s the experience like?

Someone taps gently on the old wooden bar at The Tavern—our guide, Jen, grinning like she knows a secret. She slides a finger toward a glass case behind her, where a pair of tiny shoes sit quietly in the dim light. “Emily’s,” she says, almost whispering. I didn’t expect to start our Austin ghost tour staring at children’s shoes, but there we were, all of us leaning in as if we might see something move. The place still smells faintly of beer and old wood, and I swear the floor creaked even when nobody walked.

We set off down the street under that sticky Texas night air, Jen weaving in stories about the Servant Girl Annihilator (which is as creepy as it sounds) and how people used to sneak booze here during Prohibition. At the Texas Capitol grounds, she pointed out where the Lady in Red supposedly appears—someone behind me shivered, but maybe it was just the breeze. I liked how Jen didn’t rush; she let us linger where shadows pooled around statues and told us about Angelina Eberly firing a cannon to keep Austin as Texas’ capital. That part made everyone laugh—Texans don’t mess around.

The Paramount Theatre looked grand from outside but felt heavy somehow when Jen talked about its haunted history. She showed us an old photo someone had snapped—there was this weird blur in one corner that made me squint for way too long. Then we wandered over to the Driskill Hotel, which honestly gave me goosebumps before we even got inside. There’s something about hearing stories of suicide brides and seeing people glance nervously at every flicker of light that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

I’m not sure if I believe in ghosts, but walking those two miles through downtown Austin with strangers who started feeling like friends—listening to real murder stories and watching locals cross themselves near certain corners—it does something to you. Sometimes it’s laughter, sometimes it’s just quiet for a second while everyone wonders if they heard footsteps behind them. I still think about Emily’s shoes sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted walking tour of Austin

• Start at The Tavern, see Emily's shoes
• Walk Texas State Capitol, hear ghost tales
• Visit Paramount Theatre, learn haunting story
• Hear Angelina Eberly's cannon story
• Explore Driskill Hotel's haunted rooms

Top questions

How long is the Austin haunted ghost tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours and covers roughly 2 miles on foot.

Does the tour include stops inside any buildings?

Yes, you step inside The Tavern to see Emily’s shoes on display behind the bar.

What are some locations visited on this Austin ghost tour?

You’ll visit The Tavern, Texas State Capitol grounds, Paramount Theatre, and Driskill Hotel.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s designed for all physical fitness levels and public transportation is nearby.

Are service animals allowed on this ghost tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the experience.

Will there be a local guide leading the group?

Yes, your group will be led by a professional local guide throughout the tour.

Are there any true crime stories included?

Yes, you’ll hear about cases like the Servant Girl Annihilator and UT Tower shooting.

Is transportation included in this Austin walking tour?

No transportation is provided; it’s a walking tour starting downtown with public transit nearby.

What’s included

Your evening includes guidance from a passionate local storyteller who leads you through downtown Austin’s most haunted sites—entry into The Tavern to see Emily’s shoes up close—and plenty of chilling tales along two miles of city streets before returning on your own schedule.