Austin: Haunted Walking Tour with Ghost Stories & Driskill Hotel

Summary

Ghost stories, secret corners and laughter on Austin’s streets

You’ll walk Austin’s shadowy streets with a storyteller-guide, hear ghost tales at landmarks like the Driskill Hotel and Paramount Theatre, and slip into hidden bars for exclusive stories. Expect laughs, shivers, and small surprises—this haunted walking tour is less about jump scares and more about feeling Austin’s strange heartbeat after sunset.

What’s the experience like?

“If you hear piano music coming from the Driskill lobby when nobody’s playing—just keep walking,” our guide, Marcus, grinned as we huddled outside the old hotel. He had that kind of voice that made you lean in closer, even if you didn’t want to admit you were spooked. The air was sticky and warm (Texas never really cools off at night), and someone nearby was smoking clove cigarettes—sweet and sharp. We’d just started our haunted Austin walking tour, but I already felt like I’d stumbled into one of those late-night radio shows where everything gets a little stranger after dark.

We wandered down 6th Street, dodging party crowds and neon reflections in puddles left by a quick evening rain. Marcus pointed out where the old saloons used to be—he even stopped us in front of a battered doorway to tell a story about a gambler who never left. I caught myself glancing over my shoulder more than once. It wasn’t just the stories; it was the way he told them, pausing just long enough for your mind to fill in the gaps. At the Paramount Theatre, he showed us this faded photograph—supposedly America’s most famous ghost pic—and yeah, it gave me goosebumps even though I tried to play it cool.

The highlight for me was stepping inside the Speakeasy (I’d never been before). There’s something about old wood floors under your feet and the faint smell of whiskey that makes you feel like time folds in on itself. Marcus joked that if any spirits showed up, we could blame it on the drinks. He introduced us to one of the bartenders—a local who claimed she’d seen glasses move on their own during closing shifts. Maybe she was just messing with us, but her eyes said otherwise.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much or get genuinely creeped out by a city I thought I knew pretty well. The whole haunted history tour took about 90 minutes but honestly? It felt both longer and shorter at once—like good stories always do. Sometimes I still think about that echoey hallway at the Driskill or how everyone walked a little closer together after dark. It’s weird what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted Austin walking history tour

• Begin at The Speakeasy tavern
• Explore inside The Speakeasy
• Walk along iconic Austin boulevard
• View Texas Capitol from boulevard
• Pass by Austin Paramount Theatre
• Visit Driskill Hotel
• See Dirty Sixth Street
• End tour back at The Speakeasy

Top questions

How long is the haunted Austin walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes from start to finish.

Does the haunted history tour include entry to the Driskill Hotel?

Yes, you'll visit inside the Driskill Hotel as part of the experience.

Where does the haunted walking tour start?

The tour begins at The Speakeasy tavern in downtown Austin.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Infants and small children can join in strollers; content may be spooky but is not graphic.

Are there food or drinks included during this Austin ghost tour?

No food or drinks are included; however, guests can grab a drink at The Speakeasy before or after.

Do I need to be physically fit for this walking history tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking distance and pace.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to or from the tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to all stops along the route.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided storytelling through downtown Austin’s historic sites like 6th Street and Paramount Theatre, exclusive access inside The Speakeasy tavern (where you can grab a drink if you arrive early), plus time spent exploring inside legendary spots such as the Driskill Hotel—all led by an engaging local guide before returning back downtown at night’s end.