Austin, Texas, isn’t just the state capital—it’s a place where walking tours reveal the city’s lively spirit, quirky charm, and deep history. Unlike many cities that rely on buses or bikes, Austin’s compact downtown and lively neighborhoods make walking an ideal way to soak in the local vibe. Whether you’re craving a culinary journey, haunted tales, or a history lesson, Austin’s walking tours offer an authentic taste of what makes this city so unique. Plus, many tours include exclusive access or off-the-beaten-path spots, giving you a richer experience than just walking around on your own.
In this guide, you’ll find the 16 best walking tours in Austin, including food tours, ghost stories, historic strolls, and pub crawls. We’ve rated each based on reviews, uniqueness, and value, so you can choose the perfect way to explore Austin on foot.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of walking tours: from the Austin Walking Food Tour that combines bites with stories, to eerie haunted ghost walks, and deep dives into Austin’s historic neighborhoods. For food lovers, the Austin Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours serves up Austin’s best eats in lively districts like Downtown and South Congress. Haunted enthusiasts will enjoy the Haunted Austin Walking History Tour, with its spooky tales and famous ghost sites. History buffs may prefer the Downtown History Walking Tour, offering insider stories and visits inside iconic landmarks. For a mix of local nightlife and ghostly legends, the Austin Haunted Pub Crawl combines drinks with spine-chilling stories. Below, each tour is examined in detail to help you find your perfect Austin walking experience.
1. Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
This highly-rated Austin Walking Food Tour is a foodie’s dream. For $99, a guide takes you to two top districts—downtown and South Congress—where you’ll sample barbecue brisket, Austin-style breakfast tacos, and even an Italian cannoli. The tour lasts about three hours and includes stories behind each dish, making it more than just a taste test.
What makes this tour stand out is the authenticity and variety of food stops, plus the chance to learn about Austin’s culinary scene from passionate guides. The tour also features a secret dish revealed on the day, adding a fun surprise element. Reviews highlight how filling and Texas-sized the bites are, with visitors raving about the combination of food and Austin’s stories. The private option offers more intimacy, perfect for special groups.
Bottom Line: If you love food and want a lively, flavorful walk through Austin’s vibrant neighborhoods, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
2. Haunted Austin Walking History Tour
At number 2, this Haunted Austin Walking History Tour offers a chilling look at the city’s supernatural side. For just $27.50, the 90-minute evening stroll explores haunted sites like the Driskill Hotel, Paramount Theatre, and Dirty Sixth. An acclaimed storyteller guides you through ghost stories rooted in Austin’s past, blending history and hauntings seamlessly.
What makes this tour appealing is its shorter duration and focus on spectral tales that deepen your understanding of Austin’s darker moments. Visitors praise the storytelling, with many noting how the guide’s passion brings the stories to life. If you’re intrigued by ghostly legends and like a bit of a scare, this tour’s mix of history and hauntings hits the mark.
Bottom Line: For a spooky yet informative night walk, this tour balances ghost stories with Austin’s historic landmarks, perfect for curious night explorers.
3. Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour
This Downtown Austin History Walking Tour is ideal for those interested in deepening their knowledge of Austin’s past. For $30, you’ll explore 4th and 6th Streets, the Warehouse District, and inside the Driskill Hotel. The 2-hour walk offers insights into how Austin developed into the Live Music Capital and “Keep Austin Weird” was born.
Guests rave about the informative guides and hidden tales from Austin’s colorful past. The tour’s highlight includes interior visits to key landmarks, giving a tangible sense of history. It’s a well-rounded experience for anyone wanting to go beyond touristy spots and learn about Austin’s growth through engaging storytelling.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for history lovers who want a walk that combines storytelling with interior visits and local insights.
4. Austin Downtown Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
If you prefer a more intimate experience, this Private Food Tour is a great option. For $335, up to 12 people walk through downtown Austin, sampling barbecue brisket, tamales, and other local favorites. Your private guide tailors the stops, making it ideal for first-timers or special celebrations.
The tour provides a personalized introduction to Austin’s food scene with exclusive tastings and stories. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and delicious food, making it a premier choice for groups wanting a relaxed, customized outing. It’s a longer, more comprehensive experience suited for foodies who enjoy a private setting.
Bottom Line: For groups wanting flexibility and a personalized touch, this private tour offers quality bites and insider stories.
5. Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour
Mixing drinks with ghost stories, the Austin Haunted Pub Crawl is a spirited way to explore Austin’s nightlife and spooky history. For $29.99 and about two hours, you’ll visit bars like Moonshine Grill and the Driskill Hotel, hearing tales of ghostly encounters and murder.
What makes this tour unique is its double focus on history and nightlife, with stops at lively pubs that often have their own paranormal stories. Reviewers mention the entertaining storytelling and the fun atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want to combine a bar-hopping adventure with some eerie tales.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy a drink and spine-tingling stories, this pub crawl offers a fun mix of Austin’s nightlife and ghostly legends.
6. Small Group Pub Walk Tour in Austin with Professional Guide
For a more personalized pub experience, this Small Group Pub Walk is a solid choice. Costing $48, it takes you through historic pubs, including the Driskill Hotel lobby, and features stories of haunted and quirky Austin.
Guests mention the engaging storytelling and appreciate the small group size, which fosters a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s well-suited for travelers who want to explore several historic pubs while learning about Austin’s past, with the bonus of discounts on Voodoo Doughnuts.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a blend of history, nightlife, and a more intimate tour experience.
7. Austin: Morning History Walking Tour of Downtown Austin
Starting early, this Morning History Walking Tour offers a concentrated dose of Austin’s past in just 90 minutes. For $32, you’ll see the Willie Nelson Statue, Texas Capitol, and interior visits inside the Driskill Hotel.
Reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and the perfect length for a quick cultural fix. It’s ideal for travelers on a tight schedule who want to get a broad sense of Austin’s eclectic energy and notable landmarks.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers wanting a short but informative overview of Austin’s downtown highlights.
8. The Madam’s Curse Walking Ghost Tour
This Madam’s Curse Ghost Tour offers an adults-only look at Victorian-era hauntings. For $34.99, in about 90 minutes, you’ll visit locations like the Millett Opera House and University of Texas Tower, hearing tales of paranormal activity linked to murder and mayhem.
Reviewers find the stories entertaining and spooky, especially appreciation for the historical details. If you enjoy ghost stories with a darker edge and adult themes, this tour’s focus on murder and hauntings makes it stand out.
Bottom Line: Best suited for fans of true crime and Victorian ghost stories looking for a more grown-up ghost walk.
9. Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour
For the lighthearted ghost enthusiast, this Ha Ha Haunted Walking Ghost Tour offers a fun, 70-minute exploration of Austin’s haunted sites. For $26, you’ll see the Texas State Capitol, Paramount Theatre, and learn stories about the first serial killer and urban legends.
The smaller group and humorous storytelling style have garnered reviews praising the entertaining guide and engaging stories. It’s perfect for travelers who want light spooky fun with a humorous twist.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a short, amusing ghost tour that combines history and humor.
10. The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour
This family-friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour is suitable for ages 5 and up. For $24.99, 90-minute walks explore landmarks like the Texas Capitol, Driskill Hotel, and Governor’s Mansion, focusing on spirits and apparitions.
Reviewers mention how engaging and educational the stories are, making it a great option for families or newcomers to ghost stories. The tour balances spooky tales with accessible explanations.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or first-time ghost tour goers wanting a family-friendly experience.
11. Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour
History and crime blend in this Austin Ripper 1885 Tour. For $55, this 90-minute walk explores the story of Austin’s notorious serial killer, with visits to crime scenes and insights into investigations.
Reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and the fascinating details about the case. If you’re interested in true crime stories and want to see the actual locations involved, this tour offers a compelling look into Austin’s darker moments.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in true crime and unsolved mysteries with a taste for historical detail.
12. Downtown Austin Music Walking Tour
This Music Walking Tour explores Austin’s legendary live music venues, starting at the Moody Theater. For $34.99, the 1-hour 40-minute tour covers iconic spots like 6th Street and shares stories of artists who launched their careers here.
Reviewers mention it as educational and fun, appreciating the insider stories and musical history. It’s a good pick for music lovers wanting to see where Austin’s famous acts have played.
Bottom Line: Perfect for fans of live music history wanting a lively, music-focused walk.
13. Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups
This South Congress Food Tour is ideal for those wanting a taste of Austin’s eclectic dining. For $95, you spend three hours wandering the SoCo district, sampling diner favorites, candy, and Western boots.
Reviews highlight the friendly guide and delicious stops, especially noting the tour’s ability to reveal hidden local favorites. It’s perfect for travelers who crave a comprehensive food experience in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: For a longer, food-focused walk through a lively Austin neighborhood, this tour delivers.
14. Small Group Austin Red River Street BBQ Food Walking Tour
For BBQ fans, this Red River Street BBQ Tour is unbeatable. Limited to 10 people, it costs $134 and takes you to Cooper’s Old Time Pit, Jim Jim’s Water Ice, and more, sampling some of Texas’s best smoked meats.
Reviewers appreciate the fabulous guide and delicious barbecue, though some noted the small portion sizes. It’s ideal for serious barbecue fans who want a relaxed, small-group experience.
Bottom Line: Best for dedicated BBQ lovers seeking authentic Texas flavors with a personal touch.
15. Downtown Austin Walk: History with Food and Drink Options
This Downtown Austin Walk combines history with food and drink stops. For $65, it lasts about 2.5 hours and includes visits to the Willie Nelson Statue, Congress Avenue, and sampling local eats.
Reviewers praise the friendly guide and the balanced mix of sightseeing and tasting. It’s great for those who want an informal, flexible experience that mixes culture with cuisine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a personalized, flexible tour with food options along the way.
16. Austin Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour
Finally, the Austin Ghosts Tour offers a comprehensive 1-hour walk through Austin’s most haunted locations. For $24, you’ll hear stories about spirits in the Capitol, Driskill, and other landmarks.
Reviews note the engaging stories and well-organized route. It’s best suited for those interested in more ghost tales and a thorough haunted experience.
Bottom Line: For ghost enthusiasts wanting a short, detailed tour of Austin’s spooky sites, this tour fits the bill.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour
When selecting a walking tour in Austin, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. If you’re a food lover, the Austin Walking Food Tour and South Congress Food Tour offer delicious bites and local stories. For those intrigued by history and architecture, the Downtown History Walking Tour provides inside access and stories. If ghost stories are your thing, options like the Haunted Austin History Tour or Madam’s Curse Ghost Tour deliver spooky fun, suited for different tastes—family-friendly versus adult-only.
Look at tour duration, group size, and whether you prefer a private experience or a more social atmosphere. Booking early is wise—especially for popular tours during peak seasons—to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Austin’s walking tours showcase its diverse character—from mouthwatering food scenes and lively music venues to haunted mysteries and historic neighborhoods. For a culinary adventure, the Secret Food Tour is a standout, while history buffs might prefer the Downtown Austin History Tour. Haunted tour fans should not miss the eerie Haunted Austin Walking History Tour, which blends storytelling with spectral sites.
Whatever your interests, booking your tour in advance ensures you’ll get to experience Austin on foot, just like a local. Choose the one that matches your curiosity and schedule, and get ready for an authentic exploration of this lively city.