G
Fun, informational tour...
Fun, informational tour through a bit of Austin’s history. Tour guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the subject.
Austin Murder Walk
+4 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 1h 45min
- Price from
- $40 / person
- Location
- Austin, United States
- Rating
- 4.8 / 5 · 350 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 25
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Walking Tours of Austin
- Meeting point
- This tour will depart from the intersection of Bowie and West 6th, at the corner of Whole Foods in downtown Austin, Texas.
Description
Voted by the Austin Chronicle 2022 Critic's Choice "Best Nightlife Activity." In the year 1885 America’s first serial killer stalked the streets and alleyways of the young, emerging city of Austin. More terrifying than any ghost story, this monster brutally and systematically hacked eight women to death using an ax. For one calendar year, he terrified a city and came to be known as the “midnight assassin”. He was never captured and his identity remains a mystery or does it...? This tour is our longest at 1 hour 45 minutes and covers 2 miles of historic Austin including West 6th street, Guy Town, the Warehouse District and a drink stop at the iconic Driskill Hotel. The pace is leisurely and, in addition to a drink stop at the Driskill, (drinks not included), there are short rests along the journey. Join us on this exceptional true crime walking tour investigating exact crime locations and the various theories surrounding the midnight assassin. It’s a “killer” tour.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
- Start times
- 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM
- Next available
- Thu, Oct 8
- Adult (ages 13+)
- $40
In demand: 18 of the next 52 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Driskill
Our expert guides will explain in detail how the iconic Driskill Hotel fits into the story of the "Servant Girl Annihilator". Built in the very year of the murders, 1885, you will be able to tour the lobby of this magnificent hotel and view the impressive portrait of its creator, Colonel William "Jessie" Driskill. (This stop is subject to the Driskill's rules and hours of operation and is available most, but not every night. However, all tours will see up close this beautiful hotel and learn of its history.)
6th Street
Our expert true crime storytellers will escort your group through parts of the historic 6th street district in downtown Austin. Watch 6th street come to life as you view old photographs of how the street appeared during the time of the murders in 1885.
Speakeasy
The Speakeasy Tavern at 412 Congress Avenue is a crucial stop to understanding one of the possible suspects of the servant girl murders. Our expert guides will escort you inside and explain how this location weaves into the tapestry of this true crime mystery. While at the Speakeasy, you have an opportunity to grab a drink from the bar and enjoy the history of the tavern. (Drinks not included)
What's included
Included
Professional Guide
Not included
Alcoholic Beverages
Gratuities
Private transportation
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.8
350 reviews
How it compares in Austin
- No. 16 by number of reviews among 275 tours in Austin
- Starting price $40 is 27% below the typical $55 for tours of similar length in Austin
Excurgo comparison of 275 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for ages under 13.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Austin Murder Walk take?
Austin Murder Walk lasts about 1h 45min. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Austin Murder Walk cost?
Prices start at $40 per person for this Austin experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Austin Murder Walk run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM.
Does Austin Murder Walk sell out?
It can: 18 of the next 52 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Austin Murder Walk for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is This tour will depart from the intersection of Bowie and West 6th, at the corner of Whole Foods in downtown Austin, Texas. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Austin Murder Walk offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 25 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Austin Murder Walk worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 350 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Walking Tours of Austin.
Reviews(350)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
R
Our tour guide was...
Our tour guide was wonderful. Will was very knowledgeable and paced the tour well. He made sure to provide historical background to the facts. He was also personable and made sure that the tour members were comfortable. Provided a water and restroom stop. Will was warm and welcoming.
J
September tour
It involves a couple miles of walking. Mostly flat but some people struggled with the hills and the heat. Will was a great tour guide who really seemed to enjoy the history and telling the story of the serial killer.
S
Austin Murder Tour
Very interesting history. Had no prior knowledge of this topic. Great way to see a very vibrant area of Austin as well. Wes was a great tour guide!
Operator response
Hi, Sam! Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We love hearing that you discovered a piece of Austin history you hadn’t known before while also getting to experience one of the city’s most vibrant areas. We’re especially glad your guide made the tour informative, engaging, and memorable. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin
O
Never again
Very Unorganized with meet up points
Operator response
We’re sorry you missed your tour. Your guide and the other guests were at the designated departure point and waited for you before beginning the tour. Unfortunately, we couldn’t continue holding the entire group and delay the experience for the guests who had arrived at the correct location. Once the tour departed, your guide went the extra mile and sent you a location pin so you could catch up with the group, and then waited for you again. We’re sorry there was confusion regarding the meeting point. We always want every guest to make their tour, which is why your guide made multiple efforts to help you join the group. Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin
I
Great storyteller
Tyler was an awesome guide. He really brought the story of Austin in 1885 to life.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the fantastic 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that Tyler brought Austin circa 1885 to life for you on Murder Walk Austin. He has a wonderful way of turning history into a story you can almost step inside—which is exactly what we hope guests experience as they walk the very streets where these events unfolded. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Tyler. Thank you for joining us and exploring one of the darkest and most fascinating chapters of Austin’s history! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin
S
Amazing
Amazing! Our tour guide was a gentleman from London that was so educated on the topic It felt like an interactive movie. It’s a great way to walk around and get familiar with the city. Would highly recommend!!
Operator response
Thank you so much! We’re thrilled Jude brought Austin’s history to life and made the tour feel like an interactive movie. We truly appreciate your recommendation! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin
A
Excellent!
The best guide there is!!! Very knowledgable and he (Will) went above and beyond when he didn't have to. My kids and I had a wonderful experience and I’d recommend the tour for any murder mystery enthusiasts!
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review, Autumn! We’re thrilled that Will went above and beyond to make the Murder Walk such a memorable experience for you and your kids. We truly appreciate your recommendation! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin
R
Fun family experience
Jude was amazing. It was very informative and thought provoking.
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear Jude made your experience so enjoyable. His passion for storytelling and Austin's history shines through, and we're glad you found the tour both informative and thought-provoking. We truly appreciate your support and hope to see you again on another Walking Tours of Austin adventure! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin
E
Interesting and Fun!
This was such an interesting experience! Will, our guide, was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Austin and the murders that took place in the 1880s. The walk was long but not bad at all. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your review! Our true crime, special, Murder Walk Austin, covers the events of 1885, when America's first serial killer stalked the streets of Austin. It's a little known, but very important event in Austin's past. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your tour and we agree. Will is fantastic :-) please come back and see us again soon! We do appreciate your review so much.. Best regards, Touratx.com
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from$40
4.8(350) Free cancellation