Tours/Galveston/Galveston Island Red Light District Tour
Galveston Island Red Light District Tour
4.8(20)Galveston1h 30min
VIATOR1.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(19)
+3 photos
At a glance
Duration
1h 30min
Price from
$31 / person
Location
Galveston, United States
Rating
4.8 / 5 · 20 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 20
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Historic Galveston Ghost Tours
Meeting point
We will meet outside of Leeland House.
Description
Return to a time when the mob ran Galveston and their guests were treated as if they were family. When you crossed the bridge you enter "The Free State of Galveston," where the only rules were mob rules. The stars of the era were world class entertainers brought in to perform in the casinos, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin. Everyone was enjoying their own "Vegas Dream" right here in Galveston.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:00 PM
Next available
Sun, Oct 11
Adult (ages 16+)
$31
Out at sunset: the 6:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:41 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 61 of the next 150 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
Red Light District Tour
Itinerary
Antique Warehouse
Admission not included20 min
Originally the Oleander Hotel in 1913. Listed in the Green Book as safe haven in the Jim Crow south. A place where the African American travelers could stay their journey to Galveston.
Admission not included20 min
The starting point of the Mace Empire. Formally Sam and Rosarrio first barber shop where they bootlegged wine and spirits for their thirsty guest.
Admission not included20 min
Formally the home of Molly Waters. One of the most famous houses on the island. Molly is Galveston's most infamous Madam as she retired a millionaire. The house is currently being restored.
Admission not included20 min
At the height of the Red Light district, the railroad brought in 40,000 men a day all looking for love.
What's included
Included
Experienced Tour Guide
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.8
20 reviews
5
19
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
How it compares in Galveston
No. 42 by number of reviews among 98 tours in Galveston
Starting price $31 is close to the typical $33 for tours of similar length in Galveston
Excurgo comparison of 98 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
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 Galveston Island Red Light District Tour take?
Galveston Island Red Light District Tour lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Galveston Island Red Light District Tour cost?
Prices start at $31 per person for this Galveston 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 Galveston Island Red Light District Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.
Does Galveston Island Red Light District Tour sell out?
It can: 61 of the next 150 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Galveston Island Red Light District Tour 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 We will meet outside of Leeland House. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Galveston Island Red Light District Tour 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 20 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(20)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
B
B9556VNjeffreym
January 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Tour with the "Lady in Black"
My wife and I really enjoyed the Red Light District tour with Annette "The Lady in Black". We so much of the interesting history of Galveston, the Pirate Jean Lafitte, Mollie Waters, and the Maceo brothers. We highly recommend taking one of the tours.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your wife enjoyed the Red Light District tour with Annette, The Lady in Black. She truly brings Galveston’s fascinating history to life, from Jean Lafitte and Mollie Waters to the legendary Maceo brothers. We really appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another tour soon!
H
H2413PXevas
July 6, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
History is awesome
Larry was very knowledgeable. We had a great time and learned so much. I would suggest this history walk for anyone. Galveston is full of rich history.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you had a great time with Larry and enjoyed learning about Galveston’s rich history. It’s such a fascinating Island. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more amazing history soon!
D
Dr. Stephanie H
July 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
We had a great time with coworkers! It is one of the best tourist attractions on the island.
We loved to come with coworkers when on the island. It is one of the best tourist attractions here in Galveston. Go and learn about history and buildings.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the amazing review! 🎉 We’re thrilled to hear you and your coworkers had a great time on the Galveston Island Red Light District Tour. It means the world to us to be considered one of the best attractions on the island! 🙌 Come back and adventure with us again soon—Galveston's wild history is always waiting to be explored! 🏙️👻
C
C1280DQjennyc
July 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
An EXPERIENCE
The tour was AMAZING!!!! The guide was VERY informative and the whole tour was DEFINITELY worth it!!!! :) definitely something that I would recommend for all new tourists that are coming to Galveston!!! If you want to get an authentic Galveston experience, this is definitely the place to go!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review! 🌟 We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing time on the Galveston Island Red Light District Tour. It means a lot to know that our guide helped make the experience both informative and memorable. and we truly appreciate your kind recommendation to future visitors. Hope to see you again on your next trip! 😊
M
Mobile10498969526
February 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Who knew red light district history was so intriguing?
Enjoyed the afternoon with our guide Charles. He was knowledgeable of the red light district history and stories. Very interesting slice of history. Will take in other tours on our next Galveston visit!
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you enjoyed exploring Galveston's Red Light District history with Charles. He loves sharing these fascinating stories, and we’re glad they made an impression. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more tours on your next visit!
D
delraes2025
February 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Red Light!
Loved all the interesting historical information on Galveston, who knew??
Charlie knew his stuff and added humor as well!
Operator response
Thank you for your great review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the history and humor Charlie brings to the tour. There’s always more to discover in Galveston—hope to see you again soon!
C
Cosmopolitan268549
October 12, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Great and nice
Great tour Mike was a great guide I would do this tour before any thing else in Galveston it gives you back story and history that kinda lets every thing else fall in place.
Operator response
Thank you for allowing us to share some of government's awesome history with you it does put Galveston in perspective when you know the incredible events that have shaped Galveston and the people who led the city through the centuries we hope to see you again soon thank you for your wonderful review happy Halloween
V
valerietV8678EB
September 9, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Red Light District
Loved this tour. It was my first ghost tour. Tour guide had so much information that was interesting and fascinating in the Red Light District. I am definitely going to sign up for other tours. We had so much fun.
Operator response
I'm glad you had a great time thank you for the five stars we really appreciate it we hope to see you again soon maybe Halloween
J
jamespX3066TX
November 29, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent introduction to Galveston awesome history.
Excellent experience Tour guide was fun and incredibly knowledgeable. Everybody in our group had a great time. Highly recommended
Operator response
Thank you for the 5 stars. Glad that we were able to interest you in Galveston's awesome history. we hope to see you again soon. Happy holiday
A
Anne H
March 8, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Tour guide was very informative and great answering questions. He was able to provide historical information as well as current updates. Definitely recommended 👍
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review. We appreciate the five stars. I'm glad that you had an awesome adventure and we hope to see you again
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