Walk from the Driskill Hotel to the Texas State Capitol on a 90-minute guided ghost tour that combines first-person encounter stories with local history. Ideal for nocturnal history buffs and urban explorers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Footsteps click across 6th Street as the city shifts from daytime bustle to a quieter, shadowed version of itself. The tour begins on the corner steps outside the Driskill Hotel — a brick-and-limestone landmark whose halls have collected stories since 1886 — and moves through eight haunted points of downtown Austin to end at the south gates of the Texas State Capitol.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing and walking up to 1.5 miles on flat urban terrain.
Wildlife
History
Austin’s original square mile was platted in 1839; many downtown buildings date from late 19th and early 20th centuries and carry layered civic and cultural stories.
Conservation
Tours operate on existing sidewalks with minimal impact; visitors are encouraged to avoid touching historic features and to carry out trash to protect downtown heritage sites.
Reserve your spot on the Hauntings in the Heart of Austin: Downtown Ghost Walk today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start at the Driskill steps
Meet at the Driskill Hotel corner of 6th & Brazos; guides wear black or ghost-themed clothing for easy ID.
Mind the sidewalks
Route follows city sidewalks and occasional indoor stops — wear flat, closed-toe shoes for traction and comfort.
Hydrate for Austin heat
Bring a water bottle year-round; summer nights can still be hot and humid.
Expect story-driven content
Guides mix eyewitness accounts, lore, and archival history rather than theatrical jump-scares.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides traction and comfort on city sidewalks and inside historic buildings.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important in Austin’s warm evenings.
summer
Light jacket or hoodie
Evening temperatures can drop after sunset, especially in spring and fall.
fall
Charged smartphone
Useful for photos, map directions, and emergency contact.