Frequently Asked Questions

Are your Austin walking tours kid-friendly?

Most of our tours are best for ages 13 and up. We don’t use graphic language, but we do cover real Austin history — including topics like bordellos, political corruption, and true crime. The stories are told with wit and respect, but parents may want to skip the trickier ones for younger kids.

Where do your Austin tours take place?

All of our Austin walking tours take place in and around downtown. Each tour starts at a different location — you’ll find the meeting spot on the tour’s page and in your confirmation email. Private tours can begin at your hotel or custom location downtown.

Do I need to book my Austin tour in advance?

Yes, you must book ahead. Our public tours often sell out, especially on weekends. Custom tours require a quote, but we can often accommodate last-minute requests — just reach out and we’ll do our best.

Do your walking tours run in the rain?

Yes — rain or shine. This is Austin, after all. Light rain and thunder won’t stop us. If dangerous weather is expected, we’ll contact you to reschedule or refund. If you're concerned about the weather, you're welcome to cancel with 24+ hours’ notice for a full refund.

How long are your walking tours?

Tour lengths vary:

• The Story of Austin: ~2 hours

• Austin Ripper 1885: ~2 hours 15 minutes

• Others: Typically 1.5 to 2 hours
  All tours are well-paced, with plenty of stops for stories, photos, and occasional restroom breaks.

Are your Austin tours wheelchair accessible?

Some are!

• Fully accessible: The Story of Austin, Gunfights & Grifters

• Not accessible: Austin Ripper 1885, Architecture Walk, Haunted History — due to steep hills or uneven sidewalks.
  Each tour page has accessibility details, or just ask us before booking.

Will there be places to sit during the tour?

Very few. Our walking tours are mostly standing and walking, with only occasional chances to sit (such as a bar stop or brief bench break). If seating is a concern, let us know — we may be able to recommend the most comfortable route.

Is parking available near the tour starting points?

Yes — but give yourself a little extra time. Street parking is usually available north of 6th or 8th Street, and there are several nearby downtown garages. We’ll include detailed parking tips in your confirmation email.

What should I bring for an Austin walking tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, a bottle of water, and clothing for the weather. Hats and sunglasses are great for daytime tours. We try to keep you in the shade when possible, but this is Texas — plan accordingly!

What’s the cancellation policy?

• Public Tours: Cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance. We’re pretty flexible about rescheduling.

• Most private tours are paid in full at the time of booking. For larger groups booking more than 30 days in advance (typically 15+ guests), we offer the option to reserve with a 15% deposit.

  In either case, the first 15% of your booking total is considered a nonrefundable commitment once you're within 30 days of the tour. This helps cover guide scheduling, planning time, and any tour customizations we've started preparing.

  Our cancellation terms:

  • More than 30 days before the tour: You’ll receive a refund minus 5% of the total booking amount.

  • 30 to 1 day before the tour: The 15% deposit is nonrefundable. Any additional amount you've paid will be refunded.

  • Less than 24 hours before the tour: No refund.

  If only the 15% deposit has been paid and you cancel fewer than 30 days before the tour, no refund will be issued.

Do you offer private or custom tours in Austin?

Absolutely. All of our Austin tours are available as private experiences — Visit our private tours page or contact us for a custom quote. Private tours can start at your hotel, include custom stops (like tacos or cocktails), and be tailored to your group’s interests.

What’s the difference between your tours?

Each one focuses on a different angle of Austin:

• The Story of Austin: Big-picture history, quirky stories, major turning points

• Austin Ripper 1885: Unsolved “Servant Girl Murders” of 1885

• Architecture Walk: Historic buildings, design, and the city’s transformation

• Gunfights & Grifters: Rowdy tales of crime, scandal, and shady politics

• Haunted History: Ghost stories rooted in real history and local lore
  All of them feature original research, local storytelling, and memorable stops.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, most tours include at least one restroom break. Many also start at a location with facilities available if you arrive early. The exact number and timing depend on the route — check the tour page or ask us for details.

Is transportation included?

No. All guests are responsible for getting to and from the tour meeting spot. However, private tours can often begin at your downtown hotel if that makes things easier.