
Austin Murder Walk
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 351 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Austin Murder Walk worth booking?
Austin Murder Walk is a 1.8-hour experience in Austin, United States, from $40 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 351 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (351)
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- $40 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Professional Guide
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
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.)
10 minutes here
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.
20 minutes here
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)
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Austin
This tour will depart from the intersection of Bowie and West 6th, at the corner of Whole Foods in downtown Austin, Texas.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 25 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Walking Tours of Austin
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for ages under 13.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 350 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
350 verified traveler reviews for Austin Murder Walk. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tyler was awesome!!
The tour was amazing! Our guide Tyler was very enthusiastic and informative throughout the entire walk. We stopped at each murder spot and were given a lot of facts about how each one affected the entire city of Austin. I highly recommend to anyone visiting the city.
via Viator
Fun, informational tour...
Fun, informational tour through a bit of Austin’s history. Tour guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the subject.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring Austin’s fascinating history with us. Our guides love sharing the stories that have shaped this incredible city, and we’re thrilled that their knowledge and passion came through. Thanks for joining Walking Tours of Austin! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin
via Viator
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.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Will made your tour both informative and enjoyable. His ability to weave historical context into the stories while keeping everyone comfortable and engaged is exactly the kind of experience we strive to provide. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. Thank you for exploring Austin with us! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin
via Viator
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.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the review! The Murder Walk does cover about two miles of downtown Austin, and the Texas heat can definitely add to the adventure! We’re so glad Will made the journey worthwhile with his passion for Austin’s history and the chilling story of the Midnight Assassin. Thank you for walking with us! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin
via Viator
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!
Response from the operator: 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
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 123
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Walking Tours of Austin, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 84.8.
See everything Walking Tours of Austin runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Austin Murder Walk: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Austin.
How much does Austin Murder Walk cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Austin usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Austin Murder Walk take?
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Plan for about 1.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Austin is not rushed.
Is Austin Murder Walk worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 351 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Austin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Austin Murder Walk?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Austin Murder Walk suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Austin Murder Walk?
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Around 123 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Austin can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Austin and add a light layer if any part of the 1.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Austin Murder Walk start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Austin within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Austin?
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Austin's activity list runs on food and water: barbecue crawls to the pits that sell out by noon, Lady Bird Lake kayaking under the Congress Avenue bat colony, live music walks on Rainey and Red River, and Hill Country wine and distillery runs. We weight timing detail in the ranking, because a barbecue tour that arrives after the brisket is gone is a different product entirely. On Outty we rank every Austin experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle, Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide, The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures in Downtown Austin. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Austin?
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March to May and October to November, avoiding the triple-digit summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Austin?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Austin Murder Walk?
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Included: Professional Guide. Not included: Alcoholic beverages; Gratuities; and Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Austin Murder Walk?
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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 included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Austin Murder Walk offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Austin Murder Walk?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Austin Murder Walk if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Austin Murder Walk?
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Across 351 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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