
Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour worth booking?
Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Austin, United States, from $30 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $30 per person
Join the search for Austin's 1885 serial killer who targeted vulnerable populations of women. This tour explores the infamous historical murders that threw our city into a state of panic and turmoil. See the locations of
What you get
About this experience
Join the search for Austin's 1885 serial killer who targeted vulnerable populations of women. This tour explores the infamous historical murders that threw our city into a state of panic and turmoil. See the locations of the crimes and deep dive into the investigation, suspects, and victims of one of America's most fascinating unsolved mysteries. The unique and controversial theories presented on this tour are expanded upon in our Ripper podcast series- check out Nitty Gritty ATX wherever you get your podcasts.
What's included
Included
- Tour Guide
Not included
- Gratuity
- Drinks
What you'll see and do
Congress Avenue
One of Austin's oldest two roads, we'll set the scene, see what the characters in our story saw, and immerse ourselves in the setting of the murders. The tour begins briefly on Congress, and then we return to walk down Congress mid-way through the tour.
30 minutes here
Austin History Center
Outside the History Center, an art deco building that was Austin's first library, we'll discuss the secrets behind digging up the truth about Austin's dark past.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
At our half-way point, we'll stop back in to the Stephen F Austin Hotel to head up to the Stephen F Bar. The bar is family friendly and features the only terrace overlooking Congress Ave. Guest's are welcome to purchase an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage at the bar to enjoy while we examine the rumors and theories that existed at the time of these events.
20 minutes here
We'll walk down the road where 4 of the 8 murders happened, and uncover the unthinkable mysteries of the murders the occurred here.
30 minutes here
The Driskill
Our tour concludes inside the historic Driskill Hotel, built in 1886.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Austin
We meet outside the Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel just off Congress Avenue near the corner of 7th & Congress. Also on that corner is a restaurant called Roaring Fork.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour ends inside the Driskill Hotel at 6th and Brazos, one block from our 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, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An 1885 who-done-it in Austin
Our tour guide Emily did a phenomenal job of weaving a tale of murders that took place over the course of a year in 1885. She took care to walk us to different places in downtown so that we could picture what life looked like back then. She was animated and excited to tell the story - and she helped us hash out our own conclusions. Highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for coming in this tour and for the review, we appreciate your business :) -Nitty Gritty City Tours Austin
via Tripadvisor
Was amazing, guide was so...
Was amazing, guide was so knowledgeable, the tour was one of the highlights of our Austin trip. 100% recommend
Response from the operator: So glad you loved it! Thanks for the review!
via Viator
The best Austin Ripper tour ever! Emily knows everything there is to know about the murders! History comes alive!
She makes History come alive! Back alleys and dark corners haunt your excursion. Emily is an amazing tour guide. One can tell she has done her research and she puts her passion in the tour.
Response from the operator: I love to hear it! Thanks for the review :)
via Tripadvisor
True Crime Tour was a True Treat
Emily has substantial knowledge of the subject matter which really kept us focused in the intriguing crime spree of the late 1800s. Thanks for the great experience. We highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed.
Response from the operator: I'm so glad you enjoyed learning about Austin in the 1800s!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Family Event
This was a great family walking tour. It was super interactive and Emily did a great job presenting and interacting with everyone. We had a fabulous time. We will take another one of her tours next time we are there!
Response from the operator: Thanks for the great review!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Austin.
How much does Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $30 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 Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Austin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour?
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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 Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour?
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Around 5 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour 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.
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