Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour
Austin, United States

Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 70 5.0 · 15 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $30
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

70/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 15 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 “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 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 (15)
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 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 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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. 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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour, photo 2Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour, photo 3Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour, photo 4Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour, photo 5Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour, photo 6Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    15 verified traveler reviews for Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    15
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
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    joelies152 · September 2026

    Austin Ripper Tour

    Had a great time on the Austin Ripper Tour! The tour was interesting. The guide was friendly and it was a great way to learn some of Austin’s darker history. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy local history!

    via Tripadvisor

    Joelie_S · September 2026

    Had a great time on the...

    Had a great time on the Austin Ripper Tour! The tour was interesting. The guide was friendly and it was a great way to learn some of Austin’s darker history. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy local history!

    via Viator

    davidgL4528BY · September 2026

    Austin’s original serial killer

    We had a great time on the walking crime tour exploring the story of Austin’s original serial killer! Our guide was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and did a fantastic job keeping the information interesting and exciting throughout the tour. The stories were fascinating, and the whole experience was both entertaining and engaging. Highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves history and true crime.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We’re really glad you had a great time digging into this strange and fascinating piece of Austin history. It’s always great to hear that the stories kept you interested from start to finish. We really appreciate the recommendation!

    via Tripadvisor

    sandradU704MB · July 2025

    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

    Jon_K · March 2025

    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

    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
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.0.

    See everything Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin runs

    Why this scores 70

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)40
    Booking momentum (14% weight)30
    Value for money (12% weight)92
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)61
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 15 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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, The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures in Downtown Austin, Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour?

    +

    Included: Tour Guide. Not included: Gratuity; and Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour?

    +

    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 is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour?

    +

    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.

    Is Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Austin. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour?

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    Across 15 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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