Top Austin Culture

Head off the usual tourist trail to uncover Austin’s sinister side on this guided walking tour through the city's most haunted and historic sites, covering about 2 miles (3.2 km) of the downtown area. Begin at The Tavern, once a Prohibition-era hotspot and now home to ghosts, before visiting eerie landmarks like the Texas Capitol, Paramount Theatre, and the Driskill Hotel, famous for its haunted bridal suite and lingering spirits. Along the way, hear chilling accounts of the "Servant Girl Annihilator", the UT Tower shooting, and whispers of the modern-day “Rainey Street Ripper.”

A ticket to Museum of Illusions Austin is more than admission — it’s a pass into a world where reality twists and imagination takes over. Every ticket includes full access to 50+ interactive illusion rooms, endless photo opportunities, and friendly staff to guide your experience. Located in The Domain, our museum blends fun, science, and creativity in a way no other Austin attraction does. It’s a one-of-a-kind, camera-ready adventure perfect for all ages.

Hear the historical tales of murder and mayhem that helped make Austin weird on this haunted history tour of Texas's capital city. Join an acclaimed storyteller guide for a group walking tour through Austin's supernatural nooks and creepy crannies, including a tour of the famous Driskill Hotel. The short tour takes place in the evening so you can easily fit it into busy schedules.

Visit the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, a unique outdoor museum dedicated to fostering community and creativity through art and nature. Explore over 40 stunning sculptures set amidst beautiful landscapes, and enjoy rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary artists in the indoor gallery. With engaging activities for children and regular workshops, lectures, and events, this destination offers enriching experiences for art enthusiasts of all ages. Located conveniently next to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, this museum invites visitors to connect with art and nature in an inspiring environment.

Get a comprehensive overview of Austin on this sightseeing tour. See famous landmarks along with hidden gems, real neighborhoods, and food trucks. Learn about Austin's history and culture with commentary from your guide and hear fun facts about the city that even the locals don't know. Plus, choose a morning or afternoon departure to easily fit this tour into your schedule.

Save time looking up bus schedules and opt for this hassle-free Austin sightseeing bus tour instead. Travel on a loop around the city that passes by top landmarks in Austin’s downtown area. Along the way, listen to commentary from a guide, get great photos from the top deck, or sit in the climate-controlled lower deck. Highlights include 6th Street, The Driskill hotel, Texas State Capitol, and the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

Hear stories about Austin’s Old West history and spooky unexplained happenings—and discover many of its most atmospheric drinking dens—on this two-in-one Old West ghost tour and pub crawl. Meet your guide in the evening in central Austin and get ready to explore. Visit multiple bars and historical landmarks over the course of the tour, with a dose of storytelling—and chances to buy drinks—at each stop.

Enjoy a half-day experience filled with barbecue and wine without having to get behind the wheel after drinking with a wine country and barbecue shuttle from Austin. Your driver takes you to the outskirts of Austin to visit two popular wineries, where you can taste locally produced wines at your own expense, and the Salt Lick BBQ.

Escape busy local buses and see Austin in style, with this private highlights tour. Enjoy the thrill of traveling in an open-top Ford Bronco, and check off lots of key landmarks—such as Lady Bird Lake, the grounds of the Texas Capitol, and Mount Bonnell. Also, as it’s a private trip, you can ask questions throughout and get a more personalized service.

If you want to see more of Austin in less time—without getting jammed into a tour bus—book this e-bike tour perfect for seeing the sights, while enjoying Austin's fantastic weather. Hop on your pedal-assist e-bike, and follow your guide to Austin's famous murals, city landmarks, and University of Texas buildings. Along the way, take in views of the downtown skyline, and visit the Texas State Capitol building.

The all-new ACL Live Tour experience offers an immersive journey into the legendary Austin City Limits TV series and award-winning music venue. The tour begins with a captivating short film showcasing iconic performances from the longest-running music show in television history. Highlights of the ACL Live Tour include: • Interactive Timeline: Explore 50 seasons of unforgettable performances, complete with behind-the-scenes stories from series producers. • Extensive Photo Galleries: View the work of photographers Scott Newton and Alison Narro, capturing artists from both the TV series and the ACL Live stage. • Original ACL TV Stage Access: Step onto the original ACL TV stage and snap a photo where nearly 1,000 acts—starting with Willie Nelson in 1974—have performed. • Behind-the-Scenes Exploration: Gain exclusive access to rockstar green rooms, backstage areas, and the inner workings of Austin’s award-winning music venue.

Explore the eerie side of Austin on a unique haunted tour in a classic Cadillac hearse transformed into a spooky limo. Each night, embark on a 3-hour journey to historic locations known for their paranormal activity, including the Clay Pit and Littlefield House at UT. Guests will enjoy minimal walking while getting out frequently to visit haunted establishments. With complimentary sodas and ice available, guests can also bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy responsibly. This tour is perfect for ages 13 and up, making it an ideal experience for thrill-seekers and ghost enthusiasts alike. - Tour operates every night at 7 pm - Discover haunted hotspots in Austin with frequent stops for exploration - Enjoy complimentary refreshments; byob if you wish - Minimum of 2 participants required, accommodating small groups up to 6

Step into Austin’s dark past with this Haunted Audio Tour — a self-guided journey through real haunted landmarks and verified history. Explore at your own pace as immersive sound design, cinematic storytelling, and spine-chilling true tales reveal the city’s most notorious spirits. No apps, no groups—just you, your smartphone, and Austin after dark. We painstakingly research, write, record, and edit our tours.

Austin after dark with a local storyteller — haunted bars, hidden history, rooftop views, and the city’s most infamous ghost stories. This isn’t a scripted history lecture or a crowded tourist trap. Part ghost tour, part nightlife experience, the night is built around immersive storytelling, eerie legends, and the darker side of downtown Austin after midnight. From the Driskill Hotel to hidden alleyways and historic pubs, you’ll hear the stories that still linger through downtown after dark. -Two hours of vivid storytelling, history, and hauntings -Explore historic bars and landmarks with a local storyteller -Drinks available for purchase at each stop -Built for a social, interactive, and more personal group experience

Experience Austin's live music scene on a tour led by a guide. Visit as many as three iconic clubs and up-and-coming venues and enjoy hearing live music with a group of fun fellow travelers. Don't get caught listening to cover bands, listen to authentic music in one of the world's music capitals.

This historic walking tour takes guests through the beginnings of Austin's Black community through the present. Guests will learn about The City of Austin's 1928 Master Plan and creation of the "Negro District", which is was centered around East 11th Street. We will visit important sites and institutions throughout our one-mile journey. Guests will also be able to engage in dialogue about the changing nature of East Austin and the city's Black community. A large part of this experience is to support local Black owned businesses in the neighborhood.

Explore the Texas State Capitol on a small group walking tour that brings Austin’s rich history to life. Led by an expert local guide, this engaging 1 hour and 15 minutes tour covers the Capitol's striking pink granite façade and its grand interiors, including the Rotunda and Senate Chambers. Learn about Texas politics, historical figures, and the unique identity of the Lone Star State as you stroll through the scenic 22-acre grounds, pausing at significant monuments like the Tejano Monument and the African American History Memorial. Perfect for both first-time visitors and locals seeking a deeper appreciation of Texas history. - Small group tour for an intimate and interactive experience - Guided exploration of the Texas State Capitol's architecture and history - Visit historic outdoor monuments and the Capitol Gift Shop - Enjoy a comprehensive tour lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes

Many of the bat tours that set out on Lady Bird Lake in Austin are filled with so many people, it can be hard to see where your guide is leading you, but not with this Austin Bats Sunset Small-Group Kayak Tour. This tour sets out at sunset with just 12 for a more intimate experience. Take in views from your kayak of the Mexican free-tailed bats as they fly above Congress Avenue Bridge.

In 1885, America’s first serial killer stalked the streets and alleyways of the city of Austin. He came to be known as the “Midnight Assassin,” but his identity remains a mystery. On this guided evening walking tour, explore historic Austin including West 6th Street, Guy Town, and the Warehouse District, plus stop for a drink at the Driskill Hotel, as you learn about his crimes.

See many of Austin's highlights in just a few hours on this bike tour. You won't have to worry about navigating if you opt for a guided tour, and you'll cover about 7 miles (roughly 11 kilometers) of ground much faster than by walking. Bike past Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, Congress Avenue Bridge, and attractions such as the Texas State Capitol building.

Check out Austin's Sixth Street nightlife on your own terms with an app-based bar crawl. Download the Let’s Roam app and visit pubs, clubs, and dive bars while completing photo and video challenges to earn points and become the Bar Hunt Champion. This interactive scavenger hunt suits small groups, team building, date nights, or special events. Participants must be 21 or older.

This historical walking tour takes guests through the presence of Black people in the heart of downtown Austin. Since Austin’s establishment in 1839 and before, people of African descent have played an integral part in this city’s development. We journey through centuries of histories, contributions, and experiences that are seldom told. We will explore the history of enslavement in Austin, routes to freedom in Mexico for enslaved persons passing through Austin, and the Black businesses and institutions that once flourished downtown. On this one-mile walk, guests will engage in dialogue about Black people's role in Austin’s development and their continued presence. Please reserve up to 2 hours for this tour to accommodate walking between points of interest and time to discuss topics.

Ideal for travelers who’re fans of ghost stories rooted in history and who’re also short on time while visiting the city, this Downtown Austin Ghost Tour is a great pick. Walk the streets of downtown with a guide who can get you around the city safely at night, while telling you spooky tales about the attractions you pass by. Some highlights of this walking tour include the Texas Governor's Mansion, The Driskill, and the Paramount Theatre.