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Austin Murder Walk

Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Austin, USA
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Christa_W ·
Mar 2026
Great Austin & Texan history sites seen all along the walk. It was an easy pace, very informative and knowledgeable tales of each place we visited.
· Jacqueline_P ·
Feb 2026
Will is an extraordinary guide. Love the passion and genuine friendliness. I’d do it again! Also you must try a Doritos locos taco from Taco Bell!

Overview

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.
  • Learn about the dark side of Austin on this evening tour
  • True crime fans will enjoy investigating the murder scenes and theories
  • Stroll the streets of Austin at a leisurely pace with rest stops
  • Drinks not included in the tour price

What's Included

  • Professional Guide
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Gratuities
  • Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Bowie Street & West 6th Street
    Bowie St & W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703, USA

    This tour will depart from the intersection of Bowie and West 6th, at the corner of Whole Foods in downtown Austin, Texas.

End point

  • Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
    217 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA

Itinerary

Make your own way to the designated meeting point to start your 75-minute evening murder-mystery walking tour of Austin. Learn more about the city while touring on foot, including parts of the city’s history that are often overlooked on mainstream daytime tours.

Your guide will lead you on an approximately 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) route around Austin while recounting the chilling tale of a 19th-century ax-murderer whose identity was never discovered. Perhaps you’ll be able to piece together their identity—or at least have fun trying.

Walk through the Guy Town and Warehouse District nightlife areas of Austin and stop for a drink (own cost) at an iconic hotel before concluding the tour. This walking tour is a fun standalone evening activity or a good way to ease into a night out on the town in Austin.
1

The Driskill

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

6th Street

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Speakeasy

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Not recommended for ages under 13.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8
based on 317 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Well Worth It!!

Josh_G, Mar 2026
Will was the best!! Unbelievably knowledgeable and passionate, really took us back in time, great experience

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Hi, Josh! Thank you so much for the amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear that Will made such a strong impression. His passion and deep knowledge truly bring the past to life, and it’s wonderful to know you felt transported back in time. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him—he’ll really appreciate it! So glad you had a great experience, and we hope to see you again soon! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Great Austin & Texan...

Christa_W, Mar 2026
Great Austin & Texan history sites seen all along the walk. It was an easy pace, very informative and knowledgeable tales of each place we visited.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed exploring Austin and Texas history along the walk. It’s wonderful to know that the pace and stories made the tour both informative and enjoyable. We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you on another adventure soon! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Great Vibes Guide

Jacqueline_P, Feb 2026
Will is an extraordinary guide. Love the passion and genuine friendliness. I’d do it again! Also you must try a Doritos locos taco from Taco Bell!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you for the awesome review, Jacqueline! We’re so glad you enjoyed your time with Will — his passion and genuine friendliness really do make the experience special. And we love the bonus tip… a Doritos Locos Taco is definitely a bold post-tour recommendation! Hope to have you join us again soon! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Inside the mind of a midnight slasher!

Kristin_K, Jan 2026
This tour is great for True Crimes fans! A leisure walk around downtown led by a well educated history buff.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Hi, Kristin! Thank you so much for the great review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the true crime stories mixed with Austin’s fascinating history. Our guides love sharing these stories, and we’re glad the relaxed pace made it even more enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back for another walk soon! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Will was an awesome tour...

Page_K, Jan 2026
Will was an awesome tour guide. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of these murders. We had a great time!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you for the wonderful review, Page! We’re so glad you had a great time and that Will made the experience memorable. He truly loves sharing the history behind these stories, and his enthusiasm really brings them to life. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. Thanks for joining us, and we hope to see you again soon! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Learned a lot about the...

Scott_H, Dec 2025
Learned a lot about the history of the Midnight Assassin and the city of Austin. Had a great time, our tour guide Will was awesome!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Hi, Scott! Thank you so much for sharing! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great time on Murder Walk Austin and enjoyed learning about the history of the Midnight Assassin and the city. Will will be happy to hear your kind words—he truly loves sharing these stories with guests! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Filled with lots of...

Joe_C, Dec 2025
Filled with lots of knowledge and info! There were pictures, and this case is still unsolved. It was pretty interesting. The tour guide was passionate about this topic, and she had so many details memorized. It was wild. I couldn't talk that in depth about anything.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Hi, Joe! Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you found the tour so interesting and engaging. It’s great to know that your guide’s passion and detailed knowledge made the experience memorable. We really appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again for another adventure soon! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Great true crime tour

Michael_B, Nov 2025
We had such a great time. Learned so much and the ending was wonderful. A must do in Austin. Thanks again.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you so much for your fantastic review, Michael! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great time and enjoyed learning along the way. It’s wonderful to know the ending left a lasting impression. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again on another Austin adventure! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

This Was Awesome!

Donna_B, Nov 2025
My sweet friend and co-worker were in Austin for a work trip. We decided to take this tour on our last night before we went back home. This was an AMAZING experience!! Our tour guide, Will, was the BEST! I have been on tours like these in other states and this one doesn't even compare!! If you are ever in Austin, you have to go!! You will learn so much about the city of Austin and the history of the murders!! And you have got to request Will!! He was better than any tour guide I have had in other states. His knowledge about this was great!! If I wasn't scheduled for a super early flight the next morning, I would have loved to stay and ask more questions about all this. I am hard of hearing and read lips most of the time. If you are worried about not being able to hear on busy streets, don't be! Will talks at a very good speed and volume. I didn't have a problem at all not being able to hear. If I could rate more stars, I definitely would!! Try it out! You won't be disappointed! Donna (from Alabama) :)

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you so much for this incredible review, Donna! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your friend had such an amazing experience and that Will made such a memorable impression. It’s wonderful to know his knowledge, storytelling, and pacing made the tour enjoyable and accessible for you. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and can’t wait to welcome you back if you’re ever in Austin again. Your recommendation means so much to us—thank you! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Austin murder walk

Laura_J, Oct 2025
We had a great time. A lot of information was given about the murders. Interesting to see where they happened. You get in your steps for the day!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you, Laura! We’re thrilled you enjoyed Murder Walk Austin and found the stories and locations engaging. It’s great to hear you got in some steps while exploring the city’s darker history! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Murder Walk

Donna_J, Sep 2025
My husband and I found it really interesting and also fun to experience the city in a different way by learning about some of the (unfortunate) parts of Austin’s history.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hi, Donna! Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your husband enjoyed experiencing Austin from a new perspective and learning about its history. We’re glad it was both interesting and fun for you, and we hope to see you on another tour soon! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Wow! Best walking tour ever!!!

Blake_B, Aug 2025
An amazing tour! Will was sensational and had us engaged from the moment he began speaking. The twist at the ending was mind blowing.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Wow, Blake! Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that Will kept you engaged from start to finish and that the twist at the end left such an impression. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour so much — we truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Our guide, Will, was so...

Kristi_B, Aug 2025
Our guide, Will, was so knowledgeable on the Midnight Assassin. We were all intrigued with his story telling and the bonus information he shared. Worth every penny!!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you so much for your fantastic review, Kristi! We’re thrilled to hear that Will’s storytelling and knowledge of the Midnight Assassin kept you intrigued throughout the tour. We love sharing these unique stories, and it’s wonderful to know you found the experience worth every penny. We hope to welcome you back on another tour soon! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Knowledgeable

Lindsay_T, Jul 2025
Our guide, Tyler, was great! Very knowledgeable and even offered up a fantastic taco shop recommendation that we tried and LOVED!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you so much for the review! That’s what I love about Tyler, not only is he a true crime aficionado, he knows all the best taco joints! Please come back as he is again soon. warm regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Great experience!

Nancy_H, Jul 2025
It is a real crime experience. Tyler was extremely knowledgeable and excited to share his well researched information!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thanks so much! This review made my day! We are huge, true crime fans at Walking Tours of Austin, and the story of the serial murders of 1885 is arguably the greatest true crime story in the nation. It is worthy of thorough research, and great storytelling. Please come back and see it again soon, and spread the word! True crime regards, Walking Tours of Austin

True Crime Fans Must Do

Amy_M, Jun 2025
Will was such a great Midnight Murderer tour guide. So engaging and very knowledgeable. You will be mind blown! Bring water, good walking shoes and mosquito spray. So FUN!!!!!!!!!!

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thanks so much for your true crime review! We agree, Will is a fantastic story teller and really knows his stuff when it comes to the horrific work of the “midnight assassin”, America’s first serial killer. Hard to believe it all took place right here in the streets of Austin back in 1885! Hope you can come back and see us again soon, Since you enjoyed the murder walk, you might really enjoy Ghost Walk Austin👻 Best, Walking Tours of Austin

Great theory

Craig_L, May 2025
Guide was awesome. So great to listen to. Wrapped us up in the story. Highly recommend to anyone interested in a casual walk and great story.

Response from Host, May 2025

Thank you so much for your review and high recommendation, Craig! Our guides really enjoy what they do and its quite obvious in their tours. :-) Murder Walk tells such a fascinating, yet little known, part of Austin's history and we are so glad you enjoyed it. Please come back and see us again! Best Regards, Walking Tours of Austin TourATX.com

Great Tour

Sarah_H, Apr 2025
Austin Murder walk was a great experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and seemed to know everything about the first serial killer of Austin.

Response from Host, May 2025

Hi, Sarah! Thank you so much for your review. We are so glad you enjoyed Murder Walk Austin. Agreed, our guides know so much about the Servant Girl Annihilator and the history behind the story. Please come back and see us again! Best Regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Tyler was amazing at...

Michael_A, Mar 2025
Tyler was amazing at weaving in tales of pretty horrific events in a compelling story. He adapted to the changing conditions (very windy, lots of party revelers over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, etc.) to provide a very enjoyable and entertaining time. His delivery was polished and he knew the subject matter very well. Great tour guide and tour.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Hi, Michael! Thank you so much for your review. We are so glad you enjoyed your tour with Tyler! Agreed, he is a fantastic guide and does a phenomenal job navigating the lively streets of Austin. :-) Please come back and see us again! Best Regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Tour with Tyler!!

Jennifer_E, Mar 2025
Tyler was such a great tour guide! He really knew the information and was very personable. Definitely 10/10.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Hi, Jennifer! We are so glad you enjoyed your Murder Walk with Tyler. We couldn't agree more, he is a 10/10 guide! Hope to see you again on another one of his tours. Best Regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Hooked

Stephen_G, Jan 2025
Austin was a great guide and very knowledgeable about the history. Had us engaged and hooked the whole time. Highly recommend this tour with Austin leading it

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thanks so much for the review Stephen! Murder Walk Austin reveals the little known story of America’s first serial killer,. As you now know, it all happened here in back in 1885! We’re so glad you came out to experience our hidden past with some other true crime fans :-) So glad you enjoyed your guide:) Wr take the murder walk very seriously! Please please come back and see us again soon! Warm regards. Walking Tours of Austin

Overall fun tour! Enjoyed...

Timothy_V, Dec 2024
Overall fun tour! Enjoyed it but the overview says 1 hour 40 minutes - it took us 3 hours to finish. That would have been fine if it was communicated to us, but we had plans after that got scrapped because the tour took almost 2x as long as we planned.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Hi, Timothy! Thank you for your feedback. We will certainly take your comments into consideration. We are glad you enjoyed your tour! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Great Experience

Natalia_A, Dec 2024
Shannon was a great tour guide and me and my boyfriend had a fun time learning about not just America’s first serial killer, but how Austin’s history shaped the context as well. I would absolutely recommend the tour to anyone who is interested in true crime but also want to learn about the city.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Hi, Natalia! We are so glad you enjoyed your Murder Walk with Shannon! Agreed, she does an amazing job telling the story and its historical significance. Your great review and high recommendation is very much appreciated! Please come back and see us again. Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Spooky! A wild history

Naveen_S, Nov 2024
William was the best tour guide! Lots of love for the history and had a lot of interesting theories on who the murderer could be

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you so much for your great review! We agree, William is a fabulous tour guide! He does a great job telling the story of America's first serial killer back in 1885. Please come back and see us again! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Great Experience!!!

Janice_P, Nov 2024
This tour was very interesting. Our guide Shannon was so passionate and knowledgeable about the topic and made it that much more enjoyable. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Hi, Janice! Thank you so much for your review and high recommendation! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour with Shannon. We agree, she does an amazing job telling the story of America's first serial killer back in 1885. Please come back and see us again! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

So much fun!

Megen_T, Aug 2024
Guide was very knowledgeable. The group was small so we got to be interactive so overall a great experience.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

So glad you enjoyed your Murder Walk tour! We truly appreciate your review. Hope you'll come back and see us again! Best Regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Great experience. Great story telling. Definitely worth it!

Nathan_L, Aug 2024
My wife and I did this tour while in Austin for a business trip. This was one of the best parts of the trip for us. Walking the areas where the crimes actually happened really transports you to a different time. Hearing the intertwined history of the city brought it all together. We have a whole new appreciation for austin after hearing about its origins. The murder mystery is shocking as you would expect but it's is fascinating trying to guess the killer. Overall we really loved it!

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour. The story really is a fascinating part of Austin's history for sure. Hope to see you again! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Great tour, city not so much

James_G, Aug 2024
Tour guide was excellent! Seeing some of the homeless and trash everywhere up close and personal, not so much. Not your fault but Austin needs to do something. There was feces in the streets.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

We are thrilled that you enjoyed your Murder Walk Austin, true crime experience! Yes, like many major metropolitan areas, Austin has some work to do figuring out the homeless population. The cities made great strides in the last few years. As always, our number one concern is our guests and we continue to take steps to safeguard each and every tour :-) Thanks for the review, and we hope you can come back and see you soon! Warm regards,, WTA

Murder in the Streets

Tami_M, Aug 2024
Hearing the history of Austin and how savvy the murderer was and the fact that the cases are still unsolved.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Hi, Tami! Thank you so much for your review. We are so glad you enjoyed hearing about the still unsolved cases from 1885. So glad you enjoyed you tour. Please come back and see us again! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

Fantastic Tour!

Charles_E, Jul 2024
Best tour we’ve ever had. Very informative. Extremely knowledgeable guide. He was entertaining too. We read the Midnight Assassin book but this tour really added to it.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review! The tour was designed to bring the book to life, so we are so glad you enjoyed your tour and your guide. Please come back and see us again! Best regards, Walking Tours of Austin

From $35.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 7 days in advance.

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