Small Group Pub Walk Tour in Austin With Professional Guide

Explore the lively heart of Austin on a captivating Small Group Pub Walk Tour. Led by a professional storyteller, this 3-hour adventure delves into the city’s storied past, uncovering its haunted legends and quirky cultural heritage. Wander through iconic landmarks like the Driskill Hotel, indulge in local libations, and learn about the unique charm that has shaped Austin’s distinct identity. With a cap of 12 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and engaging experience beyond a typical pub crawl, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the city’s rich history and alternative spirit.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Drinking Tours In Austin.

Key Points

• Guided 3-hour walking tour exploring Austin’s history, haunted tales, and quirky past, led by a professional guide.
• Visits historic sites like the iconic Driskill Hotel and popular pubs, with a maximum of 12 travelers.
• Delves into the city’s haunted history, including accounts of apparitions and unexplained phenomena at various locations.
• Reveals the unique and whimsical aspects of Austin’s culture, including the "Keep Austin Weird" ethos.
• Includes a discount on iconic Voodoo Doughnuts, known for their creative and unconventional flavors.

Overview of the Tour

This small group pub walking tour in Austin provides participants with a guided exploration of the city’s rich history, haunted tales, and quirky past, all while visiting historic sites like the iconic Driskill Hotel.

Led by a professional guide, the tour takes guests on a journey through Austin’s vibrant pub scene, where they’ll hear captivating stories and learn about the city’s unique character.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this tour offers a unique and entertaining way to discover the heart and soul of Austin.

Tour Details and Inclusions

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and commences and concludes at the Speakeasy Tavern on Congress Avenue. It accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate group experience. Participants must be at least 21 years old to join the tour.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Professional guide	Food and alcoholic beverages
Entrance to multiple pubs	Gratuities
Discount on Voodoo Doughnuts	Private transportation

Guests are guided by a professional who shares rich histories, haunted tales, and stories of Austin’s quirky past as they visit historic sites like the Driskill Hotel. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

Visiting Historic Driskill Hotel

As the tour progresses, visitors get the chance to explore the historic Driskill Hotel, a renowned landmark in Austin’s vibrant downtown.

Built in 1886, the Driskill is known for its opulent Victorian architecture and rich history, which the guide delves into, regaling participants with tales of the hotel’s haunted past and its significance in the city’s development.

From the grand lobby adorned with intricate chandeliers and marble floors to the cozy nooks and crannies where ghostly encounters are said to occur, the Driskill captivates the group with its storied past.

Visitors learn about the hotel’s role as a gathering place for politicians, celebrities, and the city’s elite, as well as its enduring legacy as a beloved icon of Austin’s distinctive character.

Hearing Haunted Tales of Austin

Along the tour, the guide captivates the group with chilling tales of Austin’s haunted past, weaving together a tapestry of ghostly encounters and supernatural occurrences that have left an indelible mark on the city’s history. From the echoes of past guests at the iconic Driskill Hotel to the unsettling presence felt in the old Spaghetti Warehouse, the guide’s narratives transport the group to a time when the veil between the living and the dead seemed thinner. As the tour progresses, the group eagerly leans in, their curiosity piqued by the guide’s masterful storytelling.

Haunted Site	Paranormal Experiences
Driskill Hotel	Apparitions, unexplained noises, temperature drops
Spaghetti Warehouse	Disembodied voices, objects moving on their own
Rainey Street	Ghostly figures seen wandering the neighborhood
Scholz Garten	Unexplained footsteps and the feeling of being watched
Texas State Cemetery	Reports of eerie mists and the sensation of being followed

Discovering Austin’s Quirky Past

Beyond the haunting tales, the guide’s captivating narratives uncover Austin’s quirky past, revealing the city’s unique and often whimsical history.

From the colorful characters that have left their mark to the eccentric customs that have become local traditions, the tour provides an engaging exploration of Austin’s distinct identity.

You’ll learn about the famous ‘Keep Austin Weird‘ slogan and the vibrant alternative culture that inspired it.

Discover the stories behind the city’s iconic food trucks, offbeat festivals, and unconventional landmarks. The guide brings these quirks to life, offering insights into the eclectic spirit that has made Austin one of the most distinctive and fascinating destinations in Texas.

Guided by Professional Tour Guide

The tour is led by a professional guide who regales participants with captivating narratives that illuminate Austin’s storied past.

With a wealth of knowledge and a flair for storytelling, the guide takes visitors on a journey through the city’s historic pubs, revealing the rich histories, haunted tales, and quirky anecdotes that have shaped Austin’s unique character.

From the Driskill Hotel’s legendary haunting to the lesser-known secrets of Congress Avenue, the guide’s insightful commentary brings the city’s past to life, offering a deep and engaging exploration of Austin’s vibrant heritage.

Travelers can expect an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical pub crawl, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for the city’s vibrant history.

Discount on Voodoo Doughnuts

As a bonus, the tour includes a discount on the iconic Voodoo Doughnuts, allowing participants to indulge in these whimsical and delectable treats after their exploration of Austin’s pub scene.

Voodoo Doughnuts are a beloved local institution, known for their unique and creative flavors, such as:

• The Maple Bacon Bar, a classic combination of maple-glazed dough and crispy bacon bits.
• The Raspberry Filled, a fluffy doughnut filled with tangy raspberry jam.
• The Grape Ape, a vibrant purple doughnut topped with a grape-flavored glaze.
• The Dirty Snowball, a coconut-covered doughnut filled with marshmallow cream.

This exclusive discount allows tour participants to indulge in a delightful sweet treat as a perfect complement to their pub crawl experience.

Meeting Point and Start/End Location

The tour starts and ends at the Speakeasy Tavern, located at 412 Congress Ave in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas.

Participants will meet their professional guide at this centrally located meeting point, which provides easy access to the historic pubs and sites that will be visited during the 3-hour walking tour.

From the Speakeasy, the group will embark on a journey through Austin’s rich history, exploring the city’s quirky past and visiting iconic landmarks like the Driskill Hotel.

The meeting point’s convenient location ensures a seamless start and end to the small group pub walk, allowing guests to fully enjoy the city’s vibrant culture and lively atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bathrooms Available During the Tour?

Bathrooms are typically available at the various pubs visited during the tour. The tour guide will provide information on the locations of restrooms along the route to ensure participants’ comfort and convenience throughout the event.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are not permitted to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes entrance to multiple pubs, but any food or alcoholic beverages must be purchased from the establishments visited during the event.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions to Be Aware Of?

The tour does not have any specific dietary restrictions, but as it takes place at various pubs, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options may be limited. Guests should notify the guide of any dietary needs in advance.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour’s cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Within 24 hours, no refunds are provided but rescheduling may be possible subject to availability.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The historic pubs and sites visited have steps and uneven surfaces that may be difficult to navigate for guests with limited mobility. Alternate arrangements are not available.

Recap

The Small Group Pub Walk Tour in Austin offers a unique and immersive experience, blending the city’s rich history, haunted tales, and alternative culture.

Guided by a professional storyteller, participants explore iconic sites, uncover the city’s quirks, and enjoy drinks at multiple pubs, providing a well-rounded adventure beyond a typical pub crawl.

Whether a local or a visitor, this tour promises an engaging and memorable journey through Austin’s distinct identity.