Introduction
Austin keeps things weird, and its dead apparently agree. This guide compares the five best ghost tours in Austin, Texas, from walks past the Driskill Hotel to the trail of the Midnight Assassin, with a few extra options in case the top five sell out. Each tour links straight to its booking page.
1. Haunted Austin Walking History Tour
Uncover the chilling tales of murder and mayhem that have contributed to Austin's unique character on the Haunted Austin Walking History Tour. Led by an acclaimed storyteller, this ghost tour in Austin takes you through the city’s supernatural corners and creepy spots, including the renowned Driskill Hotel. Hear historical tales of murder and mayhem, which helped make Austin weird. The walking tour includes a visit to the famous Driskill Hotel, one of the most haunted places in the city. The tour guide will captivate you with stories that blend Austin's haunted history and historical tours. This tour is perfect for those who love a mix of history and hauntings.
Book Now: Haunted Austin Walking History Tour
2. Austin Murder Walk - Austin Haunted Tour
In 1885, a killer the newspapers would later call America's first serial killer terrorized the streets of Austin, known as the “Midnight Assassin.” His identity remains a mystery to this day. On the Austin Murder Walk - Austin Haunted Tour, explore historic sites such as West 6th Street, Guy Town, and the Warehouse District. End the evening with a drink at the Driskill Hotel while you learn about the crimes. The guide provides in-depth knowledge of the case, which makes this one of the most compelling ghost tours in Austin.
Book Now: Austin Murder Walk - Austin Haunted Tour
3. Austin Ghosts Weird and Haunted Dark History
Discover the eerie side of Austin on the Austin Ghosts Weird and Haunted Dark History tour. This evening walking tour takes you through some of the city's most haunted locations, sharing stories of forbidden lovers, suicides, brutal murders, and freak accidents. Visit haunting spots like the Cathedral of Junk, the Hope Outdoor Gallery, and the Museum of the Weird, as well as various restaurants and vintage shops. This ghost tour in Austin delves into the dark corners of the city's history, providing a unique perspective on the paranormal activity that has been reported over the years.
Book Now: Austin Ghosts Weird and Haunted Dark History
4. Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour
Experience a different side of Austin with the Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour. This 2.5-hour nighttime ride from March to October takes you to haunted hotels, famous landmarks, and what is said to be the world's largest urban bat colony. Highlights include the Texas State Capitol Building, Lady Bird Lake, Austin Convention Center, the 6th Street Entertainment district, and Moonlight Towers. This tour suits anyone who wants to cover more ground than a walking route allows.
Book Now: Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour
5. The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour
Perfect for all ages, The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour is designed to entertain everyone from ages 5 to 100. Combining history with hauntings, this tour covers Austin's most famous haunted locations, making it the city's top all-ages, family-friendly ghost tour. The route takes in some of the most haunted places in Austin, with a focus on both the city's long history and its spooky ghost stories, told so the tales stay engaging for every age group.
Book Now: The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour
Additional Tours in Austin
While the top five tours provide a comprehensive look at Austin's haunted history, there are several other notable tours in Austin that cater to various interests. For those interested in a more adult-oriented experience, the Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour is a perfect choice. This tour combines a haunted pub experience with a pub crawl, allowing participants to explore Austin's spooky history while enjoying some of the city's best drinking spots. The tour guide shares ghost stories and historical facts at each stop, making it a fun and informative night out.
Book Now: Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour
Another intriguing option is the Murder by Gaslight Walking Ghost Tour, which focuses on murders and hauntings in Victorian-era Austin. This adults-only tour takes you to places known for their poltergeists and paranormal activity. It's a unique way to explore Austin's darker side with a knowledgeable tour guide.
Book Now: Murder by Gaslight Walking Ghost Tour
For those who enjoy interactive experiences, the Austin Ghost Hunt offers a scavenger hunt-style adventure. This tour is app-led and allows you to explore Austin's landmarks and hidden gems while solving challenges and answering trivia questions related to the city's ghostly past.
Book Now: Austin Ghost Hunt
If you’re visiting Austin, the Haunted Magnolia Hotel offers a unique overnight experience where you can stay in one of the most haunted hotels in Texas. For a ghost tour near Austin, consider taking a short trip to Georgetown, where the Ghost Maker Tour explores the haunted history of this charming Central Texas town.
Picking the right Austin ghost tour
Austin's haunted side is best taken on foot, with the Driskill as the anchor and the Midnight Assassin as the story you will retell later. Families have a route, adults have several, and the bats come free. Planning the rest of the trip? Our Austin guide covers tours, hotels, and things to do.
For the record, we do not run tours in Austin. Freaky Foot Tours leads ghost and history walks in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Prescott, Arizona; find every city we cover on our locations page.
Questions people ask
Which Austin ghost tours visit the Driskill Hotel?
The Haunted Austin Walking History Tour builds its route around it, and the Austin Murder Walk ends the evening with a drink there. The hotel is widely said to be one of the most haunted places in the city.
Who was the Midnight Assassin?
The name given to the killer who terrorized Austin in 1885 and was never identified. The Austin Murder Walk follows the case through West 6th Street, Guy Town, and the Warehouse District.
Is there a family-friendly ghost tour in Austin?
The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour is built for ages 5 to 100, keeping the stories engaging without going darker than the younger crowd can handle.
When does the Segway ghost and bat tour run?
Nights from March to October, when the bats are in residence. The 2.5-hour ride covers haunted hotels, the Capitol grounds, and the colony itself.
