Things to do in Houston

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Discovery Green featuring a garden, a city and a skyscraper

Houston Attractions

Crawfish, barbecue, and Mexican fare are just three of the reasons folks flock to this Texas city. While Houston can certainly appease your hunger pangs, you can still get your fill of the city when meal time is over. Sitting adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, Houston also has a bounty of opportunities for water sports. In fact, some of the top things to do in Houston include kayaking and pontoon rides. Of course, when the rodeo comes to town, everyone drops what they’re doing to attend. Among the most beloved Houston activities, the rodeo is an annual three-week event in the spring.


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Most popular activities in Houston

What to do in Houston

Free Things to Do in Houston

Vacationing on a budget in Houston? Spend time, not cash, on terrific experiences.

Houston Police Department Museum - Speak to the friendly staff or curator and learn more about the fascinating collections housed here.

Diverse Works - This is a must-visit for culture vultures eager to add an artistic flourish to their getaway.

University of Houston - Downtown - Fans of architecture will no doubt enjoy marveling at the impressive modern design of this local landmark.

Houston City Hall - Spend time at this historic site and learn a bit about the area's cultural heritage.

Kinder Lake - Look for a place to sit and appreciate the feeling of calm that goes hand in hand with being near the water.

Houston Public Library - Widely known among local residents, this place is worth visiting.

Christ Church Cathedral - Gain an insight into the local religion at this spiritual site.

Tranquility Park - Whether you can distinguish your lilies from lilacs, you won't struggle to find beauty in this stunning display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Houston

Everything is bigger in Houston, including the list of things you need to see while you’re in town. This Texas city is teeming with diverse dining, professional sports, and enough art and culture to fill even a long vacation. While there are plenty of quiet, suburban neighborhoods in Houston, visitors will also find a few districts brimming with activity.

Central Business District — The Central Business District has an awe-inspiring list of activities and attractions in Houston. See professional sports teams, take in a theater performance, or sit down at a world-class restaurant. This neighborhood is among the most bustling in Houston, begging for a visit from travelers who love the buzzing energy in the heart of a city.

Uptown — This area is the answer to shopping enthusiasts’ dreams. More than 700 stores make a home here, many of which are in Texas’ largest mall, The Galleria®. Uptown also prides itself on upscale dining, with more than one 4-diamond restaurant and loads of award-winning kitchens.

EaDo — For a quick tour around the world, many visitors make a stop in East Downtown (otherwise known as EaDo). A wide array of ethnic grocery stores have set up shop here, and you can find restaurants serving up cuisine native to Vietnam, China, Ireland, and more.

Things to See in Houston

The Houston theater scene is alive and well. You can see musicals, dramas, and shows designed especially for kiddos at venues like Sarofim Hall and Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. For the chance to see a truly unique art installation, make reservations for the free Twilight Epiphany Skyscape lights show at Rice University. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, also serves up cultural art and its own mesmerizing light installation. For a few photo opportunities, head to local sites like Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, the Water Wall near the Galleria, and the sculpture park in south Houston.

Sightseeing in Houston

This Texas city is already bustling, and new fun things to do in Houston are cropping up all the time. Mosey to the Saint Arnold Brewing Company for a tasty pint, which is the oldest craft brewery in the entire state. Or check out Buffalo Bayou, another one of the top tourist attractions in Houston. This 52-mile waterway near downtown has parks, canoe trails, biking paths, and other fun outdoor activities. Head underground to the Downtown Tunnels, which stretch across 6 miles and house eateries and stores. In addition to these popular things to do in Houston, TX, the area has wineries, historic sites, and exceptional festivals.

Things to Do in Houston with Kids

There's fun for the entire family no matter where you wander in Houston. Here are some family friendly experiences to do together that are certain to make your trip a blast:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Houston? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Houston on a sunny day?
Put on some sun cream and a pair of shades and try outdoor activities like a Houston Scavenger Hunt: Houston we have a Hunt or a Haunted Houston Walking Tour - All Ages.
What to do in Houston on a rainy day?
If the weather is misbehaving during your visit, dry yourself off and enjoy these awesome indoor activities:


What is Houston famous for?
Get a family happy snap at Johnson Space Center - NASA — it’s a well-known local attraction.
What should I not miss in Houston?
You’ll want to put these attractions at the top of your to-do list to make the most of your visit:

  • Toyota Center
  • Minute Maid Park
  • Houston Zoo
  • Downtown Aquarium

Are there cheap things to do in Houston?
What can you do in Houston for free?
Your vacation in Houston doesn’t have to cost a fortune with free attractions like these to keep you on the go:

  • Memorial Park
  • Menil Collection
  • MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • University of Houston


Discover the most popular places to visit in Houston

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Houston

Discovery Green which includes a city, central business district and a high rise building

Downtown Houston

4.5/5(2,300 area reviews)

Tour the beautiful green spaces, buzzing theater district and professional sports arenas nestled beneath a dramatic cityscape of gleaming skyscrapers.

Downtown Houston
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The Galleria

4.5/5(1,957 area reviews)

Travelers to The Galleria praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by The Galleria and Williams Tower.

The Galleria
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Texas Medical Center

4/5(566 area reviews)

Restaurants, museums, and shopping highlight some notable features of Texas Medical Center. Make a stop by Houston Zoo or Hermann Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at TMC Transit Center or Dryden/TMC Station to get around town.

Texas Medical Center
Hermann Park featuring landscape views and a park

South Central Houston

4.5/5(74 area reviews)

If you're spending time in South Central Houston, check out sights like Houston Zoo or Children's Museum of Houston and hop on the metro to see more the city at Elgin/Third Ward Station or TSU/UH Athletics District Station.

South Central Houston
Hermann Park featuring landscape views and a park

Southeast Houston

3.5/5(579 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Southeast Houston, check out sights like Houston Zoo or Hermann Park and hop on the metro to see more the city at Palm Center Transit Center or MacGregor Park/Martin Luther King Jr. Station.

Southeast Houston
Not sure what kind of church this is but it is pretty! 

#StunningStructures

Northside

3/5(1 area review)

While you're in Northside, take in top sights like The Heights Theater or Greenspoint Mall, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Northline Transit Center/HCC Station or Melbourne/North Lindale Station.

Northside

Popular day trips from Houston