Things to do in Houston

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Houston
Houston
Houston
Houston
Houston

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.



Most popular activities in Houston

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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!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Houston

Where to stay in Houston

Find the best Houston areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Houston
Learn more about Houston

Downtown Houston

Known for its abundant dining options and live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Houston. Top attractions like Toyota Center and Daikin Park are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Central Station Main or Main Street Square Station to see more of the city.

Museum District

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Museum District. You can visit top attractions like Children's Museum of Houston and Houston Natural Science Museum, and jump on the metro at Museum District Station or Hermann Park/Rice U Station to see more of the city.

Montrose

Unique features of Montrose include the theaters and museums. Make a stop by Menil Collection or Rothko Chapel while you're exploring the area.

Houston Heights

Visitors to Houston Heights like its coffeehouses and live music, and The Heights Theater is a sight worth a stop.

Old Town Spring

The restaurants and live music are just a few features travelers like about Old Town Spring. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Regal Benders Landing are a few top places to visit.


 

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Popular day trips from Houston

Frequently asked questions

Is Houston worth visiting?
Offering a mix of nature and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Houston. While you're here, check out Houston Zoo, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Houston?
After you've visited key attractions like Houston Zoo and Downtown Aquarium, spend some time exploring Houston's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Houston?
Don't go home without visiting Houston Zoo, ranked the top tourist attraction in Houston.
Is three days enough to stay in Houston?
Three days in Houston is enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Houston Zoo, Downtown Aquarium and Houston Natural Science Museum are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Stick around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Humble.
Is Houston a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Houston. Several attractions, such as Downtown Aquarium and Houston Natural Science Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Houston's best neighborhoods, Houston Central Business District is 0.4 miles away from downtown, while Houston Convention District is 0.6 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Houston with kids?
Deciding what to do in Houston with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Houston for adults?
Karbach Brewing and Saint Arnold Brewery are just two of the things to do in Houston. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Houston?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Houston is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without getting your cash out. Menil Collection is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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