What to do in Houston, TX

Activities, attractions and tours
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.

Areas & Neighbourhoods

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.

Things to Do & Attractions 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.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Houston


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Houston

Discovery Green showing city views, modern architecture and a high-rise building

Downtown Houston

4/5(25 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(15 area reviews)

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

The Galleria
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Texas Medical Center

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 which includes a park and landscape views

South Central Houston

3/5(1 area review)

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 of the city at Elgin/Third Ward Station or TSU/UH Athletics District Station.

South Central Houston
Menil Collection featuring interior views and art

Montrose

Unique features of Montrose include the theatres and museums. Make a stop by Menil Collection or Buffalo Bayou Park while you're exploring the area.

Montrose
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Northside

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

Northside

Day trip destinations from Houston