What to do in Houston, TX

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.

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.

You can also book top Houston hotels and great Houston package deals right here on Expedia.co.uk.


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.

Most fun & popular experiences in Houston

Tours & day trips

See all 96 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 21 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 18 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 16 activities

What to do in Houston


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Houston

Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston

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

Downtown Houston
Man at the famous Water Wall in Houston, Texas USA

The Galleria

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
Aerial view of Hermann park in Houston with Japanese Garden, zoo

Texas Medical Center

Well liked for its restaurants, museums and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Texas Medical Center. Attractions like Houston Zoo are a major draw, and you can hop on the metro at TMC Transit Center or Dryden/TMC Station to see more of the city.

Texas Medical Center
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Montrose

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

Montrose
Houston Central Business District

Houston Central Business District

If you're spending time in Houston Central Business District, check out sights like Toyota Center or House of Blues Houston and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bell Station or Downtown Transit Center Station.

Houston Central Business District
Phoenix midtown skyline with a Saguaro Cactus and other desert scenery in the foreground.

Midtown

Midtown is well liked for its restaurants and live music. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Houston Fire Museum and Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at McGowen Station or Ensemble/HCC Station to get around.

Midtown

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Houston

Frequently asked questions

Is Houston worth visiting?
Known for its nature and dining, discovering cool things to do in Houston is a cinch. Don't forget to add Houston Zoo to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Houston?
Start your adventures with a visit to Houston Zoo and Downtown Aquarium. Then, explore different parts of Houston for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Houston?
Houston Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Houston and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Houston?
You can easily visit leading attractions like Houston Zoo, Downtown Aquarium and Houston Natural Science Museum with a three-day getaway in Houston. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Humble.
Is Houston a walkable city?
Some top sights in Houston, like Downtown Aquarium and Houston Natural Science Museum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) from the city centre of Houston is Houston Central Business District and Houston Convention District is 0.97 kms (0.60 miles) away.
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 travelling with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Houston for adults?
Karbach Brewing and Saint Arnold Brewery are just a couple of the things to do in Houston. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
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 views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without opening your wallet. Menil Collection is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia