Glowing structures of an immersive art installation in Houston

Things to do in  Houston

Take a Texas-sized bite

Big, hot, and out of this world—literally, thanks to the NASA Space Center—Houston combines old Texas flavor with a modern-day lifestyle. From cultural attractions to family-friendly fun, there’s a range of things to do in Houston. Browse the works at the Museum of Fine Arts or eat and drink your way through the city as you take in its historic, honky-tonk charm. Or beat the heat with an afternoon excursion to indoor spots like the Downtown Aquarium or the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Top 15 attractions in Houston

Space Center Houston

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Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, offers visitors some out-of-this-world experiences. Watch astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, and tour NASA’s control center. Anyone with an interest in aeronautics and space will appreciate Space Center Houston’s interactive exhibits, presentations, and attractions that dive into the past, present, and future of our universe.More

Downtown Aquarium

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Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is a fun and educational attraction, especially for families. Children can get up close and personal with more than 200 types of underwater creatures, including myriad fish, eels, rays in a touch tank, sharks, and white tigers. Kids also love the amusement rides and dining in the underwater aquarium restaurant.More

Market Square Park

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Set in the heart of downtown Houston at the site of the city’s original founding, Market Square Park is the greenest, hippest, and most historic square block in town. The urban park is popular with picnickers, cyclists, and anyone looking for quiet reflection in the middle of the bustling city.More

Minute Maid Park

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Minute Maid Park opened in 2000 as the home of the Houston Astros baseball team. Hitters love how the left-field wall is only 315 feet (96 meters away, and spectators enjoy a retractable roof to create ideal conditions for a game, no matter the weather. A train chugs along the outfield every time the Astros hit a home run.More

Houston Museum of Natural Science

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Located in Houston’s sprawling Hermann Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science features four floors of temporary and permanent exhibit halls, the Burke Baker Planetarium, and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. The museum also offers a stellar lineup of special exhibitions, which cover topics far beyond the scope of traditional natural science.More

JPMorgan Chase Tower

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If "everything is bigger in Texas," JPMorganChase Tower in central Houston is no exception. This skyscraper stands 75 stories tall and tops out at just over 1,000 feet (305 meters), making it the tallest building in Texas. It boasts a unique five-sided design, built with expansive 85-foot-wide (26-meter) glass, and serves as a Houston icon.More

Houston Zoo

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Located in Hermann Park, the 55-acre (22-hectare) Houston Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals from hundreds of species. See animals ranging from penguins and toads to giraffes and howler monkeys in spacious enclosures, and learn more through educational activities and seasonal events.More

Tranquility Park

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Discover Houston’s interstellar connection at the downtown park that pays tribute to the historic moon landing. Named after the lunar Sea of Tranquillity, this park commemorates the momentous day when US astronauts first set foot on the moon. Marvel at the cool oasis of fountains and walkways, along with the scattered memorials to the moon landing, including plaques and monuments.More

Sam Houston Park

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Discover the history of Texas at Sam Houston Park, a unique oasis in the heart of downtown Houston. It’s the oldest park in the city and serves as a portal through time, with nine historic buildings on-site. The buildings are landscaped into a Victorian wonderland, with rustic bridges, streams, water fountains, and plenty of walking trails.More

Houston City Hall

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A prime example of the southwestern architecture of the late 1930s, Houston City Hall is the seat of Houston’s municipal government and sits at the heart of Houston’s Skyline District. An architectural landmark set between Houston Public Library and Tranquility Park, it’s also famous for its seasonal farmers market.More

Children's Museum of Houston

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Whether carrying out science experiments, discovering foreign cultures, or constructing elaborate LEGO inventions—kids will be in their element at the Children's Museum of Houston. Designed as a ‘Playground for the Mind’, the museum focuses on child-centered learning through hands-on workshops, interactive exhibitions, and fun activities.More

Houston Museum District

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Whether you want to delve into World War II history, admire contemporary art masterpieces, or spot lions and elephants at Houston Zoo—the Houston Museum District has something to suit all ages and interests. The district is home to 19 museums, galleries, and cultural centers, linked by tree-lined boulevards and leafy parks.More

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

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The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) displays some 6,000 years of art history through a collection of nearly 70,000 works from six continents—one of the largest museums in the United States. The collection is spread across seven facilities plus two nearby house museums showcasing the decorative arts.More

Hermann Park

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Marking the southern border of Houston’s Museum District, Hermann Park offers 445 acres (180 hectares) of urban parklands just minutes from downtown. With a lake, golf course, gardens, and plenty of space for outdoor activities, the park is an idyllic spot for city dwellers to escape the crowds or spread out a picnic blanket.More

Kemah Boardwalk

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Bordering Galveston Bay, Kemah Boardwalk transformed what was once a small fishing community into a popular tourist destination: today, it’s home to an amusement park, and frequent live music and festivals enhance the lively atmosphere.More

Top activities in Houston

NASA's Space Center Admission Plus Houston City Tour
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Houston CityPASS®

Houston CityPASS®

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From
$76.00
Houston's Official City Tour

Houston's Official City Tour

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From
$39.95
Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip
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Houston City Tour and Downtown Aquarium All Rides Pass
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Sprinter Van IAH Transfer to Galveston

Sprinter Van IAH Transfer to Galveston

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$495.00
per group
Executive Private Houston City Tour

Executive Private Houston City Tour

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$375.00
per group
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All about Houston

When to visit

Houston may be known for its steamy summers, but the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means it’s warm all year round. The best time to visit is during the fall when there’s a slight breeze in the air, and the temperature cools to an average high of 82°F (28°C) in October and 72°F (22°C) in November.

Spring is also a pleasant time to visit, but if you’re a die-hard sports fan, then you won’t want to miss the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held from the end of February to the beginning of March.

Getting around

You don’t need a car to explore, thanks to the city’s efficient and reliable public transport system. The METRORail and bus network can get you to virtually every street in the city for only a couple of dollars per ride. Alternatively, you can rent a bike from the city’s BCycle bike-share program and take in the sights along Buffalo Bayou Park or around the Museum District without worrying about parking or traffic.

Traveler tips

For a truly authentic experience, explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods outside of Downtown, like Montrose, Midtown, and The Heights, where you’ll find the best local cuisine and art scene. Bring your appetite to enjoy some of Texas’ famous barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include breakfast tacos, jambalaya, barbecued beef ribs, and fajitas. You’ll also find some incredible international cuisine, especially Vietnamese, with eateries serving up pho and banh mi popping up across the city.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
CST (UTC -6)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
31
Tours
176
Reviews
5,926
EN
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geo_hub

People Also Ask

Is Houston worth visiting?

Yes, things to do in Houston range from the Tex-Mex food and thriving nightlife to popular attractions like the NASA Johnson Space Center and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the city really has something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you can explore the city no matter what your budget may be.

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What is Houston famous for?

Does “Houston, we have a problem” ring any bells? This big city is known for its NASA Johnson Space Center—it’s where astronauts actually train for their sky-high ambitions. The city is also famous for being the home of NBA’s Houston Rockets, having amazing Tex-Mex restaurants, and for its unique underground tunnel system.

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How can I spend a day in Houston?

How to spend a day here depends on what you want to do. For an introduction to the city—and to see as many major attractions as you can—go on a hop-on hop-off tour. For travelers with kids, Children's Museum Houston, Houston Zoo, and Buffalo Bayou are all great choices.

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What is there to do in Houston TX?

There is no shortage of things to do in Houston. Some top picks include visiting the Space Center, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Houston Zoo. You can also go see a game at Minute Maid Park or grab food from the Montrose area.

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Where can I go at night in Houston?

For a night out, Downtown is great for bar hopping as the bars are within walking distance. If you’re looking for a more vibrant area, head to Midtown for a mesh of clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars. The city also has a variety of live shows to see at night.

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What do locals do in Houston?

Locals love Station Theater, a bring-your-own bottle, improv comedy venue; Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe for really good food; Discovery Green, downtown’s massive park; Axelrad Beer Garden, where craft beers and hammocks meet in an outdoor setting; and Waugh Bridge (dusk is the best time to go to see bat colonies here).

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Houston?
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What are the top activities in Houston?