Welcome to the best things to do in Houston!
I’m a born and raised Houstonian, and there are so many fun things to do in this diverse city.
In today’s post, I’m helping you get to know H-Town from a local’s perspective.
This list includes:
- food
- coffee
- unique attractions
- outdoors
- museums
- art
- theaters
- events
- day trips
Let’s dive in.
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Houston Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours In Houston
- Space Center Houston Admission Ticket
- Trill On Wheels (2-Hour Hip-Hop Party Bike Tour)
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned)
Where To Stay In Houston
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Luxury
How To Get Around Houston
If you’re visiting Houston, you’ll probably need a rental car.
The city is super spread out, and there’s not much public transit.
Ubering everywhere also really adds up.
Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com!
Food
To start things off, Houston is an incredible place for foodies.
I think the city’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene is its biggest draw.
And it’s made possible by how much of a melting pot Houston is!
So many people move here from other countries, bringing their amazing food and culture with them.
It seems like every week there are fun new bars and exciting restaurants opening up!
Fun fact: Did you know that Houstonians eat out MORE than people in any other major US city?
1. Take a food tour
Taking a local food tour is one of the best ways to get to know this massive city’s food scene, without the stress of planning anything yourself!
I recommend this highly-rated Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
2. Try unique dishes at Nancy’s Hustle
This cozy East Downtown (aka EADO) bistro offers a menu of creative, globally inspired dishes and innovative small plates.
3. Have brunch at The Breakfast Klub
A Houston institution, The Breakfast Klub serves up hearty Southern breakfast and brunch classics, including wings and waffles, catfish and grits, and fluffy pancakes.
A favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Make sure to show up early, before the line starts to wrap around the block!
4. Enjoy southern food at State of Grace
Helmed by acclaimed chef Ford Fry, State of Grace offers a modern take on Gulf Coast cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, wood-grilled steaks, and inventive cocktails in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
5. Have elevated Mexican food at Hugo’s
Another gem from Chef Hugo Ortega, Hugo’s serves elevated Mexican cuisine in a sophisticated yet welcoming setting.
Highlights include tableside guacamole, mole dishes, and an extensive tequila and mezcal selection.
6. Eat your way through Bravery Chef Hall
Located in downtown Houston, Bravery Chef Hall is an upscale food hall featuring four chef-driven concepts under one roof.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Asian fusion, Italian, Mexican, and modern American, all crafted by acclaimed chefs.
7. Try sushi at Kata Robata
Known for its high-quality sushi and Japanese small plates, Kata Robata offers a modern and elegant dining experience in the Upper Kirby district.
The sushi bar showcases the skill and precision of the chefs as they craft beautiful and delicious dishes.
(My coworker swears he’s seen Justin Timberlake and JJ Watt eating here.)
8. Indulge at Mastro’s Steakhouse
Known for its upscale ambiance and impeccable service, Mastro’s Steakhouse offers a menu of prime steaks, fresh seafood, and decadent sides, along with an extensive selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails.
Related: Cocktail Instagram Captions
Drinks
From craft cocktails to dive bars, and every brewery in between- Houston is your place if you love libations.
9. Sip on cocktails at Anvil Bar & Refuge
Known for its craft cocktails and knowledgeable bartenders, Anvil Bar & Refuge offers a menu of inventive and expertly crafted drinks in a cozy and sophisticated setting.
10. Have elevated southern drinks at Julep
Specializing in Southern-inspired cocktails and fine whiskey, Julep offers a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere perfect for sipping drinks with friends.
11. Relax at Axelrad Beer Garden
Axelrad offers a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, as well as wine, cider, and frozen cocktails. Enjoy drinks, live music, and food truck fare in the vibrant patio space.
12. Enjoy Rosemont Social Club
Tucked away in a cozy bungalow in Montrose, Rosemont Social Club offers an intimate setting for enjoying craft cocktails and small plates. The menu features classic and seasonal drinks made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients.
13. Drink at Heights Beer Garden
Actually two bars in one, Heights Bier Garten and Worcester’s Annex is the ultimate destination for boozy fun and tasty bites in Houston.
Heights Bier Garten has 96 (holy!!) beers and wines on tap, and a delicious menu created by chef Brandon Silva.
Just across the expansive patio, the mixology Mecca of Worcester’s Annex offers a huge craft cocktail selection.
Coffee
14. Agora
Agora is a Houston staple.
Tucked away in the Montrose neighborhood, this cafe serves coffee, wine, and snacks in a cozy setting.
15. Common Bond
This bright and airy cafe is beloved not just for its great food and espresso, but also its extensive bakery.
The selection includes tons of delicious pastries, breads, and even custom cakes.
Weekend brunch is the perfect time to grab a beer or glass of wine- and it gets packed!
Common Bond now has additional locations in the Heights and the Medical Center, but the original is still the most popular.
16. Catalina Coffee
Located in the historic Heights neighborhood, Catalina Coffee is a neighborhood gem known for its expertly brewed coffee.
17. Boomtown Coffee on Main St.
This is actually the second Boomtown location, (the original is in the Heights) but it’s my favorite because it’s so unique!
Starting with the locale- Boomtown is in a really cool part of downtown Houston, called the Historic District.
The building and interior give off an early 20th century, NOLA-inspired vibe.
They serve up delicious, ethically-sourced coffee as well as a solid food menu.
And the coolest part is they have a full bar as well.
On top of beer and wine, they offer a wonderful selection of liquor and specialty craft cocktails.
There truly is something for everyone here.
18. Retrospect Coffee Bar
Housed in a renovated 1920’s gas station, this shop serves coffee and food out of a historical landmark.
19. Clutch City Coffee
This drive-thru coffee shop’s name is inspired by the Houston Rockets’ 90’s winning streak, and its logo is designed after the Houston Astros’ jerseys.
Also, they have the BEST cold brew in Houston.
20. Slowpokes
A casual and inviting coffee shop with multiple locations across Houston, Slowpokes offers a laid-back atmosphere and a menu of coffee drinks, teas, and light bites.
Unique Attractions
21. Visit Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
The Waterwall is Houston’s most photographed site.
Set at the base of Houston’s tallest tower, this dramatic 64-foot fountain is impressive and super photogenic.
After taking in the waterfall, check out the surrounding park. It’s spacious and tree-lined, making it the perfect place for a stroll or picnic.
Right next door is the Houston Galleria, which is home to tons of great shopping and an ice skating rink.
The mall is especially nice around the holidays, when it’s decked out with lights and a GIANT Christmas tree in the middle of the rink.
Related: Texas Instagram Captions
22. Experience Trill On Wheels
This Trill On Wheels (2-Hour Hip-Hop Party Bike Tour) is one of Houston’s most popular tours, and a unique way to celebrate a special occasion with friends.
Be ready to enjoy a curated playlist on the booming sound system, and moments of “Trill Trivia” and “Trap Karaoke!”
Click here to check availability on Viator
23. Visit the Space Center
Want to see firsthand why Houston is called Space City?
Then make sure to visit Space Center Houston.
It’s a fun museum that serves as the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center.
Although you might assume this place is more for kids, there’s actually something for all ages here.
Especially if you love learning and science, or if space just trips you out.
During the holidays, the Space Center hosts Galaxy Lights, a space-themed light show.
I recommend grabbing your tickets to the Space Center in advance here!
Click here to check availability on Viator.
24. Take a haunted pub crawl
Looking for a unique experience?
Enter the Haunted Houston Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour.
Explore the historic district of Houston on a leisurely tour that combines a pub crawl with ghost stories recounted by your costumed guide!
Click here to check availability on Viator.
25. Explore POST Houston
The former home of Houston’s historic Downtown Post Office has now been totally transformed.
After a full renovation, POST has taken its place, and breathed new life into the space.
It now houses a music venue, retail space, a dining hall, and a 5-acre rooftop lawn.
The architecture is beautiful, and the skyline views from the rooftop are unrivaled!
Not only that, trendy restaurants serving cuisines from all over the globe perfectly represent the diversity that shapes Houston.
I think POST is the perfect place to spend a morning.
Grab a bite to eat and a coffee, then explore the impressive space.
Related: Aesthetic Instagram Captions
26. Visit the Houston Zoo
Home to over 6,000 animals from around the world, the Houston Zoo offers an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
Fun fact, this is where my husband and I had our first date!
27. Visit the Downtown Aquarium
Explore marine life exhibits, ride amusement park attractions, and dine in the underwater-themed restaurant at this family-friendly attraction.
28. Experience Color Factory
Color Factory is an immersive art experience that celebrates color through vibrant installations, exhibits, and sensory experiences.
It offers a playful and engaging journey through the world of hues and tones.
29. Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston
What better way to explore Houston than from the comfort of air conditioned tunnels?
Visit multiple areas of Houston’s underground tunnel system without the worry of getting lost.
Spend time underground with a guide who knows the ins and outs of the tunnels well, as you hear stories and fun facts about Houston.
See large skyscrapers, one of the largest banks in Downtown Houston, and impressive architecture, too.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
30. Admire BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Houston
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a mesmerizing architectural marvel and cultural gem.
Located in Stafford, a suburb of Houston, it’s the largest traditional Hindu temple outside of India!
The Mandir showcases stunning craftsmanship, intricate carvings, and ornate design, transporting you to a moment of spiritual beauty and tranquility.
31. Experience Seismique
This trippy, immersive art experience features over 40,000 square feet of exhibits, digital projections, and sensory installations, offering a unique journey through a world of creativity and imagination.
32. Visit Rothko Chapel
Experience tranquility and reflection in this non-denominational chapel featuring abstract art by Mark Rothko.
Related: Texas Instagram Captions
Outdoors
33. Get active at Buffalo Bayou Park
Winding right through the heart of Houston, Buffalo Bayou Park has been developed into one of the the best walking and biking paths in the city.
The park spans 160 acres and includes a dog park and paddle rentals.
It’s even home to our resident bat colony (Waugh Drive Bat Colony) which makes its nightly appearance around sunset.
If you have time, check out the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a hidden gem that makes for a good photo op.
After that, Eleanor Tinsley Park is the perfect place to watch a sunset over Houston’s skyline.
Related: Travel Instagram Captions
34. Admire Hermann Park
Situated at the southern end of the Museum District, you’ll find Hermann Park.
This beautiful 445-acre green space includes a Japanese garden, a mini train ride, and the Miller Outdoor Theatre.
There’s also a large monument that’s reminiscent of Washington DC’s National Mall.
It’s the perfect place to hang out with family, a date, or pets.
Make sure to stop by the trendy cafe Ginger Kale, for snacks and drinks with a lakeside view.
Related: Photography Instagram Captions
35. Explore Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a vibrant urban oasis in the heart of downtown Houston.
It offers a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages and interests.
This 12-acre park features lush green spaces, sparkling water features, art installations, and an ice skating rink in the winter.
From concerts and festivals to yoga classes and outdoor markets, Discovery Green hosts a diverse array of events and programs throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening.
36. Visit Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
Escape the city hustle and bustle by exploring trails, gardens, and native habitats in this urban nature sanctuary.
Museums
Houston is home to some of the best museums in the country.
The Museum District is Houston’s cultural heart, with venues exploring subjects across art, history, and science.
Nineteen institutions make up the Museum District, and eleven are free all the time!
Exploring any of these fascinating museums is the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Houston.
Related: Houston Instagram Captions
37. Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)
One of my favorite places in Houston is the Museum of Natural Science.
From towering dinosaur skeletons and sparkling gemstones to immersive planetarium shows and interactive exhibits, the museum offers an unparalleled opportunity for discovery and exploration.
You could easily spend all day here, wandering through intriguing exhibits of fossils, astronomy, the butterfly habitat, and more.
It offers a rich and rewarding experience for visitors of all ages, making it one of the best things to do in Houston.
38. Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)
With over 65,000 works spanning six millennia of history, the museum showcases masterpieces from across the globe.
These range from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations.
From iconic paintings by renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso to exquisite sculptures and photography, the museum’s collections offer a comprehensive survey of art throughout the ages.
In addition to its permanent collections, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions and special events for visitors of all interests and backgrounds.
39. The Menil Collection
Founded by philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, this museum showcases a diverse collection of art from various cultures and time periods.
These include antiquities, Byzantine and medieval art, modern and contemporary art, and African art.
Admission is free to the public, making this one of the best free things to do in Houston.
40. Children’s Museum Houston
The Children’s Museum is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Houston with kids.
Designed for children and families, this interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), as well as cultural diversity and early childhood development.
Art
41. Houston Legendary Graffiti Building
Located at 2011 Leeland St, the Houston Graffiti Building is one of the most iconic mural in Houston.
While there’s admittedly not that much else to do in the area, this is a great place to stop by for a photo op!
42. Twilight Epiphany Skyspace
One of Houston’s most iconic public artworks is James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace.
It sits on the picturesque campus of Rice University, and shows off an LED light sequence that’s timed to sunrise and sunset.
Clean lines and angles play off of light and space, creating a very aesthetic (and photogenic) design.
43. Cloud Column
The Cloud Column sculpture, created by renowned artist Anish Kapoor, stands as a striking landmark and symbol of Houston’s growing arts scene.
If it looks familiar, that’s because Anish Kapoor is the same sculptor behind Chicago’s famous Cloud Gate (aka The Bean).
Rising 32 feet into the sky, the stainless steel Cloud Column resembles a gleaming silver portal, capturing the imagination of passersby with its towering presence and reflective surface.
44. Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, located beneath the surface of Buffalo Bayou Park in Houston, is a fascinating underground space that once served as a drinking water reservoir.
Built in 1926, the cistern features a mesmerizing grid of 221 concrete columns, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.
Decommissioned in 2007, the cistern was rediscovered and repurposed as an art space, offering a unique and mysterious experience.
Today, you can explore the cavernous interior of the cistern, marveling at its vastness and admiring the interplay of light and shadow that dances across the columns.
45. Smither Park
Smither Park in Houston is a vibrant and whimsical community art project.
Located in the heart of the city’s East End, this one-of-a-kind park is adorned with mosaic-covered structures, sculptures, and benches, each intricately crafted by local artists and volunteers using repurposed materials.
You can wander through the park’s enchanting pathways, marveling at the kaleidoscope of colors and intricate designs that adorn every surface.Related: Art Instagram Captions
Theater
46. Catch a show at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
The Hobby Center for Performing Arts is a premier venue showcasing world-class plays, concerts, dance performances, and Broadway productions.
47. Enjoy the Houston Grand Opera
The Houston Grand Opera is a prestigious institution renowned for its world-class performances. Housed in the Wortham Theater Center, the Houston Grand Opera showcases opera’s rich tradition with innovative productions and talented performers.
48. Admire the Houston Ballet
The Houston Ballet is a dance company celebrated for its exceptional artistry, innovative choreography, and commitment to excellence in classical and contemporary ballet.
Founded in 1955, the company has evolved into one of the nation’s leading ballet companies.
Led by Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM, the Houston Ballet presents a diverse repertoire that includes beloved classics like “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker.”
Events
49. Experience the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
If you’re visiting Houston in spring, the largest livestock show in the world definitely deserves a visit!
Now, Houston is certainly the most urban city in Texas.
When I think of Houston, I picture skyscrapers rather than horses and cowboy boots.
But, come Rodeo season… Houston fully embraces its Texas roots.
This three week event is packed with every fun Texas cliche you can think of.
Kicking off with a horseback trail ride through the city, the Houston Rodeo means mouth-watering barbecue, carnival rides, rodeo events, awesome concerts, and deep-fried everything.
(Try the deep-friend Oreos. Trust me.)
It’s the city’s signature event, and the perfect opportunity to glimpse into Texan culture.
Related: Rodeo Instagram Captions
50. Catch a Houston Astros Game
Whether it’s the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, or the excitement of a game-winning home run, attending an Astros game at Minute Maid Park is one of the best things to do in Houston.
The electrifying energy of live sports brings people together to celebrate the spirit of Houston and the joy of America’s pastime.
51. Take part in the Houston International Festival
Celebrating Houston’s diverse cultural heritage, iFest showcases music, dance, art, food, and traditions from around the world.
The festival typically takes place in April in downtown Houston.
52. Experience the Texas Renaissance Festival
If you’re looking for a magical escape into a world of adventure, fantasy, and revelry, the Texas Renaissance Festival (aka “Ren Faire”) is a must-do in Houston.
The event spans several weekends every fall, transporting you back in time to the era of knights, royalty, and magical creatures.
From jousting tournaments and live music performances to artisanal crafts and feasts, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy.
53. Shop at the Nutcracker Market
The Nutcracker Market is a beloved annual shopping event in Houston.
It offers a festive atmosphere and a wide array of unique gifts, decor, and gourmet treats from hundreds of vendors.
It’s a must-visit destination for holiday shopping enthusiasts.
Day trips
54. Spend the day in Galveston
About an hour southeast of Houston lies the quirky beach city of Galveston.
I’ll be honest and say that the beaches are not the most beautiful in the world, but the town still makes for a fun couple, family, or girls getaway.
Galveston is home to lots of cool, Victorian-era buildings like Bishop’s Palace.
The historic downtown area known as The Strand is the perfect place to take in the colorful, New Orleans-esque vibe.
Make sure to check out Pleasure Pier, a boardwalk full of fun carnival games, rides, food, and shops.
Moody Gardens is another classic Galveston attraction, with three giant glass pyramids housing an aquarium, rainforest habitat, and more.
Related: Island Instagram Captions
55. Visit Kemah Boardwalk
The Kemah Boardwalk is a vibrant waterfront entertainment district located in the city of Kemah, about an hour southeast of Houston.
Stretching along the shores of Galveston Bay, this bustling destination offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
From amusement rides and carnival games to waterfront dining and live entertainment, the Kemah Boardwalk provides endless opportunities for family-friendly fun.
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