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Looking for the best things to do in Houston? You’ve come to the right place!
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the adventures waiting in Houston! This city is packed with world-class museums, incredible food, rich history, and a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re a space lover, foodie, or art enthusiast, Houston has something for you.
We’ve explored every corner of the city, from famous landmarks to hidden gems, and put together this list of must-do experiences. From cruising through the Texas backroads to city tours and underwater train rides, here are the unforgettable things to do in Houston!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing to do in Houston was this walking food tour through downtown! From brisket eggrolls to Vietnamese chicken and rice, every stop was packed with flavor. The locally made ice cream totally helped beat the heat!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Houston
- 1. Cruise the Texas backroads on a Polaris Slingshot tour
- 2. Visit the NASA Space Center on a private group tour
- 3. Taste your way around the city
- 4. See Houston’s top sights on a sightseeing van tour
- 5. Find Houston’s photo-worthy murals on a golf cart Instagram tour
- 6. Explore Houston’s highlights and dive into the Downtown Aquarium
- 7. Sip your way through Houston on a private brewery cart tour
- Where to Stay in Houston, Texas
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Houston
1. Cruise the Texas backroads on a Polaris Slingshot tour
- Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Time: Multiple times available from 9 am–4 pm
- Highlights: Drive through the countryside and past the small towns of the Texas Hill Country on a Polaris Slingshot, feel the thrill of top speeds on the open road as you take in the views
- Inclusions: Helmet, GPS guidance
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Houston might be known for its towering skyline and NASA connections, but nothing got our hearts racing like this Polaris Slingshot tour through the city’s scenic outskirts. Forget the typical group bus rides—this tour is all about freedom, speed, and open roads.
We climbed into a bright, head-turning Slingshot (you get to pick the color!) and set off on a GPS-guided adventure that felt like part road trip, part joyride. The engine roared to life, and we couldn’t stop smiling as we pulled out onto the road.
The route took us through northwest Houston, past small-town charm and wide-open Texas backroads. Zube Park made for a great little pit stop—perfect for stretching our legs and snapping some fun photos before getting back behind the wheel.
Driving the Slingshot was an absolute blast. It’s low to the ground, easy to handle, and just plain fun. You feel every twist and turn in the best way. And the staff was super friendly and made sure we were all set before hitting the road. They walked us through everything without rushing, and even gave a few insider tips to make the ride even more fun.
Whether you’re a local looking for something fresh or a visitor wanting to see Houston in a whole new way, this is a unique, high-energy outing you won’t forget.
Book your ride on this Texas backroads tour here!
2. Visit the NASA Space Center on a private group tour
- Duration: 5 to 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Enjoy a private 90-minute guided city tour, go on a self-guided tour of the NASA Space Center at your own pace, and have the option to stop for a Texas BBQ dinner
- Inclusions: Private hotel pick-up/drop-off, NASA admission ticket, bottled water, snack, souvenir, 60-minute city tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re visiting Houston with a group of 8 to 10 people, this private tour is the best way to experience the city and visit the legendary NASA Space Center!
Our driver and guide, Greg, was fantastic—super knowledgeable, friendly, and full of interesting facts about Houston. The day started with a guided sightseeing tour, where Greg took us past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, giving us great insight into its history and culture before heading to the highlight of the day—NASA’s Johnson Space Center!
The best part? You can take your time exploring NASA on a self-guided tour! Walk through the Astronaut Gallery, see real mission control rooms, check out a Saturn V rocket, and even touch a moon rock. There’s so much to see, and having unlimited time to explore made it even better.
When booking this tour, you can add a stop at a local restaurant for authentic Texas BBQ for dinner. We did this, and it was a great way to refuel after a full day of exploring. Just note that the food is at your own expense!
With Greg’s expert guidance, private transportation, and plenty of time at NASA, this private group tour is a stress-free and exciting way to experience Houston’s top attractions!
Book this can’t-miss tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Taste your way around the city
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Time: Multiple times throughout the day
- Highlights: Sample food at six different places, explore downtown Houston with a guide, learn about the city’s history and food scene, try a variety of international foods
- Inclusions: Guide, food samples
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re a foodie like me, then you have to add this Houston food tour to your itinerary! We ate our way through Downtown Houston, discovering some of the city’s best-kept secrets and unique flavors along the way.
Our guide was fantastic, leading us to six different food stops where we tried everything from quesabirria tacos to brisket eggrolls, Vietnamese chicken and rice, and homemade biscuits with gravy. Every dish was carefully chosen to reflect Houston’s diverse food scene, and just when we thought we couldn’t eat any more, the “secret dish” was revealed—an unexpected but perfect way to end the tour!
Between bites, we learned about Houston’s history, culture, and architecture, making this experience more than just a food tour—it was an inside look at what makes the city so special. The small group size made it feel personal and laid-back, and we loved getting to chat with the other food lovers in our group.
If you’re looking for a delicious, fun, and unique way to experience Houston, this walking food tour is the way to do it. Just make sure you come hungry—you’ll need the room!
Check availability and book this popular tour here!
4. See Houston’s top sights on a sightseeing van tour
- Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Time: 10:30 am or 11 am
- Highlights: See several of the city’s top landmarks on a guided van tour, learn about Houston’s history and culture, get local recommendations of where to visit
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop off, bottled water, snack, and souvenir
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 180+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to see the best of Houston in just a couple of hours, this sightseeing tour is the way to do it!
We hopped into a comfortable, air-conditioned van and set off on a fun, informative ride through the city, covering all the must-see landmarks without having to worry about walking in the Texas heat.
Our guide was fantastic—super knowledgeable and full of fun facts about Houston’s history, culture, and local hot spots. We cruised past major attractions like Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, and Discovery Green, but one of the highlights was Buffalo Bayou, where we got to see a totally different side of the city with its scenic waterfront and skyline views.
We also drove through River Oaks, home to some of Houston’s most luxurious mansions, and checked out the historic architecture around Market Square Park. By the end of the tour, we felt like we had a solid understanding of Houston’s layout and had tons of ideas for places to revisit later.
We also love that there is an option to upgrade to a private tour for more of a personalized experience. If you’re short on time or just want a fun introduction to the city, this tour is a perfect way to start your trip – there’s a reason it has so many great reviews!
Book your sightseeing tour here and receive FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Find Houston’s photo-worthy murals on a golf cart Instagram tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Cruise around downtown in an open-sided electric car, take photos with Houston’s most popular and hidden murals, learn about the city from your guide
- Inclusions: Guide, electric cart transportation
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Houston is bursting with incredible street art, and the best way to see it all is on this mural tour!
We spent a few hours driving around in a fun, open-air electric cart, discovering the city’s most vibrant murals, learning about the artists behind them, and, of course, snapping some seriously Instagram-worthy photos!
Our guide was amazing, taking us to famous murals and hidden gems that we never would have found on our own. Each stop had its own story, whether it was a massive portrait of a Houston legend or a colorful abstract piece tucked away in a quiet alley. No two murals were the same, and every stop felt like stepping into a new work of art!
What made this tour even better? There was no stressing about directions, parking, or crowds. The cart pulled us right up to each mural, giving us plenty of time to take photos and soak it all in.
For anyone who loves art, photography, or just wants a unique way to experience Houston, this tour is a must-do. By the end, our camera rolls were full, and we had a whole new appreciation for Houston’s creative side!
Check out all the 5-star reviews and book this tour in advance here!
6. Explore Houston’s highlights and dive into the Downtown Aquarium
- Duration: 4–6 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Hear about Houston’s history and landmarks on a sightseeing bus tour, walk through the Houston Aquarium at your own pace
- Inclusions: All taxes, fees, and handling charges, guided Houston city tour, Downtown Aquarium all-day ticket
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Houston may be massive, but this city tour made it feel personal—and paired with a full day at the Downtown Aquarium, it turned into the perfect way to explore, sightsee, and have some all-ages fun.
We started off in a comfy sightseeing bus, cruising past downtown landmarks like Buffalo Bayou, the Toyota Center, and Market Square Park. Our guide was full of interesting facts, local tips, and even pointed out some amazing murals along the way (perfect photo ops!).
One of them stretched the entire side of a building! It was so vibrant, we hopped off for a quick pic before moving on.
The vibe was relaxed but informative—great for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a laid-back intro to the city. After the tour, we grabbed our tickets and made our way to the Downtown Aquarium. It’s more than just fish tanks—there were all kinds of exhibits, rides, and even a few unexpected thrills (hello, underwater shark train!).
We loved that we could explore at our own pace and stay as long as we wanted. One of us even snagged a free appetizer at the restaurant with our pass, which was a fun little bonus.
Whether you’re trying to pack a lot into one day or just want a mix of chill sightseeing and family-friendly fun, this combo tour really delivers.
Book this city and aquarium tour here and make it a day to remember!
7. Sip your way through Houston on a private brewery cart tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 11 am to 7 pm
- Highlights: Brew tour showcasing Houston’s best breweries, sample seasonal craft beer and locally made spirits (own expense), ride in an eco-friendly electric cart
- Inclusions: Private driver, personalized bar crawl to several of Houston’s best breweries
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Houston’s craft beer scene is booming, but finding the best breweries in a city this size can be overwhelming. That’s why this private brewery tour by electric cart was such a win: no guesswork, no driving, just great beer, great vibes, and a fun ride in between.
We hopped into a sleek electric cart with our guide, who instantly felt more like a friend than a tour leader. Once they knew the kind of brews we liked, they tailored the stops perfectly—think hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, and creative seasonal blends.
Our favorite stop was Frost Town Brewing. The laid-back vibe instantly pulled us in, the staff made us feel like regulars, and that citrusy pale ale was bright, crisp, and seriously unforgettable. We’re still craving another pour!
Each brewery had its own unique vibe, from industrial-chic taprooms to cozy, hidden gems. We even got to chat with a few of the brewers and hear how their creations came to life.
The cart itself was a highlight too—quiet, breezy, and just quirky enough to turn a few heads as we cruised through downtown. Between stops, we rolled past colorful murals and artsy corners of the city that felt like bonus sightseeing moments.
Whether you’re celebrating, out with friends, or just looking to sample Houston’s best beers without the hassle, this two-hour brewery hop is the way to do it.
Book your brewery cart tour now and drink like a local!
Where to Stay in Houston, Texas
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Houston, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! Your best bet is to stay in the downtown area, as it will put you close to the top city sights, restaurants, and overall fun. Here are three hotel options for a luxury, mid-range, or budget traveler.
Luxury – $$$
The Laura Hotel is located in downtown Houston and is the definition of luxury! Featuring stunning floor-to-ceiling windows with a city view, an onsite spa, restaurant, and pool, this 5-star hotel is perfect for a relaxing getaway. They offer king, queen, and executive rooms with seating areas and upscale amenities.
Prices average around $250 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Hampton Inn is one of my favorite mid-budget hotels because it feels like a luxury stay but is at a reasonable price! Located right downtown, you can easily reach Houston’s top activities. They offer king or queen rooms, equipped with their signature fluffy white sheets, and include breakfast.
Rooms start as low as $150 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a budget-friendly stay, check out the Club Quarters Hotel. Just a few minutes walk from the Toyota Center and the metro line, it’s easy to get around the city. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, and you can enjoy the gym, restaurant, and bar. They offer small queen rooms, twin rooms, standard queen, or king rooms.
Rooms start around $100 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of the hotels in Houston here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
We had so much fun exploring Houston! After spending a few days here and checking off every item on this list, I must say – Houston is underrated. There’s a lot to explore here, so pack your bags and get ready for a fun vacation!
Before you go, be sure to check out our other USA blogs! We’ve put together city guides of some of our favorite places in the US, so if Houston is just your first stop, we’ve got your back. Here are a few more blogs to help you plan your next adventure.
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