Houston
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Houston

Houston: Space Center Houston Admission Ticket

Houston: Space Center Houston Admission Ticket

Explore Space Center Houston with its 400 space artifacts as well as permanent and traveling exhibits. Discover attractions and theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human space-flight program, all for one admission price. See the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view. Go behind-the-scenes to see NASA Johnson Space Center (based on availability). Learn about the world-renowned home of NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control, and astronaut training. Experience the newest permanent exhibit, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, displayed outside the center. Walk around and underneath the first-stage booster spanning more than 156 feet long. See the only Falcon 9 on public display outside of SpaceX’s headquarters which is the same type of rocket that launched NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on May 30 for the Demo-2 mission. It marked the first time since 2011 that astronauts have launched from American soil.

Houston: Guided City Tour by an Open-Top Double Decker Bus

Houston: Guided City Tour by an Open-Top Double Decker Bus

See the historical highlights and cultural delights of Houston on this panoramic bus tour. Enjoy unobstructed views from your seat and listen to informative commentary from your guide. Cruise past important landmarks like the historic City Hall, Market Square, Heritage Society, and Graffiti Park. Start your sightseeing tour at a cowboy-themed Visitors Center with Texan heritage artifacts and photo opportunities. Sit at the coffee shop or shop for souvenirs before boarding the bus. Head to the Toyota Center, home of the professional NBA basketball team the Houston Rockets. See the beautiful urban park of Discovery Green located in the heart of the Convention Center area. Next up is Houston Graffiti Park filled with vibrant street art and wall murals. See the latest street mural exhibition organized by Street Art for Mankind non-profit.  Discover Minute Maid Park, the home of the 2022 World Series champions, the Houston Astros. Move to Market Square Park in the city's Downtown Historic District to see the Old Union train station building. Finally, admire the last original buildings of the Downtown's Main Street Square. Marvel at the Art Deco architecture of the Houston City Hall building in front of Hermann Square. See the slow-moving Buffalo Bayou River, where in 1836 John and Augustus Allen founded Houston. Next, continue to Tranquility Park which was built to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969. Spot the Downtown Aquarium, the Sam Houston Park dedicated to the buildings and culture of the city's past, and the Heritage Society museum and park.

Houston: Downtown Aquarium All Day Pass

Houston: Downtown Aquarium All Day Pass

Step inside a six-acre entertainment complex that houses a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland and is home to over 300 aquatic species from around the globe. Take advantage of an all-day adventure pass that includes entry to the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit, Stingray Reef, and unlimited amusement rides. Marvel at the different fish and other types of marine life as you make your way through 8 different areas including the Louisiana swamp, an underwater shipwreck, tropical rainforest, a sunken temple, an offshore rig in the Gulf of Mexico, the education room, and the maharaja’s temple. Get up close and personal with the fascinating creatures of Stingray Reef, where you can touch and feed live stingrays. You can also enjoy unlimited rides that include the Aqua Wheel, Shark Voyage Train, Lighthouse Dive, Diving Bell Ferris Wheel, Aquatic Carousel, and Frog Hopper.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Entry Ticket

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Entry Ticket

Embark on a journey through centuries of creativity and imagination with entry tickets to The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Located on 14 acres in the Museum District, near Downtown and the Texas Medical Center, the Museum houses nearly 80,000 artworks from 5,000 years and six continents. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the galleries and special exhibitions – all under one inclusive ticket. Let your imagination soar with exhibitions showcasing renowned artworks and awe-inspiring installations. Inside three unique buildings, witness art from the Americas, including contemporary Latin American art, plus European and Modern art, as well as work from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Gain access to an urban sculpture garden and the MFA Shop. Enjoy lunch at the casual Café Leonelli, or make reservations to dine at the celebrated restaurant Le Jardinier on the campus.

Houston: Meow Wolf - Radio Tave Ticket

Houston: Meow Wolf - Radio Tave Ticket

Discover the latest must-see Houston attraction - Radio Tave, Meow Wolf’s 5th and newest permanent exhibition, now open in the historic Fifth Ward! Dive into an immersive experience that’s perfect for all ages, blending reality-bending art with interactive storytelling like never before. As Houston’s most exciting new destination for family-friendly things to do, Radio Tave invites you to explore mind-expanding installations created by local Houston-area artists in collaboration with Meow Wolf’s visionary team. Bring the whole family for a day of adventure, transformation, and endless discoveries at Houston’s newest, most interactive exhibit—the experience you’ve been waiting for!

Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket

Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket

Immerse yourself in the vastness of space at the Burke Baker Planetarium in the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Enjoy the upgraded planetarium which features the world's leading digital planetarium software and projection system. Let this digital projection system allow you to step off world and into the wider universe. Explore planets and asteroid fields. See projections of planets, stars, and entire galaxies. Expand your knowledge of the universe with different dome shows like "Lamps of Atlantis", "Are We Really Alone?", "Black Holes", "Starry Night Express", "Dark Side of the Moon", and "Passport to the Universe." The last show of the day is at 5 PM.

Houston: Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour

Houston: Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour

Discover the secrets of one of Houston's most iconic and historical landmarks on a guided, walking tour. Hear about the origins of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern and admire the subterranean architecture as you experience a highly unusual space with vast columns and a 17-second echo. Check in at the Visitor Center of Buffalo Bayou Park, Houston's oasis of green in the middle of the city. Meet your guide at the entrance of the cistern, and discover how the structure was built in 1926 as the city's original drinking water reservoir. You'll be led into the cavernous cistern that has been repurposed as a subterranean public space. Marvel at an interior the size of 1.5 football fields and which, at one time, held 15 million gallons of drinking water. Unleash your inner child and play in the space. Trying calling out to hear the 17-second echo as the sound of your voice bounces off the walls and ceilings. Admire the architecture of monolithic concrete columns.

Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket

Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of natural science with an entrance ticket to the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, one of the United States most-visited museums. See spectacular mineral specimens, dinosaur skeletons, space-station models, and much more. Gaze at dozens of prehistoric beasts in the Morian Hall of Paleontology brought to life in lively displays that animate their struggle to survive. See a blue topaz crystal of more than 2,000 carats in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. Celebrate the diversity of America’s indigenous peoples in the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas. Come face to face with wildlife ecology at the Frensley Graham Hall of African Wildlife, or learn about shell science and the study of mollusks at the Strake Hall of Malacology.

Houston Museum of Natural Science: Cockrell Butterfly Center

Houston Museum of Natural Science: Cockrell Butterfly Center

Visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Walk through a living butterfly habitat, admire spectacular live and preserved specimens of some of the world’s largest and weirdest arthropods, and enjoy interactive games and quizzes. Upon arrival, enter a three-story glass structure built around a 50-foot (15-meter) waterfall. Once inside, discover a simulated tropical rainforest filled with exotic plants and hundreds of live butterflies imported from butterfly farms around the world. Marvel as these delicate creatures flutter through the vegetation, stop to sip nectar or fruit juices, and occasionally alight on lucky visitors. Feel the enchantment continue with astounding living insects, mounted specimens, larger-than-life models, and interactive games. Search for camouflaged creatures, meet a cricket weatherman, learn how insects are used to solve crimes, watch leaf cutter ants at work, see giant wasp nests, get a close-up look of some of Houston’s largest cockroaches, and more. Tucked underneath the waterfall and behind the cenote pool, discover how insects are particularly important to humans. Listen to interviews with real-life entomologists and take a peek into an entomologist’s lab, where you can look up close at insect specimens. The last entry of the day is at 4:00p.m.

Houston: NASA Space Center Ticket & Round-Trip Transport

Houston: NASA Space Center Ticket & Round-Trip Transport

With this best-value combo experience, enjoy General Admission tickets and Round-trip Transportation on board our Mercedes Sprinter Shuttle from our Downtown Houston pick-up/drop-off spot to the iconic NASA Space Center which is a 35 - 60 minute ride from the center of Houston. Arrive within an hour of the Space Center gates opening and enjoy a wonderful mix of exhibits including the amazing Independence Plaza, International Space Station, Rocket Park, Life on Mars, Artemis and trams! All guests will have about 5 hours to explore the Space Center at their own freedom before boarding the shuttle back to Downtown Houston.

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The 10 best Houston landmarks and historical sites not to miss
The 10 best Houston landmarks and historical sites not to miss

With famous sights like Space Center Houston and the towering San Jacinto Monument, Houston is full of remarkable landmarks waiting to be explored. The city blends ultra-modern attractions with impressive architecture, as exemplified by the unmissable Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern and historic Sam Houston Park.

If you’re interested in historical places in Houston, you’ll find top attractions including the 1940 Air Terminal Museum and the charming Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. So whether it’s your first time in the Houston or you’re a local looking to explore, jump into this guide to the most iconic Houston landmarks.

Houston’s landmarks at a glance

Most-visited landmark: Space Center Houston

Oldest landmark: Sam Houston Park

Most impressive historic site: Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Iconic landmarks in Houston

Don’t miss these top weekend getaways from Houston
Don’t miss these top weekend getaways from Houston

As the largest and busiest city in Texas, Houston can sometimes feel overwhelming, making it easy to crave a quick break from the city’s nonstop pace. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic weekend getaways within a few hours’ drive for a refreshing change of scenery.

From sandy beaches and the historic charm of Galveston to Western adventures at the Fort Worth Stockyards, there’s lots to explore, even if you only have a couple of days. Try locally produced wine in Fredericksburg, or enjoy hearty Cajun and Creole cuisine in New Orleans. These are the best weekend getaways from Houston.

Best weekend getaways from Houston, according to your interests

Best weekend destination for food: New Orleans, Fredericksburg, Bandera 

Best weekend trip for music: Austin, New Orleans 

Best weekend away for families: Galveston

Best place for a romantic weekend: San Antonio, South Padre Island

Houston in winter: how to make the most of your visit
Houston in winter: how to make the most of your visit

With its relatively mild weather, visiting Houston in winter allows you to enjoy the holiday season without having to spend too much time in the cold. From ice skating in downtown Houston to candlelight concerts and rooftop movies, our winter guide to Houston includes activities for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

Whether you want to attend seasonal events, like a visit to Santa’s Wonderland, or year-round attractions such as the Houston Botanic Gardens, here are the best things to do in Houston in winter during the holiday season and beyond.

Houston’s best winter activities at a glance

The best winter markets in Houston: The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market and the Holiday Home Runs at Daikin Park.

Best winter activities for kids and families visiting Houston: Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston and Santa’s Wonderland at College Station.

Romantic activities for couples in Houston in winter: Holiday-themed pop-up bars and ice skating in downtown Houston.

Unique events that take place in Houston in winter: Dickens on the Strand and Radiant Nature at the Houston Botanic Garden.

Frequently asked questions about Houston

What top attractions are a must-see in Houston?

The must-see attractions in Houston are:

See all must-see sights in Houston

What are the best day trips and excursions from Houston?

The best day trips and excursions from Houston are:

See all day trips and excursions from Houston on GetYourGuide

Other Sightseeing Options in Houston

Want to discover all there is to do in Houston? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Houston

Overall rating
4.6/5
4.6 out of 5 stars
based on 6,130 reviews
Houston: Group City Highlights Tour
5 out of 5 stars
S
Servando 11/3/2025
Billy was a great guide. Made the 3hr highlights tour too short. Convinced me that "if you think there's nothing to do in Houston you are not looking" which was my mind exactly. Shared "secrets" (phoenicia has a second floor, where to park free or atleast reduced, how to get to the underground mall, shows in the river/bayou, from where the Bushes are really😆, Rustic is closing-it already is) so much more it almost didnt feel like a tour but just like a mixed race outing with all the back and forth. The agaves at the park even got multiple apologies for the damage mindlessly did on their leaves by kids I bet if tequilas were made from them it would be sweet.
Houston: Space Center Houston Admission Ticket
5 out of 5 stars
M
Maksim 11/2/2025
There are a lot of makers. Real things will be better
Houston: Guided ATV Off-Roading Adventure
5 out of 5 stars
F
Francess 10/28/2025
Javier the guide was super amazing, patient and totally the best. Was a really exciting experience, definitely recommend
Houston: Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour
5 out of 5 stars
L
Lorie 10/27/2025
Our tour guide Jay was absolutely phenomenal. She was so knowledgeable and truly seem to enjoy her job. The acoustics in the place were absolutely unforgettable! Highly recommend going on the short tour. It is absolutely gorgeous with the lights on and especially when the lights are kicked off.
Houston: Guided ATV Off-Roading Adventure
5 out of 5 stars
A
Ayana 10/25/2025
Hella fun! Javier and Freddy were dope!! Great guides very professional 10/10
Houston: Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour
5 out of 5 stars
A
Andre 10/22/2025
My partner and I had a great time seeing the cistern. There's so much history behind the underground cistern. Our guide Rosemarie was amazing. She can sing a song she wrote about the cistern in 13 different languages. That was amazing! Definitely recommend this tour!