If you’re planning to visit Houston, a walking tour is a great way to see the many attractions that this large metropolis offers. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or a huge fan of NASA (or all of the above!), Houston has something just for you.
Underground Tunnel Tour
Did you know that Houston has seven miles of pedestrian tunnels 20 feet below the downtown core? This underground tunnel network not only connects 80 different buildings but also has its own collection of shops and restaurants. If you’ve never seen an underground city before, you’ll want to check this out.
You can grab a map and go on a self-guided tour or have a local show you around. Houston Historical Tours offers three guided underground tunnel outings. You’ll visit historic buildings such as the JPMorgan Chase Tower and the Wells Fargo Plaza. Depending on the tour, you may also see Pennzoil Place, the award-winning skyscraper designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee.
Walking Food Tours
As the largest city in Texas, Houston has so many fine restaurants that you may as well let a local show you the hottest spots to eat. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau offers three different walking food tours that each explore a specific neighborhood: Downtown, Montrose, and The Heights.
For each three-hour tour, your guide will take you to various restaurants and explain the area’s history and culture. The food may include Italian, Modern American, Tex-Mex, Progressive French, Spanish, and Classic Southern cuisine. Foodies will appreciate this relaxed excursion that combines culture with dining recommendations.
Downtown Walking Tour
We would be remiss if we didn’t include the classic downtown — above ground, this time — walking tour. If you’re a fan of history and architecture, you won’t want to skip this attraction. Many buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s are still standing, including the 1847 Kellum-Noble plantation-style house, which is the oldest surviving building constructed in Houston. You may also see the 1870 home of the civil rights leader Jack Yates.
Additionally, you’ll pass through one of the many parks in Houston, such as Sam Houston Park or Buffalo Bayou Park. For your lunch break, you may stop to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe or at one of the restaurants in Market Square Park, depending which tour you sign up for.
Space Center Houston
Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about NASA! There are more than 400 things to see at Space Center Houston, most of which you won’t find anywhere else in the country. If you opt for a self-guided tour, make sure to stop by the Starship Gallery to touch a real moon rock. To go behind the scenes of the NASA Johnson Space Center, sign up for the NASA Tram Tour.
For a VIP experience, you can sign up for the Level 9 Tour. It includes a free lunch at the Johnson Space Center and exclusive access to buildings not available to regular visitors. How cool is that?
Houston is a large city with many interesting attractions. Plan ahead of time and choose a walking tour so you can get the most out of your visit!
This photo, “Space suits at Space Center Houston,” by Heather Cowper used under CC BY 2.0. “Space suits at Space Center Houston” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.