There are plenty of things to do in Houston that range from visiting the NASA Space Center and museums to other historic attractions. Whether one is in Houston for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended vacation, there is something for everyone in the city. Houston serves up a wide range of cuisine for food connoisseurs. There are also many avenues of shopping and entertainment available along with staycation spots. Tourists can also enjoy a pleasant stay in one of the hotels with a rooftop pool. When it comes to iconic places, The Houston Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Houston are all-star attractions that are a hit with the young ones. Meanwhile, the bars, restaurants, and museums are attractive to adults. Planning a day of sightseeing in Houston soon? Scroll down to find a list of the top city tours in Houston, Texas.
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1. Houston's Official City Tour
This convenient and flexible bus tour in Houston, Texas, is a fantastic way to explore the vibrant city of Houston at your own pace. The tour allows you to hop on and off a double-decker bus at various key attractions and landmarks throughout the city. With multiple stops, including famous sites such as Space Center Houston, the Museum District, and Buffalo Bayou Park, you’ll have the freedom to customise your itinerary and spend as much time as you desire at each location.
A friendly and informative guide provides live commentary, offering insights into Houston’s history, culture, and points of interest. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local wanting to rediscover the city, this adventure ensures a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of this dynamic metropolis.
Book Tours : Houston's Official City Tour
2. Downtown Houston food tour with tunnel access
This Viator food tour provides a unique experience in Houston and promises a delightful and mouthwatering culinary journey through the city’s diverse and delicious food scene. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour takes you to some of Houston’s best-kept foodie secrets and hidden gems. You’ll have the opportunity to savour a delectable array of dishes, from traditional Tex-Mex delights to exotic international flavours. Taste authentic barbecue, indulge in savoury seafood, and treat yourself to sweet treats at local eateries and food markets.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s rich culinary history and the stories behind each dish. This gastronomic adventure offers an immersive and unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts and travellers looking to discover the true essence of Houston’s diverse cuisine.
3. Six-hour Galveston Island tour
This is a six-hour tour which involves visiting the island of Galveston. This island is located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Here, there are several beaches one can explore as well as the chance to admire the beautiful Victorian architecture. Through a panoramic tour of the city of Galveston, you will be able to take fabulous photographs of the island. Follow up with a boat tour to admire the lovely dolphins swimming around in their natural habitat. The meeting point for this tour is at the Visitors Center located at 1302 Dallas Street.
Book Tours : From Houston: Galveston Island Tour
4. Houston: Hop-on hop-off city tour
This is for a two-day pass which allows you to take part in the hop-on-hop-off bus tour. In this tour, you will have the chance to cover the major sights in the city whilst having the flexibility to get on and off the bus at any of the stops. On this highly informative excursion, you will cover major attractions like the historic downtown area, the theatre district, historic Texas Avenue, the museum district and so on. The tour begins at the Hilton Americas Hotel where you will board a comfortable bus across the GRB Convention Center. From there, you will cover all the major sights in and around the city.
Book Tours : Houston Hop on-City Tour: 2-Day Pass
5. Houston city lights Segway tour
This is a Segway tour which usually takes place in the late evening and is perfect for those looking to sightsee in the city. Explore downtown Houston after the peak hours when traffic has eased for the day. With a tour guide, visit famous landmarks, historic monuments as well as art galleries. There will be a keen focus on the theatre district and scenic downtown parks. As your guide will point out to you, stop at prime attractions and take great photos.
Book Tours : Houston City Lights Segway Tour
6. Historic Houston small-group Segway tour
Learn more about the history of Houston in this Segway tour that lasts for about one and a half hours. Make your way to sights such as Main Street and the Wortham Theater Centre. This tour takes a maximum of seven people so it is personal, allowing participants to find out answers to all the questions they may have. The tour starts at 1.00 pm near the Houston Justice District. Enjoy many of the city’s iconic skyscrapers and monuments which attract tourists. Continue the tour towards Houston’s stadium and entertainment district. Throughout the Houston Segway tour, you will have plenty of opportunities to take great photos and be informed by your great guide on the best eats in the city. The tour will end at 2.30 pm.
Book Tours : Historic Houston Small-Group Segway Tour
7. Houston's stadium and entertainment district Segway tour
This is yet another segway tour which involves gliding around downtown with your local guide who will point out to you some of the most incredible architecture in Houston. You will get to see numerous displays of art, historic monuments and wonderful parks where many local events are held. Also get to see several points of interest like the Bank of America Centre, Wells Fargo Plaza and Enterprise Plaza. When you book the tour, you will get to choose from two departure times.
8. Full-day tour with Houston and Battleship Texas and San Jacinto Monument
This is a six-hour tour which allows travellers to visit Houston and beyond. The tour includes a visit to the Battleship Texas State Historic Site and the San Jacinto Monument. The tour covers all the city’s top attractions in a comfortable vehicle. Several top attractions like the Houston City Hall, Buffalo Bayou and Discovery Green. After seeing these sights, participants will head to the coast to see the USS Texas. A guide will explain the history behind all the attractions that you will come across. This tour will include snacks and hotel pickup and drop-off.
9. Three-day Houston sightseeing tour
This is a three-day sightseeing tour which allows you to cover the city attractions leisurely. In three days, you will be able to cover the major sights around Houston, including the NASA Space Museum and historic Galveston Island. There are a small group and private tour options which allow you to customise what you want. This tour comes with a daily pickup from hotels located in central Houston. Refreshments are provided on board and every participant gets a complimentary souvenir. On the first day, attractions such as stadiums, downtown Houston, Uptown Galleria, Discovery Green, Cullen Sculpture Garden, Texas Medical Center and some museums will be covered. On day 2, guests will visit the NASA Space Center as well get up close and personal with other venues like the Mission Control, Astronaut Training Facility, Rocket Park and many more. Get to enjoy dinner at some of Houston’s best like Cadillac Bar & Grill and Lighthouse Buffet. On the final day, you will visit the historic Galveston and learn about the history of the island and hear spooky ghost stories. Also, shop and stroll on The Strand at your own pace. End the day with shopping and get back to your accommodation contented.
Book Tours : 3-Day Houston Sightseeing Tour
10. Operation City Quest scavenger hunt
Operation City Quest is one activity you have to engage in while in Houston. This is a scavenger hunt wherein you will use your phone along with the help of a remote guide to unravel more than 100 items in the city such as monuments, statues and other points of interest. The guide will offer you with various challenges, making it an exciting two hours for you. In order to search for the objects, you will be required to wander throughout downtown Houston to search for the items. Once the object is found, you will have to send a photo in to score points. The objective of the game is to gain as many points as possible.
Book Tours : Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Houston, TX
11. Houston city lights tour 2019
This tour is a 90-minute double-decker bus tour which takes you around Houston and its main sights. The tour starts from City Hall and travels through the city centre’s Historic District and Theater District. By doing so, travellers will pass sights such as Market Square Park, Buffalo Bayou, Allen Parkway, the River Oaks district and many more. You will sit in a comfortable vehicle with complimentary hot chocolate. Live commentary will be provided about all the landmarks that you will pass. See holiday light displays when you do the tour in December especially.
Book Tours : Houston City Lights Tour
12. Tanger outlets shopping and Houston city sightseeing tour
What better tour than one which combines an outlet shopping experience with Houston’s top attractions. This 90-minute tour begins in the morning aboard a comfortable double-decker bus. While touring downtown Houston, enjoy sites such as the Houston Zoo, the Museum District and Minute Maid Park. Subsequently, take the round-trip transport to Tanger Outlets. Enjoy major discounts at over 200 outlet stores such as Kate Spade New York and Coach. For four hours, you will be able to buy all that you want at nominal prices.
Houston's special attractions
There is indeed much to see in Houston for one and all. No better way to cover the tourist attractions in Houston than take on one of the above city tours that the city organises.
Frequently asked questions about city tours in Houston
History
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