Welcome to Lodgeur’s comprehensive guide to the top attractions and activities in downtown Houston! As the cultural heart of Texas’ largest city, downtown offers something for everyone – from world-class museums and performing arts to historic sites, green spaces, and an incredible dining and nightlife scene.
This guide caters to both first-time visitors and lifelong Houstonians, covering all the must-see destinations in the area! We’ll highlight major landmarks like Discovery Green, Market Square Park, and the Theater District, as well as some hidden gems off the beaten path.
Take a trip down to Market Square Park for a taste of nature combined with the city. Artworks, preserved from before the redevelopment, as well as new pieces, occupy many spaces within the park. Events and performances are also held on the stage, which is permanently set up on park grounds. This location is just a great place to come on a sunny day and enjoy the weather.
Free for all.
The Astros earned history, and now they are ready to take it back. Need to impress that out of town client or take the kids to experience America’s pastime? Take them to see the Astros play at Minute Maid Park. All home games are open to the public and individual game tickets can be purchased even at a minute’s notice! During the off-season, you can take a tour of the stadium. Hope the Astros’ score so you can see the Minute Maid train in action, and if you’re there on a Friday night, stay for the impressive fireworks display.
Houston’s premier performing arts theatre district brings together the award-wining Houston Orchestra, the beautiful Houston Ballet, and more! During your stay, look to catch a last-minute performance on the individual event calendars below:
This park is unique to our city, and has a few Instagram worthy spots to check out! Check out their calendar for rotating events – depending on the season, they typically range from art installations, canoeing, attending movie nights, and practicing at the putting green.
The Downtown Aquarium in Houston is a multifunctional entertainment venue worth considering for your downtown exploration. This versatile complex houses over 200 varieties of marine life, all situated within carefully themed exhibits. But it’s more than just an aquarium – it also incorporates a restaurant, a bar, a fully equipped ballroom, and a variety of amusement rides for a day of family entertainment. One of its popular attractions is the Shark Voyage, a train ride that takes you through a 200,000-gallon shark tank. It’s a unique experience to discover the diversity of underwater life, conveniently located in the heart of Houston.
Visitors often wonder why they don’t see more people sweating on Houston’s downtown sidewalks. The tunnel system in downtown Houston is an underappreciated marvel of urban planning. Spanning six miles and linking 95 city blocks, this subterranean network is a conduit for the city’s bustling professional population.
With restaurants, shops, and access to major office buildings, it provides a climate-controlled refuge from Houston’s renowned heat and humidity. This intricate system, running twenty feet below the city’s surface, not only underscores Houston’s innovative spirit but also brings a unique dimension to its urban landscape. It’s a clear demonstration of how architectural ingenuity can significantly enhance the functionality and dynamics of a city’s downtown area.
Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Partnership commissioned famed Franco-Venezuelan artist Carlos Cruz-Diez to create a dazzling projection of continuously moving chromatic modules on the Cistern’s columns, walls, and cubes floating in the shallow pool of water on the reservoir’s floor. This experiential visit will make you feel like you are a part of Cruz-Diez’s colorful dream.
P.S. It’s free to visit on the first Thursday of the month!
P.P.S. If you’re in the military, a college student, or senior (65+), you’ll receive a $2 discount. You must present your I.D. upon checking in.
Stretching from Shepherd to Sabine between Allen Parkway and Memorial, Buffalo Bayou Park is the Crown Jewel of Houston’s greenspaces. Take a walk along the winding hike and bike paths, take your dog and or family & friends down to Eleanor Tinsley park for some incredible views of the Houston skyline. Do keep an eye out for plenty of cool art installations — from the Dandelion fountain to the six 4-foot-tall “Monumental Moments” sculptures along the Kinder Footpaths.
Located on Elgin Street between Crawford and Chenevert Streets and surrounded by townhomes, Baldwin Park boasts more than four acres of fun. In addition to having an entertaining playground with ropes, slides and all sorts of obstacles, the grounds of the park are exceptional. Kids will love playing on the massive old oak trees, which are perfect for climbing because the branches are so close to the ground. While there, make sure to make a stop across the street from the park on Crawford Street to snap a few pictures of your kids next to the street art.
With the city skyline in the background, Houston’s skateboarders show off their skills inside this 30,000-square-foot complex. Designed by Grindline Skateparks, the state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in the region. Whether you’re a skater or not – it’s a great place to take some photos of skaters in action!
Check out our guide on where to stay when you visit downtown Houston.
