America’s fourth largest city (behind only New York, Los Angeles and Chicago), Houston is full of opportunity and diversity. Blending Texas hospitality with the best of the southwest, Houston makes for a great holiday destination with gorgeous weather, amazing culture and a wealth of tourist attractions from music venues and world-class museums to art galleries and amusement parks, not to mention the plenty of outstanding restaurants and trendy boutiques. The best things to do in Houston are spread out throughout the city and are as diverse as its neighborhoods.
Whether you are planning a short business trip to Houston or a long family holiday, one thing remains constant that the hardest part of your trip is likely be deciding which attractions to visit. To help you, Travelvivi has piled up the most popular attractions in Houston, Texas, which are a must for any traveler to this bustling city and promise unforgettable memories you’ll not soon forget.
Houston Museum District
Just southwest of downtown one can find the pedestrian-friendly Museum District of Houston, where over 8.7 million visitors explore the 18 cultural institutions that make up the tree-lined, culture-filled neighborhood each year. The Museum of Fine Arts, which also houses the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, is one of the highlights of the district, boasting a collection of over 56,000 pieces. Within short walking distance is another wonderful cultural venue, the John P. McGovern Health Museum, home to the city’s first and only 4D Theater. Other area attractions include: Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston Center for Photography, Lawndale Art Center, Contemporary Arts Museum and Health Museum.
Downtown Aquarium
Opened in 2003, Downtown Aquarium is a multi-functional 6-acre entertainment and dining complex in Houston, and a great spot to spend a summer afternoon with kids. Exhibits include a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland, home to over 400 species of marine life from around the world, including everything from sharks and rays to sawfish and tropical fish; plus a Louisiana swamp, complete with gators, a tropical rainforest with a white tiger exhibit and a Sunken Temple. Outside, a number of thrilling rides are waiting for adventurous visitors. Do not miss out the Diving Bell Ferris wheel for a stellar view of the city skyline and if you have time, highly recommended is also the drop 220-feet on the Lighthouse thrill ride. Rays and fish swim right by your table at Downtown Aquarium’s unique restaurant, which is truly a place to be.
Bayou Place
A 130,000-square-foot entertainment facility in the heart of Houston’s Downtown Theater District, Bayou Place welcomes visitors with its theaters, bars, lounges and restaurants. The Bayou Music center stages a variety of live concerts, while the legendary Hard Rock Café offers a unique menu guests always appreciate. Valet parking is available for $3 during lunch Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and self-parking is available at the Rusk, Capitol and Texas entrances. Prices for self-parking range from $5 to $8.
Also not to be missed are the Houston Zoo and the Battleship Texas, the Buffalo Soldier Museum and Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.