Top 10 Things to Do in Houston: Your Ultimate Bucket List!

Say hello to Houston - where Southern charm meets big-city adventures! This Texas metropolis is a lively tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. From world-class museums and captivating street art to lush green spaces, bustling markets, and exceptional Houston student housing, there’s no shortage of things to do in Houston. Ready to explore Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the United States? We will now take you through the best things to do in Houston. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Houston

If you’re an art lover and culture enthusiast, you will love it in Houston. Whether you’re on the lookout for some mystery behind the city’s history, admire the mesmerizing city art, or are in the mood to indulge in some culinary delights at the top Houston restaurants, Houston has it all for you. Let’s now explore the best things to do in Houston!

1. Space Center Houston

Location: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States
Timing: 10 AM - 6 PM
Fees: $29.95 (online) & $34.95 (on-site box office & kiosks)

A visit to Houston is not complete without exploring the Space Center Houston, one of the top things to do in Houston. The official center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, this place will take you through America’s space exploration history. You can view the impressive Saturn V rocket and the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which is over 156 feet long here. Plus, the extensive artifact collection, live shows, and a NASA Tram Tour makes it all the more fun. So, if the mysteries of space excite you, then this is one of the things to do in Houston.

2. Chinatown

Location: 11200 Bellaire Blvd, Houston
Timing: NA
Fees: Free

Witnessing Asian culture, savoring mouth-watering delicacies, and shopping - sounds fun? Then, a visit to Chinatown is one of the fun things to do in Houston for free. The famous Hong Kong Food Market here is sure to make you swoon. You can relish the tasty dim sums, and Vietnamese pho, or have a steaming bowl of vermicelli soup. Browse unique shops filled with imported goods, traditional clothing, and teas. What’s more? You can even explore the many temples, festivals, and karaoke spots in Chinatown. 

3. The Orange Show

Location: 2401 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023, United States
Timing: 10 AM - 4 PM (Wednesday - Sunday)
Fees: Free

Next on our list of activities to do in Houston is visiting The Orange Show. A 3,000-square-foot complex, this place is made from objects like tiles, metal, and concrete. It is an interactive art space created by a single visionary artist, Jeff Mckissack, who spent over 20 years constructing this tribute to his favorite fruit - the orange. Art enthusiasts are going to love it here. 

4. Market Square Park

Location: 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Timing: 6 AM - 11 PM
Fees: Free

Love greenery? Then do visit Market Square Park, one of the things to see in Houston. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, Market Square is an urban park that combines history with modern-day fun. This park was once the city’s original city hall. Now, it offers lush green spaces, adorned with beautiful sculptures and an outdoor theatre. It also has a dog park. If you want to enjoy peaceful picnics, live music, and good food, this must be on your list of fun things to do in Houston Texas.

5.  The Museum of Fine Arts

Location: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Timing: 11 AM - 5 PM (Wednesday) | 11 AM - 9 PM (Thursday & Friday) | 11 AM - 6 PM (Saturday) | 12:30 PM - 6 PM (Sunday)
Fees: $24

Art and history lovers will find a treasure trove of masterpieces at The Museum of Fine Arts, one of the activities to do in Houston. It’s one of the largest art museums in the country, with more than 70,000 works spanning different cultures and periods. Here, you will get to see varied collections, including everything from European paintings to Latin America and contemporary art and rotating exhibitions. Thursdays are a special treat, with free entry all day and the added perk of Happy Hour Thursdays. So you can admire the Renaissance masterpieces and African sculptures while sipping a cocktail. After this, you can enjoy the tunes from the resident DJ and grab a bite from one of the gourmet food trucks stationed outside. 

6. Montrose

Location: 1718 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Timing: NA
Fees: Free

The next stuff to do in Houston is explore Montrose, featuring neon-lit tattoo parlors, vintage shops, tree-covered bungalows, and cosy coffee shops. Montrose is also home to some of the best food in the city, from trendy cafes to local bakeries serving delicious delights. Do visit Kau Ba’ss Viet-Cajun restaurant and bar, a famous spot for brunch. You can spend your afternoon exploring the area’s beautiful art galleries or discover a rare gem at one of the quirky boutiques along the Westheimer Curve.        

7. Toyota Center

Location: 1510 Polk St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Timing: 10 AM - 5 PM
Fees: Depends on the event

Next on our list of things to do in Houston is visiting the Toyota Center, established in 2003. Home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, this premier live entertainment venue hosts some of the biggest names in music, from pop stars to rock legends. Designed with large open windows and boasting some of the most comfortable seating in any arena, Toyota Center’s surface is set to 32 feet below street level. One of the best things to see in Houston, the center has also won many awards, including ‘Rookie of the Year’ by the Harlem Globetrotters in 2004 and ‘Best New Concert Venue’ by Pollstar Magazine. It also has the Lexus Lounge, the chic Golden Nugget Club, and the Sire Spirits Social Club, along with amazing food and service. So, don’t forget to add this to your fun things to do in Houston.

8. The Galleria

Location: 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Timing: 10 AM - 8 PM (Monday - Thursday) | 10 AM - 9 PM (Friday - Saturday) | 12 PM - 7 PM (Sunday)
Fees: Free

A visit to The Galleria, Texas’ premier shopping destination, is must have on your free things to do in Houston. Did you know over 30 million people visit this place every year. The Galleria features more than 400 stores and restaurants, including two high-rise Westin hotels and three office towers. It has a full-size ice rink for skating, a state-of-the-art children’s play area, two swimming pools, multiple beauty salons, and 60+ dining options. There’s so much you can do in The Galleria! 

9. Axelrad Beer Garden

Location: 1517 Alabama St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Timing: 2 PM - 12 AM
Fees: Varies

One of the things to do in Houston at night is visit the Axelrad Beer Garden. Once a grocery store, the Axelrad Beer Garden now hosts a variety of video art, film screenings, live music, events, and festivals. Famous for its craft beer selection and hammocks, it offers a relaxed space for socializing, enjoying live music, and sampling local food truck fare. So if your fun things to do in Houston for adults include movie nights and art shows, along with good booze, this is the spot for you!

10. iFLY

Location: 9540 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77055, United States
Timing: 9 AM - 6:30 PM (Monday & Tuesday) | 9 AM - 7:30 PM (Wednesday & Thursday) | 9 AM -  8:30 PM (Friday) | 8 AM - 9:30 PM (Saturday) | 9 AM - 7:30 PM (Sunday)
Fees: $69.99 (basic package)

Does the term ‘sky diving’ give you a sudden thrill and excitement? Then, we have the next activity for your fun things to do in Houston. iFLY is an indoor skydiving facility that offers the thrill of skydiving without having to jump from a plane. They use a vertical wind tunnel to simulate the sensation of freefall in a completely safe environment. iFLY also hosts many social events, including gatherings for adults, happy hours, reunions, fundraisers, pre-wedding festivities, and youth group meetups. So, do add iFLY to your fun things to do in Houston list.

So this was our list of the things to do in Houston! The city offers a dynamic mix of culture, adventure, and entertainment. From exploring the mysteries of space and wandering through the city’s lively neighborhoods to experiencing the best clubs in Houston, you’ll find endless opportunities to immerse yourself in Houston’s eclectic charm. Get started with your fun things to do in Houston now!