Location: Houston
Top Things to do in Houston
Top 10 Free Things to do in Houston, Texas (TX)
Houston hums with an energy and independent spirit all its own. A leading cultural and culinary destination in the South, the city is home to over 11,000 restaurants featuring cuisine from more than 70 countries. The thriving arts scene includes resident opera, ballet, symphony and theater companies. The Museum District houses 19 museums, all within walking distance. Be sure to visit Space Center Houston, where you can visit NASA’s Historic Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center.
Restaurants in Houston
1. Glenwood Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 216 reviews
Includes the grave of Howard Hughes
Reviewed By T4991UDrachelh
I did not expect such a beautiful and serene cemetery in the middle of Houston. We parked and walked around for about an hour. My 4-year-old really enjoyed looking at all of the mausoleums and angel statues. We enjoyed reading the historical plaques that are scattered throughout the cemetery. There are excellent views of downtown and the large trees provide great shade.
2. Smither Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By OhioLinda
We were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the quality of the work and imagination of the artists at this park. Especially since all or most of the items used are found items and the artists are volunteers. There is parking on the street, a couple of picnic tables and a shelter along with the decorated walls. We spent about an hour here and enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend this unusual place.
3. Lakewood Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By our56 - Melbourne, Australia
Have spoken about visiting here probably for the past decade but was never able to get to Houston. This time made Houston a stopover on our way to Cuba via Panama just to visit Lakewood Church. The wait was perfect as we couldn't of timed it better being here on the Easter weekend allowing us to attend the Easter Sunday service. Always looked great on TV but to experiencing this place in real life was just incredible. The building inside was spectecular without taking away what it's purpose was. The service was better than we could of anticipated. The whole service was all about the occasion and the atmosphere generated by everything meshed together truly to make it extra special. On the conclusion we spent some time in the gift store and found it well priced but with many items we had not seen elsewhere. The staff and members of the church were very welcoming and made us feel very comfortable being there.
4. The Galleria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,187 reviews
More than 26 million visitors each year seek the dynamic & fine shopping environment uniquely offered by The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center and fourth largest domain nationally. International guests and Houstonians blend seamlessly in the center while on shopping excursions or entertaining guests at one of the signature eateries. Spanning 2.4 million square feet of space, housing 400 fine stores and restaurants, two high-rise hotels, and three office towers, The Galleria is Houston’s most popular retail and tourist destination, meeting every style and taste.
Reviewed By 160harveyh
This is the epicenter of shopping, walking and people watching in Houston. From great shopping, high end art galleries to ice skating, the Galleria is a great place to see and visit. Due to its popularity, the parking lots fill up quickly, especially in the holiday season. Get there as early as you can and preferably right before it opens to get a good parking spot. The Metro bus# 82 goes east and west by the Galleria and connects to many other bus lines around Houston. This is a must see and visit place in Houston and I highly recommend it,
5. The Menil Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 936 reviews
A legacy of the philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, the Menil Collection opened in 1987. The museum presents regular rotations of artworks from its growing permanent collection, organizes special exhibitions and programs throughout the year, publishes scholarly books, and conducts research. The Menil Collection’s main museum building anchors a parklike 30-acre campus, which also includes the Cy Twombly Gallery, a site-specific Dan Flavin installation, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel—now a venue for long-term installations by contemporary artists—and outdoor sculpture.
Reviewed By FoodieinNOHO - California, United States
The eclectic collection of art is AMAZING!! Including early to mid-twentieth century works of Yves Tanguy, René Magritte, Max Ernst, Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, among others. I DIDN'T make it to the other side of the museum. My main interest was the Aboriginal Art exhibit Also included in the museum's permanent collection are antiquities and works of Byzantine, Medieval and tribal art. I really enjoyed the space of the tribal collection. It is a must to see the art aspect of Houston....I took my adult daughter here for the first time and it did not disappoint. The art, paintings, and sculptures were very interesting. There is also a nice little park across from the gallery. Parking is FREE!!!! French expat Dominique de Menil, heiress to the Schlumberger fortune, came to Houston after World War II and began amassing an impressive mid-century art collection. Dominique befriended and collected many of the biggies: Ernst, Magrite, Johns, Rauschenberg, Warhol, and others. This intimate museum within a quaint residential section of Montrose/Museum District showcases. A museum in the middle of a residential neighborhood is a surprising delight. The René Magritte, "The Meaning of Night" is so thought provoking. His unique surrealist work moved me in such an surprising way!!
6. Chinatown
7. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
A 155-acre nature sanctuary 4 miles west of downtown. Five miles of walking trails through forest, meadow, and pond habitats offer opportunities to see frogs, turtles, and other wildlife. The Nature Center houses a Nature Shop, restrooms, and Discovery Room which includes aquariums, microscopes, and interactive exhibits like the 15 ft. model "Learning Tree". Grounds: Open Daily 7 am to dusk; Building: Open Daily 9 am - 5 pm, except major holidays. Discovery Room: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission free; donations appreciated.
Reviewed By pglejm - Santa Cruz, United States
What a find very close to a very busy vibrant city that is sure to offer you a stressful experience. Parking is cheap...$1.35 per hour. If you’re a member of the Arboretum, parking is free but know your code. Building and rehab efforts are still taking place. Some walking amongst the various paths will give you a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city.
8. Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By beachboywantabe - Corpus Christi, United States
Cloud Column (sculpture by Anish Kapoor of Chicago’s Cloud Gate fame) is not really part of the Cullen Sculpture Garden, but since it adjoins the Garden, for practical purposes it is. The Sculpture Garden has been a favorite Arts District stop of mine for years, and the only place other than France or The Rodin Museum In Philly where 3 Rodin Sculptures can be seen at one location! Cloud Column by itself is worthy of a visit. I love the MFAH description of the sculpture that mentions some people refer to it as “El Frijole”: “The play between the convex and concave surfaces establishes a dual reality, as the elongated core of the sculpture presents the world upside down, bringing the heavens down to earth.”
9. Miller Outdoor Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Miller Outdoor Theatre, in Hermann Park, offers an 8-month season of free outdoor performances. See concerts, theater, dance, and children’s programming.
10. Water Wall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,306 reviews
The Water Wall, near the Galleria, offers a respite from commerce. Sit under the spray on a hot day, or people watch and take pictures.
Reviewed By Temeaux - Houston, United States
Very cool spot for a unique Houston photo, we've been there several times. There's always folks sharing the space with you, but everyone generally gets along. Close enough to the Nordstrom parking garage to walk over, I'd avoid parking on the street (but I've seen folks do it). Dress up, dress down, doesn't matter....I've seen guys in tuxes and gals in shorts. Get out and enjoy Houston ????
