We Walked the Talk to Find Houston’s Best Walking Tours
Houston, we have a problem.
There are too many fun things to do in the city, and walking tours are one of them!
Some out-of-state friends stayed with me recently and invited me to a Walking Food Tour downtown. As a Houstonian, what would have been a normal brunch became so much more as I joined a group of tourists exploring the hidden gems of H-town.
The tour was a real eye-opener and a great reminder of all the amazing things Houston has to offer. If you’re looking for a fun way to see the city, we highly recommend taking a walking tour. Check out our guide for all the must-try walking tours in town!
Explore Downtown Houston with an Underground Tunnel Tour
Website: https://www.astrovilletours.com/
Contact details: (713) 469-2365
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10 :00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission Costs:
Did you know that underneath the bustling streets of Downtown Houston is an extensive tunnel system that’s 20 feet below ground and over six miles long?
This subterranean walking tour by Astroville takes Houstonians and tourists deep into the underground tunnel system that connects 95 city blocks in just 2.5 hours.
We really like this tour because it dives into the history and architecture of the tunnel system, as well as the best places to eat! (Yes, the tunnel is also a network of shops and restaurants.)
And the best part of this walking tour? It’s fully air conditioned and a perfect escape from the humid weather!
| Pro tip: If you ever get lost in the tunnel system, there’s an app called Houston Tunnels to help you! It’s available for both Android and iOS. |
Explore Downtown Houston with a Food Tour
Media credit: downtownhouston
Website: https://www.astrovilletours.com/
Contact details: (713) 469-2365
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10 :00 AM to 5:00 PM
For those who feel tired at the thought of doing a walking tour, perhaps a walking tour with food may be a better idea!
The same tour provider of the Downtown Houston Tunnel Tour also offers a walking food tour with tunnel access for those who want to try the local cuisine and see the best spots of Downtown at the same time.
This tour is great for foodies and history buffs who want to sample local favorites and learn about Houston’s history. The tour is also both above and below ground, so guests will get to see the tallest building in Texas and explore the tunnel underneath.
We love this tour for its efficient, well-organized schedule packed with activities. With 8-9 pre-ordered local food samplings served fresh upon arrival, it’s ideal for those wanting to experience Houston’s highlights without wasting time.
| Pro tip: Do your best to join this tour on an empty stomach or maybe bring a container for take out–the food serving size may be too large for some. |
Walk and Discover Houston’s Street Art
Media Credit: howdyhtown
Website: https://howdyhtown.com/
Contact details: (762) 233-8486
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday – 9 :00 AM to 8:00 PM
Friday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Houston is a vibrant city and its numerous street art amplifies this fact!
Howdy H-Town offers a Street Art and Small Bar tour where guests can check out Houston’s stunning street art, learn the stories behind them, and visit a couple of bars that are well-loved by locals.
One of the tour’s biggest appeals is that it gives guests–locals and tourists alike–a unique perspective of the city. Guests can also expect to learn something new about Houston and its neighborhoods on this tour.
The guides of this particular tour get a lot of raving fans as well–they’re informative and passionate about all things Houston and it was hard not to get infected by their love for the city.
For those looking to spend an afternoon appreciating the city through its art (and enjoy a couple of drinks while doing so), this walking tour is a must-try!
| Pro tip: One of the first stops is a popular bar in Downtown Houston so be prepared to drink early in the tour if you’ll be doing so! |
Hunt for Ghosts on a Haunted Houston Tour
Media credit: usghostadv
Website: https://usghostadventures.com/houston-ghost-tour/
Contact details: (346) 262-0182
Operating hours:
- Tours are held nightly at 8:00 PM
For those who find the typical walking tours too boring and are looking for something more exciting, a haunted tour of Houston may be a good alternative.
Every city has its share of ghosts and hauntings and Houston is no different! US Ghost Adventures offers Houston Ghosts and Hauntings, a walking tour of some of the city’s spookiest spots.
The tour only lasts for a little above an hour, but it’s packed with stories about seven of Houston’s creepiest places.
This walking tour shines with how it combines the city’s history with spine-chilling accounts from locals. The horrific stories will stay with guests for a long, long time.
And to add to the fun and spook factor, this tour is only done at night. Not only is this walking tour perfect for those who are intrigued by ghosts, it’s also great for those who hate the sun (we just hope you’re not vampires).
| Pro tip: Some of the stops are known for having high paranormal activity, so have an EMF or a ghost tracking device ready for the extra scare! |
Do a Self-Paced Tour with a Smartphone Audio Guide
Media credit: dm_world_adventures
Website: https://www.tripvia.tours/
Contact details: (866) 874-7842
For those who want to be in full control of their walking tour, a self-guided audio tour on your smartphone may just be the answer.
Tripvia offers Smartphone Audio Guide with a live GPS map that will walk you through Downtown Houston. Customers can expect to be guided to the Kellum-Noble House, Houston City Hall, Texaco Building, Alley Theater, and more.
The main appeal of this tour for us is that it can be done anytime and can be used multiple times! Customers can do the tour anytime in Houston and they can even relive the experience inside the safety of their home.
The only downside is that unlike a live guided tour, customers won’t have the benefit of interacting with a guide who can answer questions and provide additional insights.
Still, for those who prefer flexibility and independence, the Smartphone Audio Guide offers a convenient and informative way to explore Downtown Houston at your own pace.
| Pro tip: Make sure to follow the tour provider’s step-by-step instructions on how to set up your audio guide for a seamless self-guided tour! |
