Walking Tour of Houston: History, Architecture, Street Art

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Houston's only walking tour!

In this group tour, you will dive into the history, architecture, and uniquely Texan ambience of the fourth biggest city in the United States: a modern-day melting pot of cultures with an old fashioned past that is all its own.

From the oldest building in Houston to the tallest skyscraper in the city, we'll go on a journey through Houston's history and architecture.

Wander through the city's Historic District and see some masterworks of Art Deco architecture of the early 20th century and discuss street art and murals of today.

We'll sneak a ride on Houston's modern tramline (for free!) and travel between the city's Historic District and its ultra-modern Skyline District.

We will walk for approximately 2 miles. Note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

A fascinating tour of the city by a local guide

Snacks

The cost of food and drinks along the tour is not included.

What To Expect

Downtown Historic District Market Square

Welcome to the birthplace of Houston at the heart of the city's historic district. We’ll talk about Houston’s origins as we pass by some of the oldest buildings in the city. You'll also have a chance for photos at the "Houston is inspired" mural, the most popular Instagram photo in the city.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Behold the timeless elegance of the Gulf Building, one of Houston’s most stunning skyscrapers from the golden age of architecture! Completed in 1929, this Art Deco masterpiece soars 37 stories high, adorned with intricate setbacks, gleaming marble, and a breathtaking, mural-covered lobby. Once the tallest building in Houston, it still commands attention with its glowing, stepped crown lighting up the night sky.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Walking Tour of Houston: History, Architecture, Street Art

Reviews

5.00

56 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Really fun tour in downtown Houston
seantwoods,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent experience! Would definitely do this tour again when I have visitors from out of town. I'm from Houston and saw so many things that I didn't even know we had downtown.
Great walking tour
SueD903,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Brilliant tour with John. Very knowledgeable and well paced tour. Gave us an insight into the history of Houston and he recommended us other places to see. Would recommend.
John Gu, tour guide extraordinaire!
382maurab,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I moved from SF to Houston almost a year ago, and only knew the downtown Houston by attending the Houston Symphony and Houston Ballet.. so Jobes Hall and Wortham. So when I heard about the 2 hour downtown Houston guided walking tour I grabbed a slot! John was such an impressive tour guide. His knowledge of Houston architecture, Texas and Houston history and arts culture. It was a very informative tour and I feel like I know so much more about the city I am now living in! I highly recommend going on a guided tour.. but please make sure that John Hu is your tour guide! Thank you John!
Forget NASA but Don’t Miss this Tour!
brentsalter,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Have you ever met someone who is an absolute natural at what they do? Like born to do this thing in life?! …and you just think to yourself, “Wow.” That’s John. His walking tour of Downtown Houston was effortless and so relaxed. At the same time, it was fresh and funny. I had such a good time. As someone who has participated on countless tours - seriously - I was so impressed by this experience. Hands down recommend this tour for any visitor or local in Houston.
Thank you and Thank Houston
802jerryp,
May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The walk itself is fun the added bonus is meeting people from all over the world. On our tour we met a woman from Manchester and took her to lunch…This is a vibrant city with a pulse so enjoy the city, the vibe and your awesome host…
Enjoyable tour of Houston Downtown.
mertolt,
May 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guide was quite friendly and knowledgeable. He kept track of everyone even though the group was fairly large. Enjoyed the tour to the fullest.
Great way to see downtown and learn about Houston.
Noewlie,
Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really informative and well paced walk through the key city buildings and art. Took some really nice photo’s and took in John’s clear concise history lesson in under 2 hours.
A Great Houston Tour!
Amy E Robbins,
Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We loved our tour with John! As a Houston Native, I couldn’t believe all the new things I learned and saw. I would highly recommend this tour to out of town visitors and locals alike!
Must do in Houston
A2086DAlaurag,
Apr 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing tour of Houston that allowed us to discover places and historical details that we'd have definitely missed otherwise. John was great and also gave us tips on where to dine and have a drink. Definitely recommend it!
Great experience, educational
primad0nnae,
Apr 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was amazing!very educational , I will recommend to my family and friends! Houston met the city cultural, arts architecture