Explore iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, and fascinating stories from the city's past.
Tip-based, pay what you wish.
Now offering tours in Houston and Galveston!
Cost: Free
Availability: Closed for the summer
Cost: Free
Availability: Wednesday through Sunday
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 via its architecture. You'll learn the history of Texas and its War of Independence from Mexico and learn about our local heroes from Sam Houston to Hakeem Olajuwon.
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.
On this two and a half hour tour, you'll also have time for a coffee or beer at a cozy bar in the city's Theater District and get time to chat with your fellow travelers. We'll end the tour at a spacious park in the middle of the city next to a great cafe where you can grab a bite to eat or go on to explore more of the city!
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Tour was so much fun and John was a very informative tour guide! I not only learned a lot but met new people and had some great conversations. I would recommend his tour to anyone!
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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!
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John was one of the best walking tour guides I’ve had, and I’ve taken them all over the world. I Have a much better appreciation for Houston having done his tour.
Most people tip between $15 to $30. Comparable tour experiences in Houston include the Astroville Tunnel Tour, which is a 2-hour tour of the Houston Tunnel System for $30, and the Houston City Tours 90-minute-long bus tour for $39.95.
Our tour is a walking tour of downtown Houston. We cover an area that includes the Historic District, Main Street, parts of the Skyline District, and the Theater District.
Houston is a famously unwalkable city, but downtown is very walkable and our tour will show you some of the hidden gems and under-appreciated parts of downtown Houston.
The route is a leisurely stroll of 1.6 miles over a two-hour period, with a break in between. It’s very easy and a manageable walk for anyone, but, don’t worry, you’ll definitely see a lot!
Yes, the guide, John, grew up in Houston.
Yes. There is ample street parking in downtown Houston on the weekends. On Saturday, you should park at a metered parking spot on the street. It will cost about $6 for a 3-hour period.
This tour is not dedicated specifically to the street art and murals of downtown Houston, but you’ll definitely see a lot of the street art that has come up over the last few years.
The tour ends at Lynn Wyatt Square in the heart of the Theater District and just three blocks from the starting point.
Unfortunately the downtown tunnel system is closed on the weekends, so we can’t access it during the tour. However, be prepared for a surprise from the guide who has secret access to part of the tunnel system.
Austin: Nitty Gritty City Tours
San Antonio: Amigo Walking Tours
Galveston: Galveston Free Walking Tours
Hi, I’m John, Houston native and the guide behind Walking Tours Houston. My tours are tip-based and designed to bring the city’s history, architecture, and street art to life through engaging stories and a friendly, relaxed pace.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, I aim to show you the hidden details and colorful moments that make Houston special. Come along, and you’ll leave with new knowledge, great memories, and maybe a few new friends.