Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Houston?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Houston?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Houston, Texas? Most people spend two to three days in Houston during their visit. After all, the diverse city will let you soak up the big city atmosphere, tour the famous sights and museums, enjoy the evening activities, and taste delicious cuisine.
Houston is a large, sprawling city that is often overlooked by tourists. It's home to NASA, and a visit to the Space Center Houston is a highlight of any trip. There's also a theater district, a historic district, and a museum district. Despite being often overlooked, there's a surprising number of things to do around the city.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Houston? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Houston?
For many visitors, three days in Houston would be just the right amount of time. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly two to three days in the diverse city to check out the amazing big city activities and terrific museums and landmarks. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.
How to spend 3 days in Houston
With its diverse attractions, Houston awaits with plentiful neighborhoods, attractions, and activities. Set aside a day to explore the city's historical and cultural sites as well as the special neighborhoods that give the city its own personality. It is a huge, sprawling city that is very spread out with many suburban areas.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Houston City Tour and Downtown Aquarium All Rides Pass ($65)
- NASA's Space Center Admission Plus Houston City Tour ($99)
- Houston's Official City Tour ($40)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.
Don't miss the Space Center Houston during your trip to Houston, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access ($70)
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours ($85)
- Downtown Houston Food Tour ($76)
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Houston a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission ($25)
- Houston City Tour Plus Holocaust Museum Ticket ($61)
- Houston Kid's Choice Museum Pass ($45)
Live music is very popular in Houston, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.
Is 4 days enough time in Houston?
Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Houston, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to soak up the big city atmosphere, tour the famous sights and museums, enjoy the evening activities, and taste delicious cuisine on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Houston as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Houston, Texas
How to spend 4 days in Houston
Having 4 days in Houston will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Shopping in Houston is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from Houston to Houston Premium Outlets ($135)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Houston?
Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Houston has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the big city activities, the museums and landmarks, the nightlife, and the cuisine at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Houston
With 5 days in Houston, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Houston, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip ($140)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Houston, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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