Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Downtown Houston

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 Pass by

   Begin at Houston’s oldest surviving building and explore the stories within its brick walls.

2. Stop 2 Pass by

   Meet the organization dedicated to preserving Houston’s historic homes and early stories.

3. Stop 3 Pass by

   Visit a humble frontier Texas cabin built before Houston was founded.

4. Stop 4 Pass by

   Admire an elegant Greek Revival home that was transported across Houston to its current spot in the park.

5. Stop 5 Pass by

   Stroll through Houston’s first public park, where historic homes meet the modern skyline.

6. Stop 6 Pass by

   See Houston’s civic center and the striking Art Deco details of City Hall.

7. Stop 7 Pass by

   Visit the grand former central library, celebrated for its Spanish Renaissance architecture and public art.

8. Stop 8 Pass by

   Explore the performing arts venue that anchors Houston’s theatre district.

9. Stop 9 Pass by

   Discover the unique skyscraper supporting Houston’s public works behind its historic façade.

10. Stop 10 Pass by

    Gaze up at Mellie Esperson’s elegant tower and its temple-inspired crown above Travis Street.

11. Stop 11 Pass by

    Compare Houston’s distinctive Esperson towers and learn about their timeless design.

12. Stop 12 Pass by

    See how the former Texas Company headquarters reflects Houston’s rise as an energy hub.

13. Stop 13 Pass by

    Admire the historic federal building that once housed Houston’s customs and postal services.

14. Stop 14 Pass by

    Visit the exterior of Houston’s oldest church and its beautiful downtown cathedral.

15. Stop 15 Pass by

    Learn how the Rice Hotel evolved from the site of the Texas Republic’s capitol.

16. Stop 16 Pass by

    Enjoy Jones Hall, home of the Houston Symphony and a hub for performing arts.

17. Stop 17 Pass by

    See the modern concrete home of Houston’s resident theatre company and hear its story.

18. Stop 18 Pass by

    Admire the Wortham Center, home to Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera.

19. Stop 19 Pass by

    Learn about the interactive aquarium and animal preserve beyond the downtown route.

20. Stop 20 Pass by

    Walk along Buffalo Bayou, the waterway that helped Houston grow as a trading city.

21. Stop 21 Pass by

    Relax in Houston’s original civic square, now a lively park filled with history and art.

22. Stop 22 Pass by

    See how a historic downtown movie palace became the stylish Majestic Metro event venue.

23. Stop 23 Pass by

    Admire the restored 1910 courthouse with its grand Beaux-Arts architecture.

24. Stop 24 Pass by

    Stand at Houston’s birthplace, where the city’s earliest settlement was established.

25. Stop 25 Pass by

    Finish at the ornate former Cotton Exchange, a symbol of Houston’s early commercial growth.

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

Your tour begins at the historic Kellum-Noble House, one of Houston's oldest buildings.

Cancellation & confirmation