Heart of the Tunnel Walk
Houston, USA
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
-
-
Tour snapshot
Tunnel into the heart of Houston on this adventure from the 1920's to now. Trade in Art Deco for contemporary and head underground into the city's tunnel system to discover what lies beneath. A nifty chance to escape the Texan heat, this Houston tour even surprises locals.
-
Highlights
- Discover Houston’s underground Tunnel System, with a local guide
- Learn about the history of Houston through its architecture and art
- Take pictures from the 60th floor of the tallest building in Texas, the Chase Tower
- Shop at Houston’s visitor centre inside City Hall
- Grab a bite to eat in one of Houston’s underground food vendors
-
Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
Georgia's Market, 420 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002; 1-713-222-9255
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.30 AM
- Ending point:
Georgia's Market, 420 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002; 1-713-222-9255
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide
Exclusions: Personal food, beverages, tips and gratuities for your local guide.
We would be the first to say that walking through the streets of Houston is pretty special, but did you know that there is a whole underground system of tunnels below the city? This Heart of the Tunnel Walk will take you through the city, over and underground, and into the sky to the best lookout point in Houston. You’ll get to know the city from every angle on this Houston walking tour!
You’ll meet your guide and begin this Houston tour by taking a walk down Main Street towards the Chase Bank Building, which features eight frescoes depicting Texas history. With your local guide to explain these pieces, you’ll gain a greater understanding of what these mean for the city of Houston, and it will give you an easy introduction into the history of the city. From here you’ll head underground into Houston’s Tunnel System and walk over to the Chase Tower, the tallest building in Texas. You’ll take an elevator ride up to the 60th floor and take some epic photos of Houston from the sky lobby!
Time to head back to ground level, and from the Chase Building you’ll head outside for a photo op in front of Joan Miro’s 1982 Personage and Birds. Next on this historical Houston Tour you’ll head across the street and enter Philip Johnson’s award-winning Pennzoil Place. You’ll ride the elevator down to the Tunnel and walk underground to Skidmore, Owings and Merrill’s 1972 One Shell Plaza, where you’ll have a shopping opportunity at Mendota, a unique boutique featuring gifts from around the world.
Next, you’ll head above ground and walk outside along Hermann Square Park into Houston’s City Hall, home to one of the largest visitors centers in the U.S. Watch a short video about Houston, pose for a photo with a life-size statue of Houston’s namesake, purchase cowboy hats, postcards and souvenirs, look at exhibits, and pick up free literature about what to do in the nation’s fourth-largest city.
You’ll return to the Houston Tunnel and join the lunch crowd for a bite to eat from one of the many food vendors, and then finish your Houston tour by walking through downtown’s newest tunnel and heading back up into Houston’s Theatre District, the Downtown Historic District, and MetroRail.
-
Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide
Exclusions: Personal food, beverages, tips and gratuities for your local guide.
Dress standard: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing. While the weather outside from May-November can be hot and humid, the Tunnel System is air-conditioned. While the weather from December-February can be cold, the Tunnel System is heated. Please check the local weather forecast and dress appropriately in case of rain and/or high winds.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: You may not take photographs or film video in the Tunnel System and most building lobbies. Cameras are permitted in Chase Tower’s sky lobby, the Chase Building’s lobby, outside, and in the Visitors Center.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour. Children younger than 6 are permitted at no extra cost, but please make sure you inform our guides of this before you take the tour.
-
Local contact
BACK TO TOP