Historic Downtown Pub Tour
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.
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Tour snapshot
Houston, we have a problem: there are just too many good pubs in your city. Join this Houston tour to visit a pub with an old-school jukebox, a bar that trades as a tailor shop by day, a watering hole in an 1800's gambling parlor, and a bar that features features pinball and pool. Fun guaranteed; hangovers optional.
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Highlights
- Get to know Houston’s history through its charming pubs
- Hear the stories behind the bars set in historic Houston buildings
- Stroll through Market Square Park, an iconic Houston hive of activity
- Sip on local beers or designer cocktails in four unique Houston pubs
- Play pinball, pool, or table shuffleboard in authentic Texan settings
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 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: 6.30 PM
- 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 local guide.
‘It’s every Texan’s right to hold a burger in one hand and a beer in the other.’ Uttered by the owner of one of Houston’s most popular bars, there couldn’t be a more accurate way to sum up pub culture in Houston.
The Historic Downtown Pub Tour will immerse you in the history of this lively Texas city by the best means possible – through its pubs! This Houston night tour will take you to four bars in the historic centre of Houston, giving you a variety of different atmospheres to relax in. Locations can vary each night depending on opening hours, but there are so many great Houston pubs in this neighbourhood that you are thoroughly spoilt for choice!
The tour starts at the bar in Georgia’s Market, a cool spot with a restaurant and grocery store inside. You’ll meet your local guide and get the full scoop on how this building used to be a gambling parlour back in 1895. With a history like that, there are plenty of stories within its walls.
After some introductions, you’ll take a stroll through Market Square Park, a small urban oasis complete with restaurants, sculptures, memorials, and remnants from old Houston buildings and sidewalks. This spot is a hive of activity and full of Houston history, and with your local guide to show you all the points of interest, you’ll never miss a beat.
This park is ringed by bars and pubs inside historic buildings, including an award-winning wine bar inside the Kennedy Bakery Building, a tailor shop that becomes a bar at night, a local hangout with a jukebox featuring tunes from the fifties, a charity bar that believes in the connection between food, drink, and community, plus many more authentic Houston bars. With a selection like that, you’ll never be stuck for choice!
After you’ve sampled a drink in the square, you’ll head for a more elegant bar to try out pinball, or challenge your group to a game of pool. Finally, you’ll perch on cowhide seats and order designer drinks at the bar inside the 1912 Union National Bank Building, the perfect way to finish off a fun-filled evening in Houston.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide.
Exclusions: Personal food, beverages, tips and gratuities for local guide.
Dress standard: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing. The weather from May-November can be hot and humid. The weather from December-February can be cold. 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: Parking is free downtown after 6 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday. Otherwise, you can choose from on-street parking meters, indoor parking garages, and outdoor parking lots. For more information about parking downtown, go to www.DowntownHouston.org.
Child Policy: All participants must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid photo ID. Any travellers who cannot produce ID proof of age at the beginning of the trip will not be permitted to travel on the trip.
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Local contact
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