There’s no doubt that Houston is an amazing city with a vibrant culture and plenty of activities to explore.
However, many visitors don’t realize how affordable it can be to visit the city on a budget. The cheapest time to visit Houston is actually during the summer months of June-August. Not only are there plenty of exciting attractions still in full effect, but hotel prices and airfares tend to drop significantly during this time period as well.
Besides, some restaurants offer promotions and discounts during summer, making it easier than ever to get around while saving money on food.
Therefore, this article recommends that those who are looking to save money on their Houston vacation should look into visiting during the summer months. With the right preparation and planning, visitors can enjoy all that Houston has to offer.
Contents
- 1 How can I save money when visiting Houston?
- 2 What are some free things to do in Houston?
- 3 What are some cheap places to eat in Houston?
- 4 What are some cheap places to stay in Houston?
- 5 What are some cheap things to do in Houston for families?
- 6 What are some cheap things to do in Houston for couples?
- 7 Is visiting Houston Worth It?
- 8 Final Words
How can I save money when visiting Houston?
You don’t have to break the bank to make the most of your visit. There are plenty of ways to save money and still experience all the sights, sounds, and tastes that Houston has to offer. Here are five tips for saving money on your next trip to H-Town.
Find Free Things To Do
Houston offers plenty of free activities that won’t cost you a dime. From outdoor art installations like The Orange Show and Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, to historic sites like Market Square Park, there’s something for everyone. Take advantage of free days at local museums such as The Museum of Fine Arts, The Children’s Museum of Houston, and The Health Museum. Or explore one of the many parks in the city—from Discovery Green and Smither Park in downtown to Hermann Park just south of the Medical Center district.
Buy Discounted Tickets Online
If you’re planning on visiting some of the more popular attractions in Houston, look online for discounted tickets before buying full-priced tickets at the door. Groupon often offers discounts on attraction tickets as well as packages that combine several attractions into one discounted price. Sites like Goldstar also offer discounts on tickets for theater shows and other events around town.
Eat At Local Restaurants
When it comes to food, you don’t have to stick with fast food chains or tourist traps; there are plenty of delicious restaurants in Houston that won’t break the bank. Many local restaurants offer great deals during lunchtime hours or happy hour specials with half price appetizers and discounted drinks from 4-7pm Monday through Friday (or sometimes longer). Check out Yelp or TripAdvisor for ideas on where to go and what dishes they recommend trying!
Utilize Public Transportation
Houston doesn’t have as extensive public transportation system as larger cities like New York or Chicago do, but it still has some good options when it comes to getting around town quickly and cheaply. METRORail is a light rail system with stops throughout downtown Houston—perfect if you’re looking for an easy way to get around without having to rent a car or take a taxi. Bus routes are another option; they cover more ground than METRORail but might take longer depending on where you need to go.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
If you’re planning on visiting any attractions that charge admission prices, try going during off-peak hours when prices may be lower than usual (usually outside normal business hours). You can also look into special events or festivals that might be happening while you’re in town; sometimes those will include discounted admission prices or even free admissions depending on what’s being offered
What are some free things to do in Houston?
There are plenty of fun, free activities available for everyone. Here are five awesome ideas:
Visit Hermann Park. With 445 acres of lush green space and endless activities, Hermann Park is a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors without spending a dime. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park, stop by Miller Outdoor Theater to catch a free show, or even feed the ducks at McGovern Lake. Plus, the Houston Zoo and Children’s Museum are both located inside Hermann Park—though admission fees may apply here.
Check out Houston’s Murals and Street Art Scene. Downtown Houston is home to some amazing street art that changes every few months with new pieces popping up all over town. Make it a game with friends or family and see who can spot the most murals as you walk around downtown!
Get Lost in Discovery Green Park. Discovery Green is one of the city’s best spots for outdoor recreation, boasting 12 acres of fun activities like walking paths, playgrounds and gardens—all completely free of charge! The park also hosts several events throughout the year like live music performances and movie nights so there’s always something new to experience here.
Take A Tour Of The Heritage Society Museum Complex At Sam Houston Park. Located in beautiful Sam Houston Park, The Heritage Society Museum Complex is home to nine historic structures that date back as far as 1823! The museum offers guided tours daily where visitors can learn about early Texas history while exploring these architectural gems from yesteryear—all totally free of charge!
Explore Buffalo Bayou Park On Foot Or By Bike. This 160-acre park along Buffalo Bayou features miles of trails for walking or biking as well as breathtaking views of downtown Houston’s skyline from its many vantage points along the bayou banks all totally free of charge! Plus, there are plenty of picnic spots for enjoying a lunch or snack along the way too!
What are some cheap places to eat in Houston?
Houston has a wide selection of restaurants for all kinds of budgets and occasions. For those who are looking for cheap places to eat, the city offers plenty of options. From hole-in-the-wall taquerias to family-run eateries, there are plenty of delicious, affordable places to grab a bite in the Bayou City. Here’s our list of the five best cheap eats in Houston.
Berryhill Baja Grill – This popular Tex-Mex spot is known for its fresh, flavorful tacos and burritos. Prices range from $2-$5 per taco or burrito, making it easy to get full without breaking the bank. Plus, they offer free chips and salsa with every order!
El Real Tex-Mex Café – This family-owned restaurant has been serving classic Tex-Mex fare since 1938. They offer cheap lunch specials that include two items from their menu plus rice and beans, all for under 10 dollars! They also have a large selection of margaritas and beers, so you can enjoy a full meal without spending too much money.
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation – If you’re in the mood for Mexican food but don’t want to break the bank, head over to The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. This popular eatery serves up hearty plates including fajitas and enchiladas made with freshly prepared ingredients at reasonable prices ranging from $7-$14 per plate.
Frenchy’s Chicken – This no-frills spot is famous for its crispy fried chicken wings and tenders with sides like macaroni & cheese, french fries and coleslaw; everything is under 15 dollars! They also have a variety of sandwiches that are perfect if you’re looking for something lighter but still packed with flavor; most are around 8 dollars each.
Pho Binh – If you’re craving Vietnamese food but don’t want to spend too much money, head over to Pho Binh for some delicious pho soups and spring rolls at great prices (most dishes fall between 6-10 dollars). Their portions are generous and their flavors are authentic; this place will definitely satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
What are some cheap places to stay in Houston?
From hotels and hostels to Airbnb listings and vacation rentals, there are plenty of affordable options when it comes to accommodations in Houston. Here are five budget-friendly places to stay while visiting Space City.
Hotel Indigo – Downtown Houston
The Hotel Indigo is a modern, contemporary hotel conveniently located downtown. The hotel offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price, as well as amenities such as free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast. Plus, they have a rooftop pool and lounge area with amazing views of the city skyline. Prices start at around $100 per night.
Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District
This Marriott is located in the heart of the Museum District near Hermann Park and the Texas Medical Center. It offers spacious guest rooms with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay including free Wi-Fi access and an outdoor pool. Prices start at around $100 per night.
Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks
The Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks offers luxurious accommodations at an affordable price point. It’s conveniently located near many popular attractions such as Rice University and shopping malls like The Galleria Mall and Memorial City Mall. Plus, guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast every morning during their stay and take advantage of other amenities like free Wi-Fi access and an onsite fitness center. Prices start at around $90 per night.
Houston Heights Hostel & Inn
If you’re looking for something more affordable than a hotel or motel, try staying at this charming hostel in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood. It has private rooms starting at just $50 per night, as well as dormitory-style bunk beds starting at $25 per night for shared accommodation with other guests. Guests can take advantage of amenities such as free Wi-Fi access and bike rental during their stay here too.
Airbnb Listings Around Town
For even more budget-friendly options, check out some of the Airbnb listings around town! There are plenty of listings ranging from private bedrooms with en suite bathrooms to entire houses or apartments that can accommodate larger groups if needed all at an affordable price! Prices start as low as $20 per night for some listings so be sure to do your research before booking your stay.
What are some cheap things to do in Houston for families?
From outdoor activities to cultural excursions, there is something for everyone in the family. Read on to find out some of the top attractions that are budget-friendly and kid-friendly in Houston.
The Houston Zoo: The Houston Zoo offers a great way to explore and learn about animals from all over the world. With over 6,000 animals in more than 900 species, it’s a great place to spend the day. It’s also very affordable; tickets start at $14 for adults and $9 for children ages 2-11.
Space Center Houston: Explore the history and science of space exploration at Space Center Houston! From interactive exhibits to behind-the-scenes tours of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, this is an exciting experience for families of all ages. Tickets start at $29 for adults and $24 for children ages 4-11.
Downtown Aquarium: Located in downtown Houston, this aquarium has over 200 species of sea creatures from around the world! There is also an amusement park with rides including bumper cars and a Ferris wheel so you can have fun while learning about aquatic life. Tickets start at $20 per person plus tax (children under 3 are free).
Memorial Park: This park is one of the largest urban parks in America! It features trails, golf courses, sports fields, playgrounds, and more – perfect for outdoor activities with your family! Plus it’s completely free so you can enjoy nature without spending a dime.
Museum District: Visit one or more museums within walking distance from each other in the museum district. With 19 museums offering free admission every Thursday from 5 PM – 9 PM (and some offer discounted admission every day!), it’s easy to find something interesting to do without breaking the bank.
What are some cheap things to do in Houston for couples?
Take a walk around Discovery Green Park – Not only is Discovery Green a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, but it also offers free admission! With plenty of walking trails and outdoor activities (including ping pong tables!), this is one of the best places to get out and enjoy some fresh air without spending a dime. Just make sure to bring your own snacks and drinks if you want something beyond nature’s offerings!
Visit Menil Collection – This museum offers free admission year-round! The Menil Collection is home to an incredible array of art from all over the world that spans centuries. Explore amazing works by Dalí, Picasso, Warhol, and many more amazing artists while enjoying quality time together.
Check Out the Art Car Museum – This eclectic museum celebrates art cars—cars designed with unique artwork—and it also costs nothing to enter! The atmosphere is incredibly vibrant with colorful art cars from all over the country displayed inside and outside the building. Plus, after checking out all the cars you can take a look at their gift shop filled with souvenirs that would make perfect gifts for each other (or yourself!).
Enjoy Houston Nightlife – Even though drinks can get pricey at bars for Friday or Saturday night dates, there are still plenty of options for those who aren’t looking to spend too much money on drinks during their evening out! Take advantage of happy hours or check out local breweries that offer discounts on beer flights or pitchers of beer. Or just grab some tacos off food trucks parked outside bars before heading in for live music or trivia nights – either way you’re sure to have a blast without breaking the bank while doing so!
Try Out an Escape Room – Escape rooms are great way to test your problem-solving skills as a couple without spending too much money doing so. You will be put into a room where you will need to solve puzzles in order to escape within 60 minutes – talk about an adrenaline rush! There are tons of escape rooms around Houston with different themes like zombie apocalypse, murder mystery etcetera; choose one which appeals most to both you and your partner for an unforgettable experience together.
Is visiting Houston Worth It?
From its diverse restaurant scene, world-famous space center, and well-preserved history, there is something to draw in every kind of traveler.
Shopping enthusiasts will love the vibrant Downtown Market Square district, while outdoor explorers can explore nearby national parks and crystal beaches.
There’s also the incredible Theater District with a fantastic lineup of award-winning plays and musical performances throughout the year.
No matter which way you look at it, Houston promises to be full of entertainment, exciting cultural experiences, and more than enough activities to keep you occupied during your visit.
Final Words
It’s great to see how much Houston has to offer, and that it can be done on a budget. If you’re looking for an affordable vacation in the US, visiting Houston during the summer months is a great option. Not only are there plenty of activities to explore and discounts available, but airfares and hotel prices tend to be lower as well. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about missing out on anything, as Houston has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, or adventure – this city has it all! So don’t think twice and book your trip soon. Have a great time in Houston!