Tours
Since 1979, Preservation Houston’s acclaimed tour program has offered a unique way to explore Houston’s architecture and history. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a walk through the city’s historic neighborhoods and institutions, sharing insights into local landmarks, culture and stories. Whether you're a local or visiting, our tours offer an engaging way to discover Houston’s rich heritage. Join us and learn what makes the Bayou City special.
Glenwood Cemetery tours
Discover the stories of Houston’s prominent figures and marvel at the stunning architecture and landscapes of one of the city’s most historic resting places on a guided walking tour.
Private tours
Experience Houston like never before with a private walking tour offering an in-depth exploration of the city’s architecture, history and hidden gems — all on a schedule that works for your group.
Houston City Hall and market house (1904, George E. Dickey, demolished) / postcard from PH file
Next tour: Market Square, August 11
Please note that advance ticket purchase is required for this tour.
Our walking tours begin at 6 p.m. in June, July, August and September.
Market Square, one of the public squares laid out in the Allen brothers' original plan of Houston, was home to the city market and City Hall from 1841 to 1939. During that time, the square became the center of Houston's early commercial district. Although the area declined in the mid-20th century, preservation projects have brought new uses to its historic buildings and new life to Market Square itself.
Our 90-minute, docent-guided walking tour explores this fascinating neighborhood, highlighting buildings such as the 1861 Kennedy Bakery (now La Carafe), one of the city’s oldest surviving commercial buildings. The tour route also includes the 300 block of Main Street, a row of largely intact late 19th century commercial buildings, and the imposing façades of Houston’s early 20th century financial district. As we walk, we’ll discuss the methods and value of preservation versus demolition and the importance of projects like Market Square Park, which was reimagined in 2010 as an inviting urban green space with links to its storied past.
Learn more about this tour or reserve your tickets now:
About Architecture Walks
Explore Houston's architecturally and historically significant neighborhoods, buildings and institutions with Preservation Houston's monthly docent-guided walking tours. The tours are offered on the second or third Sunday of the month from January to November; tickets go on sale at 1:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. June through September). Tours are open to the public. The cost is $10 per person ($7 for Preservation Houston members, students and children 11 and under). Advance ticket purchase is required for all tours until further notice.
We also offer quarterly walking tours of Glenwood Cemetery (reservations are required; see our schedule of upcoming tours) as well as private tours for groups of nearly any size.
Digital Architecture Walks
PH’s Digital Architecture Walks include videos, self-guided tours and other content that will help you explore historic neighborhoods, buildings and sites. These digital tours are offered in conjunction with our guided in-person Architecture Walks.
