More about: Houston CityPASS®
If you're thinking about exploring the city of space travel, the Houston CityPASS® is ideal for you. There is so much to see and do in Houston, from museums and parks to the amazing Space Center and Downtown Aquarium, so this tourist pass will become your best ally when it comes to enjoying the city.
Located in the state of Texas, Houston is one of the most charming cities in the United States, offering endless options for a great time. With the Houston CityPASS® card , you'll save over 50% on admission prices and avoid having to queue at each attraction. The Houston CityPASS® tourist pass is undoubtedly the best way to get around Houston.
Houston CityPASS® Tourist Card
Houston at its best, save on tickets and skip the lines
The Houston CityPASS® tourist pass offers discounted admission to the city's five top attractions, from the Space Center to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) and the Children's Museum. It's the ideal way to visit the best of Houston.
Houston CityPASS®: the best way to discover Houston
Tourist passes are a great idea if you're planning to explore a city. In Houston's case, there's so much to do and see that it's also very practical. With the Houston CityPASS® card, you can access the city's main attractions while paying much less for your admission.
You'll discover places like the impressive Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH), one of the largest in the country; the Children's Museum, the Downtown Aquarium, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Zoo, and of course, the most popular of all: the NASA Space Center.
Houston is perfect for visiting with children, as there are many museums and attractions designed especially for them. Let yourself be carried away by the Houston CityPASS® tourist card and skip all the lines, get direct access to everything, and make the most of your days in this amazing Texas city.
"Recommended if..." you are visiting for more than 3 days. The Houston CityPASS® tourist card is valid for 9 days, during which you can choose from a range of options and visit the city's main museums and attractions. It's also ideal if you're traveling with children, as you'll save on admission prices and avoid queues. What's more, places like the Museum of Natural Science, the Space Center, and the Children's Museum will fascinate the little ones.
How much does the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass cost?
The price of the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass is around $63 per person, which means you'll save more than 50% on the cost of admission to any of the main attractions. You can pay for it from the comfort of your mobile phone or computer and choose the attractions you prefer when you visit them.
The vast majority of the city's museums are located in the area known as the Houston Museum District. This area brings together no less than 19 of the best cultural venues in Houston, which is really handy when planning your visit.
How the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass works
Using the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass is really easy. Once you've purchased it, just show the pass on your smartphone when you enter any of the many included attractions. The pass is valid for 9 days from the moment you use it for the first time. Keep in mind that some attractions may require advance reservations, so I recommend checking before planning your itinerary for the day.
Since it's virtual, you don't have to worry about a thing, just bring your phone with you. At the entrance to each attraction, the staff will scan a QR code generated by the Houston CityPASS® card, and that's it, you're ready to go! This way, you'll avoid queuing at each attraction and can go straight in.
What's included in the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass
The Houston CityPASS® tourist pass has it all. You can choose between tickets to some of Houston's best museums, such as the Children's Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH), the Museum of Natural Science, the Downtown Aquarium, and much more. Make the most of your stay in Houston by saving on admission fees and skipping the lines.
You can visit the NASA Space Center, a fascinating place where you can learn about the universe and space travel. This is considered one of the 10 best things to do in Houston with kids. You can see real rockets, objects collected from space missions, a collection of astronaut suits that were used in space, the training facility, and even the Apollo 11 mission control center.
For adrenaline junkies, the Houston CityPASS® sightseeing pass also includes admission to Kemah Boardwalk, an amusement park located on Galveston Bay. Here you'll find all the fun, with rides, restaurants, bars, and the best views of the bay. It's ideal for a day of pure excitement or enjoying Houston's nightlife, as it's one of the best nighttime activities in Houston.
When to buy the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass
- The Houston CityPASS® tourist pass is always a good idea if you plan to visit the city for more than 3 or 4 days, as with the number of museums and attractions it includes, you won't have enough time if you're only here for 1 or 2 days.
- Houston is a wonderful city that invites you to enjoy it both day and night. If you like to explore and discover new things, the Houston CityPASS® card is ideal, as you'll save time and money.
- If you are traveling with a large family, it is also a good option, as you will save more than 50% on admission fees.
When is it not a good idea to buy the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass?
The Houston CityPASS® tourist pass is really practical, but it may not be right for you. Here are some cases when it's not a good idea:
- If you already know the city well and don't plan on visiting any attractions.
- If you are interested in some of the museums and attractions that are not included in the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass.
- If you are only visiting the city for 1 or 2 days. In this case, although you will save on admission fees, you will not have enough time to enjoy all the options on offer.
As you can see, these are the few exceptions where it's not worth buying this tourist pass. However, if you fall into one of these categories and decide not to purchase the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass, but still want to enjoy some of its many attractions, you can book a guided tour. Of all the options Houston has to offer, a guided tour of the NASA Space Center is undoubtedly one of the highlights of your visit to the city.
Tips for getting the most out of your Houston CityPASS® tourist pass
- Plan your day: knowing which attractions you want to visit will help you organize your time and make the most of your trip.
- Visit by area: another way to make the most of your time in Houston. You can group museums and attractions according to their proximity.
- Don't spend a whole day on kids' attractions: if you're traveling to Houston with children, I recommend not spending an entire day on attractions for kids. It's better to spread these activities and museums out over the days you're in the city. That way, every day will have something fun just for them. Otherwise, you might not fully enjoy a visit to a museum that isn't specifically for children.
- Always keep your cell phone charged: since this is an entirely virtual pass, you must make sure your cell phone is always charged, otherwise you will not be able to access the various attractions included in the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass.
- Keep an eye on the opening hours: before you decide to activate your tourist pass, check the opening hours of the attractions and museums you plan to visit. Keep in mind that some may be closed on public holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day, or Thanksgiving. If you plan to travel on any of these dates, it is best not to activate your card for that day or take advantage of other activities not included in the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass, such as the Houston Health Museum or the amazing Menil Collection.
Other tourist passes for the city of Houston
There are currently no other tourist passes available in Houston. Fortunately, the Houston CityPASS® tourist pass has everything you need, so you don't have to worry about finding better options to save money and explore Houston.
Another excellent way to get in touch with the city is by hopping aboard its tourist bus. Here you can enjoy a guided tour of Houston's main attractions. It is an open-top bus, allowing you to visit the city and not miss a thing, thanks to its 360-degree views.
Plus, with the Hop On Hop Off option , you can get off as many times as you want and hop back on at any of the many stops along the route without missing a thing. It's a great way to get a feel for everything Houston has to offer if you're only in town for a few days.
If you're interested in the Houston CityPASS®, you may also be interested in
Here are some attractions that are not included in the Houston CityPASS® sightseeing pass, but you may want to add to your plans.
Take a pedal boat ride on Galveston Bay
Another excellent way to see all the charm of the city, this time from the waters of the bay. Enjoy a few drinks aboard a pedal boat. Ideal for groups of friends or couples, as you can enjoy the view while sipping a refreshing drink. Tip: book for the last tours of the day so you can watch the sunset.
Marvel at the Cockrell Butterfly Center
Visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center. A fascinating place with hundreds of thousands of rare butterfly species in an environment artificially created to emulate a tropical rainforest (waterfall included!). It is a three-story glass structure where you can see all the colors of exotic butterflies. An adventure for the senses, ideal for families.
Join an incredible food tour
Take a food tour of Houston's best restaurants and bars. On this guided tour, you'll enjoy the traditional flavors of local cuisine and explore some of the amazing underground tunnels that run through the city. A unique experience for food lovers.
Take a guided tour of Houston's best murals
Not all art is displayed in museums. Houston has a fine collection of outdoor art, namely its amazing murals. Take a guided tour of the best ones in the city and take a selfie in front of your favorites.
Visit the Lone Star Flight Museum
This museum is entirely dedicated to aviation. It's ideal for visiting with children, as they can climb into a flight simulator and explore some of the aircraft on display from the inside. The Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston has around 40 aircraft of great historical value.
The main attraction of this museum, which has its own runway, is that all the aircraft are operational. In fact, you can even take a ride in some of them.