Houston: Street art walk & bar tour with local guide

Summary

Wander Houston’s murals, sip local drinks, and meet the city up close

You’ll taste local drinks in tucked-away bars, wander past bold murals and sculptures in downtown Houston, and hear stories from a guide who knows every shortcut. With two included drinks and plenty of laughs along the way, this street art & small bar tour leaves you feeling like you’ve seen a side of Houston most people miss — and maybe made a few friends too.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through our first drink at a bar I’d never have found alone when our guide, Marcus, waved us over to the window. “Look at that mural — see the astronaut?” he said, and honestly, I’d missed it completely. The colors sort of bled into the dusk light, but once you saw it, you couldn’t unsee it. There was music drifting in from somewhere down Main Street — not loud, just enough to make you want to linger outside a bit longer than usual. I tried asking for my beer in Spanish (old habit), and the bartender just grinned and handed me something local instead.

Walking through downtown Houston on this street art & small bar tour felt like being let in on a secret handshake. Marcus told us stories about Joan Miró’s Personage and Birds sculpture — apparently people rub its feet for luck? — and pointed out how the skyscrapers catch the last sun before everything glows neon. At one point we ducked into another bar where the walls were covered in old concert posters; smelled like lemon cleaner and something fried. A couple next to us started chatting about their favorite mural (the one with the giant blue face), which made me realize how much locals actually care about these pieces.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much or feel so comfortable wandering around with strangers who quickly stopped feeling like strangers. The tour ends back at Market Square Park but Marcus handed out this list of his favorite late-night eats — handwritten, not printed — and told us where to go if we wanted more music or just another round. I still think about that astronaut mural sometimes; it’s funny what sticks with you after a day trip through Houston’s street art scene.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Downtown Houston Art & Bars

• Meet at Market Square Park
• Drink at local favorite bar
• View Joan Miro's Personage and Birds
• See historic architecture and murals on Main Street
• Explore eclectic bar and enjoy a drink
• Tour ends with guide's night recommendations

Top questions

Is this Houston street art & bar tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Yes, two alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Market Square Park in downtown Houston.

Is there a local guide on this day trip?

Yes, a local guide leads the street art & small bar tour.

Can infants or children join this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

What kind of art will we see on this Houston walking tour?

You’ll see sculptures, graffiti murals, architecture, and public art installations.

Does the tour include food?

No meals are included; only two drinks are provided during the experience.

What’s included

Your evening includes two complimentary drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), guidance from a knowledgeable local throughout downtown Houston’s street art scene, plus Howdy’s Ultimate Guide to Houston — a curated list of things to do after your tour wraps up at Market Square Park.