Houston's Theater District is home to a thriving performing arts scene with a wide variety of venues spread across a 17-block area in the heart of downtown. You can see all sorts of performances, including ballet, opera, plays, symphonies, concerts, and just about everything else you can imagine. In fact, you'll find at least 1 resident company across every major performing arts discipline, which makes Houston particularly unique among other American cities.
The whole family can enjoy a visit to the Theater District since there are shows and performances suitable for all ages. While some performances have mature themes, it's easy enough to check virtually any venue in town beforehand and see what is appropriate for your little ones to see. Most people spend several nights exploring everything this district has to offer, with individual shows typically lasting about 2 to 3 hours or so.
Theater District in Houston - one of the highlights of 10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Houston and 12 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Houston (Read all about Houston here)
photo by Katie Haugland Bowen (CC BY 2.0) modified
What are the highlights of the Theater District in Houston?
The most important aspects of the Theater District are the theaters and performing arts venues. You'll find quite a few, but some tend to stand out. The Alley Theatre is especially notable, as it has some of the most advanced theater technology implemented in its complex after a recent renovation. It's also very busy, hosting more productions than all other performing arts organizations in the district can offer combined.
When you find yourself in the Theater District, you may also want to stop by Jones Hall. Home of the Houston Symphony and the Society for the Performing Arts, this is the place to be for sophisticated performances among brilliant architectural planning. The Revention Music Center, on the other hand, is more popular with touring musical artists and lets you enjoy a show in the stands or in the pit.
photo by Larry D. Moore (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
Where to eat and drink in the Theater District in Houston?
Visiting the Theater District in Houston means you never have to see a show on an empty stomach, thanks to the variety of restaurants in the area. Pad Thai is a restaurant by the Alley Theatre that not only offers some of the best titular dish you'll find in Houston but a variety of other options, too. If you want something a bit more sophisticated, you can head to Hearsay Gastro Lounge for an upscale twist on traditional American.
With such a variety of food options available in Houston's Theater District, you won't have to look far to find some comfort food. At The Moonshiners, you can enjoy Southern-style cuisine served alongside moonshine-fused cocktails. Perbacco can offer authentic Italian food right on Milam Street in the district. Just make sure you get a reservation beforehand, as tables here are highly sought after.
photo by Rick Kimpel (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
What else is good to know about the Theater District in Houston?
Getting around the Theater District is easy when you know the best parking spots and public transportation routes. The district has its own massive parking garage, and you can get reserve parking to ensure you get a spot in advance. Just keep in mind that it only accepts cards and not cash. The garage is open 24/7, so you don't have to schedule your experience in the district around parking availability.
When you visit the Theater District, you'll find yourself close to quite a few other iconic attractions in town as well. Sam Houston Park and the Heritage Society Museum within are located just a short walk to the southwest of the district. City Hall is also located nearby, along with the JPMorgan Chase Tower, if you're interested in some sightseeing.
photo by Andreas Praefcke (CC BY 3.0) modified
Theater District in Houston
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Where to stay in Houston
Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston
Blossom Hotel Houston
The Whitehall Houston
Holiday Inn Houston Downtown, an IHG Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria
Moxy Houston Downtown
Rusk House Serviced Apartments
Hyatt Regency Houston West
Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown
