DOWNTOWN
- JP Morgan Chase Tower's Observation Deck: The 60th floor has an observation deck with amazing views of most of the city. You should also check out the colorful Joan Miro sculpture outside while you are there. The building is normally open during standard business hours. Free. http://www.downtownhouston.org/guidedetail/jpmorgan-chase-tower-observation-deck/. Unfortunately, this has been closed to the public. http://www.click2houston.com/news/chase-tower-closes-60th-floor-observation-deck-to-public
- Downtown’s Tunnel System: “Seven miles of shops, eateries, etc linking 95 city blocks, all in air-conditioned comfort, await you.” Free. http://www.houstontx.gov/abouthouston/exploringtunnels.html and http://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2011-04-01/Above__Below_Map_2010_Rusk_Tunnel.PDF
- Texas Commerce Bank: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Commerce_Bank
- Downtown Aquarium: This is more of a restaurant than an aquarium but you can "watch the spectacular skyline light up from the Ferris wheel. A superiority complex is totally justified when you’re suspended 100 feet in the air. Take a selfie with the city as your background.” http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston/.
- Theater District: The Bayou City is one of only a few cities that can boast resident companies in theater, ballet, symphony, and opera. http://www.downtownhouston.org/district/theater/. See "Theater District" under "Things to See" for more information.
- George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB): It normally hosts a lot of events, conferences and summits. http://www.houstonconventionctr.com/. Big changes are coming to the Convention District. The GRB is undergoing substantial renovations that will add retail, restaurants and a grand entrance to the building. The project has started and is expected to be completed in December 2015 or early 2016. FMI, visit: www.houstonconventiondistrict.com.
- Discovery Green Park: Good for quick walks, lots of free events, kayaks and stand-up paddles available for rent around Kinder Lake, and Wortham Foundation Gardens. Normally free. http://www.discoverygreen.com/
- Market Square Park: It has several restaurants around, including Niko's Niko's onsite (http://www.nikonikos.com/) and hosts several events. http://www.marketsquarepark.com/. They normally have “blanket bingo” on Thursday nights and several group bike rides start from this park.
- Tranquility Park: http://www.downtownhouston.org/guidedetail/tranquility-park/
- Houston City Hall: http://www.houstontx.gov/events/cityhall.html and http://www.visithoustontexas.com/travel-tools/about-houston/visitors-center/
- Other downtown sites: Several churches (such as the Christ Church Cathedral - http://www.christchurchcathedral.org/), light rail and Main St, etc
- Downtown Houston is very walkable (or you can bike) but if you prefer (or need to use) public transportation, the GreenLink bus is free of cost and runs about every 7-10 minutes, Monday-Friday (except holidays) from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, along a 2.5 mile route. You can view the bus route here: http://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2014-12-03/NEW-MAP_revised_12-3-14_online_1.jpg and the following website links the bus stops with points of interest: http://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2014-12-04/Greenlink_Stops_and_POI_1.pdf.