How do Houston’s 140,000 downtown workers survive hot summers? By going 20 feet underground to the Tunnel System. Join them as you see world-class architecture, enjoy a view from the highest sky lobby in Texas, learn Houston history, enjoy a Dutch-style lunch and shop underground and at the Visitors Center on this unique Houston walking tour.
Itinerary:
Discover how Houston’s residents beat the heat as you tour the highest buildings and web of tunnels that make up the city. Kick off this Houston tour from historic Lancaster Hotel, where you’ll learn about the epic Downtown Houston Tunnel System, then walk over to Chase Tower, Texas’s tallest building. Pause for a photo in front of Joan Miro’s brightly-coloured Personage & Birds sculpture, then go inside the massive tower and ride the elevator up to the 60th-floor sky lobby. Take in the sweeping views that take in the city’s famous skyline.
Next, explore the city from beneath as you descend six meters (20 feet) below the city streets into one of the Tunnel System’s ten colorful food courts. Walk through the air-conditioned Tunnel to the 1929 Chase Building, then take an elevator up to its Art Deco banking hall. Look at a stained-glass window portraying the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico, and eight frescoes depicting the history of Texas. Descend back into the Tunnel and walk into a food court where you can enjoy a Dutch-style lunch as you watch the hum of Houston’s work force walk by. Stroll into One Shell Plaza and meet the owners of an underground gift shop before taking an escalator up to the street.
Walk through Hermann Square Park into Houston’s City Hall and Visitors Center. Get a history lesson by watching a video about the city, pose for a photo with a life-size statue of its namesake, and check out some of its many fascinating exhibits. Head into the Theater District Garage, before reentering the Tunnel to walk to two of Philip Johnson’s architectural masterpieces – the 1976 Modern Pennzoil Place and 1983 Post-Modern Bank of America Center. Return above ground in the city’s bustling Theater District, where this Houston walking tour comes to an end.
Additional information:
Voucher exchange details:
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour.
Additional information:
You may not take photographs or film video in the Tunnel System and most building lobbies. Cameras are permitted in Chase Tower’s sky lobby, the Chase Building’s lobby, outside, and in the Visitors Center.
Dress standard:
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing. While the weather outside from May-November can be hot and humid, the Tunnel System is air-conditioned. While the weather from December-February can be cold, the Tunnel System is heated. Please check the local weather forecast and dress appropriately in case of rain and/or high winds.
Child policy:
Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
Schedule details:
Duration:
3 hours
Start time:
10.30 AM
Finish point:
Lancaster Hotel, 701 Texas Avenue
In the lobby of the Lancaster Hotel, 701 Texas Avenue
