Downtown Houston Tunnel System guide
A hidden network lies deep beneath Downtown Houston, a seven-mile tunnel system spanning 95 city blocks. While hundreds of Houstonians navigate these passages daily during the workweek, for many, the tunnels remain a complete mystery.
Twenty feet below the bustling streets, what awaits in the downtown Houston tunnels? Perhaps you’ve searched online for “Houston tunnels map,” “restaurants in Houston tunnels,” or “Houston underground mall.” This comprehensive guide unveils the secrets of the underground: shopping options, dining options, access points, tours, and more!
Top Recommendation – Air-conditioned Underground Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston
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Delve into the depths of Houston on an underground tunnel tour! This unique excursion offers a cool, air-conditioned escape from the Texas heat as you explore the extensive network beneath the city’s bustling downtown.
The tour delves into the metropolis below ground-floor in Texas’ largest business district. Witness the incredible architecture of the most award-winning downtown skyscrapers, which house many of Texas’ most noteworthy Fortune 500 corporate headquarters. Historical venues also grace the itinerary, showcasing Houston’s rich past.
The adventure doesn’t stop there. The tour also explores multiple historical and artistic sections of the tunnels themselves, providing a glimpse into a hidden world. Come prepared to capture the experience with your camera, as photo opportunities abound throughout the day. This tour promises unique insights, including secrets unknown to even most native Houstonians!
Book your Underground Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston TODAY!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, check out our articles on Houston Murals and Wall Art, 20 Things to do in Downtown Houston and also Best Houston Attractions for Tourists and locals!
Downton Houston Tunnel System – What are the underground tunnels in Houston?
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The Houston Tunnel System, a network of air-conditioned pedestrian tunnels, connects dozens of office buildings to various convenient locations throughout downtown Houston.
Construction began in the 1930s, with further expansion occurring in the 1950s and 1960s. The tunnels offer Downtown Houston employees a quick way to get to work and around the area without battling the scorching Texas heat. During lunch breaks, these subterranean passageways allow employees to access banks, doctors, hair salons, shipping services, shops, and restaurants.
For visitors seeking to explore downtown Houston without breaking a sweat, the Downtown Houston Tunnels are also open to the public, providing a unique mini-adventure beneath the city streets. The tunnels themselves offer a surprising array of activities and services.
Downtown Houston Tunnel System – Restaurants in the Houston tunnels
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There are numerous dining options in the Houston underground tunnels. From well-known fast food restaurants like Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s to beloved neighborhood eateries like Rustika Cafe and Bakery, Treebeards, Post Oak Grill, and 5411 Empanadas (Latin American cuisines). On Yelp, a comprehensive list of the top-rated eateries in the Houston tunnels is available. Take a guided culinary tour around some of the eateries in the tunnels and the surrounding area if you want to experience the best of the Downtown Tunnels.
Downtown Houston Tunnel System – Underground Mall and Shopping
No surprise that there are also plenty of great shopping options in the underground tunnels in Houston. Formerly known as The Shops at Houston Center, The Highlight is the next generation of convenience and connection in downtown Houston. According to the website, The Highlight has dining, entertainment, shopping, and wellness all just steps from one another, and is the ideal space to relax, collaborate, and even check a couple of “to-do’s” off your list.
In addition to the mall, there are several small specialized stores, gift shops, newsstands, flower shops, medicine stores, copy shops, and dry cleaners located in the downtown tunnels.
There are small group tours available where a local guide will lead you through the tunnels and tell you all you could ever want to know about them if you’re interested in finding out everything there is to know about the tunnels’ fascinating history and secrets.
AMC Houston 8, Revention Center, the Shops at Houston Center, and theaters in the Theater District are additional entertainment options for Houstonians visiting the area!
Downtown Houston Tunnel System Entrances
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For street access, you can find entrances at Wells Fargo Plaza and the McKinney garage on Main Street.
Additionally, many downtown buildings have street-level stairs, escalators, and elevators that connect to the tunnels. Many of these buildings are open to the general public during normal operating hours with few restrictions.
The tunnels are open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
You can find access points and pathways on this Houston tunnel map.
Remember, you can always take a guided tour of the tunnels where you’ll learn all about one of the city’s best-kept secrets!
What intrigues you about the tunnels? Will you be visiting soon? Let us know in the comments below!
Downtown Houston Tunnel System – Houston Tunnel Map, Hours, and Parking Tips
Where: Click here for a map of the Downtown Houston tunnels
Hours: Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Parking: Metered street parking, lots, and garages available. Click here for a parking map
