Overview
Uptown is in Houston, though nobody in Houston has used that term since about 1970 - it's generally referred to as "The Galleria", or to motorists at I-610 and U.S. 59 as the highway to avoid.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 6 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 10 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Uptown
Williams Tower
The 3rd-largest skyscraper in Houston, and largest in the world outside of a downtown or central business district. A short walk from the Galleria, also check out the ever-romantic Water Wall. You used to be able to visi…
The Waterwall
Sculptural fountain with park.
Rooftop Cinema Club
The Murder Mystery Company in Houston
Live, interactive murder mystery shows in Houston.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 95°F; winter lows dip to about 44°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Oct. (climate data from nearby Houston)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HOU William P. Hobby Airport, Houston — 13 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston — 19 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Williams Tower, The Waterwall
- Lunch Whole Foods Market
- Afternoon Rooftop Cinema Club, The Murder Mystery Company in Houston
- Dinner The Original Ninfa's Uptown Houston
- Evening The Tasting Room
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
See
See Williams Tower
The 3rd-largest skyscraper in Houston, and largest in the world outside of a downtown or central business district. A short walk from the Galleria, also check out the ever-romantic Water Wall. You used to be able to visit an observation deck on a high floor, but no longer.
Do
Do Rooftop Cinema Club
Buy
Eat
Eat America's Restaurant
The menu draws from the foods and cooking techniques of North, Central and South America, to make one New World Cuisine; as you pass under its Mayan-inspired door, you quickly realize that nothing about this place is ordinary.
Eat Cafe Annie
Insanely expensive prices, but very good American cuisine. Reservations required.
Eat Mystery Cafe
"Where MURDER is always on the menu!"
Eat Ragin' Cajun
This is the world's best Cajun kitchen that hasn't been destroyed by a hurricane. Gumbo, jambalaya, and crawdads are served up in a funky, downhome casual restaurant where the zydeco music never stops.
Eat Whole Foods Market (Whole Foods)
Wide range of prepared foods and meals that are custom prepared. Coffee bar, micro-brewery, sushi bar, taco bar, sandwich bar, juice/smoothie bar, salad bar, buffet, pizza oven, burger bar, bakery.
Drink
Drink The Tasting Room
With more seating than any other bar in Houston, the Tasting Room is a unique experience and is an ideal spot for a great night out. Choose from over 200 wines priced from the reasonable $15 per bottle to the indulgent $1,000 per bottle.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Stay Fairfield Inn - Galleria
Stay Houston Marriott West Loop by The Galleria
Splurge
Nearby
Stafford
City / town · 2 listings · 10 mi away
Sugar Land
City / town · 5 listings · 12 mi away
Pasadena
City / town · 4 listings · 15 mi away
Pearland
City / town · 2 listings · 16 mi away
Katy
City / town · 16 listings · 22 mi away
Webster
City / town · 5 listings · 24 mi away
Alvin
City / town · 3 listings · 25 mi away
The Woodlands
City / town · 12 listings · 29 mi away
My experience
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