Hanging out with friends often means going through the complicated task of picking a place to meet up and have some fun. These places typically end up being a random restaurant or coffee shop, which are great places to spend time with the people you love, but it can easily become repetitive.

For being such a big city, I often hear people saying, “There’s nothing to do in Houston,” when that really isn’t the case. There are countless hidden gems in Houston waiting to be experienced, you just need to know where and when to go.

Here you can find art of almost every kind, from classical to even performance art, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. This is a great place to go to when feeling stressed since its quiet atmosphere evokes a calming and even introspective mood. Going here alone can take up multiple days because of how big each exhibit is. I highly recommend taking your time throughout each exhibit and read every plaque because I promise, it will absolutely enhance your understanding and even enjoyment of the piece.

This record store offers a wide variety of music genres and artists. You can find both vintage and pristine, new records at this store. Its inviting and intriguing music lover décor paired with the unintimidating organizational pattern makes this a perfect place to get the album of your dreams. They also sell products other than classic records such as, CD’s, posters, and even stationary themed to the stores classic rock energy.

Located in a small shopping center, this tiny store can be easy to miss but worth the visit. Find your next favorite book here tucked away on shelfs full of diverse book genres for a low price!

Going to the movies can be a very therapeutic experience for many as it can give you and escape into another world, and visiting the Rooftop Cinema Club provides the perfect opportunity. Playing fan favorite movies on a rooftop in the middle of downtown Houston, the city skyline creates a great atmosphere.

There are countless thrift shops hidden in downtown with excellent quality vintage pieces ready to be taken to a new home. I recommend going to markets around town, which is where these small businesses often set up their shops.