Things to do in the Galleria area go beyond shopping, even if the mall is the main character. The Galleria and Uptown sit just west of the 610 Loop around Westheimer and Post Oak, with glass towers, hotels, luxury shops and Houston's second skyline. The Galleria opened in 1970 and grew into the largest mall in Texas, famous for the ice rink under a glass ceiling in the middle of it all.
The Vibe in the Galleria
Uptown is busy, polished and car-heavy. Office workers, tourists, shoppers from all over Latin America and the Gulf Coast, and families doing holiday shopping. It is not a bohemian neighborhood. But it has real landmarks and some very good food, and it is a short drive from Memorial Park and Bellaire Boulevard.
Uptown also has a surprising amount of public art, hotel lobbies worth wandering and a dedicated bus lane on Post Oak that makes getting around a little easier without a car. During the holidays the whole area lights up, with a giant tree in the mall and decorations on the boulevards. It is flashy, and that is the point. Houston does big, and Uptown is where it shows off.
Galleria Munchies
Kenny & Ziggy's on Post Oak is a New York style deli with massive sandwiches, matzo ball soup and a menu the length of a novel. Bring a friend and split. Molina's Cantina on Westheimer has been doing old-school Tex-Mex for a family dynasty going back to the 1940s.
The mall itself has a big food court and plenty of chain restaurants. For the real feast, drive ten minutes south to Bellaire Boulevard. See the Bellaire Boulevard guide and the munchies guide.
Things to Do in the Galleria and Uptown
- Skate the Galleria rink. An ice rink in the middle of a mall in the middle of Texas. It is ridiculous and fun.
- The Waterwall. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park has a giant, horseshoe-shaped fountain with water roaring down its walls. Stand in the center and feel the mist. Next to it is the Williams Tower, with a beacon that sweeps the sky at night.
- River Oaks District. A fancy outdoor shopping area east of the Galleria, home to the iPic luxury theater.
- Memorial Park. Just north of Uptown for trails, the arboretum and big green space.
More ideas in things to do in Houston.
Movies, Music and Art Near the Galleria
iPic in River Oaks District is the luxury movie experience, with reclining pods and a full restaurant. Regal Edwards Greenway Grand Palace is a short drive east near Greenway Plaza. The Waterwall itself is a piece of public art, and the Beer Can House is a short drive northeast off Memorial Drive. See the movie theaters guide.
Chill Outdoor Spot: Waterwall Park
Waterwall Park is a long lawn lined with live oaks leading up to the Waterwall. Locals sit on the grass, take wedding photos and chill under the trees. At night, the lit-up fountain is one of the coolest sights in the city. Levy Park, east in Upper Kirby, is another great green space with lawns and a playground.
A Perfect Day in the Galleria
Here is how we would spend a full day around the Galleria, start to finish. Check hours before you go, and keep a sober driver in the plan.
- A morning in Memorial Park.
- A giant sandwich at Kenny & Ziggy's.
- A lap of the Galleria and a spin on the ice.
- Golden hour at the Waterwall.
- A movie at iPic in River Oaks District.
- Drive south to Bellaire Boulevard for late noodles.
The Good and the Annoying
The good
- The Waterwall and the Galleria rink.
- Kenny & Ziggy's and solid Tex-Mex.
- Close to Memorial Park and Bellaire Boulevard.
- Indoor everything for summer.
- Holiday lights and that big-city shine.
The annoying
- Westheimer at 610 is some of the worst traffic in Texas.
- Holiday shopping crowds are a nightmare.
- Expensive parking at the fancy places.
- Chain-heavy food scene near the mall.
- Some streets flood in big storms.
Nearby Neighborhoods
The Galleria is the west side hub. Washington Avenue and Memorial Park are north and northeast, Rice Village is southeast, Montrose is east and Bellaire Boulevard is south.
