Things To Do
in Houston
Houston is a sprawling, multicultural city in Southeast Texas that blends world class cuisine with a dynamic arts and science scene. Its neighborhoods range from walkable cores like downtown and Montrose to expansive parks along the bayous. The city is renowned for its international dining, vibrant museums, and proximity to the Gulf Coast.
From Space Center Houston to nearby Galveston, Houston invites exploration from urban skylines to natural escapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the historic district of Houston, where you can wander through beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling Houston’s famous Tex-Mex breakfast tacos. Afterward, visit the historic court house and learn about the city's founding and growth through interactive exhibits.
In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets of downtown, making your way to the Houston Museum District. Spend some time at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where you can marvel at the dinosaur exhibits and the stunning planetarium. For lunch, indulge in some authentic Southern barbecue at a nearby eatery.
As the sun sets, head over to the lively Theater District for a pre-show dinner at a trendy restaurant. Choose from a variety of performances, whether it's a Broadway show or a local production, ensuring a vibrant cultural experience. After the show, take a stroll through Discovery Green, enjoying the park's beautiful lights and atmosphere.
Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Museum of Fine Arts, where you can immerse yourself in a vast collection of art spanning centuries. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the museum café, surrounded by artful decor. Afterward, take a short walk to the Contemporary Arts Museum to discover innovative exhibitions from contemporary artists.
In the afternoon, explore the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, where you can engage with local artisans and their unique creations. Next, visit the nearby Menil Collection, a hidden gem that showcases an impressive array of art from ancient to modern times, all housed in a serene setting. Grab lunch at a nearby café, enjoying the local atmosphere and flavors.
As evening approaches, head to the eclectic Montrose neighborhood for dinner at a popular local bistro. After dining, explore the vibrant nightlife with a visit to a local bar or music venue, where you can enjoy live performances from local artists. End your night with a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, soaking in the artistic vibe that Montrose is known for.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid range hotel per night | $120-180 |
| 🥗Lunch for one | $12-20 |
| 🚇Monthly public transit pass | $60-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Exceptional diversity of cuisines and neighborhoods
- World class museums and Space Center Houston
- Strong music and nightlife scenes
- Proximity to beaches and nature escapes
- Growing international dining and cultural experiences
- Urban sprawl makes car access convenient but sometimes essential
- Summer heat and humidity can be intense
- Certain areas have higher crime rates at night; stay aware
- Traffic can be heavy during peak hours
- Hurricane season brings weather uncertainty
Places to Visit in Houston
Visit one of these nice places.
Urban park with boardwalks, bridges, and skyline views ideal for sunrise and golden hour photography.
Iconic curved glass wall and water feature offering dramatic reflections and modern architecture shots.
Historic downtown square with architecture, greenery, and city life ideal for candid street photography.
Hidden nature trails and wetlands perfect for wildlife photography and peaceful landscape shots.
Popular nighttime spot for capturing the illuminated downtown skyline and passing traffic trails.
Food in Houston
Houston Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Seasonal boil with crawfish, corn, potatoes, and spices. Best found at Cajun seafood spots and boil joints across the city during spring and early summer.
Must-Try!
Sizzling fajitas with tortillas, pico de gallo, and guacamole, a staple at classic Tex Mex spots such as Ninfa's on Navigation and El Tiempo.
Slow smoked brisket and ribs with bold regional rubs. Look for established pits in Houston proper and nearby suburbs such as Goode Co or local favorites in the Heights.
Rich Pho broths and savory banh mi sandwiches found in many Vietnamese eateries around Midtown, Chinatown and Westheimer corridors.
Hearty gumbo and Cajun Creole stews served over rice, a popular option in numerous Cajun influenced restaurants and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A large market on the east side offering produce, prepared foods, and Cajun and Mexican specialties, open weekends with fresh seasonal goods.
Chinatown area market complex with Asian groceries, dim sum stalls, and prepared foods along Bellaire Blvd.
Large Asian supermarket offering fresh seafood, herbs, and ready to eat street style bites in a bustling market setting.
Popular around Westheimer, Bellaire, and the Washington Ave corridors with tacos, banh mi, ramen, and Korean fried chicken from various trucks and stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are common; direct communication is typical in business settings. A friendly handshake is standard.
Tipping is expected in service settings; respect personal space and tipping norms in social settings.
Houston is very diverse; be respectful of cultural differences and local customs in different neighborhoods.
Safety
Tipping in Houston
Ensure a smooth experience
15-20% for full service restaurants; $1-2 per drink at bars. Tip in cash if possible, but cards are widely accepted.
Credit and debit cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets are widely accepted. Cash is still welcome at many local spots.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with temperatures often in the 90s to 100s F. Plan for indoor activities during peak heat and carry water; afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Pleasant days with blooming landscapes but occasional heavy rain and severe weather. Great for outdoor photography and park visits.
Mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for exploring neighborhoods, markets, and outdoor trails.
Mild to cool with occasional cold fronts. Snow is rare, but temperatures can dip into the 40s F. Great time for city lights and indoor museum days.
Houston at Night
Hiking in Houston
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trails and wetlands east of Houston ideal for birding and nature photography.
A short drive southwest with forested trails and river views, good for longer hikes and wildlife spotting.
Extensive forested trails outside the city for longer day hikes and nature immersion.
Airports
How to reach Houston by plane.
Major international and regional hub serving the Houston area with extensive flight options and good road access to the city.
Smaller, convenient airport serving many domestic routes with quick access to central Houston.
Military and emergency operations airfield located nearby, with limited civilian access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Significant presence and cultural influence across food, music, and festivals.
Wide range of neighborhoods with deep historical roots and contemporary arts scenes.
Growing populations particularly in Chinatown and West and Southwest corridors, contributing to dining and business diversity.
A broad mix from around the world enriching the citys cultural and culinary landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local college and professional level support with NFL nearby and enthusiastic fan bases.
NBA Rockets games and a strong street basketball culture in city parks.
Houston Astros games at Minute Maid Park during season.
MLS presence with Houston Dynamo and women soccer organizations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Houston.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigate Houston by seeking restaurants with veggie options, asking for modifications, and exploring markets with fresh produce and plant based dishes. Many places can adapt meals to be vegetarian.