- Space Center Houston (NASA) is the big draw—see the Mission Control and Saturn V rocket.
- The food scene is incredible. Eat Viet-Cajun crawfish and authentic tacos.
- The Museum District has 19 museums in a walkable area.
- It's hot and humid. You will live in air conditioning.
- You need a car. The city is sprawling (600+ square miles).
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When to go: Spring or Fall
Spring (March-April) and Fall (October-November) are pleasant. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (March) is a massive event.
Summer (June-September) is brutally hot and humid. Avoid if you can.
- Spring: Azaleas and Rodeo.
- Fall: Outdoor festivals.
- Summer: Indoor activities only.
Getting there: IAH or Hobby
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is the main international hub (United), far north of the city. Hobby (HOU) is closer to downtown and serves Southwest.
Rideshares are the best way to get to the city. Public transport from airports is slow.
- IAH: Major hub, far.
- Hobby: Closer, domestic.
- Car Rental: Highly recommended.
Where to stay: Montrose or Downtown
Montrose is the cool, artsy neighborhood with great coffee, bars, and the Menil Collection. It's walkable (for Houston).
Downtown is good for business and sports (Astros/Rockets). The Galleria area is for shopping.
- Montrose: Hip, food, museums.
- Downtown: Central, hotels.
- Galleria: Shopping mecca.
What to see: Space and Art
Space Center Houston is a 45-minute drive south. It's essential. In the city, the Menil Collection (free) and the Museum of Fine Arts are world-class.
Buffalo Bayou Park offers skyline views and green space. The 'Be Someone' graffiti bridge is an iconic photo spot.
- NASA: Space history.
- Menil Collection: Surrealist art.
- Buffalo Bayou: Urban park.
- Turrell Skyspace: Light art at Rice University.
Food: Viet-Cajun and BBQ
Houston invented Viet-Cajun crawfish (boiled with garlic butter and spices). Try it at Crawfish & Noodles. BBQ is also top-tier (Truth BBQ, Pinkerton's).
Tex-Mex is a staple—get fajitas at Ninfa's on Navigation. The diversity of Asian food in Chinatown (Bellaire Blvd) is staggering.
- Viet-Cajun: Unique fusion.
- BBQ: Brisket excellence.
- Tex-Mex: Fajitas and queso.
- Kolaches: Czech pastry breakfast.
Getting around: Car
Houston is a driving city. The freeways are massive (and traffic is heavy).
The METRORail (light rail) connects Downtown, the Museum District, and the Medical Center, which is useful for tourists staying in those areas.
- Car: Essential.
- METRORail: Good for museums.
- Uber: Readily available.
Budget: Affordable
Houston is very affordable for a major US city. Food is cheap and portions are huge. Gas is cheap.
Many museums are free or have free days.
- Food: Great value.
- Museums: Menil is free.
- Hotels: Reasonable.
2 Days in Houston
Day 1: Space. Drive to Space Center Houston. Spend the day. Dinner: Viet-Cajun crawfish or BBQ.
Day 2: Culture. Visit the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel. Lunch in Montrose. Afternoon at the Museum of Fine Arts. Evening walk in Buffalo Bayou Park.
- Day 1: NASA and food.
- Day 2: Art and parks.
- Evening: Montrose bars.
FAQ
Is it humid?
Yes. Very. It's built on a swamp. Hair will frizz. Drink water.
Is it safe?
Generally yes, but like any big city, be aware. Avoid walking alone in empty areas of downtown at night.
What is the Rodeo?
It's the world's largest livestock show and rodeo. Think cowboys, concerts, carnival rides, and fried food. It takes over the city in March.