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Houston   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Houston

Give this Texas city a chance. Yes, Houston's history is sticky with oil, and its contemporary landscape climbs with skyscrapers belonging to Citgo, Shell and many, many more. But what you might not know is that Houston has grassy parks, eclectic galleries, a burgeoning art scene and Tex-Mex restaurants that all vie for attention downtown. And outside of Dallas-Fort Worth , Houston is one of the greatest places in Texas to shop: Ever heard of the Galleria ? There are also plenty of nice hotels to lay your head and a variety of fun things for the kiddies to see, such as the zoo and the children's museum . Those with a keen interest in space can learn all about NASA's program at Space Center Houston and science nerds can check out the comprehensive Museum of Natural Science . So, yes, it's a huge sprawling city of more than 2.3 million, but with pleasant weather pretty much year-round, an abundance of entertaining festivals and plenty of things to do, you should give it a chance.

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• # 8 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• # 11 in Best Places to Visit in Texas

Best of Houston

Best hotels in houston.

• # 1 in The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
• # 2 in Hotel Granduca Houston
• # 3 in The Lancaster

Best Things to Do in Houston

• # 1 in Houston Museum District
• # 2 in Hermann Park
• # 3 in Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston

Popular Tours

Trill On Wheels (2-Hour Hip-Hop Party Bike Tour in Houston)

(51 reviews)

from $ 45.00

2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels

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from $ 48.99

Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission

(574 reviews)

from $ 25.00

Houston Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Houston is from February to April or from September to November. Thanks to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Houston experiences warm weather (as well as affordable hotel prices) pretty much year-round, but come spring and fall the temperatures are pleasant and there are a variety of festivals to enjoy. You may be able to score a deal in the summer since Houston residents head elsewhere as temperatures climb, but you'll have to contend with the heat and oppressing humidity. Houston also experiences mild winters and snowfall is rare, but temperatures drop when the sun goes down so make sure to pack layers if you're traveling in December or January. 

Weather in Houston

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Bring on the barbecue Texas is known for its barbecue and Houston won't let you down. Try Killen's BBQ , which has two locations, or Gatlin's BBQ .

Embrace the arts Houston has plenty of museums, but it's one of just a few U.S. cities with professional companies in the four performing arts disciplines: ballet, opera, symphony and theater.

Rent a car The Houston metro area encompasses 665 square miles, and while you won't have to travel too far to see the top attractions, you'll want your own set of wheels to get around.

Humidity reigns Houston is an incredibly humid city year-round.

How to Save Money in Houston

Buy a CityPASS This booklet of admission tickets offers major discounts on Houston's most popular sights like the Children's Museum Houston , the Downtown Aquarium, the Houston Zoo and Space Center Houston .

Check for coupons Visit Houston and its Houston Experience Marketplace offer deals and discounts on everything from hotel rooms to restaurants.

Find a food truck Houston is home to hundreds of food trucks dishing out affordable eats all around town. Check Street Food Finder 's food truck locator to see what trucks will be near you.

What to Eat

Considered one of the Best Foodie Cities in the USA , Houston has always produced excellent eats. But in recent years, the rest of the country (and the world) has finally started to take notice. 

Ask any local and you'll find strong opinions of where to find the best Tex-Mex fare, a staple in the Houston diet. But most agree The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is a great place to start. If you're exploring the Museum District and the Houston Zoo , you can try the upscale Hugo's or the M & M Grill that offers fajitas and burritos with halal meats. You could also check out a Pappasito's Cantina location, where Beyoncé has been spotted. 

Another popular food found in Houston? Barbecue, baby. From baby back ribs smothered in sauce to slow-roasted tender brisket, this city has no shortage of BBQ joints. Locals and experts say some of the best spots to visit are Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack , Killen's Texas Barbecue , helmed by renowned chef Ronnie Killen (who also opened a restaurant combining a steakhouse with a barbeque joint, Killen's STQ ), Gatlin's BBQ and The Pit Room . 

While any first-timer to Houston has to sample Tex-Mex and barbecue, travelers would be remiss to ignore the city's other culinary offerings. Houston's diverse population contributes a wide variety of flavors to its restaurant scene. Sample the lamb kabobs and grape leaves at Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine ; find Creole cuisine at Brennan's of Houston ; try sushi and sake at one of the two Izakaya Wa locations; or pick Aria Suya Kitchen to dine on Nigerian fare. If you're in the mood for a fine dining experience, visit Caracol , helmed by James Beard Foundation Award winner Hugo Ortega, or dine on classic French dishes at Etoile Cuisine et Bar . Those in search of elevated southern comfort food can't skip Lucille's . For Vietnamese fare, visit The Blind Goat or Roostar Vietnamese Grill . No matter what you're in the mood for, you won't go hungry in Houston. 

Soul food is another one of Houston's specialties. Located in midtown, the breakfast klub is an award-winning restaurant founded by radio host and motivational speaker Marcus Davis. Opened in 2001, this Houston institution is famous for two dishes: its signature catfish and grits, and its first-rate wings and waffles. Other soul food spots that come highly recommended by travelers include Mikki's Soul Food Café , Houston This is It Soul Food (a family-owned restaurant serving up specialties like oxtails, mac and cheese and gumbo) and Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food .

Aside from its foodie roots, Houston is also known for its excellent nightlife. From classic honky-tonks with live music to hip-hop dance clubs with well-known DJs, the city supplies an almost endless stream of options for night owls. If you're looking to two-step, head to Stampede Houston . Hoping to dance along to hits from the 80s and 90s? Try  Numbers Nightclub (it's been around since 1978). Meanwhile, travelers who are still kids at heart shouldn't skip a visit to Cidercade Houston . In addition to more than 275 classic arcade games such as Mario Bros. and Ms. Pac Man, Cidercade also serves a wide variety of hard ciders, hard kombuchas, hard seltzers and hard smoothies.

Getting Around Houston

The best way to get around Houston is by car. Having your own set of wheels will make it easier to explore all of the city's top attractions , especially those that are located beyond the downtown core, such as the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum . Driving may be the easiest way to get around Houston, but the city, like most major metropolitan areas, has numerous other transportation options, including buses, a light rail system and a bike-share service. In contrast to its inexpensive public transportation, the city's taxis can be pricey beyond the downtown area.

To get to and from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), you'll probably want to take a cab or a rental car to make the approximately 30-minute drive south to downtown Houston. To save some coin, consider taking the METRO bus No. 102, which costs just $1.25 and takes travelers from the airport to the downtown METRO station in about 50 to 90 minutes.

Houston's picturesque skyline is framed by the miles-long Buffalo Bayou waterway.

Explore More of Houston

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Laid-back, pick-up truck and boot-scooting town meets high-powered, high-cultured and high-heeled metropolis. Houston enjoys a high standard of living and isn't shy about showing it off.

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Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Rothko Chapel

Commissioned by Dominique and John de Menil (also founders of the Menil Collection) in 1964 to create a nondenominational chapel, American abstract…

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Menil Collection

The Menil Collection is considered one of the most important privately assembled art collections of the twentieth century and is a Houston highlight…

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This sinuous 160-acre city park follows Buffalo Bayou west from downtown, with easy pedestrian access and plentiful parking en route. Sweeping views…

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Don’t even dream you’ll see the whole of this colossal and absolutely stellar museum – the most popular in Texas – in a single visit. The permanent…

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

This nationally renowned palace of art starts its displays with ‘Splendors of the Ancient World’, and has a fine collection of pre-Columbian golden…

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A superbly curated and presented museum offers an in-depth education on the context, history and aftermath of not only the holocaust itself but of Nazi…

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Admire the talents of luminaries such as Rodin and Matisse in this tranquil sculpture garden, on the north side of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Discovery Green

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This celebration of African American culture, with plenty of gospel, jazz and blues, takes place at Emancipation Park around June 19 – the day in 1865…

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Hermann Park's outdoor theater is a great place to lay out a blanket on a balmy night and enjoy a free concert, play or ballet.

Art Car Museum

You never know which wildly decorated autos you’ll see in this small indoor museum, which honors the annual, not-to-be-missed Houston Art Car Parade…

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Houston Travel Guide

There are cities that claim to be melting pots, but they can't compare to Houston. There is no single racial or ethnic majority here, and 25 of every 1,000 refugees in the world settles down to stay. Each community in this sprawling, highway-riddled metropolis brings its own flavor to Texas' "by your bootstraps" spirit, meaning you can get Ethiopian kifto, Vietnamese pho, Mexican mole, and good ole' Texas barbecue within a 10-mile radius. There's culture at every turn here, with more than 150 museums throughout the city—and a March rodeo that puts the rest to shame. Ever heard the saying, "Everything's bigger in Texas"? They were talking about Houston.

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Your Trip to Houston: The Complete Guide

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Houston is Texas’ largest city and attracts hordes of travelers every year. However, the vast majority of these visitors travel to Houston on business. Relatively few travelers see Houston as a vacation destination on par with other top Texas tourist spots. But, believe it or not, Houston has much more to offer visitors than most people realize.

Houston actually is home to some of Texas’ most popular attractions. The Johnson Space Center was at the center of the space race during the 1960s and is still active in space exploration. Of course, the San Jacinto Monument marks the very spot where Texas won it’s independence from Mexico and is a must-see for history buffs. Adjacent to the San Jacinto Monument is the Battleship Texas, which fought to maintain America’s freedom during WWII.

The Houston Zoo has long been a favorite stop for Houston area residents and visitors alike. More recently, the Downtown Aquarium has also drawn a lot of attention from visitors. Houston also boasts an impressive array of museums , including the Buffalo Soldier Museum, the Holocaust Museum, Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and many, many more.

Sports fans also have plenty to cheer about while in Houston, regardless of the season. The University of Houston and Rice University each field a full complement of men’s and women’s NCAA Div. I athletic teams. And, Reliant Stadium is home to the Houston Bowl, a DI college football bowl game. On the pro level, the NBA Rockets, NFL Texans, and MLB Astros all call Houston home.

Houston is also a popular stop for shoppers. From the upscale Galleria in the heart of the city to the sprawling Katy Mills Mall on the outskirts of town, Houston is home to thousands of retailers.

When it comes to dining, Houston offers some of the best – and most diverse – restaurants in the nation. From seafood to steaks, Tex-Mex to Indian, Houston has an eatery with virtually any and every style of food.

Throughout the year, Houston also hosts a number of festivals and events. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is by far the biggest of these annual events and draws hundreds of thousands each year. Houston is also home to the Houston International Festival, Houston Hot Sauce Festival, and many, many more.

So, whether it is business or pleasure that brings you to Houston, finding plenty to do won’t be a problem. In fact, you’ll probably find you don’t have nearly enough time to squeeze in everything.

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Houston

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

If you are looking for culture, dining, shopping, unique attractions, and fun experiences, you'll find no shortage of things to do in Houston. This is the fourth largest city in the United States and home to the famous Space Center Houston, renowned chefs, inspiring museums, and beautiful green spaces, complete with a bayou running through the heart of the city. Depending on your travel dates, you may even be able to take in a sports game or enjoy Houston's signature event, the Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Houston makes a great place to visit for a weekend getaway, with direct flights from all over North America. Combine a trip to Houston with a visit to nearby Galveston , less than an hour away, for a mix of big city and island life. For a complete look at things to do, see our list of top attractions in Houston.

See also: Where to Stay in Houston

1. Visit Space Center Houston

2. explore houston's museum district, 3. the museum of fine arts, 4. houston museum of natural science, 5. visit the houston zoo, 6. the menil collection, 7. take the kids to the houston children's museum, 8. experience the gerald d. hines waterwall park, 9. national museum of funeral history, 10. discover houston's street art, 11. holocaust museum houston, 12. walk, bike, or paddle in buffalo bayou park, 13. the health museum, 14. art car museum, 15. shop the vintage stores on 19th street in the heights, 16. day trip to galveston, 17. attend the houston livestock show and rodeo, 18. see a sports game, 19. discover unique dining experiences in houston, 20. walk through rice university campus, where to stay in houston for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to houston, map of tourist attractions & things to do in houston, houston, tx - climate chart.

Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, is a must-see attraction in Houston. This is a huge complex, where you can walk through the space shuttle replica Independence and the enormous shuttle carrier aircraft it's mounted on. In the visitor center, you can wander inside a replica of America's first space station, Skylab, and touch a rock from the moon. This is also the place to learn about NASA's upcoming missions, including travel to Mars. If you are here on a Friday around noon, you can even meet an astronaut.

From the visitor center, you can take an open-air tram tour to Johnson Space Center , home of mission control, to see where astronauts train for space missions. This tour also takes you to Rocket Park to see actual rockets on display. If you'd like to only visit the Rocket Park, there is no charge. Just drive to the guarded gate, inform them that you'd like to visit, and they will let you in.

To experience something truly unique, sign up for a Level 9 Tour and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Johnson Space Center. You can see the Buoyancy Lab, the ISS Mission Control, and simulation labs, along with other areas off limits on regular tours, and possibly even encounter an astronaut. This is a one-of-a-kind experience, and only 12 tickets are sold per day for this exclusive, four- to five-hour VIP tour. Tours begin at the Space Center Houston, which you are free to explore with the purchase of this ticket.

Address: 1601 Nasa Pkwy, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://spacecenter.org/

The Museum District is one of Houston's greatest cultural attractions, with 19 museums residing in this beautiful area of downtown. Eleven of these are free to the public. Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts , Houston the Houston Museum of Natural Science , the Children's Museum of Houston , the Menil Collection, the Holocaust Museum, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, to name just a few. Also in this area is the lovely Hermann Park , with the Houston Zoo and the Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Most of the museums are within easy walking distance of each other, although the Menil and the Rothko Chapel are a little farther out. Museums that are free of charge include: The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Lawndale Art Center, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Moody Center for the Arts, and the Houston Center for photography.

Address: 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas

The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is one of the top museums of its kind in the United States. The collection of 63,000 pieces are spread out over two structures: the Audrey Jones Beck building and the Caroline Wiess Law Building, both connected by the unique and interesting Wilson Tunnel.

The museum's focus is on French and Italian Impressionist Renaissance paintings, fine sculptures, and European and American decorative arts. Be sure to check out the wonderful collection of pre-Colombian and African items made of gold.

If you enjoy wandering at your own pace, you'll find lots to keep you interested and entertained here; however, if it all seems a bit overwhelming, sign up for a tour to see the highlights.

If you find yourself in the River Oaks suburb, the Bayou Bend and Collections is a satellite gallery, and features furniture, decorative arts, and paintings.

Official site: https://www.mfah.org/

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular museums in the city. A fun outing for all ages, the museum covers a wide array of topics sure to please everyone in your group.

Be sure to swing by the Hall of Paleontology during your visit to see several complete dinosaur skeletons. For something that's still alive, tour the Cockrell Butterfly Conservatory, where nearly 1,500 of these gentle insects flutter around in the humid air, if you are lucky enough, one might even land on you.

Brush up on what's in the night skies over Houston with a show at the Planetarium then later on, rest your legs and engage your senses at the Wortham Giant Screen Theater.

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.hmns.org/

Set on 55 acres in Hermann Park , the Houston Zoo is one of the city's star attractions, popular with locals and visitors. The zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic and indigenous animals and contains an education center and children's zoo. Some of the highlights include feeding the giraffes, seeing marine life up close in the aquarium, and watching sea lions and otters frolicking about.

Other attractions in Hermann Park are the Houston Museum of Natural Science , the Miller Outdoor Theatre , a Japanese Garden , and McGovern Centennial Garden . Also fun is a paddle boat trip on McGovern Lake, or a stroll along the park's walking trails.

Address: 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: www.houstonzoo.org

The building that houses the Menil Collection is almost in itself as much of a work of art as the pieces housed within it. Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, the building is light-filled, owing to the massive glass windows that look out onto the immaculate grounds. Unlike many art museums, the art in many rooms (but not all) is showcased using natural light.

The Menil Collection is especially known for having the largest number of Max Ernst pieces in the world . In addition, the Menil Collection is home to contemporary works of art, along with pieces from the masters in the Byzantine, Abstract, and Surrealism themes. All these works are grouped together in dedicated display rooms.

If it's not too hot, take a bit of time to explore the campus of the Menil Collection. One of the most interesting things to see is the Rothko Chapel with its mural canvases.

The museum is free.

Address: 1533 Sul Ross Street, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.menil.org/

• Read More: Top-Rated Museums in Houston

A great way to beat the heat in summer and one of the best places to visit in Houston for families is the Houston Children's Museum. This colorful, noisy place is guaranteed to plaster a smile on everyone's face. Let the kids run wild and have a fun time getting busy will all the hands-on and interactive displays.

One of the major highlights is the How Does it Work exhibit. Here, you and your kids will learn how things in everyday life operate. The FlowWorks wet zone is also a fascinating place where you can turn water on, off, and adjust the flow and watch the effects.

If your kids have ever wanted to pretend they are secret agents, send them over to the SECRETS Spy Game exhibit. They will put their skills to the test to try and crack codes and locate clues while competing against nefarious characters.

Official site: https://www.cmhouston.org/

The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park showcases an impressive multi-story sculptural fountain that sees sheets of water cascading over large concrete walls and sculptures. The structure's semi-circular shape towers 64 feet above you and is fronted by a large arch and 46,500 square feet of water.

Photos don't do this attraction justice, it's something that needs to be seen to truly be appreciated. This 2.77-acre park, covered with dozens of live oaks, is located in Uptown Houston.

You wouldn't think that a museum devoted to funerals would be a popular attraction in Houston, but that is indeed the case. Quirky and somewhat strange, this engaging and fun museum is well worth a visit.

Inside the 30,500-square-foot building are displays ranging from antique funeral hearses, exhibits on the embalming process, coffins from around the world from as far away as Ghana, the history of presidential funerals, and others.

One display not to miss is the colorful overview on Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), where this Latin American celebration is explained in great detail.

Address: 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.nmfh.org/

While it is often overlooked by tourists, Houston's street art, or what many people know as graffiti, is outstanding. Installations by some of the top names in street art throughout the US and around the world, including COPE2 and Houston's own Gonzo247, can be found here.

These colorful murals adorn the walls of establishments in various locations throughout the city and are well worth taking the time to drive around and see. The unofficial curator of Houston's street art is the charismatic artist known as Gonzo247. He is one of the city's most famous street artists and the creator of the giant "Houston is Inspired" mural at the corner of Travis and Preston Streets and the smaller "Houston" mural at Leeland and St. Emanuel Streets.

This latter area is also home to a large concentration of impressive installations that grace the walls of numerous one- and two-story buildings off Leeland Street at Chartres Street and St. Emanuel Street. But works can be found scattered all over the city on walls of various sizes.

For a sobering reminder of how man can inflict untold cruelty on another human being, stop by for a contemplative visit to the Holocaust Museum. The museum has been telling the story of the WWII Holocaust since its opening in 1996.

In 2019, the museum reopened after a massive 30-million-dollar expansion. Now the Holocaust Museum Houston, at 57,000 square feet, is twice the size it used to be, with a 187-seat indoor theater, 175-seat outdoor amphitheater, and a café.

Interesting stories from survivors along with exhibits are thoughtfully presented in four galleries in a way that is both engaging and thought provoking. The museum has an original railcar used in the transport of victims along with a Dutch fishing boat used to shuttle escapees. Two additional galleries are home to a regular procession of temporary exhibits.

Address: 5401 Caroline Street, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://hmh.org/

Buffalo Bayou Park is a beautiful 160-acre green space running through the city, with the slow-moving waters of Buffalo Bayou as its centerpiece. This urban park is home to extensive walking and biking trails, a dog park, sculptures, and plenty of shady areas to relax.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Houston, especially if you want to get outdoors, rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and enjoy a paddle along the bayou. Rentals are available at the park, and various tours are offered, ranging from one to three hours in length. Similarly, guided cycling tours are also available from outfitters in the city.

A particularly unique site in Buffalo Bayou Park is the Cistern , an old underground drinking-water reservoir from 1926, which now hosts changing art installations. Today, visitors can go on a short guided tour.

The park is also home to a huge colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that inhabit the Waugh Drive Bridge. Approximately 250,000 of them fly out from the bridge each evening at sunset.

Official site: https://buffalobayou.org/

If you've been indulging in the great food of Texas and wondering if that has caused your jeans to be a bit tight when you put them on, a stop at the Health Museum is in order. At one of Houston's most innovative museums, you can literally step inside your own body.

Some of the fun for the whole family involves walking through a 10 foot-high brain, exploring a 12-foot-high beating heart, and getting up close and personal with a giant eyeball. With the Calorie Crank, you can take a look at how many calories you've been taking in at all your stops at Texas' famous BBQ stands!

Address: 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.thehealthmuseum.org/

If Impressionists and Old Masters art is not your thing, give the Art Car Museum a try. Here, you'll find cars of every type used as the medium for unique and interesting artworks. In addition, regular works of art featuring cars are mounted on display walls.

The Art Car Museum, also known locally as the Garage Mahal, has been a popular Houston attraction since it first opened in 1998. The cars and exhibits change regularly, and you'll never quite know what you will see, as artists do their best to transform something quite pedestrian into a unique statement or message.

Address: 140 Heights Boulevard, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://artcarmuseum.com/

For vintage clothing, retro décor, and old collectibles, 19th Street in The Heights is the place to go. This funky area has all kinds of quirky shops selling everything from evening gowns to casual clothing, as well as jewelry, footwear, household gadgets, and all kinds of unique items.

This is also a good place to shop for gifts. The merchandise is not all vintage; some places sell new pieces or a mix of new and old. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, the whole area is worth seeing and offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

The beautiful beaches of Galveston are less than an hour away from Houston. If you are looking for a quick break from the city, head out to Galveston for a little time soaking up the sun, wandering through the historic downtown, and dining at a seaside restaurant. Miles of endless beaches and shallow, turquoise water stretch along the oceanfront. At the heart of the beach action is Pleasure Pier .

Other attractions to visit include the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum, and the Strand Historic District. If you are traveling with the family, head to Moody Gardens.

If you don't have your own car or want to keep things simple, you can also take an organized tour to the island. One option that combines some sightseeing in Houston is the Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip . This includes a 90-minute double-decker bus tour of Houston and transportation to and from Galveston, where you'll have free time to explore on your own.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Galveston

Houston's biggest annual event, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, is a fun-filled, 19-day event that brings the whole city out to celebrate in February or March. If you are going to be here during this time, you are in luck, and if you are wondering when to visit Houston, this might be the time to plan your trip. This is an activity the whole family can enjoy, and it's so much more than just a rodeo and livestock show.

If this is your first time to an event of this kind, you will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of things to do. On the grounds are carnival rides, games, and food stands, and enough entertainment to keep you busy indefinitely. At the rodeo events, which you will need tickets to attend, see the cowboys showing off their skills in a variety of areas. In the evening, some of the biggest names in music perform on stage. Check out the concert listing in advance and secure tickets.

If you only have one day to attend this fantastic show, spend a morning or afternoon wandering the grounds and enjoying the carnival, see some of the finest farm animals on display at the Livestock Show, then take in a rodeo event or two to see the cowboys in action, and spend the evening at a concert. Another not-to-be-missed event is the Downtown Rodeo Parade.

Official site: www.rodeohouston.com

When it comes to seeing a game in Houston, sports fans have plenty of options, and whether it's football, baseball, basketball, or soccer, the city takes its sports seriously. Houston is home to the Houston Texans (NFL), the Houston Astros (MLB), and the Houston Rockets (NBA).

The Texans play at the NRG Stadium , the Toyota Center in downtown Houston is home to the Rockets, and the Astros play at Minute Maid Park , also in the city center.

For Soccer fans, Houston is home to the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), who play their home games at the BBVA Compass Stadium.

There's a good chance of at least one of these teams having a home game during your stay.

Chefs in Houston have put this city on the culinary map of America, and dining here is an attraction in and of itself. Possibilities are almost endless, ranging from traditional southern dishes to Latin American, Asian, Mexican, and countless other cultural specialties. The number of wonderful dining options is too extensive to list, but some places are too unique not to mention.

For high-end Mexican cuisine, discover the flavors of Oaxaca at Xochi , located on the first floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston in downtown Houston. The menu offers a full range of dishes, and includes some exotic options to stir your imagination.

A long-term Houston favorite, La Griglia has been serving up some of the city's finest Italian food for decades. Being so close to the Gulf of Mexico makes Houston an excellent spot to enjoy fresh seafood. One of the city's best is Eddie V's Prime Seafood , with three locations throughout the city.

For health-conscious eaters, Vibrant offers healthy meals from breakfast to dinner. Dishes are all gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and non GMO.

The Rice University Campus is an oasis in downtown Houston and a favorite outdoor space for many Houstonians. Walking and running trails, thousands of mature trees, and lovely old buildings are spread over this 300-acre campus.

Also on the grounds are a large number of impressive contemporary artworks that lend to the tranquil atmosphere. Many of these installations are equally, or even more, impressive in the evening when they are lit.

To be close to major attractions and sports venues, it's best to base yourself in or close to downtown. You can find a good selection of luxury and mid-range hotels in the city center, but budget hotels are generally located a short drive away. Below are some highly rated hotels we recommend.

Luxury Hotels:

• One of Houston's oldest hotels, the luxury boutique The Lancaster Hotel reopened in late 2018 following a massive and beautifully executed renovation. The stylish design and elegant décor, combined with outstanding service and a prime location in downtown Houston, make this one of the best places to stay in the city.
• Also in a fantastic location in downtown Houston is the Four Seasons Hotel Houston , with always exceptional customer service and a variety of room designs and sizes. The hotel offers Topgolf, where small groups can entertain themselves with some virtual golf and order tasty snacks.
• Another downtown luxury hotel is the Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District , popular for its high-end spa and fantastic location close to the city's top attractions.
• The Hilton Americas - Houston is a large, modern hotel that is connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Toyota Center and Discovery Green Park are easily walkable, making the hotel an ideal place to stay when the Houston Rockets are playing.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• At the top end of the mid-range section but usually quite good value is The Whitehall Houston . This hotel is centrally located and features contemporary, Southern-style rooms.
• An easy walk from the city's convention and sports facilities, the renovated Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown is an excellent choice for those vacationing with families thanks to its large outdoor pool.
• The Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites is popular for its outdoor pool and proximity to attractions, including the Downtown Aquarium. It's an ideal place to stay if you'd like to do some self catering, as some rooms have complete kitchens.

Budget Hotels:

• The best budget hotels are located outside the city center but are only a short drive away. Just a few kilometers west of the downtown core, the Red Roof PLUS+ Houston - Energy Corridor offers pet-friendly options along with free Wi-Fi and breakfast,
• Those who like to shop 'til they drop should check out La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Houston Galleria Area (named after the adjacent shopping mall). It boasts a swimming pool and hot tub.
• Another good option is the Comfort Suites Northwest Houston at Beltway 8 . This hotels offers a pool, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and rooms come with microwaves and refrigerators.

Save Money with a Pass :

• If you're planning a busy schedule of sightseeing, consider purchasing the great-value Houston CityPASS , which gives you free admission to five of the city's top attractions, including Space Center Houston, the Downtown Aquarium, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The pass is valid for up to nine days, allowing you maximum flexibility when planning your itinerary.

Sightseeing:

• Explore the city on a Hop-on Sightseeing Tour of Houston . This 75-minute tour on an open-top double-decker bus will take you past the highlights while you listen to an audio commentary and learn about the history.

Texas Maps and Info:

• If you are planning a road trip through Texas, you can order away for a free copy of the Texas Travel Guide and Official Travel Map at www.TravelTexas.com .

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Texas Cities: Each of the metropolitan areas in Texas offers their own unique sites and character. Use our travel guides to explore the attractions of San Antonio , Dallas , and Austin .

West Texas: To experience a completely different side of the country, head to West Texas. Due to the vastness of the area, this is best done as a road trip. You can begin by hitting Amarillo and Lubbock and then make the drive down to beautiful Big Bend National Park , where you'll find an incredible desert landscape, along with outstanding hiking trails and campgrounds . On the edge of the park, you can find some luxury accommodation with the help of our list of the Best Places to Stay near Big Bend National Park . When you're done here, head over to El Paso .

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The fourth largest city in the United States, HOUSTON is an ungainly beast of a place, choked with successive rings of highways and high on humidity. Despite this, its sheer energy, its relentless Texas pride and, above all, its refusal to take itself totally seriously, lends it no small appeal. For visitors, its well-endowed museums, highly regarded performing arts scene and decent nightlife mean there is always something to do.

Brief history

If you have just a short time, concentrate on the superb galleries of the Museum District and Hermann Park, which are linked to downtown, some five miles northeast, by tram (trolley). The city’s human face is most evident in the Montrose area, which lies west of downtown and overlaps with the Museum District.

Uptown, also called the Galleria district after its massive upscale mall, is three miles west. Just outside the Loop, the Galleria’s 300 or so shops and restaurants spread north along Post Oak Boulevard; there is little to do around here except shop and eat.

The city’s very existence has always depended on wild speculation and boom-and-bust excess. Founded on a muddy mire in 1837 by two real estate-booster brothers from New York – their dream was to establish it as the capital of the new Republic of Texas – Houston was soon superseded by the more promising site of Austin, even while somehow developing itself as a commercial centre.

Oil, discovered in 1901, became the foundation, along with cotton and real estate, of vast private fortunes, and over the next century wildly wealthy philanthropists poured cash into swanky galleries and showpiece skyscrapers. That colossal self-confidence helped Houston weather devastating oil crises in the 1980s, and more recently it endured the Enron corporate scandal. Houston has also developed a growing workforce eager to bring alternative energy to scale. Solar and wind projects offer the most promise in Texas; more than 25 percent of Houston’s energy load, for instance, comes from wind.

Several megachurches headquartered downtown – with smooth-talking celebrity pastors like Joel Olsteen – have become powerful social, cultural and political forces, drawing as many as fifty thousand people to their Sunday services, which are open to the public.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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