Welcome to Houston, where the spirit of Texas meets a cosmopolitan blend of culture, innovation, and southern hospitality. This dynamic city boasts a skyline that glistens with architectural marvels and a heart that beats to the rhythms of diverse communities. Explore the Space Center Houston and journey through the cosmos, then savor a culinary expedition in the city's thriving food scene, where flavors from around the world converge in delightful harmony. Discover the Museum District's treasure trove of art and history, or immerse yourself in the live music scene that resonates through venues like the iconic House of Blues. Houston's green spaces, like Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou Park, offer an oasis of calm amidst the urban buzz.
From rodeos and sporting events to shopping in upscale boutiques, Houston offers an experience as vast as the Lone Star State itself, making it a destination that promises adventure and memories galore.
Tourist Attractions : 10
By Air - Houston is served by two major commercial airports and two smaller regional airports. The large airports are George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport. The smaller airports are Sugar Land Regional Airport and Ellington Field.
By Train - Amtrak's Sunset Limited line is the only passenger train route with a stop in Houston although a daily bus provides a direct connection from the Houston Amtrak station to the Texas Eagle at Longview.
By Bus - Megabus runs buses from Houston to Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and New Orleans that departs from three different locations in Houston. Vonlane runs first class buses from Houston to both Austin and Dallas equipped with various amenities such as leather seats, ample leg room, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV.
Getting Around - Houston has a number of freeways and toll ways that make getting around the metro area by car fairly easy. The Metro operates local and express bus lines, as well as a very popular light rail system called Metro Rail. Outside of Downtown, don't expect to catch a taxi on the streets, but there are various cab stands located at various parts of downtown proper. Houston is so spread out and humid and hot that bicycles are often best used for exercise or to get to somewhere that is close by.
Here are some famous dishes and places to eat in Houston:
1. Barbecue:
- Specialty: Texas-style barbecue is a must-try in Houston, featuring smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and sausage, often served with classic barbecue sides.
- Where to Try: Popular barbecue joints include Killen's Barbecue, Pappa Charlies Barbeque, and Gatlin's BBQ.
2. Tex-Mex Cuisine:
- Specialty: Houston is famous for Tex-Mex cuisine, offering dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, and queso dip.
- Where to Try: Explore Tex-Mex at El Tiempo Cantina, Ninfa's, or Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.
3. Vietnamese Pho:
- Specialty: Houston has a thriving Vietnamese food scene, with pho (noodle soup) being a beloved dish. It's often enjoyed with various meat options and fresh herbs.
- Where to Try: Visit places like Pho Binh Trailer, Pho Saigon, or Les Givral's Kahve.
4. Crawfish Boil:
- Specialty: Crawfish boils are a Southern tradition in Houston. These spicy, flavorful crawfish are typically served with corn and potatoes.
- Where to Try: Crawfish & Noodles and Cajun Kitchen are known for their crawfish boils.
5. Gulf Coast Seafood:
- Specialty: Enjoy fresh Gulf Coast seafood, including shrimp, oysters, and crab, prepared in various ways like fried, grilled, or in gumbo.
- Where to Try: Try Brennan's of Houston, Goode Company Seafood, or Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette.
6. Texan Steakhouses:
- Specialty: Houston boasts some of the best steakhouses in Texas, serving prime cuts of beef.
- Where to Try: Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Steak 48, and Killen's Steakhouse are top choices for steak lovers.
7. Kolaches:
- Specialty: A Texan breakfast favorite, kolaches are sweet or savory pastries filled with ingredients like sausage, cheese, fruit, or cream cheese.
- Where to Try: Kolache Factory and Shipley Do-Nuts offer a variety of kolaches.
8. Vietnamese-Cajun Fusion:
- Specialty: Houston is known for its unique fusion of Vietnamese and Cajun cuisines, resulting in dishes like crawfish pho and Cajun-style seafood boils.
- Where to Try: Crawfish & Noodles and Cajun Kitchen are famous for this fusion.
9. Food Halls:
- Specialty: Houston's food halls offer a variety of cuisines in one place, making it easy to explore different flavors.
- Where to Try: Visit places like Finn Hall and Conservatory for diverse dining options.
10. Mexican Street Tacos:
- Specialty: Explore the city's food truck scene for authentic Mexican street tacos with a variety of fillings.
- Where to Try: Try Tacos Tierra Caliente or Taconazo for delicious street tacos.
Houston's culinary landscape is a reflection of its multicultural population, offering a wide array of flavors and dishes to satisfy all tastes. Explore the city to discover its diverse and delicious food offerings.
Houston is a magnet for tourism with the Space Centre Houston & NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex.
The best Months To Visit Houston are from February to April and September to November.
The ideal time required to explore Houston is 2-3 days.
Houston has many nearby tourist destinations like Texas, Dallas, Austin & many more.
Updated 3 Feb 2018
