What to See and Do in Houston

Houston sprawls endlessly, with no zoning laws, so neighborhoods blend seamlessly into one another. Downtown has the Theater District, second only to New York for seats, Minute Maid Park for Astros games, and Discovery Green Park. Montrose has eclectic vintage shops, food trucks, and the Menil Collection art museum. The Heights has historic bungalows, 19th Street full of restaurants and bars, and White Oak Music Hall for shows. Midtown pulls younger crowds with bars and clubs within stumbling distance. Museum District clusters natural science, fine arts, contemporary arts, Holocaust museum, and others—most have free days weekly. Space Center Houston in Clear Lake has the actual Mission Control, astronaut training mock- ups, and a shuttle replica you can walk through. Rice Village, located near Rice University, offers shopping, cafes, and a college crowd. Houston's food scene matters—Vietnamese in Midtown, Nigerian on Bissonnet, Pakistani on Hillcroft, Mexican everywhere.

When to Go

November to April works best—temperatures 10°C–25°C (50°F–77°F), humidity drops, and outdoor activities are possible. March brings rodeo season (Houston Livestock Show, massive), so book hotels early. May to October is brutal—temperatures range from 30°C to 38°C (85°F–100°F), with humidity near 100%, forcing you to sprint between air-conditioned spaces. Hurricane season, from June to November, brings a risk of flooding; check the forecasts.

Getting There

IAH (Bush Intercontinental) and Hobby Airport both serve Houston—IAH handles most international and domestic routes, Hobby focuses on budget carriers. Direct flights from across the US, international routes from Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Book domestic flights six to eight weeks ahead. Flying Tuesday or Wednesday typically beats weekend fares. Summer flights stay cheaper than in coastal cities. It's advisable to book flights to Houston in advance, as last-minute flights can be pricey.

Visa Info

US citizens don't need anything. Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible for 90 days with ESTA. Others need standard US tourist visas based on their passports.

Why Houston?

Stop saving NASA photos—book your flight to Houston and visit a city where space exploration's legacy lives, food represents the world, and a Texas attitude means everything's bigger, including the portions.