Houston Travel Guide
Contents
- Houston — A Global City Built on Energy
- Houston and Its Antipode
- The City
- Top Things to Do in Houston
- Do and See
- Dining in Houston
- Cafés in Houston
- Bars & Nightlife
- Shopping
- Tourist Information
Houston — A Global City Built on Energy
Houston is the largest city in Texas and one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the United States. Far removed from traditional images of ranchland and small towns, Houston has grown into a global city shaped by energy, aerospace, medicine, and international trade.
Known historically for its oil and gas industry, Houston today is equally defined by its cultural institutions, culinary depth, and expansive urban scale. Wide highways and decentralised neighbourhoods give the city a distinct rhythm, while green spaces and bayous soften its industrial roots.
Houston and Its Antipode
Every place on Earth has an antipode — the point directly opposite it on the globe, connected by a straight line passing through the Earth’s core.
Houston’s antipode lies in the Indian Ocean, far from any major landmass. This land-to-ocean antipode reflects Houston’s outward-facing character as a city shaped by global industry, trade routes, and international exchange rather than geographic isolation.
The contrast between a vast inland metropolis and open ocean on the far side of the planet underscores Houston’s role as a connector — linking energy, technology, and culture across continents.
The City
Houston covers an area of more than 600 square miles, making it one of the most geographically expansive cities in the United States. With a population exceeding 2.3 million residents, it ranks as the country’s fourth-largest city.
The city holds a prominent global position, ranking second in the U.S. for the number of Fortune 500 company headquarters. Houston’s urban fabric is defined by districts rather than a single centre, with Downtown, Uptown, Midtown, and the Museum District each offering a distinct experience.
Top Things to Do in Houston
NASA Johnson Space Center
The official visitor centre for NASA in Houston, featuring interactive exhibits, space exploration history, and access to Mission Control and Rocket Park.
San Jacinto Monument & Museum of History
A major Texas landmark commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas gained independence from Mexico.
Downtown Aquarium
A large entertainment complex featuring aquarium exhibits, rides, and dining in the heart of Downtown Houston.
Hermann Park Conservancy
A major urban green space offering walking trails, gardens, lakes, and access to cultural institutions including the Houston Zoo.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
One of the most visited museums in the United States, featuring exhibitions on paleontology, gems, minerals, and energy.
Discovery Green
A downtown park offering walking paths, public art, events, and outdoor recreation.
Galveston Island
A nearby coastal destination offering beaches, museums, galleries, and cruise departures.
Battleship Texas
A historic naval vessel serving as a museum and memorial near the Houston Ship Channel.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
A major art museum with collections spanning classical, modern, and contemporary works.
Children’s Museum of Houston
An interactive museum offering hands-on exhibits designed for children and families.
Houston Zoo
Home to over 6,000 animals in naturalistic habitats within Hermann Park.
Art Car Museum
A quirky museum showcasing custom and artist-designed vehicles.
Minute Maid Park
The home stadium of the Houston Astros, featuring a retractable roof and skyline views.
Do and See
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
A historic mansion and museum displaying American decorative arts set within landscaped gardens.
Holocaust Museum Houston
A museum and memorial dedicated to education and remembrance.
JPMorgan Chase Tower
The tallest building in Texas, defining Houston’s skyline.
The Kemah Boardwalk
A waterfront entertainment district offering rides, dining, and coastal views.
Dining in Houston
Houston is one of the most diverse dining cities in the United States, with more than 8,000 restaurants reflecting global influences. Tex-Mex, barbecue, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, and contemporary American cuisines are all deeply represented.
- Fogo de Chão – Brazilian Steakhouse
- Indigo
- Blood Bros. BBQ
- Taste of Texas
- Guadalajara del Centro
- Goode Company BBQ
- Ninfa’s
- The Breakfast Klub
- Pappas Bar-B-Q
- Uchi
- Niko Niko’s
- Kim Son Restaurant
- Max’s Wine Dive
Cafés in Houston
Houston’s café scene is varied and often intertwined with live music, particularly jazz and blues.
- Backstreet Café
- Sambuca Jazz Café
- Brasil
- Hungry’s
- CoCo Crêpes, Waffles & Coffee
Bars & Nightlife
Houston’s nightlife has expanded well beyond traditional districts, offering beer gardens, cocktail lounges, live music venues, and neighbourhood pubs.
- Axelrad Beer Garden
- Anvil Bar & Refuge
- Belvedere
- Howl at the Moon
- The Red Lion
- 13 Celsius
- The Continental Club
- Marfreless
- West Alabama Ice House
Shopping
Houston offers extensive shopping options, from luxury malls to markets and independent retailers.
- The Galleria
- Memorial City Mall
- Rice Village
- Houston Premium Outlets
- Uptown Park
- Westheimer Road
- Traders Village Marketplace
- Cactus Music
- Brazos Bookstore
Tourist Information
Houston is served by George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), offering extensive domestic and international connections.
Public transport includes METRORail and bus services, with taxis and rideshare options widely available.
Electricity in the United States is 120 volts / 60 Hz using type A and B plugs.
