The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a must-visit for anyone interested in science and natural history. With an impressive collection of dinosaur bones, ancient artifacts, and displays on space exploration, this museum is perfect for people of all ages.
The Menil Collection is a sanctuary for lovers of art as it houses an impressive collection of pieces from ancient to contemporary times from all over the world. There are works by Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol, as well as intricate Byzantine and African masks, tools, and furniture.
Houston’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the country, with numerous shops and restaurants serving traditional Chinese cuisine, with a mix of Vietnamese and Indian influence. It is the perfect place to try delicious dim sum and bubble tea, and browse Asian groceries or souvenir shops.
The Rothko Chapel is a spiritual haven. 14 large, dark paintings by the abstract expressionist Mark Rothko surround an open, octagonal chapel. The serene mediation room is free admission, and its tranquil atmosphere enhances its visual experience.
The Houston Theater District is a cultural hub, with a cluster of dazzling venues to choose from the Wortham Theater Center, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, and the Alley Theatre. Each possesses a unique charm, where one can catch Broadway Show, an opera performance or a contemporary play.
You can consider renting a car or using Uber/Lyft as Houston is spread out, and parking is readily available. These services provide affordable and efficient ways of traveling to various parts of the city for a cost of about $35-$50 total for the day.
If you have more time, consider spending an extra hour or two at each location as there's always more to explore; for a shorter visit, focus on two or three museums or points of interest to experience in-depth. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a refillable water bottle, Houston can get hot and humid. Lastly, bring cash for easy payments and avoid parking in unmarked areas.
Houston's primary airport is the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which is about 23 miles from the city center. A secondary airport to consider is the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), which is about eight miles from downtown, with Southwest Airlines being the primary carrier.