Top 5 Can’t Miss
Snag a lounge chair, order a fun drink, and float the day away along a Texas-shaped rooftop lazy river at Marriott Marquis Houston.Get fitted for a new pair of cowboy boots and hit the town.Lace up for more than 30 miles of trails at Memorial Park, the state’s largest urban park.Taste Houston’s legendary dining scene for yourself at award-winning restaurants like Truth Barbecue and ​ChòpnBlọk. Explore 19 stand-out museums in Houston’s iconic Museum District.

Arguably the crown jewel of Southeast Texas, Houston has earned many nicknames—Space City, Bayou City, and H-Town are just a few of them.

For those outside of Texas, Houston is perhaps best known for its space history, as the home of NASA’s Johnson Space Center since 1961. But there’s so much more to Houston that makes it worth a visit. It’s the fourth-largest city in the country, and one of the most diverse, too. There are more than 145 languages spoken here, and all of that global influence has resulted in one of the best dining scenes in the U.S., with approximately 13,000 restaurants representing the cuisines of more than 70 countries.

“Houston has an uncanny ability to surprise both visitors and new transplants,” says Jennie Bui-McCoy, a Houston native and public relations director at Houston First. “The city is fiercely proud of its diversity, and I personally love how it is reflected in our culinary scene, the artwork around town, cultural festivals, and even the way residents dress. There’s an ease about Houston that makes everyone feel like a local.”

Houston is truly always buzzing with energy, which radiates from its neighborhood markets to world-class art institutions. But really, what makes the city special are those who call it home.

“By far the best thing about Houston is its people,” says Karen Farber, vice president of external affairs at Buffalo Bayou Partnership. “I think there is a great love of life here that you don’t find in many other places.”

​Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Houston, Texas.

Best Hotels & Resorts ​

A guest room in Hotel Daphne.

Julie Soefer/Hotel Daphne

Hotel Daphne

This cute, 49-room hotel is located in the hip historic Houston Heights neighborhood, which is known for its Victorian-style homes, thriving local arts scene, and walkability—a rarity in a city known for its 10-lane highways. Here, guests will be able to enjoy whimsical interior decor inspired by Houston’s unique style of arts and crafts architecture, a lush courtyard, and an all-day restaurant led by two-time James Beard nominee Terrence Gallivan. Hotel Daphne is managed by Bunkhouse Hotels, which is part of the World of Hyatt, so you can enjoy a boutique stay on points, if you so wish.

The Houstonian Hotel, Club, & Spa

Nestled on 27 wooded acres in the heart of Houston, The Houstonian feels secluded from the rest of the city, even though some of its best attractions are just minutes away. Voted the best resort in Texas by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in 2025, it has charmed guests with standout amenities such as a 175,000-square-foot fitness club, a resort-style pool with a 32-foot-long waterslide, and the largest luxury spa in the Lone Star State, Trellis. “The running track around the Houstonian grounds takes you very close to the water and, at times, it can feel like you’re deep in the woods,” says Farber.

Post Oak Hotel

“The Post Oak Hotel provides one of the most luxurious stays and experiences for guests,” says Bui-McCoy. It is hard to argue. Located on 10 acres in buzzy Uptown Houston, the property has four restaurants and bars, a two-story luxury showroom of Rolls‑Royce cars, and a private rooftop helipad—it’s no wonder why the 250-room property was voted the best hotel in Houston in the 2025 World’s Best Awards.

Marriott Marquis Houston

With over 1,000 guest rooms and six restaurants, the Marriott Marquis Houston still manages to feel surprisingly cozy. It has a rooftop, Texas-shaped lazy river, and an infinity pool overlooking Discovery Green. With its rentable cabanas, day beds, and spectacular views, there’s no better place to be during Bayou City’s hot summers, even if you’re not a guest. Its prime downtown location also makes it convenient to explore the heart of the city on foot.

Lancaster Hotel

The Lancaster Hotel is minutes away from the Downtown Theater District, where you can watch some of the best fine arts performances in the city. Voted one of the best hotels in Texas in 2024, the boutique hotel has 93 thoughtfully appointed rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a must-try afternoon tea service.

Best Things to Do

Outdoor statues in Houston’s Museum District.

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

Explore Houston’s Museum District

With 19 museums in a compact 1.5-mile radius, Houston’s Museum District is a great place to spend an afternoon just wandering. Several museums are always free, and many provide complimentary admission on Thursdays. This is a place where you can choose your own adventure, whether it is visiting the state’s largest paleontology display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science or wandering through a Frida Kahlo exhibit at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Cheer on the Home Teams

Magnolia City is home to five professional sports teams, so there is always a game to circle on the calendar. Get ready for that sevebth inning stretch while cheering on the two-time World Series champion Houston Astros, watch the world’s most popular team sport with the Houston Dynamo Football Club and the Houston Dash, rally behind the Houston Texans, or snag courtside seats to watch the Houston Rockets light up the scoreboard.

Visit Houston’s Largest Park

More than 30 miles of trails weave through 1,500 acres at Memorial Park, perfect for jogging, hiking, or biking. Playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, golf, beautiful green spaces, and a consistent lineup of events make it a year-round destination. Clay Eastern Glades and the Kinder Land Bridge, which connects the north and south sides of the park, are both worth a visit. The park is one of Farber’s favorites because of its running trails and how easy it is to get to from the center of Houston.

Catch a Show

There is always something happening in Houston that’s worthy of a standing ovation. “Many places pride themselves on their cultural scenes, but Houston is truly an international arts city,” says Farber. Houston is one of the rare places in the country with professional resident companies in every performing arts discipline, including the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, and Houston Ballet, as well as a robust theater scene that hosts local and nationally acclaimed productions.

Channel Your Inner Astronaut at Space Center Houston

Eat freeze-dried space food and see the largest collection of moonrocks at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center—its a perennial favorite among the kids and adults in my family. Taking a tram tour is the best way to get the full experience at this massive space museum, and while here, visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at astronaut training facilities and the Historic Apollo Mission Control Center, which was officially decommissioned in 1992.

Best Shopping

Storefronts in Houston’s River Oaks District.

Katherine Feser/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

River Oaks District

While the The Galleria has hundreds of stores under one sprawling roof, River Oaks District packs a curated collection of luxury brands in a walkable, open-air area. My favorite way to shop is to pair a patio lunch or espresso break in between perusing iconic brands such as Christian Dior, Hermès, and Rolex.

Rice Village

One of Houston’s oldest shopping centers, Rice Village, remains a local favorite for its collection of restaurants and shops. Take some time to stroll through its eclectic mix of independent brands and national names. Its farmers market is also worth visiting, and is open every first and third Sunday of the month.

Kuhl-Linscomb

For a truly unique shopping experience head to Kuhl-Linscomb, in Houston’s Upper Kirby neighborhood. It has everything from elevated home decor, whimsical art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, children’s finds, and apothecary favorites. It’s the best place to spend a slow afternoon perusing the shop’s five bungalows, which are always full of must-have treasures.

Houston’s Independent Fashion Designers

Houston is packed with dozens of indie fashion designers, so fashion aficionados can take home a bit of Bayou City style with them. For bold prints and Southern-inspired silhouettes, head to Hunter Bell. Freya is known for its statement hats, while Christina Greene specializes in Western jewelry, and Mirth keeps things breezy with flowing dresses. Houston native Chloe Dao‘s label continues to be an integral part of the city’s couture scene with handcrafted gowns.

​Cowboy Boots

You can’t visit Texas without picking up a pair of cowboy boots. If you want something ready-to-wear, head to City Boots, Miron Crosby, or Tecovas, known for its stylish Western wear. However, if you’re looking for something custom, heritage brands such as Lucchese, Republic Boot Company, and Zephan Parker all have outposts in town.

Best Restaurants

A person carving meat at Truth Barbecue.

Truth Barbecue

​Truth Barbeque

No visit to Houston is complete without barbecue, and Truth Barbeque, which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation in 2024, is a worthy first stop. This is classic, Central Texas-style barbecue at its best, with classics like brisket on the menu, as well as Houston specialities such as fried chicken. Curbside delivery is available, and if you plan to eat at the restaurant in-person, be prepared for a hefty line.

Casaema

Another Houston Michelin Bib Gourmand establishment, Casaema has specializes in serving the best heirloom corn tortillas, flaky pastries, and innovative coffee drinks, using authentic recipes with a modern twist. A must-stop for out-of-town guests, don’t miss out on the carrot confit tacos.

​ChòpnBlọk

In 2021, ChòpnBlọk owner Ope Amosu swapped his oil and gas job for a 670-square-foot stall inside the food hall Post Houston. Now, the West African, fast-casual restaurant has a brick-and-mortar in Houston’s posh Montrose neighborhood and has earned laurels from both the Michelin Guide and the James Beard Foundation. I recommend pairing the Cape Town Cooler with the Golden Bowl, which is packed with jollof rice, curried chicken, and sweet plantains.

Little’s Oyster Bar

Meticulously curated from the dining room to the dessert menu, this Montrose seafood hotspot delights in the little details that can make an ordinary meal extraordinary. Here, diners can feast upon impeccably fresh catches and inventive sides. While Bui-McCoy recommends sitting at the bar and chatting with the team behind piles of ice and fresh seafood, my favorite way to dine at Little’s is by pairing chef Ryczek’s hand-harvested caviar with a crisp glass of champagne.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

For more than three decades, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has set the standard for a classic steakhouse experience in Houston. The restaurant boasts perfectly aged prime cuts, fresh seafood, indulgent sides, and a staggering 35,000-bottle wine collection. Consistently at the top of every best-of list, it has also garnered national attention from the Michelin Guide, the James Beard Foundation, and many more.

Best Time to Visit

Sunset over skyscrapers in Houston, Texas.

Houston First Corporation

Heralding in cooler temperatures and less humidity, fall is prime time in Houston—this is when sports are in full swing, and restaurant patios across the city come alive with music and great food. Spring brings another bout of great weather along with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which is considered not only to be the largest in the Lone Star State, but the biggest in the world. The country music concerts, Western fashion, fried food, and the rodeo itself make for an only-in-Texas experience.

How to Get There

A person walking out of the George Bush airport in Houston.

Houston First Corporation

Houston is conveniently serviced by two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). While William P. Hobby Airport (it’s also the city’s main Southwest Airlines hub) is closer to downtown Houston, you will likely find more options from George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

​How to Get Around

A MetroRail station in downtown Houston.

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

There is no denying that Houston is a sprawling city where a car is necessary. Renting a car or utilizing ride-share services is the best way to navigate Houston’s roads. Some parts of H-Town are navigable by foot (be prepared and bring plenty of water), but you will likely need another mode of transport if you want to venture outside of specific neighborhoods and districts. Houston Metro does provide bus and light rail services across the city, and provides an easy way to explore much of the city if you don’t have a car.

“If I know my plans will take me through different parts of downtown Houston, the Museum District, or a concert/event at NRG Stadium, I love using the MetroRail,” says Bui-McCoy. “It eliminates the need to fight traffic, find parking, and gets me to where I need to go in just a few stops.”