Houston, TX Guidebook

Evan
Houston, TX Guidebook

Houston's Must Go To Places

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), is an art museum located in the Houston Museum District of Houston, Texas. It is one of the largest art museums in the United States. With the recent completion of an eight year campus redevelopment project, including the opening of the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building in 2020, it is the 12th largest art museum in the world based on square feet of gallery space. The permanent collection of the museum spans more than 6,000 years of history with approximately 70,000 works from six continents.
979 habitants recommandent
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Beck Building
1001 Bissonnet St
979 habitants recommandent
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), is an art museum located in the Houston Museum District of Houston, Texas. It is one of the largest art museums in the United States. With the recent completion of an eight year campus redevelopment project, including the opening of the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building in 2020, it is the 12th largest art museum in the world based on square feet of gallery space. The permanent collection of the museum spans more than 6,000 years of history with approximately 70,000 works from six continents.
Developed from two Houston landmarks: the Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building, the Downtown Aquarium is located on a 6-acre site and houses over 200 species and is one of the largest aquariums of it's kind. The complex includes two restaurants, a bar, and banquet facilities. It offers programs such as Marine Biologist for a Day, Zoologist for a Day, Sea Safari Camp, overnight stays and more.
699 habitants recommandent
Aquarium du centre-ville
410 Bagby St
699 habitants recommandent
Developed from two Houston landmarks: the Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building, the Downtown Aquarium is located on a 6-acre site and houses over 200 species and is one of the largest aquariums of it's kind. The complex includes two restaurants, a bar, and banquet facilities. It offers programs such as Marine Biologist for a Day, Zoologist for a Day, Sea Safari Camp, overnight stays and more.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science consists of a central facility with four floors of natural science halls and exhibits, the Burke Baker Planetarium, the Cockrell Butterfly Center, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre. The museum is one of the most popular in the United States and ranks just below New York City's American Museum of Natural History.
863 habitants recommandent
Le Musée des sciences naturelles de Houston
5555 Hermann Park Dr
863 habitants recommandent
The Houston Museum of Natural Science consists of a central facility with four floors of natural science halls and exhibits, the Burke Baker Planetarium, the Cockrell Butterfly Center, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre. The museum is one of the most popular in the United States and ranks just below New York City's American Museum of Natural History.
Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, is a must-see attraction in Houston. This is a huge complex, where you can walk through the space shuttle replica Independence and the enormous shuttle carrier aircraft it's mounted on. In the visitor center, you can wander inside a replica of America's first space station, Skylab, and touch a rock from the moon. This is also the place to learn about NASA's upcoming missions, including travel to Mars. If you are here on a Friday around noon, you can even meet an astronaut.
429 habitants recommandent
Centre spatial de Houston
1601 E NASA Pkwy
429 habitants recommandent
Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, is a must-see attraction in Houston. This is a huge complex, where you can walk through the space shuttle replica Independence and the enormous shuttle carrier aircraft it's mounted on. In the visitor center, you can wander inside a replica of America's first space station, Skylab, and touch a rock from the moon. This is also the place to learn about NASA's upcoming missions, including travel to Mars. If you are here on a Friday around noon, you can even meet an astronaut.
The Museum District is one of Houston's greatest cultural attractions, with 19 museums residing in this beautiful area of downtown. Eleven of these are free to the public. Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Children's Museum of Houston, the Menil Collection, the Holocaust Museum, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, to name just a few. Also in this area is the lovely Hermann Park, with the Houston Zoo and the Miller Outdoor Theatre.
549 habitants recommandent
Houston Museum District
549 habitants recommandent
The Museum District is one of Houston's greatest cultural attractions, with 19 museums residing in this beautiful area of downtown. Eleven of these are free to the public. Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Children's Museum of Houston, the Menil Collection, the Holocaust Museum, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, to name just a few. Also in this area is the lovely Hermann Park, with the Houston Zoo and the Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Set on 55 acres in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is one of the city's star attractions, popular with locals and visitors. The zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic and indigenous animals and contains an education center and children's zoo. Some of the highlights include feeding the giraffes, seeing marine life up close in the aquarium, and watching sea lions and otters frolicking about.
1102 habitants recommandent
Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Dr
1102 habitants recommandent
Set on 55 acres in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is one of the city's star attractions, popular with locals and visitors. The zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic and indigenous animals and contains an education center and children's zoo. Some of the highlights include feeding the giraffes, seeing marine life up close in the aquarium, and watching sea lions and otters frolicking about.
The building that houses the Menil Collection is almost in itself as much of a work of art as the pieces housed within it. Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, the building is light-filled, owing to the massive glass windows that look out onto the immaculate grounds. Unlike many art museums, the art in many rooms (but not all) is showcased using natural light.
491 habitants recommandent
La Collection Menil
1533 Sul Ross St
491 habitants recommandent
The building that houses the Menil Collection is almost in itself as much of a work of art as the pieces housed within it. Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, the building is light-filled, owing to the massive glass windows that look out onto the immaculate grounds. Unlike many art museums, the art in many rooms (but not all) is showcased using natural light.
A great way to beat the heat in summer and one of the best places to visit in Houston for families is the Houston Children's Museum. This colorful, noisy place is guaranteed to plaster a smile on everyone's face. Let the kids run wild and have a fun time getting busy will all the hands-on and interactive displays.
377 habitants recommandent
Musée des enfants de Houston
1500 Binz St
377 habitants recommandent
A great way to beat the heat in summer and one of the best places to visit in Houston for families is the Houston Children's Museum. This colorful, noisy place is guaranteed to plaster a smile on everyone's face. Let the kids run wild and have a fun time getting busy will all the hands-on and interactive displays.
If Impressionists and Old Masters art is not your thing, give the Art Car Museum a try. Here, you'll find cars of every type used as the medium for unique and interesting artworks. In addition, regular works of art featuring cars are mounted on display walls.
130 habitants recommandent
Musée de la voiture d'art
140 Heights Blvd
130 habitants recommandent
If Impressionists and Old Masters art is not your thing, give the Art Car Museum a try. Here, you'll find cars of every type used as the medium for unique and interesting artworks. In addition, regular works of art featuring cars are mounted on display walls.
For vintage clothing, retro décor, and old collectibles, 19th Street in The Heights is the place to go. This funky area has all kinds of quirky shops selling everything from evening gowns to casual clothing, as well as jewelry, footwear, household gadgets, and all kinds of unique items.
Heights Common Market
1802 Yale Street
For vintage clothing, retro décor, and old collectibles, 19th Street in The Heights is the place to go. This funky area has all kinds of quirky shops selling everything from evening gowns to casual clothing, as well as jewelry, footwear, household gadgets, and all kinds of unique items.
When it comes to seeing a game in Houston, sports fans have plenty of options, and whether it's football, baseball, basketball, or soccer, the city takes its sports seriously. Houston is home to the Houston Texans (NFL), the Houston Astros (MLB), and the Houston Rockets (NBA). The Texans play at the NRG Stadium, the Toyota Center in downtown Houston is home to the Rockets, and the Astros play at Minute Maid Park, also in the city center.
771 habitants recommandent
Stade NRG
NRG Parkway
771 habitants recommandent
When it comes to seeing a game in Houston, sports fans have plenty of options, and whether it's football, baseball, basketball, or soccer, the city takes its sports seriously. Houston is home to the Houston Texans (NFL), the Houston Astros (MLB), and the Houston Rockets (NBA). The Texans play at the NRG Stadium, the Toyota Center in downtown Houston is home to the Rockets, and the Astros play at Minute Maid Park, also in the city center.
Color Factory Houston is just begging to be photographed! In fact, you’re given a photo chip that you insert into their cameras as you walk through the museum. So, by the time you leave, you have a bunch of photos! Of course, you can also take your own photos. The museum is organized room by room, with a specific story, theme, or activity in each room. There are also treats to collect throughout (I’m talking candy, macarons, mochi, and frozen yogurt to name a few!). Weekdays are best if you want to avoid the lines! I’d block off at least an hour for this experience. This photo spot in Houston is perfect for couples, families, and friends.
92 habitants recommandent
Color Factory
3303 Kirby Dr
92 habitants recommandent
Color Factory Houston is just begging to be photographed! In fact, you’re given a photo chip that you insert into their cameras as you walk through the museum. So, by the time you leave, you have a bunch of photos! Of course, you can also take your own photos. The museum is organized room by room, with a specific story, theme, or activity in each room. There are also treats to collect throughout (I’m talking candy, macarons, mochi, and frozen yogurt to name a few!). Weekdays are best if you want to avoid the lines! I’d block off at least an hour for this experience. This photo spot in Houston is perfect for couples, families, and friends.

Sightseeing

You've heard of this one before. It's one of the most Insta#grammable places to visit in Houston for good reason. Just go!
204 habitants recommandent
Parc Gerald D. Hines Waterwall
2800 Post Oak Blvd
204 habitants recommandent
You've heard of this one before. It's one of the most Insta#grammable places to visit in Houston for good reason. Just go!
One of the most Instag*mmable places in Houston! From the majestic trees that line Main Street to the Victorian buildings, Rice University is a must for any one who visits Houston!
232 habitants recommandent
Rice University
6100 Main St
232 habitants recommandent
One of the most Instag*mmable places in Houston! From the majestic trees that line Main Street to the Victorian buildings, Rice University is a must for any one who visits Houston!
Buffalo Bayou Park is a beautiful 160-acre green space running through the city, with the slow moving waters of Buffalo Bayou as its centerpiece. This urban park is home to extensive walking and biking trails, a dog park, sculptures, and plenty of shady areas to relax.
549 habitants recommandent
Parc Buffalo Bayou
Memorial Drive
549 habitants recommandent
Buffalo Bayou Park is a beautiful 160-acre green space running through the city, with the slow moving waters of Buffalo Bayou as its centerpiece. This urban park is home to extensive walking and biking trails, a dog park, sculptures, and plenty of shady areas to relax.
Located at Buffalo Bayou Park, the Dandelion Fountain just begs to be photographed! It’s also a great place to cool off a bit from Houston’s humidity as the mist from the fountain keeps you cool. It’s one of the prettiest places in Houston to me!
The Dandelion Fountain
18-3600 Allen Parkway
Located at Buffalo Bayou Park, the Dandelion Fountain just begs to be photographed! It’s also a great place to cool off a bit from Houston’s humidity as the mist from the fountain keeps you cool. It’s one of the prettiest places in Houston to me!
This manmade waterfall is such a cool Houston photo spot. We got a drone shot from above which was so cool- the mound you see behind me has a path on it that spirals up! McGovern Centennial Gardens are free to enter, too, which makes it one of the best places to take pictures in Houston.
74 habitants recommandent
McGovern Centennial Gardens
1500 Hermann Drive
74 habitants recommandent
This manmade waterfall is such a cool Houston photo spot. We got a drone shot from above which was so cool- the mound you see behind me has a path on it that spirals up! McGovern Centennial Gardens are free to enter, too, which makes it one of the best places to take pictures in Houston.
Hermann Park contains the Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail; it’s a large park with an obelisk (looks like a mini Washington Monument), reflecting pool, Japanese garden, and more. But most notably for photos, I think that the columns you see here are the most photo worthy thing in Hermann Park. It’s truly one of the coolest Houston photography spots!
586 habitants recommandent
Parc Hermann
6001 Fannin St
586 habitants recommandent
Hermann Park contains the Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail; it’s a large park with an obelisk (looks like a mini Washington Monument), reflecting pool, Japanese garden, and more. But most notably for photos, I think that the columns you see here are the most photo worthy thing in Hermann Park. It’s truly one of the coolest Houston photography spots!
The Mecom Rockwell Colonnade is in this same area, adjacent to Hermann Park. With its European flair, it’s one of the best photo spots in Houston! In fact, if you’re looking for photoshoot places in Houston, this is great for portraits or graduation photos.
Mecom Rockwell Colonnade
1100-1102 Hermann Drive
The Mecom Rockwell Colonnade is in this same area, adjacent to Hermann Park. With its European flair, it’s one of the best photo spots in Houston! In fact, if you’re looking for photoshoot places in Houston, this is great for portraits or graduation photos.
This is the first thing on this list that has an admission fee. Part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, $7.50 per adult will get you into the beautiful 14-acre garden at Bayou Bend. If you want to tour the art collection in the house as well, it costs $12.50, which includes access to the gardens.
97 habitants recommandent
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
6003 Memorial Dr
97 habitants recommandent
This is the first thing on this list that has an admission fee. Part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, $7.50 per adult will get you into the beautiful 14-acre garden at Bayou Bend. If you want to tour the art collection in the house as well, it costs $12.50, which includes access to the gardens.
There are a few of these temples around Texas, but the Houston one is an absolute sight to see. Photos all day long!
14 habitants recommandent
Temple BAPS Shri Swaminarayan
1150 Brand Ln
14 habitants recommandent
There are a few of these temples around Texas, but the Houston one is an absolute sight to see. Photos all day long!
Houston has its own spin-off of the Chicago Bean: The Cloud Column! I absolutely love how it reflects the clouds in the sky, hence its name. Located at the Museum of Fine Art Houston, this is just located on the Glassell School of Art’s grounds, so no tickets are needed to see this cool sculpture.
6 habitants recommandent
Cloud Column
6 habitants recommandent
Houston has its own spin-off of the Chicago Bean: The Cloud Column! I absolutely love how it reflects the clouds in the sky, hence its name. Located at the Museum of Fine Art Houston, this is just located on the Glassell School of Art’s grounds, so no tickets are needed to see this cool sculpture.
To add more color to your family photos, how about photographing the rainbow sidewalk right by El Tiempo’s Westheimer location? Located in Houston at the intersection of Taft St and Westheimer Rd.
Rainbow Crosswalk (Houston)
399 Westheimer Road
To add more color to your family photos, how about photographing the rainbow sidewalk right by El Tiempo’s Westheimer location? Located in Houston at the intersection of Taft St and Westheimer Rd.

Food scene

This place needs no introduction and is a must go if you're in Houston. There's a good reason why everyone (celebrities and otherwise) come here. You simply have to try it out.
265 habitants recommandent
Turkey Leg Hut
4830 Almeda Rd
265 habitants recommandent
This place needs no introduction and is a must go if you're in Houston. There's a good reason why everyone (celebrities and otherwise) come here. You simply have to try it out.
A strong selection of European small plates await at this laid-back Heights favorite, ranging from a dutch baby pancake with ricotta to marinated mussels served with calico beans and bonito aioli. As far as the larger dishes are concerned, consider the bolognese lasagna with pickled collards, or the restaurant’s famed French cheeseburger, which is smothered in raclette cheese.
26 habitants recommandent
Squable
632 W 19th St
26 habitants recommandent
A strong selection of European small plates await at this laid-back Heights favorite, ranging from a dutch baby pancake with ricotta to marinated mussels served with calico beans and bonito aioli. As far as the larger dishes are concerned, consider the bolognese lasagna with pickled collards, or the restaurant’s famed French cheeseburger, which is smothered in raclette cheese.
Malaysian street food, like roti canai and satay skewers, is the star at this casual Katy dining destination, but the options are wide-ranging. Chef Alex Au-Yeung’s curry-sauced crawfish is big and juicy, and dishes like sizzling black pepper beef, Hainanese chicken with a trio of sauces for dipping, and grilled whole snapper in sambal sauce shine every single time.
Phat Eatery
23119 Colonial Pkwy
Malaysian street food, like roti canai and satay skewers, is the star at this casual Katy dining destination, but the options are wide-ranging. Chef Alex Au-Yeung’s curry-sauced crawfish is big and juicy, and dishes like sizzling black pepper beef, Hainanese chicken with a trio of sauces for dipping, and grilled whole snapper in sambal sauce shine every single time.
With juicy whole-hog roasts, smoked boudin, fatty brisket, and Saturday-only beef ribs that quickly sell out, it’s no surprise Truth BBQ has been billed as one of the top barbecue spots in the state. Evolved from a small shack in Brenham, Truth’s fancier, second location in the Heights serves competition-level barbecue with a backyard flair. Visitors can delight in complements like corn pudding, tater tot casserole, and delectable cakes, crafted by Botello’s mother, Janel, and Truth’s head baker Laquita Wilkins.
61 habitants recommandent
Truth BBQ
110 S Heights Blvd
61 habitants recommandent
With juicy whole-hog roasts, smoked boudin, fatty brisket, and Saturday-only beef ribs that quickly sell out, it’s no surprise Truth BBQ has been billed as one of the top barbecue spots in the state. Evolved from a small shack in Brenham, Truth’s fancier, second location in the Heights serves competition-level barbecue with a backyard flair. Visitors can delight in complements like corn pudding, tater tot casserole, and delectable cakes, crafted by Botello’s mother, Janel, and Truth’s head baker Laquita Wilkins.
At this James Beard Award-nominated modern Vietnamese restaurant in the Sixth Ward, chefs Christinia Ha and Tony Nguyen pay homage to both their heritage and their Texas home with dishes like smoked beef rib flat rice noodles made with 44 Farms ribs, or lemongrass-buttermilk fried chicken with pandan rice, pickled cucumber, beef tallow aioli, and hot satay honey.
13 habitants recommandent
Xin Chao
2310 Decatur Street
13 habitants recommandent
At this James Beard Award-nominated modern Vietnamese restaurant in the Sixth Ward, chefs Christinia Ha and Tony Nguyen pay homage to both their heritage and their Texas home with dishes like smoked beef rib flat rice noodles made with 44 Farms ribs, or lemongrass-buttermilk fried chicken with pandan rice, pickled cucumber, beef tallow aioli, and hot satay honey.
Though Tex-Mex is an obvious Houston favorite, James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega explores another form Mexican cuisine through the region of Oaxaca at this Downtown destination. Consider the memelas, served with roasted pork rib and tomatillo-avocado sauce, or a crispy tlayuda topped with grilled skirt steak and mole negro.
63 habitants recommandent
Xochi
1777 Walker St
63 habitants recommandent
Though Tex-Mex is an obvious Houston favorite, James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega explores another form Mexican cuisine through the region of Oaxaca at this Downtown destination. Consider the memelas, served with roasted pork rib and tomatillo-avocado sauce, or a crispy tlayuda topped with grilled skirt steak and mole negro.
Don’t let the line out the door intimidate you — the chicken and waffles at this legendary Houston breakfast joint are a must, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With a stamp of approval from Beyonce, this Midtown staple is a casual spot for crispy catfish and grits, cheesy breakfast sandwiches, and an excellent eggs Benedict served on a biscuit.
494 habitants recommandent
The Breakfast Klub
3711 Travis St
494 habitants recommandent
Don’t let the line out the door intimidate you — the chicken and waffles at this legendary Houston breakfast joint are a must, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With a stamp of approval from Beyonce, this Midtown staple is a casual spot for crispy catfish and grits, cheesy breakfast sandwiches, and an excellent eggs Benedict served on a biscuit.
Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi’s constantly changing menu features fresh fish flown in almost daily from Japan, with dishes like lobster and crab ramen, fried green tomatoes with kimchi aioli, and uni chawanmushi, tender egg custard that packs a punch of briny flavor. Sushi-wise, choose from a wide variety of maki rolls, or splurge for the full omakase experience.
60 habitants recommandent
Kata Robata
3600 Kirby Dr
60 habitants recommandent
Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi’s constantly changing menu features fresh fish flown in almost daily from Japan, with dishes like lobster and crab ramen, fried green tomatoes with kimchi aioli, and uni chawanmushi, tender egg custard that packs a punch of briny flavor. Sushi-wise, choose from a wide variety of maki rolls, or splurge for the full omakase experience.
One of the best Indo-Pak restaurants in Texas — and the country — Himalaya is a Houston icon. The sit-down restaurant offers crispy, chef Kaiser Lashkari’s menu of innovative dishes, including his spice-ladened fried chicken and hunter’s beef — essential Space City meals, and an unbeatable daily lunch special for $9.
26 habitants recommandent
Himalaya Restaurant
6652 Southwest Fwy
26 habitants recommandent
One of the best Indo-Pak restaurants in Texas — and the country — Himalaya is a Houston icon. The sit-down restaurant offers crispy, chef Kaiser Lashkari’s menu of innovative dishes, including his spice-ladened fried chicken and hunter’s beef — essential Space City meals, and an unbeatable daily lunch special for $9.
Founded by three Alief natives, this Bellaire smokehouse is where Asian flavors and Texas barbecue techniques collide. Try favorites like the pork ribs, togarashi smoked chicken, and gouda mac and cheese in-house. Alternatively, place a bulk order of pork belly burnt ends, jalapeno-cheddar sausage, brisket fried rice, and ambrosia salad. Advance orders require a minimum of five pounds of meat, and must be placed 48 hours in advance via Blood Bros’s website.
9 habitants recommandent
Blood Bros. BBQ
5425 Bellaire Blvd
9 habitants recommandent
Founded by three Alief natives, this Bellaire smokehouse is where Asian flavors and Texas barbecue techniques collide. Try favorites like the pork ribs, togarashi smoked chicken, and gouda mac and cheese in-house. Alternatively, place a bulk order of pork belly burnt ends, jalapeno-cheddar sausage, brisket fried rice, and ambrosia salad. Advance orders require a minimum of five pounds of meat, and must be placed 48 hours in advance via Blood Bros’s website.