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Rising majestically from the Gulf of Mexico, Houston’s urban sprawl and swanky skyscrapers give the impression of a city that’s done itself proud. And that, Houston has. Natural resources have served Texas’s largest city well, and it isn’t afraid to show off its wealth. This Houston itinerary will help you experience the best of that.
But whereas many oil rich cities feel as if they have an air of superiority, Houston is as down-to-earth as anywhere else. With a laidback vibe, quiet, clean streets and a welcoming feel, Houston is true to its southern roots. More Southern Belle than Lone Star Ranger, a few days in ‘H-Town’ will leave you with an entirely different perspective on Texas.

When it comes to things to do, there’s no shortage in Houston. The home of NASA, world-famous sports teams, fascinating museums, beautiful parks and a varied cuisine, Houston is waiting to be explored. Follow our two day Houston itinerary to see the best this intriguing city has to offer.
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When to visit Houston
Houston has a humid subtropical climate which means hot summers and mild winters. Summer (May to September) temperatures often sit between 90 and 100°F (32-37°C), although the humidity makes it feel even hotter. December and January are the coldest months, with temperatures hovering around 53°F (12°C).

The best time to visit Houston is during early spring or late autumn. February to April and October to November herald more comfortable temperatures if you’re the type that prefers less sun. Having said that, it’s still usually warm enough to be t-shirt weather but cool enough to be able to spend the day walking outside.
Getting to Houston
Houston is served by two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Houston Hobby (HOU). Intercontinental is the larger of the two and served by the majority of international flights. Destinations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia are served daily. IAH is 23 miles north of Downtown, roughly a half hour drive.
There are several car rental agencies at the airport, as well as taxis and rideshares. The Bush IAH Express bus connects the airport with Downtown every 15 minutes, with a journey time of around an hour.

Hobby is Houston’s secondary airport and is served mainly by Southwest Airlines from destinations across the U.S. and Mexico. American and Delta, along with a handful of smaller carriers, also provide a limited service. HOU is just 7 miles from Downtown, with the drive taking around 20 minutes.
Taxis, Uber and Lyft are available, and METRO bus 40 runs every 30 minutes taking just over an hour to reach Downtown.
Where to Stay during your Houston Itinerary
With so much to see and do in this Houston itinerary, it’s best to stay Downtown. Despite Houston’s size, Downtown is compact and walkable, so wherever you pick, it will be easy to get around.
Without doubt, Houston’s top boutique hotel, and an ideal base for any Houston itinerary, the Lancaster Hotel is our number one recommendation. On the edge of the Theater District, the Lancaster is an elegant historic property built in the 1920s.
The rooms are lavishly decorated with a blend of modern comforts and period furnishings and the restaurant is exceptional, especially the free hot buffet every morning. The price is on the heftier side, but it’s well worth it.

A great mid-range choice is the Cambria Hotel. Steps from Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, the Cambria is in the perfectly location for exploring the city, with some excellent restaurants on the doorstep.
If you’re looking for a more easy-on-the-wallet option, you’ll love The Whitehall. This modern high-rise hotel comes with modern rooms, an outdoor pool and terrace bar. The location, a few blocks south of Downtown, means you get far more bang for your buck.
2 Day Houston Itinerary
Day 1
9 am: Breakfast at Press Waffle
Set in Lyric Market’s food hall, Press Waffle is all about authentic Belgian waffles. Perfect at any time of day, their fully customizable waffles are just the right balance of crunchy and fluffy. The menu stays the same all day, so if you don’t fancy a classic breakfast waffle – although you won’t want to skip ‘The Cristo’ – you can start your day with a dessert.
Whatever you choose, breakfast at Press Waffle is a great way to kick off this Houston itinerary.
10 am: Walk it off on the banks of Buffalo Bayou
Exit Lyric Market, turn left and within two minutes you’ll hit the river. Buffalo Bayou runs for 53 miles right through the center of Houston before flowing out into the Gulf of Mexico. The Downtown stretch is strewn with riverside parks and the Buffalo Bayou Hike and Bike Trail is perfect for a short stroll.

Make a stop in Sesquicentennial Park to take a look at the George Bush Monument. The 8ft tall bronze statue is dedicated to the life of George H.W. Bush, who served as U.S. President from 1989 to 1993. He died in Houston in 2018.
11 am: Step back in time at Sam Houston Park
Follow the Bayou Trail until you reach the Hobby Center Bridge which crosses over to Sam Houston Park. Named after nineteenth century mayor of Houston, Samuel Brashear, Sam Houston Park was Houston’s first public park.

The park is home to ten historic buildings, the oldest of which existed before the park itself. Beautifully preserved under the care of Houston’s Heritage Society, tours run four times per day Tuesday through Saturday. An unmissable experience for any history buff, a tour of Sam Houston Park will be a highlight of your Houston itinerary.
1 pm: Time for TexMex
You can’t visit Houston without sampling some classic TexMex cuisine. This famous blend of Southern American and Mexican cuisines is the result of Texas’s intriguing history. Long before it became a U.S. state, Texas was settled by Mexicans and the Spanish. The resulting cuisine is a pastiche of all three.

For a quick lunch on-the-go, head to Tacos A Go Go. Their menu includes all the staples: fajitas, quesadillas, tacos and more. But the highlight is juicy birria taco. For a more substantial meal, Maggie Rita’s will hit the spot. They do all the classics, but their Texas Combo is the star of the show, featuring a fajita, taco and enchilada.
2 pm: Hermann Park
A couple of miles south of Downtown, Hermann Park is well worth the trek. Home to Houston Zoo, an outdoor theater, several museums and acres of landscaped gardens, there’s plenty to see.
Travel tip: A taxi will get you to Hermann Park in ten minutes. METRO bus 11 and the Red Line light rail are cheaper alternatives, taking around 20 minutes.

Houston Zoo is the park’s biggest attraction. Open daily until 5 pm, the zoo has over 6,000 animals from 900 species, making it the second most visited zoo in the U.S., behind only San Diego. Tickets can be purchased online or on arrival.
Travel tip: Save money with a Houston City Pass. Valid for 9 days, the pass includes entrance to Houston Zoo, the Museum of Natural Science, Houston Space Center and more.
At the northern edge of the park, Houston Museum of Natural Science is another of the most visited museums in the U.S. Highlights include two new-for-2024 exhibitions, the slightly morbid Death by Natural Causes and an interactive Matter & Motion display. If you haven’t got a City Pass, you can save time by purchasing tickets online.

6 pm: Experience Houston’s Craft Beer Scene
Houston has a thriving craft beer scene with over 50 craft breweries dotted around the city. Join a tour to discover the best taprooms Houston has to offer. You’ll travel on a fully electric golf cart with a local beer expert, stopping off to sample a tipple or two whilst seeing more of Houston along the way.
8 pm: Steak, Texas Style
Texas has long been famous for its steak, and it’s the simplicity of the Texas steak which makes it so good. Lavishly seasoned, left to rest for at least an hour, then quickly fired on a hot grill, the result is one of the juiciest steaks you’ll ever eat. It goes without saying that a meal at a Texas steakhouse is a highlight of this Houston itinerary.
For a meal to remember, upscale Vic & Anthony’s is the place to go. The décor and service are just as elaborate as the menu, and there’s a strict dress code, but it’s worth dressing up for the steak alone. If you’re not a fan of steak, their menu features some delicious fresh seafood, along with soups and salads.

For a more informal experience, Saltgrass Steak House serves good quality cuts at unbeatable prices. Their steak and seafood combos sum up Houston perfectly, mixing Texas steak with Creole-inspired shrimp and crawfish.
Day 2
Breakfast
Kick off day two of this Houston itinerary with a hearty southern breakfast at The Breakfast Klub. Bring your appetite: there’s no such thing as a small portion here. Their signatures, Katfish & Grits and Wings & Waffle aren’t for the faint of heart, but the taste is phenomenal.

Houston, We Have a Problem
If there’s one thing Houston is famous for, it’s the Space Center, so a visit is a must on any Houston itinerary. Space Center Houston is 25 miles south of Downtown and there is no public transport, so if you aren’t driving you’ll need to arrange private transportation. Rideshares and taxis will take you, but expect to pay at least US$100 for the round trip.
The best option is to book this shuttle which leaves from Capitol Street in Downtown at 10:15 am every day, returning at 4 pm. Pre-booking is essential.
Travel tip: Admission to the Space Center is included with your Houston City Pass. If you haven’t purchased one, you can save money by booking your ticket in advance.

Space Center highlights include Independence Plaza, home to a replica of the space shuttle Independence, a collection of spacesuits and the Starship Gallery. A trip on the NASA Tram is a must. These tours take you to the heart of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, with the option to visit the historic Mission Control center, the astronaut training facility or the George Abbey rocket park.
Other exhibits include John F Kennedy’s “moonshot” lectern and the SpaceX Falcon rocket. The Food Lab sells a range of space-themed snacks and meals, and there’s a massive gift shop.
Dinner: A Texas Original
Aside from steak and TexMex, the Lone Star State is well known for its barbecue. Traditionally dry seasoned, cooked on a woodfired grill and served with sauce on the side, Texas does barbecue like nowhere else, although Australia may well disagree.

Pappas Bar-B-Q is a Houston institution and their street side terrace is the ideal spot for the last meal on this Houston itinerary. Along with their staple melt-in-your-mouth brisket, the loaded baked potatoes, ribs and chicken are divine.
Houston After Dark
The perfect way to round of your Houston itinerary, head to Z on 23 for a cocktail with a view. Look down on the city lights from their rooftop terrace with a handcrafted cocktail in hand.

For fans of the supernatural, this Haunted Houston Booze and Boos walking tour is a fitting end to your time here. You’ll hear spooky tales of Houston’s past, stopping off at four purportedly haunted bars along the way.
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