Houston

Day 1: Inside the Loop – Montrose, Downtown and the East End

Start with Houston’s creative core and its green spine before eating your way into the city’s Mexican-American heart. Keep a car handy, but note the METRORail Green/Blue lines help between Downtown and EaDo/East End.

• Morning: Ease in with coffee and a kolache or breakfast taco in Montrose; then wander the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel for a calm, art-filled start. Tip: free entry at the Menil; street parking is easier before 10:00.
• Midday: Head to POST Houston food hall for a grazing lunch that showcases the city’s “Third Coast” flavours; share plates to try more vendors. Seasonal note: in cooler months (Nov–Apr), look for Gulf oysters; in August, Restaurant Weeks brings value prix-fixe menus citywide.
• Afternoon: Walk off lunch at Buffalo Bayou Park and book a Cistern tour if you like urban history and cool temps underground. If it’s particularly hot, duck into the Downtown tunnels on a weekday for an only-in-Houston experience.
• Evening: Drive or take the METRORail Green Line to the East End for dinner at the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, then stroll the Navigation Esplanade and admire neighbourhood murals. On Dynamo/Dash match nights, arrive early or rideshare; finish with pan dulce from a classic panadería like El Bolillo.

Day 2: Southwest Feast – Asiatown (Bellaire) and the Mahatma Gandhi District (Hillcroft)

Today is about strip-mall brilliance: Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Indian and Pakistani flavours packed along Bellaire and Hillcroft. Expect short drives and big appetites; bring cash for small spots and be ready for busy car parks.

• Morning: If it’s a weekend, go early for dim sum at Ocean Palace or Fung’s Kitchen; on weekdays, opt for Vietnamese phở or a bánh mì and cà phê sữa đá along Bellaire. Tip: arrive by 10:30 to avoid long queues for dim sum.

By Air

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): ~23 miles north of Downtown (25–45 minutes by car off‑peak; 45–75+ minutes at rush hour). Major United Airlines hub with extensive domestic and international services (non-stops to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Dubai, Doha, multiple Latin American hubs). Ground transport: taxis/ride-hail, hotel shuttles, car hire. No rail link; limited local buses – most visitors use road transport.
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): ~7 miles southeast of Downtown (15–25 minutes by car). Primary base for Southwest with broad US coverage plus Mexico/Caribbean flights. Ground transport: taxis/ride-hail, car hire; METRO local bus 40 runs to/from central Houston (allow ~50–70 minutes).

By Train

• Amtrak (Houston Station near Washington Avenue): Served by the tri-weekly Sunset Limited (Los Angeles–San Antonio–Houston–New Orleans).
  • Typical journey times: New Orleans ~9 hours; San Antonio ~5 hours; Los Angeles ~36–40 hours.
  • Connections in San Antonio to the Texas Eagle for Austin, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago (check timetables; limited frequencies).

By Coach/Bus

• Operators include Greyhound and FlixBus, with multiple daily services to major Texas cities and beyond. Main routes and typical times:

Houston delivers big-city flavour with smaller crowds, pairing global depth with everyday authenticity and room to breathe.

• Hyper-diverse culture: Explore living neighbourhoods—Bellaire Boulevard’s Asiatown, the Mahatma Gandhi District on Hillcroft, Montrose, and the East End—where Vietnamese, Mexican, South Asian and West African communities shape the rhythm of daily life.
• Food-first city: Sample Viet‑Cajun crawfish at Crawfish & Noodles, fajita history at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, chef-driven Montrose classics like Hugo’s, and eclectic food halls at POST Houston—without the elbows-and-queues of more famous food capitals.
• Excellent value: Feast on bánh mì, tacos or chaat for under £10, or go upscale without eye-watering mark‑ups; BYOB is common, and Houston Restaurant Weeks adds top-table dining at friendly prices.
• Relaxed, local rhythm: Brunch patios, seasonal crawfish and oyster feasts, mural hunting in EaDo, Heights strolls, and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s BBQ contest make for a laid-back, distinctly local city break.

Curious, food‑driven travellers will love Houston for its mash‑up of global flavours, neighbourhood exploration, and high‑low dining. It’s a hyper‑diverse, immigrant‑powered city where world‑class meals often hide in humble strip malls. Ideal if you’re adventurous, flexible with driving, and keen to taste the Third Coast.

• Foodies: Feast on Tex‑Mex, craft barbecue, Viet‑Cajun crawfish and regional Mexican at values that rival any US food city.
• Culture explorers: Dive into Asiatown on Bellaire, the Mahatma Gandhi District, and the East End for living neighbourhood culture, street art and markets.
• City‑breakers: Blend chef‑driven hotspots in Montrose and the Heights with buzzy food halls like POST Houston and standout cocktail bars.
• Families: Enjoy easy, affordable eats (dim sum, tacos, kolaches) and spacious venues that feel far less cramped than coastal cities.
• Night owls: Keep the evening going with late‑night eateries, karaoke lounges and destination cocktails at spots like Anvil Bar & Refuge.
• Budget travellers: Eat brilliantly for under £10 (bánh mì, tacos, chaat) and score deals during Houston Restaurant Weeks.

These are the unmissable highlights of Houston—essential stops that capture the city’s flavour, culture, and character. Use them to plan a trip that goes beyond the centre and into the neighbourhoods where Houstonians actually eat and live.

• Walk Montrose’s Westheimer for chef-led favourites like Hugo’s and cocktails at Anvil in a rare, walkable neighbourhood.
• Explore Bellaire Boulevard’s Asiatown for dim sum, hot pot, and Viet‑Cajun crawfish at Crawfish & Noodles when in season.
• Visit the Mahatma Gandhi District on Hillcroft for dosas at Shri Balaji Bhavan, biryani at Himalaya, and sari-and-spice shopping.
• Take a food crawl through the East End/Second Ward—The Original Ninfa’s, El Bolillo Bakery, and mural-lined Navigation Esplanade.
• Hike Buffalo Bayou Park and the Heights Hike‑and‑Bike Trail, then refuel with Texas barbecue at Truth BBQ or The Pit Room.

These are the unmissable highlights of Houston—essential stops that capture the city’s flavour, culture, and character. Use them to plan a trip that goes beyond the centre and into the neighbourhoods where Houstonians actually eat and live.

• Walk Montrose’s Westheimer for chef-led favourites like Hugo’s and cocktails at Anvil in a rare, walkable neighbourhood.
• Explore Bellaire Boulevard’s Asiatown for dim sum, hot pot, and Viet‑Cajun crawfish at Crawfish & Noodles when in season.
• Visit the Mahatma Gandhi District on Hillcroft for dosas at Shri Balaji Bhavan, biryani at Himalaya, and sari-and-spice shopping.
• Take a food crawl through the East End/Second Ward—The Original Ninfa’s, El Bolillo Bakery, and mural-lined Navigation Esplanade.
• Hike Buffalo Bayou Park and the Heights Hike‑and‑Bike Trail, then refuel with Texas barbecue at Truth BBQ or The Pit Room.

Houston’s food culture is a vibrant mash‑up of Gulf Coast bounty, smoky barbecue, and immigrant flavours from across the globe. Expect life‑changing meals in humble strip malls and buzzy chef‑driven spots, with queues for cult favourites on weekends.

• Viet‑Cajun Crawfish – Spicy butter‑garlic, lemongrass‑tinged boils of Gulf crawfish with corn and potatoes (Jan–Jun). Best enjoyed at casual crawfish bars and backyard‑style patios buzzing with music.
• Fajitas & Chile con Queso – Sizzling grilled meats with warm flour tortillas, plus molten, peppery queso for dipping—Tex‑Mex at its most iconic. Find it in lively neighbourhood cantinas and family‑run cafés with big patios.
• Central Texas Brisket – Pepper‑crusted, slow‑smoked beef served thick with beans, pickles, and white bread. The vibe is all smoke and camaraderie at counter‑service barbecue joints with long queues and picnic tables.
• Kolaches & Klobasneks – Czech‑Texas pastries: fruit‑topped buns and savoury sausage‑filled rolls for an on‑the‑go breakfast. Grab them from early‑morning bakeries and drive‑through shops between coffee runs.

Choosing where to stay in Houston is all about the neighbourhood: the city is vast, and each area offers a distinct vibe and daily rhythm. Pick a base that fits your plans—food-focused, artsy and walkable, family-friendly, or quiet and residential.

• Montrose — Bohemian, artsy and LGBTQ+ heart; one of the most walkable areas with chef-led restaurants, cafés and bars—ideal for night owls, culture lovers and car‑lite stays.
• The Heights — Leafy Victorian bungalows, indie shops and a top brunch scene—great for families and couples seeking charm, quieter nights and easy access to trails.
• East End (Second Ward/EaDo) — Historic Latino roots, murals and legacy Tex‑Mex alongside new breweries; METRORail links and stadium nearby—best for creatives and value seekers.
• Asiatown / Bellaire–Alief — Miles of strip‑mall gems from dim sum to Viet‑Cajun crawfish; lively late‑night eats—perfect for adventurous foodies with a car and bargain hunters.

Choosing where to stay in Houston is all about the neighbourhood: the city is vast, and each area offers a distinct vibe and daily rhythm. Pick a base that fits your plans—food-focused, artsy and walkable, family-friendly, or quiet and residential.

• Montrose — Bohemian, artsy and LGBTQ+ heart; one of the most walkable areas with chef-led restaurants, cafés and bars—ideal for night owls, culture lovers and car‑lite stays.
• The Heights — Leafy Victorian bungalows, indie shops and a top brunch scene—great for families and couples seeking charm, quieter nights and easy access to trails.
• East End (Second Ward/EaDo) — Historic Latino roots, murals and legacy Tex‑Mex alongside new breweries; METRORail links and stadium nearby—best for creatives and value seekers.
• Asiatown / Bellaire–Alief — Miles of strip‑mall gems from dim sum to Viet‑Cajun crawfish; lively late‑night eats—perfect for adventurous foodies with a car and bargain hunters.

Houston is easy to enjoy: superb food, friendly locals, and straightforward logistics if you plan for its size and car‑centric layout. A few practical tips on costs, transport and timing will help you make the most of your visit.

• Affordability: Expect £8–£12 for tacos or a bánh mì, £30–£50 per person for a quality mid‑range dinner (excluding drinks), and hotels around £110–£180 per night inside the Loop (budget motels £60–£90; top‑end £250+).
• Transport: This is a car city with limited walkability beyond pockets like Montrose and the Heights; rent a car or use ride‑hailing, METRORail links Downtown–Museum District–Medical Center with buses filling gaps (slower), and day trips by car include NASA Johnson Space Center (~30–40 mins) and Galveston beaches (~1 hour).
• Language: English is the main language and widely understood everywhere, with Spanish also common in daily life, signage and menus across many neighbourhoods.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe for families and solo travellers with standard urban awareness—main cautions are car break‑ins in car parks (hide valuables), heavy traffic, and summer heat/humidity (stay hydrated), plus monitor forecasts during hurricane season (June–November).
• Crowds: Busier in March for the Livestock Show & Rodeo and on spring/autumn weekends; July–August are quieter (but very hot), with spikes from conventions, sports, and popular restaurants at weekend brunch and crawfish season—reserve or go early.

Houston is easy to enjoy: superb food, friendly locals, and straightforward logistics if you plan for its size and car‑centric layout. A few practical tips on costs, transport and timing will help you make the most of your visit.

• Affordability: Expect £8–£12 for tacos or a bánh mì, £30–£50 per person for a quality mid‑range dinner (excluding drinks), and hotels around £110–£180 per night inside the Loop (budget motels £60–£90; top‑end £250+).
• Transport: This is a car city with limited walkability beyond pockets like Montrose and the Heights; rent a car or use ride‑hailing, METRORail links Downtown–Museum District–Medical Center with buses filling gaps (slower), and day trips by car include NASA Johnson Space Center (~30–40 mins) and Galveston beaches (~1 hour).
• Language: English is the main language and widely understood everywhere, with Spanish also common in daily life, signage and menus across many neighbourhoods.
• Safety & comfort: Generally safe for families and solo travellers with standard urban awareness—main cautions are car break‑ins in car parks (hide valuables), heavy traffic, and summer heat/humidity (stay hydrated), plus monitor forecasts during hurricane season (June–November).
• Crowds: Busier in March for the Livestock Show & Rodeo and on spring/autumn weekends; July–August are quieter (but very hot), with spikes from conventions, sports, and popular restaurants at weekend brunch and crawfish season—reserve or go early.

Seasonality in Houston is defined by a humid subtropical climate: mild, pleasant winters; glorious but short springs; and long, sweltering summers. Hurricane season runs June–November, with autumn often a comfortable shoulder once storms abate.

• Spring (Mar–May): Warm, comparatively dry, and lively; peak events (incl. the Rodeo) mean bigger crowds and a festive vibe.
• High Summer (Jun–Sep): Very hot, humid, and storm-prone; fewer tourists and good hotel deals as locals stick to air‑conditioned venues.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild with occasional cold snaps; calmer crowds, crisp air, holiday lights, and peak Gulf oyster season (plus early crawfish).

Seasonality in Houston is defined by a humid subtropical climate: mild, pleasant winters; glorious but short springs; and long, sweltering summers. Hurricane season runs June–November, with autumn often a comfortable shoulder once storms abate.

• Spring (Mar–May): Warm, comparatively dry, and lively; peak events (incl. the Rodeo) mean bigger crowds and a festive vibe.
• High Summer (Jun–Sep): Very hot, humid, and storm-prone; fewer tourists and good hotel deals as locals stick to air‑conditioned venues.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild with occasional cold snaps; calmer crowds, crisp air, holiday lights, and peak Gulf oyster season (plus early crawfish).

Day 3: Smoke, Heights charm and chef-driven Houston

Blend Texas barbecue tradition with neighbourhood wandering and a modern, award-winning take on Mexican and Gulf cuisines. Plan for an early start—top BBQ sells out.

• Morning: Queue for brisket at Truth BBQ or The Pit Room; go at opening and order fatty brisket, a beef rib to share, and classic sides. Rodeo season (Feb–Mar) adds the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest atmosphere—expect heavier traffic and big appetites across town.
• Midday: Walk the Heights: browse 19th Street, cut over to the M-K-T trail and Heights Mercantile, and sip an iced coffee at Boomtown or a beer at a laid-back ice house. Weekends bring lively brunch crowds—street parking fills quickly.
• Afternoon: Dip into Spring Branch’s Long Point Road mini-Koreatown for a light reset: soondubu at a tofu house, Korean fried chicken to share, or a cooling bingsu. This corridor is unflashy and authentic—choose busy rooms over fancy signage.
• Evening: Book ahead for Tatemó’s masa-led tasting menu; alternatively, choose Xochi (Oaxacan) or Caracol (coastal Mexican) for a polished finale. Cap the night with cocktails at Anvil Bar & Refuge; if you’re drinking, rideshare. August visitors: Restaurant Weeks offers excellent value at many of these spots.

By Car

• Primary approaches: I‑10 (east–west), I‑45 (north–south), I‑69/US‑59 (southwest–northeast), US‑290 (from Austin/ northwest). Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway) and the Hardy Toll Road are cashless toll roads.
• Approximate driving times:
  • Austin (via US‑290 or SH‑71/I‑10): 2.5–3 hours
  • San Antonio (via I‑10 E): 3–3.5 hours
  • Dallas (via I‑45 S): 3.5–4 hours
  • New Orleans (via I‑10 W): 5–6.5 hours
• Traffic is heavy at peak times; allow extra time. Ensure your hire car is set up for electronic tolling. Hurricane season (June–November) can affect travel.

Who should go to Houston?

Curious, food‑driven travellers will love Houston for its mash‑up of global flavours, neighbourhood exploration, and high‑low dining. It’s a hyper‑diverse, immigrant‑powered city where world‑class meals often hide in humble strip malls. Ideal if you’re adventurous, flexible with driving, and keen to taste the Third Coast.

• Foodies: Feast on Tex‑Mex, craft barbecue, Viet‑Cajun crawfish and regional Mexican at values that rival any US food city.
• Culture explorers: Dive into Asiatown on Bellaire, the Mahatma Gandhi District, and the East End for living neighbourhood culture, street art and markets.
• City‑breakers: Blend chef‑driven hotspots in Montrose and the Heights with buzzy food halls like POST Houston and standout cocktail bars.
• Families: Enjoy easy, affordable eats (dim sum, tacos, kolaches) and spacious venues that feel far less cramped than coastal cities.
• Night owls: Keep the evening going with late‑night eateries, karaoke lounges and destination cocktails at spots like Anvil Bar & Refuge.
• Budget travellers: Eat brilliantly for under £10 (bánh mì, tacos, chaat) and score deals during Houston Restaurant Weeks.

Houston’s food culture is a vibrant mash‑up of Gulf Coast bounty, smoky barbecue, and immigrant flavours from across the globe. Expect life‑changing meals in humble strip malls and buzzy chef‑driven spots, with queues for cult favourites on weekends.

• Viet‑Cajun Crawfish – Spicy butter‑garlic, lemongrass‑tinged boils of Gulf crawfish with corn and potatoes (Jan–Jun). Best enjoyed at casual crawfish bars and backyard‑style patios buzzing with music.
• Fajitas & Chile con Queso – Sizzling grilled meats with warm flour tortillas, plus molten, peppery queso for dipping—Tex‑Mex at its most iconic. Find it in lively neighbourhood cantinas and family‑run cafés with big patios.
• Central Texas Brisket – Pepper‑crusted, slow‑smoked beef served thick with beans, pickles, and white bread. The vibe is all smoke and camaraderie at counter‑service barbecue joints with long queues and picnic tables.
• Kolaches & Klobasneks – Czech‑Texas pastries: fruit‑topped buns and savoury sausage‑filled rolls for an on‑the‑go breakfast. Grab them from early‑morning bakeries and drive‑through shops between coffee runs.