Getting to Know Houston

Your Ultimate Guide to Space City

Welcome to Houston, Texas!

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and the most diverse city in America. Known as "Space City" for its connection to NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston offers world-class dining, entertainment, sports, and culture. From authentic Texas BBQ to rodeo culture, from professional sports to vibrant nightlife, Houston has something for everyone.

Houston Foods You Can't Miss

Texas BBQ

No visit to Houston is complete without authentic Texas barbecue. Slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausages are a must-try.

  • Killen's Barbecue - Pearland (Award-winning brisket)
  • The Pit Room - Montrose (Chef-driven BBQ)
  • Truth Barbeque - Brenham/Houston (Authentic Central Texas style)
  • Feges BBQ - Greenway Plaza (Creative BBQ with unique sides)

Tex-Mex & Mexican

Houston's Mexican food scene is legendary, from street tacos to upscale Tex-Mex.

  • Tacos Tierra Caliente - Multiple locations (Authentic street tacos)
  • Hugo's - Montrose (Upscale regional Mexican)
  • The Original Ninfa's on Navigation - East End (Home of the original fajitas)
  • Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe - Multiple locations (24-hour Tex-Mex)

Vietnamese & Asian Cuisine

Houston has one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the U.S., making it a paradise for pho and banh mi lovers.

  • Pho Binh Trailer - Midtown (Iconic pho spot)
  • Les Givral's Sandwich & Cafe - Midtown (Best banh mi)
  • Crawfish & Noodles - Chinatown (Vietnamese-Cajun fusion)
  • Mala Sichuan Bistro - Chinatown (Spicy Sichuan cuisine)

Gulf Coast Seafood

Fresh Gulf shrimp, oysters, and crawfish are Houston staples.

  • Christie's Seafood & Steaks - Multiple locations (Houston tradition since 1917)
  • Crawfish & Beignets - Midtown (Cajun-style seafood)
  • Goode Company Seafood - Multiple locations (Mesquite-grilled Gulf fish)
  • Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House - San Leon (Waterfront dining)

Kolaches

A Czech-Texan breakfast pastry that's a Houston favorite - sweet or savory filled pastries.

  • Kolache Factory - Multiple locations (Popular chain)
  • The Kolache Shoppe - Multiple locations (Traditional recipes)
  • Shipley Do-Nuts - Multiple locations (Also famous for kolaches)

Southern Comfort Food

Classic Southern cooking with Texas flair.

  • The Breakfast Klub - Midtown (Famous chicken and waffles - expect a wait!)
  • Frenchy's Chicken - Multiple locations (Crispy Creole fried chicken)
  • Lucille's - Museum District (Upscale Southern comfort food)

Authentic Texas Experiences

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

When: Late February - March (3 weeks)

The world's largest livestock show and rodeo! Experience bull riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin', live concerts, carnival rides, and authentic Texas BBQ cookoffs.

Location: NRG Stadium

Two-Stepping & Honky-Tonk Dancing

Learn the Texas two-step at one of Houston's country dance halls.

  • Wild West Houston - Large dance floor, live music, dance lessons
  • Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon - Downtown honky-tonk
  • Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill - Live country music

Space Center Houston

Visit NASA's Johnson Space Center - "Houston" is the first word spoken on the moon!

See real spacecraft, meet astronauts, touch moon rocks, and tour Mission Control.

Location: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058

Live Music & Texas Sound

Houston has a rich music heritage from blues to country to hip-hop.

  • Continental Club - Live music venue
  • White Oak Music Hall - Multiple stages
  • House of Blues Houston - National touring acts

Texas Shopping

Get your cowboy boots, hats, and Western wear!

  • Cavender's Boot City - Authentic Western wear
  • Pinto Ranch - High-end Western fashion
  • Texas Junk Company - Vintage Texas finds

Texas Craft Beer & Distilleries

Sample local Texas brews and spirits.

  • Saint Arnold Brewing Company - Texas' oldest craft brewery
  • 8th Wonder Brewery - EaDo neighborhood
  • Yellow Rose Distilling - Texas whiskey and bourbon

Houston Events & Entertainment

Professional Sports

Houston is home to teams in all major professional sports leagues!

Houston Texans (NFL)

Season: September - January

Venue: NRG Stadium

Professional football - tailgating culture, game day atmosphere

Houston Rockets (NBA)

Season: October - April

Venue: Toyota Center

Professional basketball - fast-paced exciting games

Houston Astros (MLB)

Season: April - October

Venue: Minute Maid Park (Downtown)

World Series Champions! America's pastime with retractable roof

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS Soccer)

Season: March - October

Venue: Shell Energy Stadium

Professional soccer with passionate fans

Houston Dash (NWSL - Women's Soccer)

Season: March - November

Venue: Shell Energy Stadium

Professional women's soccer

Concert Venues

Toyota Center

Major touring artists, concerts, and events

Capacity: 18,000+

713 Music Hall (formerly Revention Music Center)

Mid-size concerts and live shows

Capacity: 3,500

White Oak Music Hall

Indoor/outdoor venue with multiple stages

Location: Heights neighborhood

Jones Hall for the Performing Arts

Houston Symphony, classical performances

Location: Theater District Downtown

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Outdoor amphitheater (The Woodlands)

Capacity: 16,500

Smart Financial Centre

Concerts and events (Sugar Land)

Capacity: 6,500

Annual Events & Festivals

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

When: Late February - March

3 weeks of rodeo, concerts, carnival, livestock shows

Houston Art Car Parade

When: April

Quirky, creative parade showcasing decorated vehicles

Free Press Summer Fest

When: June

Multi-day music festival with major artists

Houston Pride Festival

When: June

Celebration of LGBTQ+ community and culture

Houston Greek Festival

When: October

Greek food, music, dancing, and culture

Bayou City Art Festival

When: March & October

Fine art festival in Memorial Park and Downtown

Houston International Festival

When: April

Celebrating cultures from around the world

Houston Marathon

When: January

Full and half marathon through the city

Convention & Conference Venues

George R. Brown Convention Center

Location: Downtown Houston

Major conventions, trade shows, conferences including:

  • Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) - May
  • Houston Auto Show - January
  • Comicpalooza - May
  • Various medical, energy, and business conferences

NRG Center

Location: NRG Park complex

Large-scale events including home and garden shows, boat shows, and more

Theater District

Downtown Houston's Theater District is the second-largest in the US (after NYC)!

Wortham Theater Center

Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera

Alley Theatre

Professional resident theater company

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Broadway touring shows

Jones Hall

Houston Symphony performances

Insider Tips

Weather

Houston is hot and humid! Summer temps reach 95-100°F. Bring light clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Air conditioning is everywhere!

Transportation

Houston is a car-centric city. MeTRO rail serves downtown, medical center, and some areas. Uber/Lyft widely available. MyCrib Hostel is walkable to metro!

Dress Code

Casual is standard. For country dancing, wear jeans and boots. Some upscale restaurants require business casual.

Southern Hospitality

Texans are friendly! Don't be surprised by "y'all," waves from strangers, and genuine conversation.

Discover Houston Through Social Media

Watch videos, follow local creators, and get inspired for your Houston adventure!