After the 2020 census, Houston will be the third largest city in the USA, surpassing Chicago. Everything is big here…Houston even has the widest freeway in the world, at a traffic-busting 26 lanes wide! Our Americas team, whose office is based here, share their top tips for a perfect visit if you only have 24 hours in this exciting US city….
Places To See:
NASA Space Center: Did you know that the International Space Station has a Houston area code (+281), and that “Houston” was one of the first words spoken on the moon – “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.”
Battleship Texas and the San Jacinto Monument: Did you know that the San Jacinto Monument, celebrating Texas independence, is actually 15 feet taller than the Washington Monument in Washington DC? The city itself is actually named after a hero of the Texas War of Independence – Sam Houston.
Houston Rodeo: Did you know that the city is home to one of the largest rodeos in the world? It runs from late February through March, and Cardi B sang at the Houston Rodeo in 2019.
Things To Discover:
Galveston Island: A historic beach town about 60 miles from Houston, Galveston was almost wiped out by the Great Storm of 1900. After the storm, the entire island was raised 17 feet. It’s perhaps not Santorini, but it’s still a fun weekend away!
Sports: Houstonians are known for their love of sports, so it’s well worth discovering a game by one of our great teams – Houston Texans (football), Houston Astros (baseball), Houston Rockets (basketball) or Houston Dynamo (soccer).
The Underground Tunnel System: Downtown Houston has an underground pedestrian tunnel system 20 feet below ground that runs for 7 miles, linking 95 city blocks. However, its existence is not common knowledge for tourists, so it makes the city seem empty to visitors during the day.
Where To Eat:
With more than 10,000 restaurants, which represent more than 70 countries and American regions, coupled with the low cost of living, residents eat out more times a week than in any other city in America! The Houston foodie scene has improved dramatically over the last 20 years and whilst there are too many good restaurants to list, here are a few of the team’s favourites:
- Backstreet Café
- Breakfast Klub
- Killen’s Steak House
- London Sizzler
- Lupe Tortilla
- MF Sushi
- Original Ninfa’s
- Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- Picos
- Rudy’s
- State of Grace
- The Queen Vic Pub
- Uptown Sushi
Where To Stay:
Hotel Zaza: for the luxurious ambiance of a resort combined with the comfort and style of a boutique hotel.
Houstonian: a chance to relax and pamper in a serene setting unlike any other in Houston!
Post Oak Hotel: the city’s only AAA Five-Diamond destination boasting elegant accommodation in a 700,000-square-foot tower.
Galvez Hotel in Galveston: the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast, and renowned as one of the finest hotels on the beach.
Night Life:
The team recommends TopGolf for a night of food and drinks with friends, and no pressure to have a good golf swing or score a lot of points. It’s all about everyone having fun!
Houston Fast Facts:
Population: 6,892,427
Currency: US Dollars
Time Zone: GMT -6
Language: English, Spanish
