Houston Travel Guide 2026 | Tips, Costs & Local Insights

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"Dreaming of Houston's sunny shores? March is the sweet spot for beach weather. Galleries and creativity fill the streets."

Our take

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Why Visit Houston?

Houston, the sprawling Space City (pop. ~2.3 million city, ~7.3 million metro), earned its most famous nickname when NASA's Mission Control guided Apollo 11 to the moon in 1969—'Houston, we've had a problem' became one of humanity's most recognized phrases, and today Space Center Houston draws over 1 million visitors annually to touch real moon rocks, walk beneath a restored Saturn V rocket, and explore the Independence Plaza shuttle replica mounted atop a NASA 905 carrier aircraft. Beyond space, Houston quietly became America's most ethnically diverse major city, surpassing New York and Los Angeles, with over 145 languages spoken and a food scene that stuns first-time visitors: authentic Vietnamese phở in the enormous Midtown/Bellaire Chinatown corridor (home to the third-largest Vietnamese community outside Vietnam), smoky central Texas-style brisket at legendary pitmasters, sizzling Tex-Mex fajitas popularized here at Ninfa's on Navigation, Nigerian suya, Salvadoran pupusas, Indian chaat, and Ethiopian injera all within a short drive.

The Museum District packs 20 institutions within a 2.4km radius—the Museum of Fine Arts Houston ranks among the largest in the nation, the Menil Collection houses a world-class art collection in a Renzo Piano-designed building with permanently free admission, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science draws families with its paleontology hall and Burke Baker Planetarium. The Theater District, second-largest concentration of theater seats in the US after New York's Broadway, hosts Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, and the Alley Theatre in a stunning downtown campus. Buffalo Bayou Park transformed 65 hectares of urban waterfront into a lush green corridor with hike-and-bike trails, kayak rentals, and the Cistern—a former underground drinking water reservoir converted into a haunting art installation space.

In summer 2026, Houston takes the global stage as a FIFA World Cup host city with 7 matches at NRG Stadium (72,220 capacity), including group stage games that will draw hundreds of thousands of international visitors. The city's energy-capital wealth fuels world-class institutions while keeping costs lower than coastal US cities—no state income tax helps stretch budgets. The catch: Houston sprawls across 1,700+ km² with limited public transit, making a car nearly essential, and summer heat is genuinely oppressive with temperatures regularly hitting 35–38°C (95–100°F) paired with thick Gulf Coast humidity from June through September.

Visit March–April for wildflower season and comfortable 20–27°C (68–81°F) weather, or October–November when temperatures cool and the city's cultural season launches. Day trips to Galveston Island (80km south, ~1 hour drive) offer Gulf Coast beaches, a charming historic strand district, and Moody Gardens. With its unmatched culinary diversity, space heritage, massive museum district, upcoming World Cup spotlight, and genuine Southern hospitality, Houston rewards visitors who look beyond the stereotypes of oil derricks and highways to discover one of America's most dynamic and underrated major cities.

What to Do

Space & Science

Space Center Houston

NASA's official visitor center, 40km southeast of downtown. See the restored Saturn V rocket, touch a real moon rock, board the Independence shuttle replica, and take the tram tour to the actual Johnson Space Center campus (availability varies). Book online; allow 4–6 hours. Arrive at opening (10:00) on weekdays for shorter lines. Entry ~$31 online, ~$35 at door.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

One of the most-visited museums in the US with a massive paleontology hall, gem vault, and Burke Baker Planetarium. Permanent exhibits free on Tuesday evenings 17:00–20:00. Located in Hermann Park in the Museum District—combine with a visit to the adjacent zoo and Japanese Garden.

The Health Museum

Interactive science museum in the Museum District with a walkthrough giant human body exhibit and DeBakey Cell Lab. Surprisingly engaging for adults and a hit with kids. Entry ~$15; open Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 12:00–17:00.

Arts & Culture

The Menil Collection

World-class art museum housing Surrealist, African, and Byzantine collections in a serene Renzo Piano-designed building. Always free. The nearby Rothko Chapel (a non-denominational meditation space with 14 Mark Rothko canvases) and Cy Twombly Gallery are within walking distance—all free.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)

One of the largest art museums in the US spanning two main buildings connected by an underground tunnel with a James Turrell light installation. Permanent collection includes European masters, Latin American art, and decorative arts. Entry ~$24; free on Thursdays.

Buffalo Bayou Park & The Cistern

A 65-hectare urban park along the bayou with hike-and-bike trails, kayak and bike rentals, and bat colony viewings under the Waugh Drive Bridge at sunset (250,000+ Mexican free-tailed bats emerge nightly). The Cistern, a converted 1926 underground reservoir, hosts rotating art installations—guided tours ~$15 (reservations required; closed mid-Jan to late Feb for maintenance).

Theater District

Second-largest theater district in the US with 17,000+ seats across nine venues within a few blocks downtown. Catch a performance at Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, or the Alley Theatre. Check for last-minute discount tickets at the box offices.

Food & Neighborhoods

Chinatown / Bellaire Boulevard

Houston's massive Chinatown along Bellaire Boulevard (southwest of downtown) is one of the largest and most diverse Asian districts in the US. Vietnamese phở, dim sum, Korean BBQ, Malaysian hawker food, and Chinese hot pot—all authentic and affordable. Go hungry and explore multiple spots.

Tex-Mex & BBQ Trail

Houston popularized the restaurant fajita at the Original Ninfa's on Navigation—still a must-visit. For BBQ, join the line at Truth BBQ (The Heights) or Killen's BBQ (Pearland, 30 min south) for brisket that rivals Austin. Expect waits of 30–90 minutes at top spots; arrive before 11:00.

The Heights

Walkable historic neighborhood with Victorian-era houses, indie boutiques along 19th Street, craft breweries, and some of Houston's best brunch spots. Saturday morning is peak time for strolling and people-watching. The Heights Bike Trail connects to downtown via the MKT Trail.

Montrose

Houston's most eclectic neighborhood—LGBTQ+ friendly, gallery-filled, and home to the Menil Collection. Westheimer Road buzzes with vintage shops, tattoo parlors, and diverse restaurants. The Montrose area transforms on warm evenings with packed patios and live music.

Gallery

Travel Information

Getting There

Airports: IAH, HOU
From :

Best Time to Visit

March, April, October, November

Climate: Warm

Entry Requirements

Entry rules vary by passport

Check requirements

Weather by Month

Best months: Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov • Hottest: Aug (34°C) • Driest: Oct (7d rain)

45° 30° 15° 0° -10°

Best★

★

Excellent

•

Good

💧

Wet

Monthly weather data
Month	High	Low	Rainy days	Condition
January	17°C	7°C	10	Good
February	19°C	9°C	9	Good
March	24°C	14°C	11	Excellent ((best))
April	26°C	17°C	11	Excellent ((best))
May	30°C	21°C	14	Wet
June	32°C	24°C	14	Wet
July	33°C	25°C	15	Wet
August	34°C	25°C	16	Wet
September	32°C	22°C	11	Good
October	28°C	17°C	7	Excellent ((best))
November	23°C	13°C	9	Excellent ((best))
December	20°C	11°C	9	Good

Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Historical avg. 2020–2025

Travel Costs

Budget

$118 /day

Typical Range: $100 – $135

Accommodation $47

Food & Meals $29

Local Transport $18

Attractions & Tours $15

Mid-range

$282 /day

Typical Range: $241 – $324

Accommodation $113

Food & Meals $71

Local Transport $42

Attractions & Tours $42

Luxury

$706 /day

Typical Range: $600 – $812

Accommodation $282

Food & Meals $177

Local Transport $106

Attractions & Tours $106

Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.

💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (February 2026): Plan ahead: March is coming up and offers ideal weather.

Practical Information

Getting There

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the main international hub, 37km north of downtown. Route 500 Downtown Direct bus (~$1.18, ~1hr) or Bus 102 (~$1.18, 1hr 15min); shared shuttle ~$26; Uber/Lyft $32–$53; taxi zone rates ~$56–$68 to downtown (before tip). William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) handles domestic and some international flights, 18km southeast—Route 500 Downtown Direct, Bus 40, or METRORail connection; Uber/Lyft $21–$32. Amtrak Sunset Limited connects to New Orleans (9hr) and Los Angeles (26hr).

Getting Around

Houston is extremely car-dependent and sprawls across 1,700+ km². METRORail has 3 lines (Red connects downtown to NRG Stadium and Museum District—very useful for FIFA matches). METRO buses cover the city but are slow. Uber/Lyft essential for most trips ($8.24–$21 typical rides). Renting a car is the most practical option for exploring beyond downtown. BCycle bike-share works in inner-loop neighborhoods. Parking is plentiful and cheaper than coastal US cities ($5.89–$18/day downtown).

Money & Payments

US Dollar (USD, $). Credit and debit cards accepted virtually everywhere. ATMs plentiful at major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo). Tipping is expected: 18–20% at restaurants, $2.12–$5.3/drink at bars, 15–20% for rideshares and taxis. Sales tax is 8.25% (added at checkout, not included in listed prices).

Language

English is the primary language. Spanish is widely spoken—Houston's population is ~45% Hispanic. Signage in tourist areas is English. Chinatown has significant Vietnamese and Chinese-language signage. Most service workers in tourist zones speak English fluently.

Cultural Tips

Texan hospitality is genuine—expect friendly greetings and 'y'all' in conversation. Dress casually; Houston is relaxed despite its wealth. Air conditioning is cranked everywhere—bring a light layer for indoor dining and museums even in summer. Tipping is mandatory, not optional. BBQ joints often have long lines—arrive before 11:00 or risk sell-outs. Driving culture dominates; jaywalking is uncommon and distances between attractions are large. Stay hydrated in summer—heat exhaustion is a real risk.

Get an eSIM

Stay connected without expensive roaming. Get a local eSIM for this trip starting from just a few dollars.

Claim Flight Compensation

Flight delayed or cancelled? You might be entitled to up to $706 in compensation. Check your claim here at no upfront cost.

Perfect 5-Day Houston Itinerary

Downtown & Culture

Morning: Discovery Green park and downtown walking tour. Visit the Downtown Aquarium or Market Square Park. Afternoon: Theater District architecture walk, explore the downtown tunnel system (open weekday business hours). Buffalo Bayou Park bike ride or kayak. Evening: Sunset bat viewing at Waugh Drive Bridge, dinner in Midtown.

Museum District Deep Dive

Morning: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (allow 2–3 hours). Lunch at Hermann Park. Afternoon: Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel (both free). Walk to Cy Twombly Gallery. Evening: Explore Montrose neighborhood—dinner on Westheimer Road, craft cocktails at Anvil Bar & Refuge.