City Guide: Houston
Nicknamed “Space City,” Houston, the largest city in Texas, is a dynamic metropolis where cosmopolitan energy meets Southern charm. From gleaming downtown skyscrapers to the gracious, tree-lined streets of River Oaks, Houston offers a pleasing breadth of experiences.
A richly diverse dining scene, thriving arts and culture, and reliably warm weather give the city its easy appeal, blending modern attractions with historic neighbourhoods, expansive parks and headline cultural landmarks.
Stay
The Post Oak Hotel distinguishes itself as the city’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond property. Contemporary in design yet unapologetically opulent, the hotel makes an immediate impression—from its dramatic marble-clad lobby and curated art installations to its faultless attention to service. A rather telling flourish is the onsite Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealership, neatly underlining its ultra-luxury credentials.
Rooms and suites are generously proportioned and immaculately considered, featuring king-sized beds, floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping skyline views, plush furnishings and marble bathrooms complete with soaking tubs and rainfall showers. For those inclined to go all in, the Penthouse Suite spans an extraordinary 22,000 square feet across two floors. Complete with a basketball court, private cinema, games room, full bar, treatment room and a pool overlooking the city, it operates less like a hotel suite and more like a very well-appointed private residence—complete with private elevators and 360-degree views.
Dine
Houston’s dining scene mirrors the city itself: broad, bold and impressively varied. With more than 8,000 restaurants—including five Michelin-starred establishments—choice is both a privilege and a challenge.
Urbe delivers playful, casual dining rooted in punchy Mexican flavours. Tacos, quesadillas and small plates arrive generously seasoned, while colourful murals and bright interiors keep the mood upbeat and convivial.
For American classics with a distinctly local polish, The Annie Café & Bar offers a refined yet relaxed setting. Crisp white walls and a striking bar create a contemporary backdrop for elevated comfort dishes—think roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables, seared tuna with inventive sauces and freshly baked house breads that are worth lingering over.
Do
Houston’s attractions reflect its strong sense of identity and heritage. A standout is the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, typically held from late February to early March. Over 20 days, competitors face off in events such as bareback riding, calf roping and barrel racing, alongside major live music performances and a lively outdoor carnival—a full-throttle celebration of Texan culture.
No Texas visit feels complete without a cowboy hat, and Magnolia Mercantile Hats is the place to find one with personality. Hat artist Katie Monsen customises each piece, ensuring visitors leave with something genuinely one of a kind.
For fresh air, Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou offer scenic trails for walking and cycling, along with opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking—proof that Houston does green space just as well as glass towers.
Culture lovers should head to the Houston Museum District, home to more than 20 museums and galleries. Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, creating one of the most concentrated cultural hubs in the country.
Visit
Begin with a visit to NASA Space Center Houston, an essential stop for first-time visitors and space enthusiasts alike. Interactive exhibits range from full-scale spacecraft to hands-on simulators, while the Starship Gallery showcases historic spacecraft, satellites and moon rocks. The NASA Tram Tour offers behind-the-scenes access to the Johnson Space Center, including Mission Control and astronaut training facilities, as well as the historic Apollo Mission Control Center.
For luxury shopping, dining and art, River Oaks District is Houston’s most polished address. With more than 60 international flagship brands and bespoke boutiques, it plays host to fashion and jewellery heavyweights including Hermès, Dior, Cartier, Brunello Cucinelli, Dolce & Gabbana, Harry Winston, Rolex and Patek Philippe.
For dinner, Bari Ristorante stands out for its attention to detail and ingredient-led approach. House-made pastas, fresh seafood and carefully sourced seasonal produce anchor the menu, while warm lighting and an intimate, polished atmosphere make it an easy choice for a refined evening in the district.
To learn more and plan your trip, visit: www.visithoustontexas.com
Article written by Esohe Ebohon