Top Things to Do in Vibrant, Diverse Houston, Texas

Exploring the Vibrant Culinary Scene

Houston is home to a thriving food scene with influences from around the world. From Tex-Mex staples like fajitas and queso to Vietnamese pho and Chinese dim sum, the diversity of the city is reflected in its eclectic dining options. As the most diverse major city in America, Houston offers exciting opportunities to taste dishes from a wide range of cultures.

Can't-Miss Local Restaurants

Some of the most popular local restaurants in Houston that you must try include:

• The Original Ninfa's - Known for serving up some of the best Tex-Mex in the state in a colorful, festive atmosphere.
• Hugo's - An upscale Mexican restaurant focusing on authentic regional cuisine from around Mexico.
• The Breakfast Klub - A hugely popular spot serving giant portions of breakfast and brunch fare like chicken and waffles.
• Goode Company BBQ - Mouthwatering Texas-style barbecue including prime ribs, sausage, and extra-thick ribs.

Exploring Other Cuisines

In addition to Tex-Mex, BBQ, and other local specialties, Houston offers a wide variety of international cuisine as well. Some top picks include:

• Crawfish & Noodles - Vietnamese Cajun seafood restaurant known for its spicy crawfish and shrimp.
• Fung's Kitchen - Authentic Hong Kong-style Chinese food including delicious dim sum.
• The Halal Guys - Iconic platters of chicken and gyro over rice from this NYC chain's Houston outpost.
• Les NoMad - modern French dining and drinks in a chic downtown setting.

From roadside food trucks to fine dining establishments, Houston's culinary scene has something for every taste and budget.

Top Attractions and Activities

In addition to tantalizing cuisine, Houston offers a number of top-rated attractions and activities for visitors:

Museums and Galleries

Houston is home to a thriving arts scene, including world-class museums and galleries like:

• The Museum of Fine Arts - One of the largest art museums in the US with impressive collections from ancient to modern art.
• The Menil Collection - A tranquil museum focused on surrealism and modern art with special exhibits.
• The Houston Museum of Natural Science - Massive complex with space, dinosaurs, gems, wildlife and more on display.
• Contemporary Arts Museum - Cutting-edge modern and contemporary art exhibitions.

Parks and Outdoors

Houston parks offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors:

• Discovery Green - Lovely downtown park with play areas, restaurants, and event spaces.
• Hermann Park - Home of the city's zoo, natural science museum, outdoor theater and beautiful green spaces.
• Memorial Park - A large urban park popular for hiking, biking, golf and more.
• Buffalo Bayou Park - Iconic waterway with picturesque trails and vista points of the Houston skyline.

Professional Sports

As a major sports city, Houston is home to several professional teams:

• Houston Astros - Beloved Major League Baseball team and 2017 World Series Champions.
• Houston Texans - The city's NFL franchise with exciting pro football action.
• Houston Rockets - NBA team with fast, high-flying basketball games.
• Houston Dynamo - Professional men's soccer at BBVA Stadium.

Catching a home game is an absolute must for sports fans visiting H-Town!

Unique Neighborhoods to Explore

In addition to the downtown area near the Toyota Center and other big venues, Houston has a number of vibrant neighborhoods worth exploring:

Montrose

Known for its funky, artistic vibe, Montrose features cute boutiques, cool murals, quirky cafes and a vibrant LGBTQ nightlife scene.

Rice Village

Near Rice University, Rice Village serves up a mix of trendy shops, wine bars, unique boutiques and popular restaurants perfect for strolling on a nice day.

Washington Corridor

The historic African-American neighborhood northeast of downtown is home to fascinating history and cultural attractions as well as restaurants, jazz spots and more.

Chinatown

Grab delicious barbecue, pho, banh mi and all kinds of Asian foods and goods while taking in vibrant Chinese architecture and cultural sights in southwest Chinatown.

From art museums to bayou trails to eclectic enclaves, Houston offers an array of interesting attractions, activities and areas waiting to be explored.

FAQs

Where can I see world-class art collections in Houston?

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Menil Collection are two top art museums with impressive collections ranging from antiquities to contemporary works by some of history's greatest artists.

What is there to do outdoors in Houston?

Major parks like Discovery Green, Hermann Park and Memorial Park offer lovely green spaces. Buffalo Bayou Park features great views and trails along the iconic waterway. Also, consider catching an Astros or Texans game at Minute Maid Park or NRG Stadium.

Where can I explore cool Houston neighborhoods?

The Montrose area has a fun, funky vibe with street art, eclectic shops and an exciting nightlife scene. Historic districts like the Washington Corridor and walkable Rice Village also offer great neighborhood sights, eateries and more.

What type of cuisine is Houston known for?

Houston is famous for Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex dishes like fajitas, and Gulf seafood specialties like crawfish. The city also has fantastic dining options representing just about any international cuisine you can think of as well.