WHERE TO STAY, THINGS TO DO
This is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Houston. It's a beautiful area with lots of places to explore and things to do!
Aptly named, the neighborhood has the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, as well as other great museums, the zoo, Hermann Park, and the Rice University campus.
We've reserved a hotel block at the Hotel Zaza in this neighborhood.
Right next to the Museum District is the Texas Medical Center which has several national brand hotels on premise (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental, etc.).
Kooky, boutique hotel next to a cool fountain, MFAH, and Hermann Park
It's very exciting to have so many people — perhaps for the first time — come to the beautiful city of Houston! There's lots of cool stuff to see and do. You often need a car, but remember that Houston is walkable if you're courageous and have a zest for life.
Writing these suggestions was extremely difficult because (1) Houston is massive and there are one million things to recommend, and (2) we don't live in Houston so we don't know the cool spots. Keep that in mind.
TACOS A GO GO MIDTOWN
When I (Kate) was a kid, we would go here after church sometimes. The tacos are good and the place is fun. A casual place.
MO' BRUNCH + BREWS
Cute place near the hotel block. Coffee, vegan food, music.
HUGO'S
Delicious Mexican food!! In a cool building, too. More upscale, and people love the brunch. The Hugo's group has several other really good restaurants.
AGORA
Fun coffee shop, all-day café, bar place in Montrose. This is where I re-taught myself math in preparation for the GRE.
LA GUADALUPANA BAKERY & CAFE
Breakfast!! Huevos rancheros . . . chilaquiles . . .
BRENNAN'S OF HOUSTON
Go for a fun little happy hour! New Orleansy.
LITTLE PAPPASITOS CANTINA
Everyone has their own opinion. I (Kate) personally like Little Pappasito's because I just do. I get fajitas and a margarita, which some might call a classic (basic) order, but I'm simply not in Houston enough to get creative with my ordering. I want a steaming platter of chicken and beef with a few shrimp added on. I want flour tortillas in the little tortilla container. I want a massive glass goblet of marg. I want to leave the place smelling of food.
Other people prefer this experience at such establishments as Pico's, El Tiempo (the whole Thing with this place is their margs are super strong), Ninfa's, Lupe Tortilla. Take your pick! I don't really think you can go wrong.
KOLACHE SHOPPE — GREENWAY
Czech people brought Kolaches to Texas in the late 19th century. They're pastries with fillings, often sausage and cheese. There are egg ones too. The last time I was in Houston I had a crawfish and andouille one. There are sweet ones but I have never in my life had one.
GOODE COMPANY SEAFOOD
Eat in the train car . . . have some delicious campechana . . .
PINKERTON'S BARBECUE
This is the first place Wilfred had barbecue in Houston :) Well, the Heights location, but this location is probably closer to where you are staying.
BBQ is also something people have strong opinions on. Other places people love are: The Pit Room, Truth BBQ, Gatlin's, or Luling City Market.
THE ARMADILLO PALACE
Get a drink, maybe have a meal, take a picture with the massive, shiny armadillo statue.
CROISSANT-BRIOCHE FRENCH BAKERY & CAFE
In Rice Village, a shopping center on the other side of the Rice campus from the hotel block. Cute coffee shop with pastries and French food.
HERMANN PARK
Big Park right next to the hotel block. Japanese Gardens, Centennial Gardens, a little train for kids, a golf course, a zoo . . .
THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON
Big Museum. Right next to the hotel block.
CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON
Another cool museum! Down the street from the hotel block.
JAMES TURRELL'S “TWILIGHT EPIPHANY” SKYSPACE
On Rice University's campus. Look on the website for the times and go watch the sunrise or sunset in the skyspace.
Rice also has a 3-mile loop around the campus that is nice for walking or running.
Down the street from the hotel block!
HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
One summer I nannied for these kids and I had to take the boy here every day. He was obsessed. The butterfly center is really fun.
Also, if you can believe it, right next to the hotel block.
THE MENIL COLLECTION
Walk around, go to the Cy Twombly gallery and also the Dan Flavin, then the Rothko Chapel which is next door. Very beautiful!!!
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK CISTERN
This is a crazy underground place. You can take a tour, but they also do events (musical performances, etc.) in there.
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK
The bayou goes through the center of Houston, and they made it into a big park with walking/running paths. I think you can also kayak in the bayou. This is where the Cistern is. There is also a bat watching bridge. It's a fun place to walk around!
KUHL-LINSCOMB
Multi-building shopping experience. They sell anything and everything you could want.
MEMORIAL PARK
This is not close to anything, but I'm going to mention it anyway. It's a huge park with a 3-mile running/walking loop around it and cool walking trails.