Caroline in the City Guide to Houston - Caroline in the City Travel Blog

Often overlooked by other Texas cities like Austin and San Antonio, Houston is a place all its own. Founded in 1837 near the bayous, it was at the time a place of lawlessness, home to prostitution, gambling, and crime. Boats sunk in the Buffalo Bayou while trying to cross it. It was later named Houston in honor of Texas stateman Sam Houston.

After the Civil War, free Black people came to the city for new opportunities. The railroad and streetcars increased the ease of getting around. Today it’s a city of great diversity and the fourth-largest in the country. It’s even home to a number of popular sports teams, including the Houston Astros.

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The Neighborhoods of Houston

Houston is a massive, sprawling city so there’s lots to see beyond downtown. The landmarks and attractions are scattered throughout them so it’s best to plan your day of exploring by zone.

Chinatown and Alief- Houston has one of the largest Indochinese populations in the country and nowhere is it more evident than in Chinatown, which encompasses many Asian-owned businesses. Browse the markets for ingredients or eat at local favorites like Crawfish and Noodles and Nam Giao.

Downtown- The business district is where the major industries are located, but that’s not all. The Theater District is here, with the city’s ballet, opera, and symphony. Visit restaurants like Battanga before a game at Minute Maid Park or unwind at Discovery Green.

EaDo (East Downtown)- This up and coming neighborhood has a walking path and the We Love Houston sign. At True Anomaly Brewing, grab a pint and check out the Beatles statue. There’s also a nearby Graffiti Park where on any given day you might see someone painting.

Houston Heights- Dating back to the 1800s, this neighborhood now is home to fun spots like Tenfold Coffee, Lei Low, and Pinkerton Barbecue. The Houston Farmer’s Market has both produce and full-service restaurants. There’s even a hotel, the Heights House Hotel.

Montrose- Set on the southern end of Buffalo Bayou, Westheimer Road and Richmond Avenue are bustling streets with Mexican restaurants, cocktail bars, and mural-covered shops.

Third Ward- This historically Black neighborhood supports the arts and businesses. Project Row Houses is one of the arts groups while Kindred Stories is an independent bookstore.

Houston Restaurants and Cafes

If you’ve never considered the culinary scene of Houston, you definitely should now. The city recently came to prominence as the setting in the latest season of Top Chef. People have come here from Mexico, Vietnam, China, and beyond, bringing their flavors with them.

Blood Bros. BBQ– Owned by two brothers and a childhood friend, this James Beard-nominated barbecue restaurant serves Texas barbecue with international flavors. Don’t miss Thursday nights when the menu changes based on whatever inspires them.

Crawfish and Noodles– This bustling Chinatown restaurant serves crawfish by the plateful, along with Cajun and Vietnamese dishes. Be prepared to wait, especially on weekends!

Daily Gather– Located in the CityCentre complex, this beautifully designed space has colorful dishes and quirky cocktails like the cacio e pepe fries, the avocado BLT (pictured above), and the Space City Citrus drink, made with Tang.

Hugo’s– This James Beard award-winning restaurant is one of the best upscale Mexican restaurants in town with top-tier service. Favorites include margaritas, slow-roasted pork, and ceviche.

Kiran’s– Another incredible option is the Indian cuisine at Kiran’s, which has a range of traditional and new dishes like naan pizza, tandoori chicken, and biriyani.

Koffeteria– Owned by a former New York pastry chef, this coffee shop and bakery has quirky options like crawfish rolls, Chinese sausage breakfast tacos, and beef pho brisket melt.

Lucille’s– Named for the owner’s great grandmother, this restaurant is a tribute to the culinary legacy of the women of Houston. Menu fuse Southern and Texas flavors like oxtail tamales, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken.

POST Market– Located inside a converted post office, this food hall has mostly local businesses representing cuisines from around the globe including Peruvian, Mediterranean, West African, Japanese, and Norwegian.

Wild Oats– This restaurant at the farmer’s market is a love letter to Texas, with classics like chicken fried steak, pepper jelly, Frito pie, and rabbit pierogi, washed down with a Ranch Water cocktail.

Looking for more? Eater shares their best restaurants in Houston.

Houston Bars and Nightlife

You’ll find a range of bars in Houston from laid-back dive bars to high-class cocktail bars to craft breweries.

Anvil– Opened in 2009, Anvil is one of Houston’s first cocktail bars, making both classics and new takes. Ask the bartenders for recommendations if you’re overwhelmed by the menu!

Barbarella– Dance the night away at this club that plays videos along with the music. Enjoy fun drinks and themed nights.

Breweries- The city has an incredible craft beer scene. Favorite breweries include Local Group, Buffalo Bayou, Equal Parts, and 8th Wonder. See many in one day on a brewery bike tour with Tour de Brewery.

Char Bar– Located inside a functioning tailor shop downtown, this cocktail bar is known for its delicious (and strong!) martinis.

Diversion Cocktails– Don’t let the nondescript building fool you. This bar creates some of the most interesting cocktails you’ve ever had like a tequila drink in an edible cup and their take on milk and cereal.

Lei Low– This strip mall tiki bar is a welcome oasis from the Houston heat. Come for happy hour for discounted mai tais. Regulars can bring their own mugs to drink out of.

Poison Girl– The Montrose bar has one of Houston’s biggest selections of whiskey, both American and international, along with Texas craft beer. Play a round on the pinball machines or unwind on the patio.

Present Company– An Instagrammer’s dream, this indoor-outdoor bar in Montrose has neons, plants, chandeliers, and cocktails like the La Croix canned drinks and frozen beverages.

RE:HAB Bar– Set on the bayou, this mostly outdoor bar has picnic tables and live blues music, along with cold beer and craft cocktails.

Things to Do in Houston

Houston has so many incredible museums and landmarks to see. If you’ll be visiting more than one, I recommend taking advantage of the CityPass.

Beer Can House- The folk art site by John Milkovisch features thousands of beer cans used to decorate the space, from the curtains hanging from the roof of the house to the pieces covering the exterior. Tours are available of the inside as well.

Buffalo Bayou Cistern– Take a tour of the cistern located beneath the bayou park, built in 1926 as a reservoir to provide the city with drinking water.

Buffalo Soldiers Museum– Learn about the important role of the Buffalo Soldiers in American history, the Freedmen that served during the Civil War and beyond.

Houston Botanic Garden– The sprawling site in the southeast part of the city has an impressive array of regional plants, along with trails for exploring.

Houston Museum of Natural Science– More than just for kids, this science museum has a collection of minerals, dinosaur fossils, taxidermied animals from Texas, and exhibits on space. Get your ticket before you go.

Houston Holocaust Museum– Started by Holocaust survivors now residing in Houston, the museum has powerful exhibits, including a train car from Europe. There are also changing exhibits like a recent one honoring Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Houston Zoo– The 55-acre site in Hermann Park is home to a wide range of species including favorites like elephants, hippos, and otters.

The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel– Both free to visit, the Menil Collection has galleries of American art, while the Rothko chapel was designed by the artist.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston– You could easily spend the entire day wandering the galleries of this museum, set between two buildings. Favorites include the Impressionist area and Egyptian mummies.

National Museum of Funeral History– It may sound odd, but this museum has exhibits on historic burial practices, presidential funerals, and New Orleans-style jazz funerals.

Space Center Houston– Famously home to one of NASA’s headquarters, you’ll need much of the day to get to the center and tour it. Get your ticket before you go.

Shopping in Houston

Pick up unique souvenirs for yourself around the city from the local boutiques, all selling the best items showcasing their city pride. But if you’re looking for retail giants, you’ll find them as well.

Cactus Music– This independent record store in Montrose has everything you need from musicians from Texas and beyond.

CityCentre– This entertainment district north of downtown has stores like Anthropologie, Kendra Scott, Madewell, and Lululemon. There are also plentiful restaurants and bars, a bowling alley, and a movie theater.

The Galleria– This massive mall is a place to see and be seen. Expect big-name luxury brands like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Dior, alongside affordable companies.

Kindred Bookstore– Support this locally-owned bookstore that highlights the work of Black authors.

Space Montrose– Browse for goodies from local makers, including jewelry, clothing, and gifts.

Looking for more great stores? Houstonia has you covered.

Where to Stay in Houston

Houston hotels can be found in just about every neighborhood of the city, with a wide variety of styles and amenities. And don’t forget about rentals, which allow you to stay like a local.

C. Baldwin Hotel– The stylish hotel has amenities like flatscreen televisions and some even have in-room Peleton bikes. There’s also a bar and restaurant, fitness center, and salon.

Club Quarters Hotel– Popular with business travelers, this downtown hotel is close to public transportation and has a restaurant and business center.

Heights House Hotel– The colorful converted motel in the Houston Heights neighborhood has a lively outdoor pool with cabanas and an indoor bar.

Hotel Derek Houston Galleria– If you want to be right next to the mall, this is your best bet. Unwind by the pool or play a round at the pool tables.

Hotel Granduca Houston– The apartment-style rooms at this hotel are the perfect option for extended stay guests. The property has a pool with cabanas and a restaurant while rooms have kitchenettes.

Hotel ICON– Convenient to downtown, this hotel has luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.

Hotel Ylem– Located not far from the Astrodome, this hotel excels at amenities like an area shuttle, free WiFi, and daily breakfast.

Hotel ZaZa Houston– This Austin export has pet-friendly balcony rooms, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool. There’s also another location in the Museum District.

Magnolia Hotel Houston– The downtown hotel has a fitness center and WiFi for guests, along with evening cookies and milk.

The Laura Hotel– Set in the heart of the city, this hotel has a rooftop pool, luxury car service, an on-site restaurant and spa.

The Moran Citycentre– The hotel in the heart of the shopping plaza has comfortable rooms with coffee makers and televisions as long as an outdoor pool and multiple restaurants.

The Post Oak Hotel– The property is convenient to the Galleria and has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a bar.

The Sam Houston Hotel– Named for the city’s patriarch, the historic hotel has perks like free WiFi and a restaurant.

Transportation in Houston

The large city is set around the Beltway, one of two concentric circles around it. Houston is an easy base for exploring other parts of the Lonestar State, with San Antonio, Austin, and Galveston all within an easy drive. But keep in mind that the city has bad traffic, so driving isn’t recommended.

Uber and Lyft both operate in the city, which is ideal for getting home at night or those early morning airport runs. Get a discount on your first Lyft ride by using the code “CAROLINE868074”. METRO is the city’s public transportation, with rail and bus connections. If you’re looking for scooter rental, you’ll have to go with a local company as there is no Bird or Lime.

The city also has two major airports, Bush and Hobby, and you can book a transfer for easy travel. Greyhound and Megabus also operate in the city. Amtrak stops on the Sunset Limited line.

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