Houston holidays

How to reach Houston

Flight time: Flights to Houston from London and other major UK airports typically take 10 to 11 hours. Most major airlines, such as British Airways and United Airlines, offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Transfer time:

• From George Bush Intercontinental Airport, it takes 35–45 minutes to reach downtown Houston by taxi or ride-share, depending on traffic.

• The Metro Bus 102 is another option, taking about 50 minutes to reach the city centre.

Price:

• A taxi ride from the airport to downtown costs around $55–$65.

• The Metro is a more economical option at $1.25.

Weather and best time to visit Houston

Choosing the best time for your holidays to Houston depends largely on your preference for the weather and your favourite type of events.

• March to May is a delightful time to visit, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 27°C. Spring brings colourful blooms and festivals like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March. Rainfall averages around 70–90mm, with about 8 to 9 hours of sunshine daily.

• June to August can be hot and humid, with daily temperatures exceeding 35°C. Due to the heat, this is the low season, but it’s perfect for indoor activities and enjoying air-conditioned attractions. Rainfall averages 90–120mm, with around 9 to 10 hours of sunshine daily.

• September to November offers milder weather, with temperatures cooling to between 20 and 28°C. This period is ideal for outdoor activities and events like the Texas Renaissance Festival. Rainfall is around 80–100mm, with about 7 to 8 hours of sunshine.

• December to February is the coolest time of year, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C. It’s a great time to explore the city’s museums and shopping districts. Rainfall averages 80–100mm, and you’ll get about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine daily.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language, but Spanish is a close second.

• Local habits and customs: Houston is known for its friendliness and hospitality. Tipping is customary in restaurants (20 percent is acceptable for good service), taxis and hotels.

• Currency: The US dollar (USD) is used. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful. Many places are now going cashless, so plan ahead where you can.

• Getting around: The Metro in Houston system includes buses and light rail, with single fares costing $1.25. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available and convenient, and the downtown area is walkable. Houston also has the excellent BCycle bike-sharing program, with numerous pickup and drop-off stations throughout the city.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 120V, with Type A and B plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Houston operates on Central Standard Time (CST), 6 hours behind GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed from March to November.

Best things to do in Houston

The city, a sprawling metropolis known for its space history, diverse culture and vibrant arts scene, offers a myriad of attractions and activities to enjoy during your Houston holidays.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• JP Morgan Chase Tower Sky Lobby: This observation deck on the 60th floor offers breathtaking views of downtown Houston and beyond.

• Buffalo Bayou Park: While not a traditional viewpoint, the park’s elevated trails and overlooks offer great views of the downtown skyline, especially at sunset.

The best districts

• Downtown: This is Houston's heart, filled with skyscrapers, restaurants and theatres. Be sure to check out Discovery Green, a vibrant park that hosts concerts and events year-round.

• Museum District: Home to 19 museums, this area is perfect for art and history enthusiasts. Highlights include the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

• Montrose: A bohemian neighbourhood known for its eclectic shops, diverse dining and vibrant arts scene. It’s also home to the Menil Collection, a world-renowned art museum.

• The Heights: A historic district with charming Victorian homes, trendy boutiques and cosy cafés. The Heights Hike and Bike Trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

Parks and gardens

• Hermann Park: This expansive green space includes the Houston Zoo, the Miller Outdoor Theatre and the Japanese Garden.

• McGovern Centennial Gardens: Located within Hermann Park, these meticulously landscaped gardens feature themed sections, including a rose garden, a family garden and an arid garden.

• Memorial Park: One of the largest urban parks in the US, this park offers hiking and biking trails, a golf course and plenty of space for picnics.

Historical monuments

• San Jacinto Monument: This towering obelisk commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, a decisive battle in the Texas Revolution. The monument also includes a museum with exhibits on Texas history.

• Battleship Texas: This historic battleship served in both World Wars and is near the San Jacinto Monument. History fans can tour the ship and learn about its storied past from expert guides.

Day trips in the area

• Galveston: Just 1 hour’s drive from Houston, this island city offers sandy beaches, historic architecture and attractions like the Moody Gardens and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

• Space Center Houston: This is a must-visit for anyone interested in space exploration. This official visitor centre of NASA’s Johnson Space Center features interactive exhibits, astronaut encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.

• Kemah Boardwalk: This seaside amusement park with rides, restaurants and shops is 30 minutes from downtown Houston.

Activities for families

Houston is a family-friendly city with plenty of activities to entertain kids of all ages.

• Houston Zoo: Located in Hermann Park, the zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from all over the world. It’s a good spot for children to learn about wildlife and conservation.

• Children’s Museum of Houston: This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits and activities designed to educate and entertain. Highlights include the ‘Kidtropolis’ cityscape and the ‘Invention Convention’ workshop.

• Downtown Aquarium: This entertainment complex features a variety of marine life exhibits, a Ferris wheel and a shark tunnel. Kids will love the interactive touch tanks and the white tiger exhibit.

• Discovery Green: This lively urban park in downtown Houston has a playground, splash pad and family-friendly events like outdoor movies and concerts.

• Houston Museum of Natural Science: This museum has engaging exhibits on dinosaurs, space and ancient civilisations. The Cockrell Butterfly Center and the Burke Baker Planetarium are especially popular with kids.

Free things to do in Houston

There’s no need to spend the big bucks on your holidays to Houston. There are plenty of free and budget-friendly sights and activities.

• The Menil Collection: This world-class art museum offers free admission to its impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and artefacts.

• Houston Arboretum & Nature Center: Entry to this 63-hectare nature sanctuary is free. It offers walking trails and educational exhibits about local wildlife and plants.

Local dishes in Houston

From classic Texas barbecue to innovative fusion cuisine, you’re in for a culinary treat on your holidays to Houston.

Some typical dishes

• Breakfast tacos: A local favourite, these tacos are filled with scrambled eggs, cheese and various toppings, including bacon, potatoes or beans.

• Queso: This delicious (and addictive) cheese dip is often served with tortilla chips. It’s a staple at many Tex-Mex restaurants and a must-try snack.

Meat dishes

• Brisket: Smoked to perfection, this melt-in-the-mouth beef is a star at any Texas barbecue joint. It’s often seasoned with a simple rub and cooked low and slow for hours.

• Ribs: Whether pork or beef, ribs are another barbecue staple. They’re typically coated in a rich, tangy sauce and smoked until tender.

• Chicken-fried steak: This dish features a breaded and fried beef cutlet served with creamy gravy. It’s a comfort food classic that you’ll find in most diners and restaurants.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Crawfish boil: Popular in the spring, this dish involves boiling crawfish with potatoes, corn and spices. It’s often served in a communal style and is perfect for sharing.

• Blackened redfish: A flavourful dish where the fish is seasoned with a blend of spices and seared in a hot skillet.

Street food

• Food trucks: Houston’s food truck scene is legendary, offering a wide array of cuisines. One of the most popular is The Waffle Bus, which is famous for serving up some especially creative waffle sandwiches.

Sweets and desserts

• Pecan pie: A classic Texan dessert made with a rich filling of pecans, sugar and butter – all in a flaky crust.

• Kolaches: These pastries, introduced by Czech settlers, are filled with fruit, cheese or sausage and are a popular breakfast dish.

• Tres leches cake: This sponge cake is soaked in three kinds of milk (evaporated, condensed and heavy cream). It’s a moist and delicious treat, often topped with whipped cream and fruit.

Local drinks

• Craft beer: Houston’s craft beer scene is thriving, with local breweries like Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Karbach Brewing Co. offering a range of unique tipples.

• Margaritas: You can’t visit Houston without trying a margarita. This classic cocktail, made with tequila, lime juice and triple sec, is a refreshing favourite at many local bars and restaurants.

• Texas wine: The Texas Hill Country, not far from Houston, is known for its wineries. From robust reds to crisp whites, the wide variety of grapes reflects the state’s diverse terroir.