No rushing, no checklist. Here's how we'd spend a weekend if you're in town for the first time and want the feel of the city. Check hours before you head out.
Friday: land and settle in
Get in, drop your bags and head to dinner. If you're staying in or near Montrose, Hugo's is the nice-night move for regional Mexican. For something looser, Tacos Tierra Caliente on West Alabama is a beloved truck. If you're near Midtown, The Breakfast Klub is for tomorrow, and Mai's is the Vietnamese standby on a Friday night, since it runs late on weekends.
Not sure where to stay? Compare the neighborhoods here.
Saturday: art, smoke and bats
Morning. Start with breakfast tacos from any neighborhood taqueria, or wait in the line at The Breakfast Klub. Then go to the Menil Collection, which is free, with the Cy Twombly Gallery next door.
Midday. Walk over to the Rothko Chapel and give it at least 20 minutes. Then get barbecue. Truth BBQ and Pinkerton's are both close to the Heights. Go early, since craft barbecue can sell out.
Afternoon. In the heat, take it indoors at the Museum of Fine Arts and its light tunnels. In good weather, go to Hermann Park's Japanese Garden.
Dusk. Head to the Waugh Drive bridge and watch the bats leave. Warm evenings are best. Or catch the sunset light program at the Turrell skyspace at Rice, which is free.
Night. Take a rideshare to Bellaire Boulevard and graze, or stay local on a Montrose patio. Crawfish season runs late winter into spring.
Sunday: pick your ending
Space Center Houston
Plan most of the day. Take a tram tour, and don't miss the Saturn V at Rocket Park.
Galveston
About an hour down I-45. Walk the Strand and cruise the Seawall. Check the weather, and the Pleasure Pier's calendar.
Stay in town
Original Ninfa's on Navigation, then Smither Park and the EaDo murals, and home in time for your flight.
Swap in some culture
If music is why you came, trade an afternoon for Screwed Up Records & Tapes, Emancipation Park and Project Row Houses. Our Houston culture for visitors guide has the details.
A few notes
- Don't pack weed for this. Here's why.
- Summer changes the plan. Move outdoor stops to morning and dusk. Here's how to handle the heat.
- Want a custom version? Try the Houston trip builder.
