Houston offers an array of incredible experiences for a supremely comfortable weekend getaway with family or friends. The sprawling Texas metropolis extending to Galveston Bay is a frequent stop for foodies with its diverse culinary scene (from delicious ribs to Indian cuisine). It’s also a haven for ballet enthusiasts, symphony lovers, art fans, and museum-goers. Feeling like a getaway? Check out where to go and what to eat in just 72 hours.
Day 1:
Johnson Space Center
Book a breakfast with an astronaut at the center that has controlled missions for numerous space flights since the 1960s, including the first moon landing. It’s a must-visit for over a million people each year, offering lunar rocks, real capsules, US astronaut training facilities, and a glimpse of the Apollo Mission Control Center, where Tom Hanks also treaded. Don’t forget to try the popular ice cream made for these occasions.
Tea time at Kiran’s
After a morning stroll through downtown Houston admiring colorful murals by artists like Gonzo, it’s always a good idea to stop at Kiran’s. Chef Kiran’s restaurant serves authentic North Indian cuisine accompanied by the finest teas. A feast for the stomach and soul, with a menu featuring salmon sandwiches, chicken tandoori, truffle masala chips, chai, and Darjeeling Earl Grey tea. The celebration ends with a tray of irresistible homemade desserts.
Houston Rodeo
It’s the world’s largest rodeo, held from February 27 to March 17 at NRG Park, attracting over 2 million people each year. Regardless of age, there’s something for everyone, from trying the famous fried Oreos to enjoying carnival rides, learning about agriculture, and even feeding sheep, goats, and other farm animals. And let’s not forget the concert season featuring award-winning industry stars. From Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton to the Jonas Brothers and 50 Cent, some of the 2024 guests were.
Day 2:
Koffeteria
Let me emphasize: it’ll be the best breakfast you’ll have in Houston. Vanarin Kuch is the chef behind this exquisite dessert and coffee spot, which opened after appearances on TV shows like Top Chef: Just Desserts and Chopped. Don’t leave without trying their crispy spinach and artichoke croissant and double chocolate chip pudding. A true delight!
The Cistern at Buffalo Bayou
Imagine a light and sound show inside a cistern. It’s possible at Buffalo Bayou. Built in 1926 for the city of Houston, it was restored and now serves as a venue for events, shows, and installations. Until 2025, you can experience the immersive Haha Real by Rachel Rossin, which will make you question your place on this planet.
Museum of Illusions
Inside The Galleria shopping mall, the Museum of Illusions will blow your mind. Sometimes, if you decide to take selfies in some of its mirrors. With over 70 exhibits, including optical illusions, holograms, rooms that confuse reality perception using gravity laws, and alterations of object or person sizes, it’s an experience to be lived with friends, partners, or family. The best photos for your Instagram feed will come from here!
Saint Arnold’s Brewery
The night is always young in this city, so make the most of it at Texas’s oldest craft brewery: Saint Arnold’s Brewery. If you don’t like strong flavors, start with a Gran Prize and end the night with Double Down. The place also includes a tour of its plant and common areas in open spaces to enjoy another beer with a margarita pizza or their popular cheese fries.
Off the Record
Located at 416 Main Street, in downtown Houston, Off the Record is the trendy speakeasy for any lover of 70s-80s music, most with African-American roots. From the entrance, you’ll encounter vinyl records and posters of artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, 50 Cent, Marvin Gaye, and 2Pac, as well as neon lights for aesthetic photos and a DJ who lights up the dance floor according to the music video projected on one of the walls near the bar. If you go, don’t forget to dress up because they pay attention to outfits.
Day 3:
Cinderella Ballet
Fun fact: Many Broadway shows premiere in Houston first. The reason? The art of the great Texas metropolis is undeniable, and a key to that is the ballet production: Cinderella. Don’t expect the classic Disney version where the prince convinces the fairy tale protagonist to “live happily ever after” after breaking the spell. This new version, accompanied by a luxury orchestra, includes spirits of death and a surprising antagonist.
Kata Robata
Craving some Japanese dinner? Head to this restaurant because you can’t go wrong. From seasonal salads, a wide variety of sushi, and spicy ramen to desserts. I suggest ordering the green tea shaved ice with chestnut ice cream inside.
J-Bar M Barbecue
You can’t leave this city without trying a real barbecue. So make a stop at J Bar M Barbecue and order their classic smoked chicken breast burgers, topped with American cheese, crispy onion strips, and pickles, served on potato bread and fries. And as there’s always room for more: try their briskets and cinnamon rolls for dessert.
This story was originally published in Spanish in Cultura Colectiva.
