Get United's best fares today on flights to Houston from US $ 173*

The largest city in Texas, Houston is known for its oil industry and space explorations. The city’s diverse attractions cater to all tastes and interests.

How to travel around Houston

Public transportation is popular with tourists, but many locals prefer to use cars to get around the city. There are various bus routes and a light rail system that make it easy to get to most of the major places of interest. You’ll need to pay for tickets using the exact change or get a rechargeable Q Card which are available at many supermarkets or the main METRO office in downtown. If you rent a car, the roads are generally easy to navigate, but it’s probably best to avoid the 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m. rush-hour periods. While you’ll probably be able to hail a cab downtown, in other areas, you should call to book a ride or go to a taxi stand.

What to do in Houston

• Visit the NASA Johnson Space Center, where you can discover more about the history of America’s manned space missions, experience real-life space capsules, and take a walking tour through the Rocket Park and the Mission Control Center.
• Admire a wide selection of works at the Museum of Fine Arts, which is home to around 62,000 pieces from around the world and various eras.
• See more than 900 species of animals from across the globe at the expansive Houston Zoo. You can learn even more in the "Meet the Keeper" program which lets you interact with zookeepers.
• Relax and enjoy a variety of sports and leisure activities in the large Memorial Park.
• Gaze up at the soaring JPMorgan Chase Tower before riding the elevators to the observation deck for sweeping city views.
• Learn more about aquatic life at the Downtown Aquarium, which has 200 species to learn about and rides for younger members of the family.
• Take children to the Houston Children’s Museum where the whole family can enjoy a range of hands-on activities and interactive experiences.
• Indulge in some retail therapy at The Galleria, home to around 400 luxurious shops, restaurants and leisure activities, and designed to replicate Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
• Take a tour of Saint Arnold Brewing Company, the oldest craft brewery in Houston.
• Snap a picture of the colorful “Houston is Inspired” mural, located across from Market Square Park.
• Get active in the great outdoors at Buffalo Bayou Park.
• Stroll Houston’s streets and spot the abundance of colorful public art.

Where to go in Houston

Your flights to Houston will give you the chance to discover local treasures and experience famous attractions. Soak up the peaceful ambience in Glenwood Cemetery and see graves of several famous names from local history. Visit Westside to see the curious dome-topped structure of the abandoned Chong Hua Sheng Mu Holy Palace. Discover the quirky National Museum of Funeral History, see the unusual beer-can-covered home in Rice Military, and enjoy the colorful mosaics and tranquil meditation area in Smither Park.

What to eat in Houston

Houston boasts a wealth of dining hotspots, from cheap and cheerful fast-food joints to lavish gourmet restaurants. Global influences and local flair have created some unique dishes to try when visiting Houston. Savor crawfish and other seafood, dine on Mexican-inspired favorites like tacos and fajitas and enjoy the Eastern European influence at breakfast time with some savory kolaches. Vietnamese fare is abundant in Houston, with the especially popular pho noodle soup and banh mi sandwiches.