Houston 2-Day Itinerary & Food Guide

I spent three days in Houston for work—ate like a king and squeezed in a full day of sightseeing. Let’s be real, Houston isn’t a tourist hotspot 😂, but its food scene is chef’s kiss! The city is sprawling, so skip taxis and rent a car for convenience. 🏨 Accommodation Note (Skip This!) We stayed at AC Marriott Downtown, and I don’t recommend it 😅. The area is barren of shops/restaurants, and there are a lot of homeless people around—hardly ideal for a comfortable stay. 🚶 1-Day Sightseeing Highlights Houston’s attractions are scattered, so plan your timing wisely (and consider a CityPASS if visiting 3+ spots—it’s ~$76, way cheaper than individual tickets): NASA Space Center 🚀 Critical tip: Arrive by 3 PM at the latest! We got there right before 4 PM and missed all the shows and the tram tour to the outdoor rocket displays (the main draw!). Don’t make our mistake—prioritize this spot early in the day. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park 💧 It’s a bit underwhelming in person, and the inner waterfall was dry during our visit 🥲. Great for a quick photo op, but don’t block off a ton of time for it. Houston Museum of Natural Science 🦕 Perfect for families or anyone into dinosaurs/geology—exhibits are diverse and kid-friendly, with plenty of interactive displays to keep you engaged. Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) 🎨 We didn’t have time to visit 😂, but it’s a top pick for art lovers—save it for your next trip if you miss it this time. 🍴 Food Recommendations (Zero Duds, Texas Does It Right!) Texas’ food scene didn’t disappoint—here are the standout spots: Eunice ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must-try for Cajun/Creole flavors! The shrimp étouffée is creamy and packed with flavor, and the small cabbage side and gumbo are equally delicious. The “health oyster” is a bit rich, but the dessert bread (a total calorie bomb) is worth the indulgence. Truth BBQ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommended by local Texas colleagues—and it lived up to the hype! The beef brisket is tender with perfect fat marbling, the pork ribs have a deep smoky flavor and fall-off-the-bone texture, and the spicy sausage (slightly salty) pairs great with sides. The corn pudding tastes like sweet, savory corn batter—addictive 🤤. Traveler’s Table ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great ambiance and solid dishes, though the curry crab is on the saltier side. Still, it’s a solid pick for a nice dinner with friends. French Rivera ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The latte art is stunning, but the coffee itself is just average. The bakery items and egg-based brunch dishes are tasty, making it a cozy spot for a lazy morning meal. Chuan San Jiao ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Sichuan local brought us here, and it’s cheap, authentic, and well-serviced. The spicy, numbing flavors hit just right for anyone craving Chinese comfort food. I can help you create a custom 2-day Houston itinerary that prioritizes your favorite types of attractions or food spots—would you need that? #US #Texas #Houston