Houston 2-Day Travel Guide & Food Recommendations

I had a three-day work trip to Houston and managed to squeeze in one full day of exploring—let’s just say Houston isn’t exactly overflowing with tourist attractions 😂, but the food scene absolutely delivers! 🤤 The city is spread out, so ride-sharing isn’t the most convenient—renting a car is definitely the way to go. 🚗 🏨 Accommodation Tip We stayed at AC Marriott Downtown—not my top recommendation 😅. The area felt pretty empty, and there were quite a few unhoused individuals around downtown. Next time, I’d choose somewhere in the Galleria area or Montrose for better surroundings and accessibility. 🌍 Itinerary Highlights Day 1: Exploration & Discovery ✈️ NASA Space Center: Make sure to arrive by 3 PM at the latest if you want to catch the tram tour to the outdoor exhibits! We arrived closer to 4 PM and missed all the shows and trams 🚐⏰. 🫧 Waterwall Park: A bit underwhelming—the inner wall wasn’t even running when we visited 🥲. Still, it’s a quick photo stop. 🦕 Houston Museum of Natural Science: Very kid-friendly with lots of interactive exhibits—great for families! 👨‍👩‍👧 🎨 Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH): Didn’t make it this time 😂, but it’s highly rated for art lovers. 💰 Money-Saving Tip: If visiting 3+ attractions, check out the Houston CityPASS (around $76)—it can save you a good chunk compared to buying individual tickets! 🍽️ Foodie Adventures (Let’s be real—Texas knows how to eat! 😋) Eunice 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Must-try: Shrimp Étouffée 🍤 Also great: Braised cabbage & gumbo Heads up: The fried oysters were a bit heavy, and the bread pudding dessert is delicious but probably a calorie bomb 🍞💣 Truth BBQ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Our local Texan colleague wasn’t wrong—this place is incredible! 🤠 Favorites: Beef brisket (so tender!), pork ribs (smoky & juicy), and the spicy sausage (a tad salty but tasty) Side highlight: Corn pudding—like a sweet, savory cornbread delight 🤤 Traveler’s Table 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Nice ambiance and generally tasty The curry crab was flavorful but a bit salty 🦀 French Riviera Bakery & Café 🌟🌟🌟✨ Beautiful latte art, but the coffee was just okay ☕ Brunch focuses on pastries and egg dishes—simple but satisfying 🥐🍳 Szechuan Gourmet🌟🌟🌟🌟 Brought here by my Sichuanese friends—authentic, affordable, and great service! 🌶️ A solid spot for spicy cravings without breaking the bank 💰 📌 Final Thoughts Houston may not be packed with landmarks, but it’s a paradise for food lovers and offers a few gems for curious explorers. Rent a car, come hungry, and enjoy that warm Texas welcome! 🤠🍖✨ #US #Texas #Houston