Houston 3-Day Getaway: Concert & Hidden Gems

I planned a 3-day, 2-night trip to Houston, but in reality, I only explored for two full days—Day 1 was entirely dedicated to David Tao’s concert, which marked my first ever concert experience. Unfortunately, the organizer dropped the ball: parking and security were a complete mess, causing the show to start late. To make it worse, I missed the first few songs even after rushing as fast as I could. Despite the hiccups, the trip still had plenty of highlights that made it worthwhile. Here’s my real, unfiltered itinerary: Day 1: Concert Rush & First-Day Jitters 🎤 The whole day revolved around David Tao’s concert—my first ever! I’d been looking forward to it for weeks, but the experience was marred by the terrible organization. The parking lot was chaotic with no clear guidance, and the security check was so slow that the concert started late. Even then, I still missed the opening songs, which was a huge letdown 😫. On the bright side, David Tao’s performance was incredible—his live vocals were spot-on, and the energy in the venue made up for the earlier frustrations. If you’re heading to a show at the same venue, my advice: arrive at least 2 hours early, and check the parking instructions beforehand! Day 2: Temple Serenity & Space Adventures 🕌🚀 📍 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Indian Temple) This tiny but significant temple is the first traditional Hindu temple built in the U.S.—and it’s completely free! 🆓 Its opening hours are 9 AM–12 PM and 4 PM–6 PM, and I strongly recommend visiting between 4–6 PM. I went in the morning, and the sunlight was so harsh that none of my photos turned out well; the softer afternoon light would make for much better shots. Though small, the temple’s intricate stone carvings and peaceful atmosphere are worth the visit. Remember to dress modestly (long sleeves and pants) as a sign of respect. 📍 NASA Johnson Space Center This was easily one of the best parts of the trip—plan to spend 4–6 hours here, as there’s so much to explore! I didn’t get tickets for the Mission Control Tour, and here’s the lesson: book this in advance, especially on weekends—at least 3–4 days ahead. Even with just a general admission ticket, I saw plenty, including the main exhibit hall and three included tours. Pro tips: Grab your tour tickets from the front desk as soon as you arrive and plan your schedule carefully. The Campus Tour is a waste of time; skip it and catch more of the IMAX movies instead. Astronaut McDonald’s is nearby—super cute and worth a quick photo op 🧑🚀🍟. After NASA, we headed to Chinatown for dinner at Hai Di Lao (hot pot). It’s always packed, so reserve a table at least an hour in advance, especially on weekends. Day 3: Hidden Gems & Foodie Finds 💎🍜 📍 Water Wall We started the morning here, and it’s definitely a unique spot! Street parking is available, and 15 minutes is more than enough to see it. Pro tip: Save this for the end of your day—the splashing water ruined my hair and makeup, which was a bummer. It’s photogenic but messy, so plan accordingly. 📍 Menli Collection (Highlight of the Trip!) This private art museum was the absolute highlight of my trip—completely free, yet home to an astonishingly rich collection. It’s quiet, immersive, and filled with exhibits from diverse cultures. You could easily spend an entire afternoon here if you take your time. Photography isn’t allowed, which forces you to focus on experiencing the art itself. Even as someone who doesn’t consider themselves an “art buff,” I was blown away—it’s like a floor of the MET, easily comparable to world-class museums. Don’t miss this hidden gem! 📍 Unique Churches Near Menli Collection Two avant-garde churches are nearby, both super cool: - Rothko Chapel: The interior feels like something from Dune’s Harkonnen family—dark, somber, and atmospheric. - Chapel of St. Basil: Best for photos from the outside; we couldn’t go in since it was Sunday. 📍 Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Skip this unless you have a Bank of America card (free admission on Sundays). I found it boring with little to engage me—definitely not worth paying for. Food & Practical Tips 😋 🍽️ Must-Try Eats Hunan Bistro: We had lunch here, and it was delicious! The grilled fish and fatty intestines were standout dishes. 85°C Bakery: I live in a small town with no Paris Baguette, so I checked it out—but found it overpriced. 85°C, however, was super affordable and tasty; I stocked up on pastries. Chinatown Plaza Finds: Most of the great eats (and HeyTea!) are in this plaza—consider staying nearby for convenience. Travel Headaches & Final Thoughts American Airlines (AA) was my arch-nemesis—my flight home was delayed indefinitely. But despite the concert organizer’s mess-ups and flight issues, Houston won me over with its hidden gems. The Menli Collection and NASA alone made the trip worth it, and the affor #US #Texas #Houston