Houston in 3 Days & 2 Nights

To be honest, it was really more like two full days of fun — Day 1 was mostly dedicated to David Tao's concert, which also happened to be my first concert ever! 🎤 Unfortunately, the organizers didn’t do the best job… parking and security were a mess, which delayed the start time, so I still missed the first few songs 😔. Day 2 Morning: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 🛕 This temple is actually quite compact, but it's known as the first traditionally built Hindu temple in the U.S. — and it’s completely free to enter! Hours: 9 AM – 12 PM & 4 PM – 6 PM. 📸 Tip: Visit during the 4–6 PM slot for better lighting. I went in the morning and the sun was way too harsh for good photos! Afternoon: NASA Space Center 🚀 Absolutely worth the visit — you can easily spend 4–6 hours here! 🎟️ I only had the general admission ticket (the Mission Control Tour was sold out — book that 3–4 days in advance, especially on weekends!). 🚌 Right after entering, book your tour times at the front desk and plan your route. 💡 The campus tour isn’t really worth it — I’d recommend watching an extra space film instead! 🍔 Don’t miss the astronaut-themed McDonald’s nearby — cute photo spot! 📸 Dinner: Chinatown 🥢 We had Haidilao Hot Pot — super popular, so reserve at least an hour ahead on weekends! Day 3 Morning: Waterwall Park 💦 Unique and photogenic! Street parking is easy — 15 minutes is plenty. 💁‍♀️ Tip: Save this for your last stop of the day — the mist can really mess up your hair and makeup! Highlight: Menil Collection 🖼️ A private art museum that’s completely free! The collection is incredibly rich, and the atmosphere is quiet and immersive. 📵 No photography allowed, which makes you focus more on the art itself. Even as someone who doesn’t consider myself an art connoisseur, I was truly moved — it felt like walking through a carefully curated wing of the MET! ✨ Nearby, there are two unique chapels worth visiting: ⛪ Rothko Chapel — dark, meditative, almost like stepping into a scene from Dune. ⛪ Chapel of St. Basil — gorgeous from the outside (perfect for photos). It was closed when I went on a Sunday. Lunch: Hunan Bistro 🌶️ Delicious! Loved their grilled fish and braised intestines — so flavorful! Sweet Stop: 85°C Bakery Cafe 🥐 Since my hometown doesn’t have Paris Baguette, I popped in here and found it super affordable — ended up buying a whole bunch of treats! 🍰 🏙️ Area Tip: Most of the good food and drinks (including HeyTea!) are in this plaza — recommend staying nearby if you can! Afternoon: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 🖌️ Bank of America cardholders get in free on Sundays — otherwise, I’d say skip it. It was pretty underwhelming compared to the Menil. ✈️ And then… the forever-delayed flight home with American Airlines. 😑 AA, my lifelong nemesis… Houston — you surprised me in the best way. Can’t wait to return and explore even more! 🤠❤️ #US #Texas #Houston