Eat See Do: Houston

A slice of Asian culinary culture features on Houston’s menus in the form of Viet-Cajun crawfish. The city is one of the major centers of Vietnamese life in the USA, and it is these influences that you can taste here. The crawfish, best known as coming from Louisiana, are first cooked in the traditional way and then tossed in a rich garlic butter with Vietnamese spices and a touch of heat. This makes the regional variation more aromatic than the traditional Cajun boil. Establishments such as Crawfish & Noodles in particular epitomize this confident fusion cuisine, which has long been regarded as quintessentially Houston. 

More Culinary Delights:  

• Fajitas at Ninfa’s on Navigation: This is where fajitas became an icon of Tex-Mex cuisine in the 1970s. This grilled dish, which evolved from Tacos al Carbón, put Houston on the national culinary map and remains deeply rooted in the city’s food culture to this day. 
• Texas barbecue at Truth BBQ: In Houston, barbecuing has become a craft in its own right. Typically, smoked brisket and slow-cooked ribs are placed on the grill, then served with sides such as coleslaw and baked beans. In the young, creative district of Houston Heights in particular, barbecuing is becoming part of urban weekend culture, without losing respect for the Texan tradition. 
• Kolaches: For many, a kolache is a natural part of the morning routine in Houston. Originating from the Bohemian-​Czech baking tradition, this yeast pastry has taken on a form all its own in Texas and has long been an element of the city’s everyday culinary culture. Alongside savory varieties, sweet or vegetarian fillings featuring fruit, cream cheese, or vegetables can be found in many places – making this a tip that highlights Houston’s food culture just as much as the city’s immigration history.  

It is no coincidence that Houston is nicknamed Space City. Manned spaceflight has been planned and controlled at the Johnson Space Center for decades – and at Space Center Houston, this dimension becomes more tangible for visitors. Surrounded by control rooms, training modules, and space capsules, they can experience how real ​space history was written here. A visit to the museum is like a glimpse behind the scenes.

Also Worth Seeing:  

• The Menil Collection: This art museum is home to what is regarded as one of the world’s most significant private art collections and is open to everyone free of charge. Light plays a key role here, as the innovative roof system made of “leaves” filters the intense Texan sun so that the artworks shine in natural, ever-changing light. This creates a sense of calm; there is a relaxed, almost private atmosphere, free from the usual hustle and bustle of large museums. 
• Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern: The former underground water reservoir, built in 1926, is now open to the public and ranks among Houston’s most fascinating attractions. Across 8,000 square meters (86,000 square feet) there are 221 slender concrete support columns, each measuring 7.6 meters (25 feet) high. They create a mystical atmosphere with spectacular acoustics. 
• Museum District: Houston is home to the Museum District, one of the most important cultural districts in the USA. It boasts a total of 21 world-class museums, galleries, and cultural centers. The museums are divided into four pedestrian-friendly zones and cover everything from science and art to history and architecture. 

A special natural spectacle unfolds as darkness falls: beneath the Waugh Drive Bridge, one of the largest urban colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in North America takes off on its evening flight. The bats use the crevices of the bridge structure as sheltered roosts and set out at dusk to hunt for insects. This moment shows just how closely nature is woven into the fabric of Houston – often accompanied by a glowing sunset over Buffalo Bayou. 

More Experiences:

• Get active along Buffalo Bayou: Whether on foot, by bike, or by kayak – along the bayou, Houston reveals itself to be surprisingly green and dynamic. The nearly 65-hectare (160-acre) Buffalo Bayou Park stretches 3.7 kilometres (2.3 miles) west of the city center and has been one of the city’s main outdoor destinations since its regeneration in 2015, with continuous hike-and-bike trails, viewing points, and a surprising amount of shade and tranquillity by the water. It's the perfect spot for anyone looking for a moment to unwind.  
• Cultural evening at the Miller Outdoor Theatre: Since 1923, musical, dance, and theater performances have been held in the open air at Hermann Park during the warmer months, most of them free of charge. Anyone in the mood for entertainment will find plenty to enjoy here – either on the grass with a picnic blanket or in the covered stands. 
• A trip to Galveston: Just an hour away lies the Gulf Coast, combining white sandy beaches with a refreshing sea breeze. The city of Galveston is renowned for its Victorian architecture. It is a welcome change of scene, swapping the hustle and bustle of the city for a relaxing ​day at the beach.