10 Reasons You Should Visit Houston

Houston weathered life-changing havoc and celebrated a massive World Series victory last year. There were also new taco trucks opening, local bands performing, and cocktail bars crafting new recipes and much more besides. Here are 10 reasons why you should visit the truest, realest city Texas has to offer.

Opportunity to pay homage to Beyoncé

Yes, this is an official reason why every living person should visit Houston. Paying tribute to where Queen B was born and raised is something every true fan should/must experience. Although most Americans associate Texas music with classic country and blues, Beyoncé references her hometown in many of her songs: calling herself “Miss 3rd Ward” in Pretty Hurts, the lyrics “I’m out that H-town Coming, coming down…”and “H-Town vicious” in ***Flawless, and the images from her childhood in Grown Woman. After Harvey, Beyoncé flew down to hand out food and inspire Houstonians to do the same.

Diversity reigns

Foodwise, it’s a real-life Epcot

The incredible diversity of Houston spills most wonderfully into the food scene. The city contains more than 10,000 restaurants with choices that offer food from more than 70 countries. Whether it’s Vietnamese, Peruvian, Lebanese, or Ethiopian, Houston is guaranteed to have the best. Quality food is also insanely affordable. In a way, Houston is a citywide Epcot, where you can hop from country to country.

Love relationship with Louisiana

After Hurricane Katrina, around 250,000 peoplefrom New Orleans landed in Houston, and between 25,000 and 40,000 eventually made Houston their home. The Cajun influence of Houston is one of the city’s best cultural features. When it’s crawfish season in this city, you’ll know it.

Whataburger

Because even though it sounds insane to eat from a fast-food joint when you’re in Houston, this ain’t no ordinary burger joint. Hangovers accepted and encouraged. #honeybutterchickenbiscuit

Gritty and edgy culture

Although Houston resides in the South, there is a confidence and edge to the city that other major Southern cities simply do not have. Residents are kind and openhearted, but not sappy-sweet. Houston has history, but also the convenience and exciting atmosphere of a bustling city. It’s more than just a tourist destination, it’s an epicenter for engineering, technology, cancer treatment, and art.

The glory of Tex-Mex

A margarita on the rocks with a mountain of tacos is something Houstonians live for to stave off the heat. Whether you’re hitting up the chain Torchy’s or exploring a local unassuming spot, this city’s Tex-Mex is truly out of this world. And speaking of out of this world…

It low-key owns Space

Another piece of Houston’s fame is the NASA Johnson Space Center. Did you see Hidden Figures? If not, make it happen, because our appreciation for what astronauts do needs to be better.

A trip won’t break the bank

One reason Houston is such a hub for immigrants and young professionals is its low cost of living. Considering the size and quality of the city, Houston is a gem. You shouldn’t have to hand over all your savings when you want a weekend away or a bachelorette trip.

Anthony Bourdain’s review: “Welcome, Stranger”

As he often does, Bourdain described why you should visit the city best in his Parts Unknown episode featuring Houston: “[America’s] great because your grandfather and my grandfather and just about everybody’s damn grandfather or great-grandfather crammed themselves, snuck, bought their way, or was dragged onto a boat and one way or another allowed themselves eventually to dream. You can. There’s still room. And in some places in America, apparently, you’re still welcome. Welcome, stranger. This land is your land.”

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.