"Houston is the most underrated city in America — and the most delicious."
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and the most ethnically diverse — a fact that manifests most powerfully in its food scene. The city has more restaurants per capita than New York, and the range is extraordinary: Vietnamese pho on Bellaire Boulevard, Nigerian suya in Alief, Tex-Mex in the Heights, and fine dining in Montrose that rivals anything in the country. The Menil Collection is one of the world's great free museums. Space Center Houston is unmissable. And the city's arts scene — anchored by the Theater District and the Museum District — is among the finest in the South.
"The Menil Collection — 17,000 works, free admission, and one of the world's great museum experiences."
TastesOf Editorial
At a Glance
What Not to Miss
The Museum District
Houston's Museum District contains 19 museums, galleries, and cultural institutions within a 1.5-mile radius — including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Menil Collection, the Rothko Chapel, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The Menil Collection, with its extraordinary holdings of Surrealist and tribal art, is one of the finest free museums in the world.
The Menil Collection
Dominique and John de Menil's extraordinary private collection — 17,000 works spanning antiquity to the present, housed in a Renzo Piano building in the Montrose neighbourhood. The Cy Twombly Gallery and the Dan Flavin installation in the Richmond Hall are unmissable. Free admission, always.
Houston's Dining Scene
Houston is the most ethnically diverse city in the United States, and its food scene reflects that diversity with extraordinary richness. The Vietnamese restaurants along Bellaire Boulevard, the Tex-Mex institutions of the Heights, and the fine dining of Montrose and Midtown make Houston one of the most underrated culinary cities in America.
Space Center Houston
The official visitor centre of NASA's Johnson Space Center — with Mission Control, Saturn V rockets, and astronaut training facilities. The tram tour of the active JSC campus is one of the most extraordinary experiences in Texas.
Buffalo Bayou Park
A 160-acre linear park along the banks of Buffalo Bayou — with walking and cycling trails, public art installations, and the stunning Eleanor Tinsley Park. The view of the Houston skyline from the park at dusk is one of the city's great pleasures.
The Heights
Houston's most walkable neighbourhood — a grid of Victorian bungalows, independent restaurants, antique shops, and weekend farmers markets. The best place in the city to spend a Sunday morning.
Where to Stay
Post Houston
Design HotelA former post office transformed into one of the most extraordinary mixed-use developments in America — with a hotel, rooftop farm, food hall, and event spaces. The most architecturally significant hotel in Houston.
Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
Boutique LuxuryThe finest boutique hotel in the Museum District — steps from the Menil Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts, with a pool, spa, and a restaurant that is one of the best in Montrose.
Four Seasons Houston
Classic LuxuryThe traditional choice for Houston luxury — in the heart of downtown, with impeccable service, a superb spa, and a location convenient to the Theater District and the Museum District.
The Verdict
America's most underrated culinary city — eat everywhere, visit the Menil, and don't miss Mission Control.