If you are planning a quick getaway to Houston, you are in for a treat. The city blends southern charm with big-city flair, offering a mix of cultural hotspots, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re into art, history, or exploring the outdoors, two days in Houston can give you a taste of what this vibrant metropolis has to offer. From iconic museums to some of the best barbecue in Texas, this post details the best things to do in Houston.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you! Special thanks to the Museum of Fine Arts for hosting me at several attractions on my trip to Houston! As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.
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History of Houston
Houston, the largest city in Texas, has a long and dynamic history. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by various Indigenous peoples, including the Karankawa and the Atakapa. In 1836, during the Texas Revolution, the region gained prominence when General Sam Houston’s forces defeated the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto, securing Texas’ independence from Mexico.
Soon after, the city of Houston was founded in 1837 by land speculators Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen. Named after General Sam Houston, the city quickly became an important trading hub due to its location near Buffalo Bayou, a major waterway.
By the late 1800s, Houston had developed into a significant center for commerce and transportation. In 1901, oil was discovered in the area, bringing immense wealth to Houston and leading to the rise of the energy industry. Houston’s population surged during the 1900s, attracting people from across the nation and around the world.
The city also became a focal point for space exploration when NASA established the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1961, giving it the iconic “Space City” moniker. Over the years, Houston has continued to evolve into a global metropolis, renowned for its diversity and culture.
When to Spend Two Days in Houston
February to April and September to November are the best times to visit Houston. During this time, the weather is mild,er making for an ideal time to visit outdoor attractions and explore what the city has to offer.
How to Get to Houston
Houston has two main airports: George Bush International Airport and Houston Hobby Airport. You can catch flights into these two locations with every US Airline and many international destinations. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights. We paid about $250 round-trip for our flights.
Transportation in Houston
To get around Houston and the surrounding area, you will want a car unless you do not plan to leave the Downtown area. I recommend renting a car through Economy Bookings as it will search all rental car companies for you. If you do not want to rent a car, there are local buses and the light rail that will get you to some of the places around Houston.
To get to and from George Bush International Airport, you can also take a bus or take a bus to the metro line. This will take you about an hour, or it is a 20-minute drive.
To get to and from Houston Hobby Airport, you can also take a bus, which will take about 50 minutes. It is also about a 20-minute drive to downtown.
Where to Stay in Houston
The most central area to stay in Houston is the Downtown area. TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Houston here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel. When we visited, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Houston.
There are other hotel options:
- Thompson Houston
- Marriott Marquis Houston
- The Westin Houston Downtown
- Le Meridien Houston Downtown
- Hilton Americas-Houston
- Embassy Suites Houston Downtown
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston Downtown
If you want to save some money, you can also stay outside of downtown.
What to Do During Two Days in Houston
Wanting to visit the top 5 attractions in Houston? Then you may want to invest in a City Pass. This pass includes admission to the Houston Space Center, and a choice of four other attractions across Houston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts.
Day 1
Meow Wolf Radio Tave
Cost: $36+
Hours: Sun-Wed: 10am-9pm, Thurs-Sat: 10am-11pm
Meow Wolf Houston, part of the immersive art collective known for its mind-bending installations, brings a truly unique experience to the city. Located in the heart of downtown, this interactive exhibit blends art, technology, and storytelling to create a surreal adventure where visitors can explore bizarre and whimsical worlds.
With vibrant colors, hidden passageways, and mind-expanding narratives, Meow Wolf offers a one-of-a-kind experience that feels like stepping into another dimension. This is a great place for families, couples, or anyone who likes art and hands-on places. If you have the time, plan on visiting the other Meow Wolves across the United States in Denver, Santa Fe, Dallas, and Las Vegas.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Cost: $20, $10 on Thursdays
Hours: Wed: 11am-5pm, Thurs-Fri: 11am-9pm, Sat: 11am-6pm, Sun: 12:30pm-6pm, Closed Mon-Tues
You cannot spend two days in Houston without visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, especially if you are an art lover. The museum is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the United States. It houses over 70,000 pieces of art across three main buildings, in addition to a sculpture garden outside.
The museum usually boasts several special exhibits. During our visit, we had the opportunity to see a truly unique exhibit, “Floating World” by A. A. Murakami, which showcases the use of bubbles as a form of art. Additionally, the museum is home to Yayoi Kusama’s “Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity,” an immersive Infinity Mirror Room filled with flickering golden lanterns that reflect endlessly before fading into darkness. This is a similar piece to the one at the Broad in Downtown Los Angeles, by the same artist.
Astros Game
Cost: $10 and up
Hours: Varies by Schedule
End your first of two days in Houston with a visit to the Houston Astros to see a baseball game. They won the World Series in 2017 and 2022 (even if they cheated) and have a very passionate fan base. Tickets are not too expensive, and make sure to check the schedule online to see when they are playing, as it makes for a fun evening.
Xochi
Cost: $$
Hours: Mon-Thus: 11:30am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30pm-11pm, Sun: 11am-3pm
Tonight, to finish off your first of two days in Houston, grab dinner at Xochi. This Oaxacan restaurant has a plethora of authentic dishes with a unique spin. They are also known for their mole flight. We were lucky enough to visit during Houston restaurant week and got to do a tasting menu to try out many of their dishes.
Reserve 101
Cost: $
Hours: 4pm-2am
Reserve 101 is one of the best whiskey bars in Houston. They have over 300 rare and global whiskeys. In addition to cocktails, they offer curated flights, private tastings, and some light bites to eat.
Day 2
Space Center Houston
Cost: $30 and up
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm
The Space Center Houston, home to NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, is a must-visit during two days in Houston. It is the perfect stop for space enthusiasts and anyone curious about the universe. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of human space exploration, with exhibits showcasing iconic artifacts like spacecraft, astronaut suits, and even real moon rocks.
Visitors can explore the Space Center’s interactive displays, watch live mission control operations, and learn about the astronauts who made history. As the backdrop for NASA’s astronaut training, it also offers exclusive tours of its facilities, making it one of the best places to experience the legacy and future of space travel.
Do not have a car? This tour offers a visit to the Space Center Houston with transportation.
There are four different options of tram tours you can take: The Astronaut Training Facility Tour, The NASA Campus Tour, The Rocket Park Tour, and The Mission Control Tour. Your General admission ticket includes admission to all of the tram tours except the Mission Control Tour. That one costs an extra $15.
In addition to the tram tours, inside are multiple exhibits about space, space exploration, the International Space Station, Mars, and more. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the entire center. At a minimum, plan for 4-5 hours to explore the center. You can read more specific details about the center in this post.
Camaraderie
Cost: $$
Hours: Wed-Sat: 5pm-11pm Sun: 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm, closed Mon/Tues
Tonight, to end your two days in Houston, have dinner at Camaraderie, an up-and-coming restaurant. This “fine-causal” restaurant offers both à la carte and a $75 prix-fixe menu. You will not want to miss the salt-baked celery root. We opted for the à la carte and orders about four dishes for the table.
Kanpai Club
Cost: $$
Hours: 4pm-12am
After dinner, grab some drinks at the Kanpai Club, a speakeasy-styled Japanese cocktail bar designed to feel like some of the bars in Japan. They have a variety of Japanese-inspired cocktails as well as a selection of sake, beer, and whiskies. They also have a few small plates. It is the perfect place to cap off your two days in Houston.
More Than Two Days in Houston
Houston Aquarium, Houston Botanic Gardens, and the Houston Holocaust Museum are all other amazing options to visit during your two days in Houston. You could also check out this mural tour, this food tour, or this city tour to check out different parts of Houston. If you are looking for another place to eat, grab dinner at Street to Kitchen. Then, grab drinks next door at Neighbors afterwards. They also have really delicious pizza there.
Alternatively, you could take a day trip to College Station to visit the Bush presidential library or check out a football game at Texas A&M University.
Final Tips for Two Days in Houston
If you want to spend more time exploring Texas after your two days in Houston, I recommend adding time in Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Also, make sure to check out some of the best Texas road trips. Overall, you could easily spend seven to ten days exploring what the main cities of Texas have to offer.
