Sadly, America’s 4th largest city is consistently underrated, but it is full of culture, charisma, and charm - you just have to know where to look! This is my ongoing love letter of favorite spots for visitors, newcomers, and locals alike!
Map
Sections
8
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Bars
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Shopping
Outdoor Activities
A lovely part of the Houston art scene that’s free to visit with a lively local park to match. Come for the art, stay for the picnic!
The Menil Collection
Incredible land art perfect for contemplation and admiring nature.
James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace | Moody Center for The Arts
This art park was designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1986 and hosts unique pieces by Frank Stella, Auguste Rodin, and Louise Bourgeois, along with many more notable artists.
Cullen Sculpture Garden
Another favorite amidst Houston’s top notch art scene. Come here for a perfect stroll in the garden for some peace and contemplation.
McGovern Centennial Gardens
Restaurants
Voted Houston’s Restaurant of the year by CultureMap - the food is incredible. Period. This Michelin recognized restaurant is full of flavor and unique dishes. Try the deer tartare and the cornbread. The Basque cheesecake is out of this world!
Baso
The latest restaurant from Chef Aaron Bludorn. Delicious French cuisine. Can’t leave without trying the raclette!
Perseid
Vibrant Mexico City fare in the Montrose neighborhood. Featuring flavorful dishes of contemporary Mexican cuisine with an artful atmosphere.
Cuchara
Yummy little Italian spot in the heart of Montrose.
Ostia
Bars
Cute watering hole with tasty libations and a nice back patio.
Starduster Lounge
The best Tiki bar speakeasy in town. Mai Tai's on tap.
Lei Low
An award winning staple in the Houston bar scene. Delicious cocktails. Perfect for a week night date.
Anvil
Arts & Entertainment
Houston’s Contemporary Art Museum is a wonderful and consistently has a well curated list of shows featuring local and world renowned artists.
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
A contemporary arts space with thought provoking and unique shows.
Rice University Moody Center For The Arts
Great art museum celebrating craft works.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
The art gem of Houston's Third Ward prevserving Houston's history in a fresh and unique way.
Project Row Houses
A facet of Houston's folk art spaces.
The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
Great folk art museum dedicated to the famous Houston Art Cars!
Art Car Museum
A unique folk art installation right in the middle of a neighborhood.
Beer Can House
Massive multi building art space featuring works from antiquity to contemporary fine art.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Incredible hub for art in Mid-town with gallery and performance spaces.
DiverseWorks
Fun music venue on Houston's East side.
White Oak Music Hall
Local Favorites
Phenomenal multi-faceted space featuring an incredible food hall, art spaces, and a music venue along with rotating exhibitions.
POST Houston
Shopping
Founded in 1980 this is the ULTIMATE spot for designer goods for 70-90% off retail. It’s cheaper than TJ Maxx with a boutique feel and better prices.
United Apparel Liquidators
The most perfect little Houston boutique full of wonderful locally designed clothing, jewelry, and homewares.
Jardín
The best gift shop for specialty home goods, jewelry, stationary, and more! Cozy and peaceful, leaves you feeling right at home.
Genara
Precious shop in mid-town filled with unique apparel, jewelry, and home goods. Carefully and lovingly sourced to bring you joy!
Ollie Shop
Cute little local shop for clothing and home goods. Great for gifts!
Forth & Nomad
Hotels
Gorgeous new boutique hotel in Houston located in the charming Montrose neighborhood right next to The Menil Collection.
Hotel Saint Augustine | Luxury Boutique Hotel in Houston
A classic Houston hotel in the Museum District complete with themed rooms and a host of character.
Hotel ZaZa
Luxurious hotel in the Galleria area. The Post Oak is opulent and grand and a stones throw away from Houston’s best luxury shopping.
The Post Oak Hotel
Spas
Cozy and beautiful spa that will leave you feeling relaxed and restored.
Houston Luxury Spa | River Oaks
The best spa in Houston! A definite splurge but well worth it for an afternoon of relaxation and pampering.
