5 Things to Do in Houston on a Business Trip, According to Locals

In the heart of Texas, Houston is a vibrant city where Southern charm meets urban sophistication. Known as the Space City, Houston has a skyline punctuated by impressive skyscrapers and a sprawling network of diverse neighborhoods, each with their own character.

The city’s rich history is also reflected in its vibrant arts scene, world-class museums and historic monuments. From the lush expanses of Hermann Park to the bustling activity of Discovery Green, Houston offers expansive green spaces that provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Adding to Houston’s appeal is its culinary scene, as varied as its population. Here you can find everything from traditional Tex-Mex to world-famous barbecue to innovative fine dining that rivals any major metropolis. The city’s culinary culture also demonstrates its diversity, with influences from all corners of the world converging to create a unique gastronomic landscape.

Meanwhile, sports fans will also find plenty to rejoice with passionate fans supporting teams like the Astros (MLB), Rockets (NBA) and Texans (NFL), bringing palpable energy to the city.

Regardless, Houston’s sense of community is evident in its welcoming residents, who embody the resilience and friendliness that define this vibrant city. Despite the challenges of rapid growth and an ever-changing landscape, Houstonians remain proud of their city’s heritage and optimistic about its future.

Clearly, whether you’re a long-time resident or a new visitor, Houston has a wealth of incredible and unique experiences to offer. So, to help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city, we’ve rounded up locals’ ideas and advice on the best things to do in Houston. Here’s what they recommend:

1. Discover the museum district

Pamela O’Brien, ASID, NAHB, TAB, GHBA and winner of the PaperCity Design Award for Pamela Hope Designs, suggests starting your day with a latte and pastries at Café Leonelli, located within the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.

“The museum opens at 11 a.m., so you can just walk through it to visit the museum’s international collections of modern and contemporary art,” she said. “Once you’ve seen enough, there’s a tunnel system to take you across the street. You stay away from the weather and traffic and discover interesting light installations and more art during the short walk. You can visit two additional buildings depending on your interests. There are always excellent traveling exhibitions, as well as important permanent collections of Asian, African, Islamic and Native American art, as well as many early European and American works.

Then, for lunch, O’Brien recommends splurging at Le Jardinier, which is also in the museum complex, or strolling down the street to the chic and cheeky Hotel Zaza for lunch at Monarch.

“You can finish your lunch by visiting nearby Hermann Park and Gardens or walking through the Cullen Sculpture Garden,” she continued. “If you prefer to relax, consider a spa treatment at ZaSpa in Zaza. The nearby Rice Village neighborhood is great for afternoon shopping and will undoubtedly offer something tempting for dinner.

2. Experience space exploration

David Ciccarelli, CEO of Voices, highlights the importance of visiting NASA Space Center to learn about the history of space exploration.

“First and foremost, visitors should visit the NASA Space Center to learn about the history of space exploration and enjoy some interesting exhibits,” he said. “From there, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural Sciences are both wonderful additions. The underground tunnels and Chase Observation Tower are a great adventure, especially on hot Houston days.

For an unusual experience, Ciccarelli recommends the Beer Can House, made up of more than 50,000 beer cans, or the Art Car Parade if you visit at the right time.

“Enjoy Mexican cuisine at Original Ninfa’s or delicious barbecue at Truth Barbeque,” ​​Ciccarelli said. “There is no shortage of good places to enjoy! »

3. Explore the Montrose neighborhood

Ha Malloy, content creator and founder of Heat and Heartbeat, touts Montrose as a must-watch.

“Montrose offers a unique and vibrant experience that stands out from other Houston neighborhoods,” Malloy explained. “I love the atmosphere this area has to offer and it’s fun to explore day or night.”

The neighborhood is notably home to a mix of historic homes, bungalows, and mid-century modern buildings. At the same time, it is also the center of a diverse culinary scene with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, bars and eateries to choose from, catering to cravings from Tex-Mex to Vietnamese to Mediterranean.

“The area also has a vibrant nightlife with many bars and clubs, where you can enjoy live music, cocktails and dancing.”

One of Malloy’s favorite aspects of Montrose is its colorful street art and murals:

“Walking around Montrose allows you to see these vibrant works of art and take Instagram-worthy photos. Finally, this lively place is full of quirky boutiques, vintage stores and independent boutiques offering unique clothing, jewelry and gifts. It’s a great place to search for unique treasures, support local businesses, and find the perfect souvenir for you, your family, and friends! »

4. Treat yourself to Houston’s culinary scene

Crystal Olenbush, real estate expert at AustinRealEstate.com, believes Houston’s culinary scene really shines.

“There really is something for everyone on a business visit to our great city,” she said. “When I have clients in town, these are some of my favorite things to show them.”

Olenbush recommends the Conservatory for a variety of food options in one place.

“Personally, I love experiencing local influences in places like Xochi or Brenner’s on the Bayou,” she added. “The seasonal menus truly showcase what the Gulf Coast has to offer.”

Or, for entertainment, Olenbush reports that Houston has some great options.

“Seeing a show at the Houston Grand Opera or visiting the Museum District is always a crowd pleaser,” she said. “The Menil Collection and Contemporary Arts Museum Houston offer a refreshing break from the ordinary. If you want to get outside, exploring places like Discovery Green or MacGregor Park is a great way to enjoy our subtropical climate.

5. Savor diverse food offerings

Shanta Mauney of Mauney Business Consulting praises Houston’s culinary scene for its incredible diversity.

“Business travelers coming to Houston will be delighted to find some of the best restaurants, in my opinion, in the world,” she said. “The food scene is incredible with great Tex-Mex, BBQ, seafood and restaurants representing every culture imaginable, from Indian, Vietnamese and Filipino to French, Greek, Italian , Jamaican, Ethiopian and beyond!”

In particular, Mauney suggests including The Taste of Texas, The Breakfast Klub and Pappasito’s on your list of places to meet and eat.

“If you work downtown, explore the underground tunnels, where you’ll find shops and more restaurants,” she shared. “Don’t miss the Phoenician market. In the Museum District, book a conference room or meet for dinner and drinks at the Zaza Hotel.

Overall, Houston is a city that continually surprises and delights its visitors. With its rich cultural diversity, vibrant culinary scene, and welcoming locals, it offers an endless list of unique experiences. Whether you’re here for a business trip or an extended stay, embrace the spirit of Houston and create your own memorable experiences.