Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, and the largest in the southern half of the country. It is located in the state of Texas, where it also serves as the state capital. The city is known for everything from space travel to medicine and research, and has a very rich history. As of today, more than 2.3 million people live in the city, which attracts about 1 million international tourists every single year. In addition, many millions of Americans visit the city every year.

Houston has a subtropical climate, which means that there are almost always plus degrees in the city. The temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees, but it is in the period April to October that you prefer to visit the city for the best weather. Houston is not as prone to tornadoes as many other southern cities, but there are often large thunderstorms that can bring tornadoes.

Recommended hotels in Houston

• The Lancaster Hotel-Great four star hotel in downtown Houston. Free breakfast.
• Hotel Alessandra- Four star hotel with great feedback in downtown Houston. The hotel has a high standard, its own spa and swimming pool.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands at Hughes Landing–Popular hotel with good feedback in The Woodlands, approx. 45 miles outside of downtown Houston.

Travel to Houston

Traveling to Houston is not something you “do overnight”, as it takes at least 14 hours by plane. You have several opportunities to get there, either through a European main airport, or directly to New York from Oslo Airport and then fly down to Houston. It is relatively cheap to fly domestically in the US if you are flexible with flight times and airlines. The US dollar is the official currency throughout the United States, and at the time of writing, 1 dollar is equivalent to around 8.50 Norwegian kroner.

Tourists travel mostly safely in Houston, which is an exciting and lively city. The price level is generally lower in the US than in Norway, and you will be able to shop, eat and enjoy yourself outside for a fairly cheap price. There are many so-called “outlet” centers in the US and Houston where you can buy well-known brands at discounted prices.

Overnight and dine in Houston

Houston is a big business city, and very many Americans stay here every single day. Consequently, there are many hotels here, with different standards. It is often cheaper on weekends than on weekdays, as there are fewer business people visiting the city. For 800 – 1000 kroner a night you get a good stay in a hotel close to the city center of a high standard. Many tourists will want to live in “Downtown” so that you live close to most things.

Houston is a really good restaurant city, especially when compared to other American cities. In the center, great restaurants are next door, and they serve food from Asian countries such as India, China and Thailand, but also from European cuisines such as Germany, France and Portugal. There are also many good steakhouses here (steakhouse), with very well stocked plates of good food. For 200 kroner you can eat your fill at a good restaurant. Remember that tips of 15 to 20 percent are expected.

Attractions in Houston

Houston is a modern city with a wide range of entertainment. There is a lot to see and experience in the city center, and you can spend many days visiting the various museums, shops, nightclubs and restaurants that are located in the area here.

Bayou Place

Begin your Houston vacation with a trip to Bayou Place. It is a giant entertainment center with everything from theaters to bars and restaurants. Hard Rock Café is located here, at the same time as there are also nightclubs and cinemas here. Simply a complete entertainment complex that keeps you busy for hours.

Galleria Mall

Houston and Texas’ largest mall will satisfy even the most shopaholic people. Well-known American brand stores abound here, such as Macy’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. If you like shopping for designer things then this is the place for you.

Johnson Space Center

The famous phrase “Houston, we have a problem” refers to the space industry that has characterized Houston in the 20th century and until today. At the Johnson Space Center you can get an insight into this, in what is an extensive facility with over 100 different buildings. You can join a simulation of what it is like to be in a weightless state, and of course experience much of space history in the last 60-70 years.

Houston Zoo

No city break without a trip to the local zoo. In Houston Zoo you will find over 4500 animals of 900 different species (!), Which is a very high number. Here you can join guided tours or feed a lion with meat. Also consider a trip to Splashtown, an extensive bathing park in the northern part of Houston. Perfect for you who travel with children.

Museum district

In the immediate vicinity of Herman Park you will find what is called the museum district of the city. Here you will find museums such as “The Museum of Fine Arts” which has an extensive art exhibition, as well as “John P. McCovern Health Museum” which is the site of the city’s only 4D cinema. Also consider a visit to museums such as the Holocaust Museum, the Museum of Photography and the Lawndale Art Center.