Travel to Houston

Travel to Houston

Texas largest city is not usually seen as tourist destination. However, Houston has an open feel with several lakes and waterways, surrounded by lush green gardens, fragrant flowers and towering trees. With the attractions of a vibrant city, its sub-tropical climate, and the many opportunities in industries such as oil and gas, computers, aerospace and medicine, Houston is one of the most desirable places in the US to visit.

Transportation to Houston

Houston is conveniently accessible by air from all over the world via George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Transport to the city 35kms south of the airport is by shuttle, bus, taxis and rental car. A selection of nationwide freeways and railways get you to the city by road and train from Canada and Mexico, and Houstons oldest port is a conduit by which tourists can get to the city by sea.

What to see

Lovers of open spaces will be drawn to Hermann Park, which is not only home to the Houston Zoo, but also contains the Japanese Gardens and the Houston Garden Center. The Museum District is packed with many of Houstons finest museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Menil Collection and the Holocaust Museum Houston. The Astrodome was the worlds first air-conditioned domed stadium for baseball and football, and is so large that an 18-storey building would fit inside it. For visitors, the absolute must-see in Houston is NASA and the famed Johnson Space Center, mission control for the US space programme.

Day trips

Take a trip 80kms southeast of Houston to Galveston, Texas most popular seaside resort with 51kms of beach. For a ride or a walk through the glen, the Sam Houston National Forest spans three counties with numerous lakes, hiking trails, magnolias, birds, wildlife, and recreational facilities. And play cowboy at the 480-acre George Ranch Historical Park, not unlike taking a trip back in time to experience ranch living first-hand.

Activities and leisure

Houston is a diverse city that offers world-class arts and entertainment to people of all nations. Bayou Place, an entertainment complex in the Downtown Theater District, has been a great addition to the area providing restaurants, live music and a multiplex cinema. Lovers of theatre are well catered for year round as Houston is one of a handful of American cities that has permanent ballet, orchestra, opera and theatre companies.

Safety issues

Although the US is constantly under the threat of terrorist attacks, Houston is not an overly violent place for its size. Houston's citizens are very aggressive drivers, so always exercise caution as both driver or as a pedestrian. In addition, always be mindful of the MetroRail as it is very easy to collide with it in the streets, particularly if you make a wrong left turn. Taking out travel insurance cover in the event of lost and stolen property, an illness or accident, is strongly advised.