What is Houston famous for? 

Houston has over two million residents and is unlike any other city in the world. It combines southern charm, world-class culture, and international appeal in the fourth-largest city in the country. 

Want to learn more? Check out these top things Houston is famous for!

What is Houston famous for? 

Houston is famous among people for its low cost of living, its tunnel system, arts & theatre, kid-friendly attractions, museums, colorful graffiti, and Tex-Mex restaurants. 

Houston is also famous as the home to NASA’s rocket launch center, Texas Medical Center, Discovery Green, Toyota Center, the Rodeo & Livestock Show and Minute Maid Park. 

All of these things are what makes Houston a famous place not only to visit, but to live in. 

Lower Cost of Living

What makes Houston famous among its residents? Living costs are low here! 

Yes, this includes apartment rent. This is partly due to the city’s unique ability to survive independently, thanks to the sizable local economy. 

In comparison with other major cities, Houston has higher salary power for wage earners. Moreover, Houston has low housing and energy costs because of its diverse energy sources.

Houston’s agricultural sector is also booming, regularly ensuring fresh produce at lower prices. Hence, if tourists take a cooking class in Houston, getting groceries won’t consume their budget. 

Getting your house inspected, getting your car detailed, wedding planning, and other services in Houston are cheaper than in other Texas cities. 

As a result of all these factors, Houston has earned a reputation as a city with low living costs. This, of course, also means tourists have affordable accommodation options. 

Downtown Tunnel System

A unique underground tunnel system exists in Houston. No, this is not to be confused with the railway system. 

A total of 95 blocks in the city are linked by the Downtown Houston Tunnel System, an underground network of temperature-controlled pedestrian walkways. 

A few gift shops, shops, newsstands, and restaurants are also located there. It’s like a local city down there. Every day, thousands of Houstonians and tourists use this underground tunnel walkway. 

It’s easy to use to get to downtown Houston on weekdays, and it’s open to the public.

Arts & Theater 

It goes without saying that Houston has some of the world’s best performing arts. A wide range of entertainment options is available, from classic drama theaters and musical operas to performing arts and cultural performances. 

The Museum of Fine Arts 

As the city’s cultural riches increase, it is gradually gaining recognition as a premier center for arts and classics. The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston (MFAH) holds an encyclopedic collection of more than 65,000 works of art, making it one of the country’s top 10 art museums. 

Audrey Jones Beck Building, Caroline Wiess Law Building, Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden, Glassell School of Art, Brown Foundation, Inc Plaza, and BBVA Compass Roof Garden are all located on the main campus. 

Two cafes, a repertory cinema, two libraries, and two house museums for decorative arts are near the MFAH: The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and the Rienzi Gardens.

The Downtown Houston Theater District 

The Downtown Houston Theater District has a wide variety and number of contemporary, traditional and modern performance centers.

Among its independent theaters are those producing children’s plays, recent productions, and other entertainment. Thanks to all these factors, the city has become a center for world-class theater and art.

Kid Friendly Attractions

You can have a great time with your children indoors and outdoors in Houston. From boat sightseeing tours to fantastic children’s museums, exploring the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, exploring the expansive city parks, and exploring beautiful and ample city parks. 

You can experience space travel at the Houston Space Center, visit the different children’s theaters, and see the Houston Zoo with the kids.

There are so many kid-friendly attractions in this remarkable city. The Houston Arboretum, Splashtown, the exciting Green Park, and the Mad Potter are great places to spend time with the kids.

Museums 

Heritage in Houston is represented by its museums. These museums cover a broad spectrum from modern to contemporary art museums, from science museums to historically rich museums, to cultural museums, photography museums, and even children’s museums. 

Museums in this city offer remarkable attractions for free or for a small fee. The city of Houston even has a district devoted solely to museums. Beautiful landscapes surround these museums, which contribute to the town’s charm.

The Museum District 

Colorful Graffiti 

Houston is known for its diversity and vibrant culture… and these are certainly visible in its graffiti walls. Graffiti is even the focus of a park in Houston. 

If you’re visiting Houston, check out Graffiti Park. Throughout the park, walls are beautifully painted with different themes and colors. 

Here at Graffiti Park, you can quickly become captivated by the creative display of art on the walls. Aside from the park, Houston is also home to numerous stunning murals painted by top artists from around the globe. 

Graffiti Park

Tex- Mex Dining 

Houston is the place to go for the best Tex-Mex in Texas. Nearly 500 great Tex-Mex restaurants are located in the city, along with several taco trucks and stands to get street tacos. 

Houston doesn’t disappoint when it comes to satisfying your appetite for delicious breakfast tacos or enchiladas. With Tex-Mex so popular here, it isn’t surprising to find Korean/Tex-Mex stands or Vietnamese/Tex-Mex restaurants that mix Tex-Mex with other cuisines.

Down below is one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston to try. 

Puebla’s Mexican Kitchen

In this neighborhood cafe decorated with Mexican folk and pop art, you can enjoy lunch and all-day breakfast. 

There are classics like huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos, and chilaquiles. A lightly fried corn tortilla topped with beans and guajillo, ranchero, or tomatillo sauces. 

Migas — fried tortillas topped with scrambled eggs, served with fried beans and cheese. You’ll be tempted to stay and sip the cinnamon coffee.

NASA Space Center 

Space Center Houston is one of America’s most comprehensive space research centers and museums. Thankfully, it is not a far drive from Downtown Houston.

The Center for Science and Space offers a glimpse into the exciting future of American space exploration. Additionally, it is home to an impressive collection of space artifacts. 

Texas Medical Center

Houston is also known for its high medical science strength due to the Texan Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. Texas Medical Center, located in Houston’s south-central area just outside the Museum District, is one of the largest medical complexes in the world. 

A medical neighborhood and district with abundant basic science, translational research, and patient care facilities. In addition to being a non-profit organization, the center employs more than 106 thousand people.

A&M announced in 2020 that it will expand Texas A&M’s Texas Medical Center, established in 1945. The hospital has recently been at the forefront of Houston’s efforts to help COVID-19 victims.

Discovery Green 

Among Houston’s most notable attractions is Discovery Green. Yes, you’ll find this park in the heart of Downtown Houston. 

Various attractions and fascinating features make this park a favorite among the city’s residents and visitors. Discovery Green offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. 

Whether you want to stroll under the shaded walkways, jog through the trails around the park, soak in the picturesque views of the grassy slopes, or just splash in the Gateway fountain, there is something here for everyone. 

Discovery Green is also a great place for videography due to the spectacular views of the city. 

Additionally, stage plays or concerts by performing groups or touring music stars are sometimes featured at this Houston landmark!

Toyota Center 

You’ve probably seen this place on TV if you’re a big Houston Rockets fan! The perfect place for date nights, especially if you both enjoy sports.

It was once home to the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League and is now home to the Rockets. 2003 marked the official opening of this Houston building.

Rodeo & Livestock Show 

How does Houston fare when it comes to good old-fashioned entertainment? Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a local tradition among the country’s most popular events. 

During the winter, this annual event takes place for a month. You’ll find fascinating carnival rides, a remarkable petting zoo, a mouth-watering barbecue contest, and a rodeo/concert series, among other attractions, at the event. 

Over 2 million people participate in this fascinating event every year. Experience the authentic southern spirit of Texan culture at the Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Minute Maid Park 

MLB team Houston Astros play at Minute Maid Park. Having opened in 2000, it was the city’s first Major League stadium in nearly 50 years. 

The first season of Minute Maid Park alone saw over 3,000,000 guests! 

The retractable roof at Minute Maid Park is designed for Texas’ climate, and there are glass panels on the roof so that the beautiful views can be enjoyed even when the top is closed. 

The stadium is ideally located in downtown Houston, just minutes away from many of the city’s best attractions.

You can spend an afternoon taking tours at the ballpark, which include daily tours of varying lengths, a Touch of History Tour, and a Ghost tour, among other options.

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Houston’s famous attractions attract thousands of tourists each year to the city. Why? 

There is something for everyone in this incredible city, from the popular to the non-touristy, offering both a competitive edge and a comfy lifestyle.

The place offers many things to see and do, so it’s a great destination for a family vacation or for a road trip with friends. If you already live in Houston, you have all the time in the world to enjoy what makes Houston a wonderful place to live. 

Overall, a variety of things contribute to Houston’s fame both as a tourist destination and a city to make your permanent home.