Flying Into Houston

Houston's airport system is the 4th largest in the country, with two major airports operating in the area. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is located about 20 miles north of downtown Houston and is the largest hub for United Airlines. Domestic flights may land you in William P Hobby Airport (HOU) – home to Southwest Airlines' largest hub; this makes Southwest deals easy to come by here. JetBlue, American and Delta also operate out of here.

Getting Around Houston

Getting to and from downtown from either airport is easy with taxis readily available; fares vary by zone, so expect to pay between $25-$50.

Uber is also available at designated pick up points outside of the terminals.

Things to Do in Houston

Visit Mission Control, NASA's communications center for the Apollo moon landing and other historic missions. There's plenty more to see at Space Center Houston, including the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier and replica of the Independence shuttle mounted on top. Visitors can enter both. (1601 E. NASA Pkwy, Houston TX 77058)

While it may surprise some, Houston is a quiet powerhouse when it comes to art, thanks in part to the city's many oil-rich collectors. The Rothko Chapel was commissioned by patrons John and Dominique de Menil, featuring 14 works by abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko. The chapel was completed in 1971. (1409 Sul Ross St., Houston TX 77006)

Beyonce's hometown favorite, the Houston chain, Frenchy's Chicken, specializes in Louisiana Creole food. Pile up on dirty rice, jambalaya, red beans, and fried chicken. The original Scott Street location has closed, but there are 30 other locations throughout Houston.

If the word “mixologist” sends your eyes rolling in a complete orbit around your skull, you'll probably appreciate the no-fuss Texan spirit of Houston's Lone Star Saloon. Conveniently located a few blocks from the Greyhound bus terminal, should you suddenly have to ditch your Natty Light and hard exit H-town. (1900 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002)

What to Know About Houston

The city, pronounced “Ewe-stun”, has a a reputation for being hot, sticky with oil, and dense with buildings. But it was also named one of the “20 greenest cities in America” by Travel + Leisure, due to parks like Discovery Green, Hermann Park, and other host of public green spaces.

The proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means Houston is hot year-round, but best time to visit is between February and April, or September to November when temperatures become more comfortable. You'll get some reprieve from the heat when the sun goes down – so, pack a light layer.