Houston, Texas, always finds a way to surprise me. It’s a city where Southern charm meets global culture, where one day you’re tasting brisket smoked for 14 hours and the next you’re staring at a moon rock at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. But Houston can also be overwhelming if you’re not prepared—it’s sprawling, hot (sometimes sweltering), and full of hidden gems that require smart planning. That’s why, I’ve refined my own system for packing, budgeting, and navigating Houston like a local. I’ll share my detailed travel notes and personal experiences so you don’t make the same mistakes I once did.
Packing Essentials for Houston
Whenever I pack for Houston, I think in layers—not just clothes, but also gadgets and small items that make life easier.
• Clothing:
o Houston is hot and humid most of the year. In July, I once stepped off the plane at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and felt like I had walked into a steam room. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are non-negotiable. Cotton shirts, linen pants, and moisture-wicking T-shirts are my staples.
o Always pack a light jacket or cardigan. Houston is infamous for cranking the AC indoors. Restaurants and malls can feel like freezers compared to the streets.
o Rain gear: Sudden storms are common, especially in late summer. I always carry a compact travel umbrella and a foldable rain poncho.
• Footwear:
o If you plan to explore neighborhoods like Montrose or Museum District on foot, bring comfortable walking shoes. I once tried doing the Museum District in sandals—never again.
o For evenings, I pack one pair of smart casual shoes for nicer restaurants or rooftop bars.
• Other must-haves:
o Reusable water bottle – staying hydrated is key in Houston heat.
o Portable power bank – I drain my phone constantly using Google Maps to get around Houston’s massive sprawl.
o Sun protection – sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The Texas sun is not gentle.
Dressing for Houston’s Weather
Houston’s climate can be summed up in one word: humid.
• Summer (May–September): Expect 90–100°F (32–38°C) with humidity that makes it feel hotter. I learned the hard way—wearing jeans to a July Astros game was torture. Shorts and light tops are your best bet.
• Winter (December–February): Mild, with temps around 50–65°F (10–18°C). Pack a light sweater or jacket; evenings can dip lower.
• Spring/Fall: Pleasant but unpredictable. Bring a mix of light clothes and one warm layer.
Pro tip: Locals don’t mind casual attire, but Houstonians also love to dress up for nights out. Pack one outfit you’d feel comfortable wearing at a cocktail bar or fine-dining restaurant.
Understanding Houston’s Culture
Houston is one of the most diverse cities in America, and you feel it everywhere—from food trucks serving birria tacos to Vietnamese crawfish boils in Midtown.
• Hospitality: People are friendly, but don’t mistake Southern politeness for slowness. Houstonians move fast, drive fast, and like efficiency.
• Food: Eating is practically a religion here. Don’t be surprised if locals debate BBQ joints with the same passion others reserve for politics.
• Tipping culture: Standard U.S. tipping applies: 18–20% in restaurants, $1–$2 for bar service, $2–$5 for hotel staff.
Budgeting & Currency Exchange
Houston uses the U.S. dollar, of course, but as a traveler I’ve learned to manage costs smartly:
• Currency exchange: Don’t exchange at the airport—it’s expensive. I withdraw USD directly from ATMs using a low-fee debit card.
• Daily budget:
o Shoestring traveler: $50–$70/day (hostel dorms, street food, public transit).
o Comfort traveler: $120–$180/day (3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, attractions).
o Luxury traveler: $250+/day (4-5 star hotels, fine dining, Uber/Lyft everywhere).
Personally, I try to strike a balance. On my last trip, I splurged on steak at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse one night ($85 for ribeye, worth every penny) but the next day I ate $2 tacos from a food truck in East Downtown.
Public Transportation in Houston
Houston is famously car-centric, but its public transport system surprised me with how usable it can be.
• Metro Rail:
o Operated by METRO, it has 3 lines: Red (North–South), Green, and Purple.
o A single ride is $1.25; a day pass is $3.
o I often use the Red Line to get from Downtown to the Museum District—super convenient.
• Metro Bus:
o Covers more ground, but less tourist-friendly if you’re not used to routes.
o Same fare system as Metro Rail.
• Metro Q Card:
o This rechargeable smart card is a lifesaver. Available at stations, retail outlets, and online.
o Load it with $5–$50; it gives free transfers within 3 hours.
• Comparison:
o Metro Rail is faster and cleaner for tourists.
o Buses go further (like to Chinatown), but are slower.
That said, I’ll be honest: I usually use Uber or Lyft for late nights or when traveling outside central areas. Houston traffic can be brutal, but ridesharing is still the most time-efficient option.
Street Food in Houston
Houston’s street food scene is vibrant but scattered. Here are my personal favorites:
• Tacos Tierra Caliente (1919 West Alabama St): Iconic taco truck parked near the West Alabama Ice House. $2 tacos that hit the spot every time.
• The Waffle Bus (various locations): Fried chicken sandwiched between waffles. Messy but unforgettable.
• Oh My Gogi! (Rice Village area): Korean-Mexican fusion, with kimchi quesadillas that blew my mind.
Food safety tip: Stick to busy trucks. If locals are lining up, it’s fresh. I avoid lonely trucks late at night.
Staying Connected: SIM Cards
The first time I visited Houston, I racked up insane roaming charges. Never again.
• Best option: Buy a local prepaid SIM.
o AT&T Prepaid SIM: $30/month for 5GB, works well in urban Houston.
o T-Mobile Tourist SIM: $40 for 3 weeks, unlimited data & calls.
• Where to buy: At Houston airports, major carrier stores (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon), or Walmart.
• Personal tip: I bought my SIM at a T-Mobile store downtown. Setup took 10 minutes, and the staff even installed it for me.
Planning a 5-Day Houston Itinerary
Here’s a tested plan I followed and loved:
• Day 1: Downtown + Buffalo Bayou Park. Evening at Discovery Green.
• Day 2: Museum District (Museum of Fine Arts, Holocaust Museum). Dinner in Montrose.
• Day 3: NASA Johnson Space Center (full day).
• Day 4: Day trip to Galveston Island for beaches & seafood.
• Day 5: Houston Zoo + Hermann Park, evening shopping at The Galleria.
I structured it to balance heavy sightseeing days (NASA, Galveston) with lighter city days.
Adjusting Your Budget
Houston can be as cheap or as pricey as you want:
• Save money by using day passes on Metro, eating at taco trucks, and booking hotels in Midtown (cheaper than Downtown).
• Splurge selectively: I always recommend one fine-dining experience (like Brennan’s of Houston for Creole cuisine).
Recommended Day Trips from Houston
• Galveston Island: 1 hour drive. Great mix of Victorian architecture and beach vibes.
• Kemah Boardwalk: 40 minutes from Downtown. Carnival rides, seafood, and waterfront fun.
• Brazos Bend State Park: For gator spotting and stargazing (I once saw the Milky Way here!).
Travel Insurance: A Must-Have
I never travel without insurance. In Houston, I used Allianz Global Assistance’s OneTrip Prime Plan:
• Covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and rental car damage.
• Cost me around $65 for a week-long trip.
• Bonus: Their hotline connected me to an urgent care clinic when I got food poisoning once (from overeating crawfish, not street food!).
Houston, Packed and Ready
Packing smart for Houston is not just about making sure your suitcase closes; it’s about preparing yourself mentally and practically for a city that thrives on contrasts. Houston is a place where the skyline gleams with glass towers, yet just a short drive away, you’re wandering through oak-lined bayous and spotting herons. It’s a city where one meal can be a $2 taco from a food truck, and the next night you’re savoring a $100 steak with a sommelier guiding your wine pairing. That’s Houston—it never fits into just one box.
What I’ve learned through my trips is that Houston rewards curiosity and preparation in equal measure. By packing breathable clothes and a light jacket, you’re ready for the city’s moody weather swings. By budgeting smartly, you get to experience both the humble joys of street food and the indulgence of fine dining. By getting a local SIM card and figuring out the Metro Q Card, you give yourself the freedom to explore without worry. These small decisions build up into a smoother, more rewarding trip.
But beyond the logistics, Houston is about the moments. For me, it was standing in awe at NASA, touching a piece of the moon I had only ever read about in textbooks. It was chatting with locals over crawfish in Montrose, getting tips on hidden murals that weren’t in any guidebook. It was jogging through Buffalo Bayou Park at sunrise, with the skyline glowing like a postcard. These are the experiences that stay with me, the ones that no packing list can ever fully prepare you for.
If there’s one thing I would emphasize, it’s to give yourself the gift of balance. Plan enough to avoid stress—yes, book that insurance, download the transit apps, and pack the right shoes—but also leave enough space in your schedule for spontaneity. Some of my best Houston stories came from unplanned detours: following live music sounds down a street in Midtown, or discovering a Vietnamese bakery while waiting for the bus. Houston thrives in the unexpected, and the traveler who’s both prepared and flexible will find treasures at every turn.
So whether you’re here for five days or five weeks, travel light but travel ready. Bring your essentials, bring your curiosity, and bring an appetite—because Houston will feed your stomach, your mind, and your soul in ways you never imagined. And trust me, once you’ve felt the rhythm of this city, you’ll already be planning your next trip back before you’ve even left.
