48 Hours in Houston Itinerary

Day One

Morning

Start your trip off the right way—with your favorite breakfast. On-site eatery Birdies Café & Bar offers a breakfast buffet every single day with options like cooked-to-order omelets, applewood smoked bacon, fresh bread and more. If you’re looking to get out into the city, you might also opt for breakfast at Sunrise Taquitos. Eat the most important meal of the day the Texas way at this Mexican restaurant, which boasts breakfast tacos and special breakfast platters.

After you’re done eating, head out for sightseeing at nearby Memorial Park. This storied park dates back to 1917 and offers a breath of fresh air within Houston. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is located within the park and offers plenty of fun educational programs for both kids and adults.

For a different vibe, head to San Jacinto Battleground Conservancy, the site of the battle of San Jacinto, one of the most important in Texas history, to soak in some history. This battle secured Texas’ future independence and is now considered “hallowed ground” and a sacred space.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, check out Houston's robust and unique art scene. Nearby Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s home museum for American paintings and decorative arts and boasts one of the best collections of American silver and ceramics. You can also check out the museum in general for cool exhibits like “Colors of the Oasis: Central Asian Ikats” and a showcase of Ron Mueck’s work.

The convenient (and tasty) choice for lunch is MF Sushi. Try the king salmon sashimi or wagyu beef—or, if you’re brave, the live uni. Another option is Lucille’s, also located in the Museum District. Expect Southern classics like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes at this cozy eatery.

If you’re interested in open-air art, head over to James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” skyspace at the Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion located on the Rice University Campus. This special exhibit puts on a unique light show and accommodates 120 people under its shelter—in fact, it’s frequently used as a live entertainment venue and practice space for local music students.

Evening

For dinner, head to the popular Ritual in nearby Houston Heights. This restaurant sources ingredients from all around Texas for a fresh, local flavor. Steaks are the obvious standout, as are the lamb tips and “turf & surf” dish. For a more casual vibe, you might try out Edison. This gastropub’s grilled snapper is a must-try, as are the wide variety of cocktails.

Speaking of cocktails—end your first day with a nightcap at one of Houston’s many great bars and cocktail lounges. La Reserve features high end blends and Texas Tapas for a true local flavor. The Black Swan nightclub at Omni Houston Hotel has plenty of libations on the menu, from their take on a whiskey sour (with Texas whiskey, of course) to their spicy pomegranate margarita. The party doesn’t stop until 2 a.m. on the weekend, where you can enjoy bottle service and the city’s best DJs playing all of the hits.

Or head out to Wooster’s Garden, a rustic-meets-modern lounge and beer garden with fun cocktails and plenty of great brews. Try the charcuterie plate if you’re still hungry—the black truffle Gouda is a highlight.

Day Two

Morning

Get in some shopping at The Galleria, Houston’s upscale shopping center with boutiques like Allsaints, Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton all available for your perusal. This year alone, 35 new shops are still to come. For breakfast, try brunch at Peli Peli, also located at The Galleria. Their South African deep-fried waffles and prawn cake benedicts are sure to whet your appetite.

Or skip the shopping and visit the Houston Zoo, a 55-acre space with exhibits running the gamut from African species to reptiles and amphibians. Kids will especially love the zoo’s up-close exhibits, like clear tunnels that run through the piranha tank. For breakfast, head to The Breakfast Klub, one of the city’s most highly-rated eateries. The omelets are a favorite, as are the waffles and wings.

Afternoon

If you want to explore out in the sun, head over to Hermann Park Conservancy, which offers pedal boats to rent and a small train that’ll delight any kids you have in tow. The McGovern Centennial Gardens & Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion is also a must-see. If you’re already at the park, lunch at its Pinewood Café is a natural choice. Grab a wrap or fresh salad and eat alfresco.

Or check out the Menil Collection, a campus full of art by the likes of Cy Twombly and Dan Flavin, among other creators. This carefully curated collection is an absolute must for any art lovers visiting the city, and even those not as interested in art are sure to find pieces that speak to them.

After soaking in fine art, try out Bistro Menil, the space’s eatery. Main entrees include crisp duck confit, shrimp zucchini pasta and seared tuna. A variety of pizzas and galettes are also on hand.

Evening

For dinner, Kitchen 713 is another great supper choice. There’s nothing like elevated soul food to round out your getaway—try the shrimp and grits or chicken gumbo.

Finish your trip with some live music. The Continental Club frequently hosts bands of all musical genres and even boasts karaoke if you’d like to take to the stage yourself. The Nightingale Room is another popular venue. This chic space frequently boasts the best DJs in Houston and overall has one of the coolest vibes in the city.

If you have more time...

Check out the Space Center Houston, a one-of-a-kind experience where you can view lunar samples and moon rocks and learn all about space travel. One of the most popular attractions in Houston, it attracts the most international visitors of any spot in the city. Guests can even go behind the scenes for a look at NASA Johnson Space Center, the home of NASA Mission Control and the International Space Station Mission Control.

Or, if you’re in the city at the right time, check out rockets of a different kind and experience a Houston Rockets game at the Toyota Center and help Houstonians cheer on their home team.

The Omni Houston Hotel concierge team contributed to this article.