Things to do in Houston

World Cup Info

  • 🏟️ Host stadium: NRG Stadium
  • 📍 District / Area: NRG Park (South Loop)
  • 👥 Stadium capacity: 72,220
  • 🚶‍♂️Stadium Type: Retractable Roof (Indoor/Outdoor)

Welcome to Houston: A World Cup 2026 Host City

Welcome to Space City – Things to do in Houston

Houston, we have no problems! As the energy capital of the world and home to NASA, the list of Things to do in Houston is as vast as the Texas sky. From touching moon rocks to eating world-class BBQ, this city offers a bold, diverse, and larger-than-life experience for World Cup 2026 fans.

Planning is critical in this sprawling metropolis. Most fans are booking flights to Houston arriving at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or Hobby Airport (HOU). Once here, securing Houston hotels near the METRORail Red Line is a smart move for easy access to the matches.

The tournament action takes place at the colossal
NRG Stadium.
Don’t worry about the heat; the stadium has a retractable roof and powerful A/C. However, always check the Houston weather before planning outdoor activities like visiting the
Space Center Houston.

Get ready to explore the best restaurants in Houston and experience Southern hospitality at its finest.

SoFi Stadium (Inglewood) Capacity: 70,240 Type: Indoor-Outdoor (Roof covered)

LAX International Distance to Stadium: Only 6 km (4 miles). Transfer time: ~15 mins by car.

 

Santa Monica & Downtown Santa Monica for beach vibes. LA Live (Downtown) for city celebrations.

Top Things to Do in Houston

Space Center Houston (NASA)

The Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center. See the Saturn V rocket, touch a moon rock, and take the tram tour to see where astronauts train. It is the undisputed #1 among Things to do in Houston.

The Galleria

More than a mall; it’s a landmark. With 400 stores, an ice skating rink, and glass architecture, it is the premier shopping destination in Texas. It’s also the best indoor escape from the heat when looking for Things to do in Houston.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Located in the Museum District. Famous for its massive Paleontology Hall (dinosaurs) and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. It is a world-class institution and a cultural highlight of Things to do in Houston.

Buffalo Bayou Park

A 160-acre green space offering the best views of the downtown skyline. Rent a kayak or bike along the trails. It proves that outdoor activities are still key Things to do in Houston despite the urban sprawl.

Minute Maid Park

Home of the Houston Astros (baseball). Even if there is no game, the stadium tour is fantastic. It’s a temple of sports in the city center and a fun addition to your list of Things to do in Houston.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Houston

🏊‍♂️ Texas-Shaped Pool

Marriott Marquis Houston

Famous for its lazy river shaped like the state of Texas on the roof. Located Downtown, it connects directly to the convention center. It is the most iconic of all Houston hotels for a fun, luxury stay.

🏟️ Closest Luxury

Blossom Hotel Houston

The newest luxury hotel located just minutes from NRG Stadium and the Medical Center. It offers a lunar-inspired design and high-end amenities, perfect for fans who want comfort near the match.

💎 Ultra Elite

The Post Oak Hotel

The only Forbes 5-Star hotel in Texas. Owned by billionaire Tilman Fertitta. If budget is no object, this is the pinnacle of luxury among Houston hotels, featuring a Rolls-Royce showroom in the lobby.

🏙️ Downtown Classic

Hyatt Regency Houston

Features a rotating restaurant (Spindletop) on the roof. It’s centrally located near the METRORail, making it a strategic base to explore the city and reach NRG Stadium easily.

🚶‍♂️ Walk to Game

Holiday Inn Houston S - NRG Area

Located right on the 610 Loop, strictly for convenience. You can walk to the stadium gates. It is one of the most practical Houston hotels for match-day logistics.

💼 Business/Value

Club Quarters Hotel

A great value option in Downtown. It offers modern, compact rooms and free snacks. It connects you to the tunnel system and rail line, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious fans seeking Houston hotels.

Best Restaurants & Food in Houston

🥩 Texas BBQ

Truth BBQ

You cannot visit Texas without eating BBQ. Truth BBQ serves legendary brisket and ribs. Prepare to wait in line, but know it is one of the absolute best restaurants in Houston for authentic smoked meat.

🧇 Soul Food Legend

The Breakfast Klub

Famous for “Wings & Waffles” and catfish. The line wraps around the block every morning. It is a cultural institution and defines the soul food scene among restaurants in Houston.

🌮 Tex-Mex Origin

Ninfa’s on Navigation

The place where “Fajitas” were popularized. It is historic, loud, and delicious. Eating tacos al carbon here is a mandatory pilgrimage when exploring restaurants in Houston.

🐜 Oaxacan Fine Dining

Xochi

Located downtown. Chef Hugo Ortega serves award-winning Oaxacan cuisine (yes, including insects!). It represents the high-end diversity of restaurants in Houston.

🍗 Viral Sensation

Turkey Leg Hut

Massive stuffed turkey legs that fall off the bone. It’s a party atmosphere with loud music and smoke. It’s one of the most unique and talked-about restaurants in Houston.

🍷 Classic Steak

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

If you want a dry-aged steak and a world-class wine list, this is the spot. It is the gold standard for business dinners and celebrations among restaurants in Houston.

Houston Fan Experience: Play, Watch & Chant

🌳 City Center

Discovery Green

A beautiful 12-acre park in Downtown. It will likely host the main Fan Fest with giant screens, concerts, and food trucks. It’s the central gathering point before taking the train to NRG Stadium.

Watch

⚽ Owned by Legend

Pitch 25 Beer Park

Owned by MLS legend Brian Ching. It’s a massive beer hall with an indoor soccer pitch. It is the ultimate soccer bar in the city and the place to be for watch parties.

Play

🚗 Parking Lot Party

NRG Park Tailgate

In Texas, the party happens in the parking lot. The “Blue Lot” at NRG Stadium is famous for BBQ smells and music hours before kickoff. Walking through it is a cultural experience.

Culture

Best Time to Visit Houston

The World Cup Season ⚽🔥

Sauna Summer

June – July

26°C - 36°C

Intense humidity and heat. The Houston weather in summer feels like a steam room. However, every building (and the stadium) is air-conditioned to freezing levels. Hydrate constantly.

The Sweet Spot 🌿

Spring Rodeo

March – April

15°C - 26°C

The Azaleas bloom and the famous “Houston Rodeo” happens. The Houston weather is delightful for outdoor parks. It is the most vibrant time to be in the city.

Winter / Budget ☔

Mild Winter

December – February

7°C - 18°C

It rarely freezes. It’s a great time for museums and shopping. Hotel rates drop, making it the most affordable time to visit, although the Houston weather can be grey and rainy.

Getting Around in Houston

🚆 Essential

METRORail (Red Line)

The Stadium Link

This is the lifeline for tourists. The “Red Line” connects Downtown, the Museum District, and NRG Stadium. It is cheap ($1.25) and avoids the terrible traffic. Use it!

🚗 Necessary for NASA

Car Rental (Driving)

Exploring the Sprawl

Houston is huge. While the train is good for the match, you need a car to visit NASA or The Galleria. After arriving on flights to Houston, renting a car is standard, but beware of the massive highways.

City Map Houston

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Things to Do in Houston & Travel Intel

Mission Status: Ready for Launch

How do I get to the stadium without a car?
The best way is the METRORail Red Line. It runs directly from Downtown Houston to the “Stadium Park/Astrodome” station right in front of NRG Stadium. It is cheap, efficient, and avoids the heavy game-day traffic.
Where is the best area to stay?
Most fans prefer Downtown or the Medical Center areas. These locations offer the best Houston hotels with easy access to the train line. Staying near The Galleria is great for shopping but requires a car or Uber to reach the match.
What is a must-see attraction?
Top Things to do in Houston include visiting the Space Center Houston to see real spacecraft. It is located about 30 minutes south of the city, so you will need a car or a tour bus to get there.
How hot is it really?
The Houston weather in summer is very hot and humid (often 35°C+). However, NRG Stadium has a retractable roof and powerful air conditioning, so the match experience is perfectly comfortable.
What is the local food specialty?
Houston is famous for BBQ and Tex-Mex. Exploring restaurants in Houston to try “Brisket” or “Fajitas” is essential. The city is also known for its incredible Vietnamese/Cajun fusion food (Viet-Cajun crawfish).

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