population: 2.31 million

extension: 1625.2 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Houston and interested in visiting museums, a great place to start is the Museum District. Here you'll find a collection of world-class institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Other museum options in Houston that may interest you include The Menil Collection, The Rothko Chapel, and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

Food

Houston is known for its diverse culinary scene, influenced by various cultures. Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Houston include:

1. Barbecue - Houstonians love their barbecue, and you can find some of the best brisket, ribs, and sausage at places like Killen's, Gatlin's, or The Pit Room.

2. Tex-Mex - This is a fusion of Mexican and Texan cuisines that features dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos. Some popular Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston are Ninfa's, El Tiempo, or Hugo's.

3. Gulf Coast seafood - As Houston is close to the Gulf of Mexico, fresh seafood is a must-try. You can enjoy dishes like shrimp and grits, crawfish étouffée, or gumbo at places like Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Goode Company Seafood, or Brennan's.

4. Vietnamese cuisine - Houston has one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the US, so you can expect to find delicious pho, banh mi, and spring rolls at places like Pho Binh, Les Givral's Kahve, or Huynh Restaurant.

5. Southern comfort food - If you're looking for hearty and soulful dishes, try Houston's southern comfort food restaurants like Lucille's, The Breakfast Klub, or Dish Society. You can enjoy dishes like fried chicken, mac and cheese, or collard greens.

Activities

Sure! Here are some popular activities that locals enjoy in Houston:

1. Visit the Space Center Houston: This is the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center and offers a range of exhibits, tours, and activities related to space exploration.

2. Stroll around Buffalo Bayou Park: This beautiful park located in the heart of Houston offers hiking and biking trails, kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic views of the city skyline.

3. Watch a Houston Astros baseball game: The Astros are a beloved local sports team with a passionate fan base, and attending a game at Minute Maid Park is a quintessential Houston experience.

4. Explore the Houston Zoo: Home to over 6,000 animals from over 900 species, the Houston Zoo is a great place to spend a fun-filled day with family and friends.

5. Discover the Houston Street Art scene: Houston has a vibrant street art scene, with murals and installations scattered throughout the city. Take a walking tour or explore on your own to discover some of the most impressive works of art.