48 Hours in Houston: Your Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Whatever you’re looking for, Houston’s got it. 

As America’s fourth-largest city, and the largest in the Lone Star State, Houston is widely regarded as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. It’s also home to several professional sports teams, a vibrant arts scene, world-class museums, the largest mall in the state, and the Houston Rodeo.

So, whether you’re a sports fanatic, art enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, you’ll find plenty of things to do—and eat—in the Bayou City. 

Here’s how to have the perfect 48-hour weekend in this truly Texas-sized city.

ITINERARY 

Friday

3 PM: Check-In at Club Quarters Hotel, Downtown

Texas charm meets modern luxury in the heart of downtown at Club Quarters Hotel. Housed in a historic landmark building, the thoughtfully designed hotel balances irreplaceable period pieces with modern details. Each guest room has stunning city views and is equipped with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs, plus yoga mats, dedicated workstations, tea and coffee machines, and more.

Located just steps from the light rail system, Club Quarters Hotel is also within walking distance to all the top attractions including the George R. Brown Convention Center, Theater District, Green District, restaurants, and nightlife.

4:30 PM: Shop Til You Drop at the Galleria

After checking in at the hotel, head over to the Galleria—an upscale shopping center home to over 400 stores and restaurants. The complex in Uptown hosts luxe fashion boutiques as well as more familiar, everyday brands. In addition to retail, they have a plethora of amenities, including a full-size ice rink, a state-of-the-art children’s play area, and two swimming pools.

8 PM: Savor Dinner at FIG & OLIVE Tasting Bar & Kitchen

After an afternoon of shopping, make your way over to FIG & OLIVE for dinner. This upscale restaurant and bar serve seasonal Mediterranean cuisine prepared with flavored olive oils. Don’t forget to stop by the buzzy bar for an evening that is effortlessly entertaining.

Saturday

8 AM: Wake Up with Breakfast at Table 7 Bistro

Located in Club Quarters Hotel, Table 7 Bistro serves up delicious American Urban cuisine in an upscale, yet casual, atmosphere. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Table 7 Bistro has been a long time favorite of hotel guests and locals alike.

10 AM: Tour the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Known as one of Houston’s best museums, a world of exploration awaits at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Inside, you will find gem and mineral collections, biomes of the Lone Stone state, Native American beadwork and kachina dolls, and more.

12 PM: Get in Line for Texas Barbecue

If you’re looking for the best barbecue in Houston, look no further than Truth BBQ. Ranked among the best barbecue joints in the state, Truth BBQ is known for its whole-hog roasts, burnt-end boudin, and delectable cakes. The owner and pitmaster, Leonard Botello IV, handles the meat while his mother and head baker make the cakes. On Saturdays, the lines can be extra-long, so get there early to beat the crowd.

4 PM: Visit The Menil Collection

With so many art galleries in Houston, be sure not to sleep on the Menil Collection. It is an eclectic assemblage of art and archaeological findings displayed in a light-flooded structure designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. A separate building houses the energetic canvases, paintings, and drawings of Abstract Expressionist Cy Twombly.

7 PM: Eat Dinner at Crawfish and Noodles 

Located in Chinatown, Crawfish and Noodles is one of the best places to try the city’s Viet-Cajun cuisine. Beside the finger-licking signature Viet-Cajun crawfish, this Asiatown favorite dishes up wok-fried seafood, pho, and rice dishes.

10 PM: Grab a Nightcap at Anvil Bar & Refuge

End the evening with a nightcap at Anvil—a brass-accented bar with a refined, industrial feel. This hidden gem has more than 100 classic and seasonal cocktails on the menu, earning them a reputation for serving some of Houston’s best drinks. 

Sunday

8:30 AM: Hike or Bike Along the Bayou

Buffalo Bayou Park, with its rolling riverside hills and stunning views of Downtown, is one of the most magnificent gems in the city. The popular green space winds 160 acres along the banks of the Buffalo Bayou, making it the perfect place to walk, run, cycle, or skate your way through the day. 

11 AM: Indulge in Brunch at Hugo’s

Hugo’s is a traditional Mexican restaurant that is best known for their legendary Sunday brunch buffet. Indulgent as it is delicious, brunch items include Mexican masterpieces such as chilaquiles, tamales, decadent desserts, and more. There is rarely room for walk-ins on Sundays, so be sure to make a reservation in advance to reserve your spot.

1:30 PM: Take Off at the Space Center

Marvel at spacecrafts, moon rocks, and spacesuit collections all located inside the Space Center Houston. This memorable must-see attraction features more than 400 things to do and see, and is the perfect last stop on your trip before heading home.