City Overview
Houston, Texas
Houston defies expectations with its cultural sophistication, culinary excellence, and remarkable diversity.
Home to NASA's Johnson Space Center and a world-class medical center, Houston also boasts more restaurants per capita than New York City. The city's lack of zoning creates an eclectic urban landscape where everything coexists.
The Stadium
NRG Stadium (Capacity: 72,000)
Part of NRG Park complex, NRG Stadium opened in 2002 as the NFL's first retractable-roof facility in a warm climate. Home to the Houston Texans, the stadium has hosted Super Bowls, NCAA championships, and the 2016 Copa América.
Fan Zones & Public Viewing
East downtown, also known as EaDo, will be the centre of Houston's Football Fiesta. Expect fans to congregate in other areas too.
- Discovery Green (downtown park).
- Market Square Park.
- Hermann Park.
- Buffalo Bayou Park.
- Midtown area.
Fans Visiting Houston
Houston hosts seven matches in total.
- Sunday, 14th June - Germany vs Curaçao.
- Wednesday, 17th June - Portugal vs FIFA 1.
- Saturday, 20th June - Netherlands vs UEFA B.
- Tuesday, 23rd June - Portugal vs Uzbekistan.
- Friday, 26th June - Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia.
- Monday, 29th June - C Winner vs F runner-up.
- Saturday, 4th July - Winner 73 vs Winner 75.
Getting There
By Air
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is 30 miles north, while Hobby Airport (HOU) is located 13 miles south-east.
- METRORail: Red Line to Stadium Park/Astrodome.
- From downtown: roughly 15-20 minutes.
- Uber/Lyft widely available.
Accomodation
Where to Stay in Houston
- Downtown: Theater District, walkable.
- Uptown/Galleria: Shopping, restaurants.
- Medical Center: Near stadium, transit access.
- Midtown: Nightlife, younger crowd.
- Rice Village: University area, charming.
Eat & Drink
Where to Go
- Sports Bars: Christian's Tailgate, Local Pour, Axelrad Beer Garden.
- BBQ: Truth BBQ, Killen's Barbecue, Pinkerton's.
- Tex-Mex: Hugo's, Pappasito's, The Original Ninfa's.
- Vietnamese: Crawfish & Noodles, Pho Binh Trailer.
- International: Hillcroft Avenue corridor.
Local Cuisine
Highlights
Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican.
- Vietnamese food (second-largest Vietnamese population in US).
- Gulf seafood (oysters, shrimp, crawfish).
- BBQ (Texas style with brisket).
- Kolaches.
- Whataburger (Texas fast food institution).
- Saint Arnold Brewing Company.
Top Attractions
What to See in Houston
- Space Center Houston (NASA).
- Houston Museum District (19 museums, many free).
- Museum of Fine Arts.
- Houston Zoo.
- Buffalo Bayou Park (hiking, kayaking).
- Rothko Chapel.
- The Menil Collection (free museum).
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo venue.
- Kemah Boardwalk (30 mins away).
Getting Around Houston
Houston's METRORail offers convenient and accessible service connecting key areas such as Downtown Houston, NRG Park, the Museum District, and the Texas Medical Center.
- Red Line: Connects Downtown to popular spots like Hermann Park, Houston Zoo, and NRG Stadium.
- Bus Services: METRO also operates an extensive bus network throughout Greater Houston. Buses can take you to various neighbourhoods including Uptown Houston (Post Oak Boulevard area) and other parts of the city.
- Rideshare and Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are widely available and often recommended for areas where public transit is less direct or requires multiple transfers.
- Walking: While Houston is a large city and not traditionally known for walkability, certain districts like the Museum District and Downtown are more pedestrian-friendly..
- Taxis: Clean and safe but expensive.
Practical Tips
- Heat and humidity can be extreme; stay hydrated.
- AC powerful indoors; bring layerss.
- Houston is a massive city; plan travel time generously.
- Tipping: 18-20%.
- Legal drinking age: 21.
- Sales tax: 8.25%.
- 'Don't Mess with Texas' is the anti-littering slogan.
- No dress code culture; casual accepted.
- Traffic is notorious; avoid rush hours.
- Free admission days at many museums.
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