Houston: the space City in Texas

Houston, the largest city in Texas, is best known as the home of the American space agency NASA. But for fans of art, culture, and good food, the "space city" of Houston also has many highlights to offer!

Houston sights

Are you planning a city trip to Houston? Then the top five sights of the Texan metropolis definitely belong on your must-see list:

Space Center

The Space Center Houston is one of the most popular destinations in Houston. The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center opened in 1992 and displays a replica of the Apollo 17 command capsule as a special highlight for visitors.

During your visit to Space Center Houston, you can see many artifacts from space missions and experience interactive exhibits and simulated astronaut training activities. You can also watch a series of films about spaceflight, attend lectures by space experts and visit the Astronaut Gallery.

Weltraumforschung der USA

Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science in the city's heart has more than two million visitors a year. It contains a variety of natural science exhibitions, including the Burke Baker Planetarium, the Cockrell Butterfly Center, the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theater. There are also several interactive exhibits, such as the Hall of Ancient Egypt, the Hall of Ancient Greece, and the Hall of Ancient Rome.

Visitors to the museum can also observe live animals and explore the underwater world at the Cockrell Butterfly Centre. The museum also offers a range of educational programs and activities where participants can learn more about history and the natural sciences.

Discovery Green

The Discovery Green city park in the center of Houston is used by over three million visitors a year for various outdoor activities. In addition to numerous green spaces, playgrounds, and hiking and biking trails, you will also find a lake where you can relax in the shade of the trees. Special events such as concerts, film nights, and outdoor festivals occur here regularly.

Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals representing over 800 species. Visitors to the zoo can explore different habitats, observe animals in their natural environment and participate in educational programs. The zoo also features several interactive exhibits, such as the African Forest, the Children's Zoo, and the Reptile House.

There are also many special events, such as Zoo Lights and the Zoo Run.

Die Houston Galleria

The Houston Galleria is one of the largest shopping malls in the United States. In this huge complex, you can choose from almost 400 shops. These range from luxury brands to small, local shops.

There are also several restaurants and various entertainment facilities, such as a cinema, an ice rink, and a bowling alley. The mall also regularly hosts art exhibitions, fashion shows, and live music events.

Getting around Houston

Driving is one of the most popular ways to get around Houston. The city is crossed by two major highways, I-45 and I-10, which run through the city from North to South and East to West, respectively. Other routes, such as US 290 and the 610 Loop, provide access to other parts of the city. Congestion can occur during rush hours, so planning your route and leaving early is advisable to avoid delays.

The METRORail light rail system is a quick and convenient way to get around Houston. The network currently consists of three lines and 34 stations, serving downtown, parts of the Medical Center, and Reliant Park, among other areas. Houston's METROBus bus system serves the greater Houston area and is made up of over 100 different bus routes.

Houston is also becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with several bike-share schemes and more than 400 km of bike trails. Another benefit of cycling: you'll stay fit while you're at it!

 

Skyline von Houston

The History of Houston

Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States. It was founded in 1836 by brothers Augustus and John Allen, who named it after Sam Houston, then President of the Republic of Texas.

In the beginning, Houston was a small trading post but quickly developed into a bustling city due to its strategic location and access to the Gulf of Mexico. In the late 1800s, Houston became an important center for the oil industry and was heavily involved in the growth of the Texas economy. At this time, the city was a major hub for immigrants, and the population continued to grow.

In 1914, the Houston Ship Channel was built, further improving the city's trade and transportation options. Due to the large oil refineries and booming energy industry, Houston gained notoriety as the "Oil Capital of the World" in the 1930s. This period of growth was followed by a period of decline in the 1970s as oil prices fell. The city's economy suffered but recovered from this setback and remained an important economic area.

Today, Houston is a major financial, technology, healthcare, and transportation center. The city continues to be a leader in the energy industry and is at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements. In addition, Houston is a major cultural and entertainment center with a thriving music and arts scene.

Houston fun facts

You probably haven't heard these exciting facts about Houston yet:

  • The Texas Medical Center in Houston is the world's largest medical institution. It covers an area of more than 10 km2, includes 54 facilities, and treats an average of 7.2 million patients per year.
  • In Houston, 145 different languages are spoken. This makes it the third most linguistically diverse city in the USA after New York City and Los Angeles.
  • The first traditional Hindu mandir in the United States was built in Houston.
  • The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are one of the largest rodeo events in the world. The event lasts a month and attracts over 2.5 million visitors to Houston every year.
  • Opened in 1970, the Houston Galleria is the largest shopping center in Texas. It houses more than 375 shops spread over four floors.

Your trip to Houston

Exploring Houston, you'll encounter vibrant murals, unique cuisine, and a great music scene.

Houston is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Texas. From the hiking trails of Sam Houston National Forest to the stunning beaches of Galveston Island, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Also, try the local cuisine! Houston's food scene is excellent: from the famous Tex-Mex food to upscale dining in the Galleria area, you can eat your way through Houston's culinary highlights.

Afterwards, check out the city's vibrant nightlife. There are endless ways to turn night into day, ranging from the classic honky tonks downtown to the chic bars in the Galleria area. Furthermore, Houston hosts great festivals and events throughout the year. So it's worth checking out the events calendar when planning your evening.

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