5 Things to Do in Houston, Texas

Whether you're moving to Houston, Texas, traveling there for business or just visiting for fun, there's never a shortage of things to do in the country's fourth largest city. There's something for everyone, and from my three years of living in this city I've compiled a list of five different things to do while in Houston.

See a play or ballet

Believe it or not Texas does have culture, in fact Houston is probably the most cultured city in Texas. Houston's Theater District offers everything from plays, operas, ballets and symphonies. If you want to see a traveling Broadway show in Houston this is the place to find it. Check out the Alley Theater to see what shows are available as well as the Miller Outdoor theater which offers free shows in the park. For more information check out www.houstontheaterdistrict.org/.

Visit a museum

If you're traveling with kids or you're just the type that likes to take in knowledge Houston has quite a few museums to check out. Houston's Museum District has everything from history to art to natural science and everything in between. My favorite museum is the Houston Museum of Natural Science because it literally has just about everything there. A few of the more interesting museums in Houston are the Rothko Chapel because it functions as a chapel for all beliefs as well as being a museum that holds many art works, and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum. The Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum holds the only intact Byzantine frescoes in the entire western hemisphere.

Dine out

Like all things Texas most outsiders seem to assume that all there is to Texas is football, hot sauce and cowboys. What people don't realize is that Texas is like another country and it's as diverse as any place, especially Houston. Houston is so diverse because it's a business city and people from all over the world come to this city to well, do business. Houston also gets quite a lot of international students and immigrants as well. It's one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Texas. Whatever you're craving there's probably a place to find it. There's everything from Lebanese food to Cajun to Korean and Greek cuisine, and of course there are a number of great barbeque places. One of my favorite go-to places for sushi is Oishii Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar located on Richmond avenue.

Visit a festival

Looking for something more festive? Check out some of the festivals that happen in Houston. There's usually something going on around the city. Some of the festivals that Houston has to offer is the Greek festival, Houston International festival, Worldfest Houston International Film Festival and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to name a few. My favorite is the Texas Renaissance festival, although it's not technically in Houston it's only about an hour drive away.

Shopping

Last but not least there's shopping if that's more your kind of activity. Houston has it's usual malls like Memorial City, First Colony and the Galleria. Houston now has a Premium outlet mall that is located in Cypress, Texas, which is around 30 to 45 minutes from northwest of Houston, depending on which side of town you're coming from. There are also shopping strips in the Montrose area, near downtown, that's known for their antique shops, art galleries and funky thrift stores.

So if you're ever in Houston be sure to check out one of the many attractions that the city as to offer.