It may be a bit of a concrete bungle, but Space City has its charms.

The fourth-largest city in the US is a sprawling metropolis of highrises, malls and parking lots. Hot, humid and flat, Houston may not be Texas' prime destination, but it has a great museum district and NASA's Johnson Space Center, and Galveston beaches aren't far.

Oil and gas are still big business around here. Houston dominates southeast Texas thanks to a near manic commitment to growth, unfettered by zoning restrictions. The interesting bits are concentrated within a few miles of downtown; a 30 to 45 minute drive south on I-45 brings you to coastal attractions.

Fast Facts

Population

1,800,000

Currency

Name: US Dollar
Code: USD
Symbol: US$

Electrical Plugs

American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades
110V 60Hz

Languages Spoken

Essential: English

Time Zones

GMT/UTC -6 

Country Dialing Code

+1

Weights & Measures

Imperial

USA - Pick & Mix Chapters

USA - Pick & Mix Chapters

Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our USA guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the USA download page.

Traveller Tips & Discussion

Thorn Tree Forum

  • houston
    Post by: spaniard, 28 Apr 07
    14 Replies
    Last reply: 438 days ago
  • Houston
    Post by: Kipstey, 23 Apr 08
    9 Replies
    Last reply: 77 days ago
  • Moving to Houston
    Post by: spokar, 14 May 08
    7 Replies
    Last reply: 56 days ago
  • What to do in Houston
    Post by: dakron, 02 Jun 07
    13 Replies
    Last reply: 403 days ago
  • Dallas or Houston
    Post by: becbutler, 28 Nov 07
    5 Replies
    Last reply: 223 days ago

View more Thorn Tree threads ›

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