Houston in 2 Days: Budget-Friendly Fun!

Experience the rich culture and attractions of Houston without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Houston, United States on a limited budget offers a range of affordable activities and accommodations. Exploration of the city can begin with the Houston Museum District, featuring 19 museums, most of which offer free admission. For affordable food options, visitors can head to Chinatown or sample the local cuisine at food trucks and markets like the East End Farmers Market.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Houston's Downtown

  • Stay at IAH Bush Airport Hotel, a budget-friendly hotel near the airport.
  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Klub, a local favorite for its delicious soul food.
  • Visit the Houston Space Center and marvel at exhibits on space exploration and NASA history.
  • Take a stroll in Discovery Green, a 12-acre park in downtown Houston with stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Shop for souvenirs at the historic Market Square Park.
  • End the day by gorging on authentic Texas-style barbecue at Goode Company BBQ.
Day 2

Indulging in Houston's Culture

  • Begin the day with a caffeine fix at Antidote Coffee, a cozy coffee shop with Instagram-worthy interior.
  • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and explore more than 70,000 artworks from around the world.
  • Walk around Rice University, a picturesque campus with stunning architecture and lush greenery.
  • Have lunch at Tacos A Go Go, a quirky joint serving up some of the best tacos in Houston.
  • Spend the afternoon at the Houston Zoo, home to over 6,000 animals and housed in a lush, green landscape.
  • End the day with a sunset view from the Water Wall, a refreshing and beautiful spot in the Galleria Mall.
  • Houston may be known for its oil industry, but there's so much more to this vibrant city. Whether you're a science nerd, an art lover, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Houston has something to offer everyone and all on a budget.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Houston by plane is to fly into William P. Hobby Airport or George Bush Intercontinental Airport. There are numerous direct flights from major cities in the United States and international destinations.

Car

Driving is a great option for getting to Houston, especially if you're coming from nearby cities such as Austin, San Antonio or New Orleans. The major highways that connect Houston to other cities include I-10, I-610, and I-45.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Houston. However, Amtrak's Sunset Limited route stops in San Antonio, about four hours away from Houston by car, where you can then take a bus or rent a car to get to Houston.

Boat

Houston has a major port which is frequently used by cruise lines that sail to the Caribbean and Mexico. If you're planning to arrive by boat, you can dock at the Bayport Cruise Terminal or the Port of Galveston, both of which are within easy driving distance of Houston.

Bus

Several bus companies operate frequent trips to Houston from major cities across the United States, including Greyhound and MegaBus. Houston's main bus station is at 2121 Main Street, downtown Houston.

Destination

Houston

Houston, where cowboys and astronauts coexist in a harmonious blend of southern charm and cosmic exploration. You might even see a cowboy riding a rocket ship.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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