Kayla Hui

Sure, Houston might be known for NASA, oil production and Beyonce, but it’s a city driving innovation on all fronts. It’s home to several world-class museums, over 200 green spaces and is one of the few American cities with permanent ballet, symphony and opera companies. Not to mention, its culinary scene, made richer by its cultural diversity, is shining bright with six one-Michelin-star restaurants and 14 Bib Gourmands.  Expect to find everything, from BBQ and Tex-Mex to cajun-Vietnamese and New American.  With 25 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, you could spend a year exploring and still not see everything Houston has to offer. So take our advice and check out the best things to do in Houston on your journey through Space City (more on that below!). This guide was updated by Houston-based writers Patrick Magee and Rebecca Deurlein. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:  🍴The best restaurants in Houston🏠The best Houston Airbnbs🇺🇸The best hotels in Houston

SXSW is not a sprint—it’s a marathon of nine jam-packed days of keynotes, film screenings, live music and speaker sessions across tech, wellness and more. To survive, you’ll need fuel. Luckily, Austin is dense with incredible restaurants and coffee shops, meaning you’re never far from a good meal. Whether you’re grabbing a breakfast taco before a panel or digging into Caribbean food after a long day, here’s some must-visit spots you should hit during your stay.

Texas may be known for its barbecue and cowboy culture, but look closely, and you’ll find another rich tradition woven into the state’s fabric: Irish heritage. Irish immigrants began arriving in Texas as early as the 18th century, with many settling in cities like San Antonio and Corpus Christi. Drawn by economic opportunities and land grants, they helped build Texas railroads, while leaving an indelible mark through the state’s many Irish pubs.  Whether you’re raising a pint of Guinness or scarfing down bites of a hearty shepherd’s pie, Texas’ best Irish bars capture that warm, welcoming spirit. From classic watering holes to eclectic spots with nightly sing-alongs, these spots offer a taste of Ireland deep in the heart of Texas. 

Spring is an exciting time to be in the Lone Star State. The heat hasn’t taken over yet, so most days bring mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures. This season is packed with everything from festivals to nightlife events and parades. Whether you’re looking to see the San Antonio River Walk turn green for St. Patrick’s Day or vibe to R&B hits in Dallas, here are the top things we’re most excited about in Texas this spring. 

While Nashville is known for its nightlife, it also offers a variety of family-friendly fun. From one of the oldest children's theater companies to automobile, train and wax museums, there is plenty to keep your little ones engaged throughout the day. For kids who want a bit of fun with their food, Pfunky Griddle, an all-you-can-eat pancake house, offers kids a hand at flipping pancakes. Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Nashville. 

Houston’s Asian and Asian American populations have grown rapidly over the years. With that growth came culinary techniques and flavors that have shaped the city’s vibrant culinary scene into what it is today. With so many Asian restaurants in Houston, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s where Marissa Fiala of Houston Hotspots comes in.  Dallas-based Fiala has always loved exploring new places, which led her to build an online community dedicated to sharing food and travel recommendations. That passion eventually brought her to Houston, where she helped grow her then-boyfriend, now husband’s platform, Houston Hotspots. What started as a hobby has now turned into a full-time career.  Now, with over a half million followers, Houston Hotspots shares all of the best places to eat and explore. “Food is deeply tied to culture, connection and storytelling,” Fiala tells Time Out. “It’s more than just eating—it’s about the experiences, the people behind the dishes and the memories created around every meal!” From Chinese and Vietnamese fare to Korean and Filipino flavors, Houston is brimming with global flavors. Here are Fiala’s top Asian restaurant picks. 

If you ask any Austinite where to get tacos, they’d probably point you toward East Austin, home to neighborhood taco joint Nixta Taqueria. You can’t miss it; the eatery’s exterior is painted a vibrant blue with pink trim, and it’s helmed by two taco masterminds: Michelin Young Chef and James Beard Award-winning chef Edgar Rico and co-founder and operational head Sara Mardanbigi.  Rico’s experimental spirit, combined with Mardanbigi’s upbringing in rural Arkansas, where she learned the craft of flour tortillas, is why you’ll find unconventional ingredients like beets and avocado crema together on a tortilla, aka the beet “tartare” tostada.  For Rico and Mardanbigi, Nixta Taqueria is more than just tacos—it’s about community. Since opening in October 2019, the duo has built a community garden and even piloted a 24/7 community fridge. “Our mission is to provide imaginative creations that are steeped in technique, history, tradition and finesse for our community,” says Mardanbigi.  Having run their own taco spot, Rico and Mardanbigi know a thing or two about tacos. Here are their favorite taco spots in town. 

Dallas-born and raised, Karlie Deitrick has known the city her whole life. Before founding Karlie Does Dallas on Instagram, she worked as a hairdresser and salon manager, but she wanted to share more about her experiences in Dallas. Fast forward to today, she has built a thriving community of over 100,000 followers, showcasing unique experiences in the city.  One of the biggest draws to Dallas—and a major reason Karlie has stayed all these years—is the skyline. “To me, it’s the prettiest skyline in Texas,” she shares. “My mom moved here from a small town in Nebraska, and she always said, ‘The day the Dallas skyline doesn’t take my breath away is the day I’ll move.’ I’ve always agreed with that.”  From world-class museums to auto club restaurants, here are five must-do experiences in Dallas that Karlie thinks everyone should know about. 

Austin is gearing up to host one of its biggest annual events: South by Southwest (SXSW). The nine-day festival will be one for the books, featuring keynotes from CEOs like Bluesky’s Jay Graber, live talks with actors, CEOs and professors, as well as music performances from international talent, including Mexican singer Justin Morales and Japanese sensation Shiho Yabuki. Celebrities are also expected to make appearances, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey set to discuss HBO’s Emmy-winning series “The Last of Us.” With so much to see and do, SXSW can be overwhelming, but we got your bases covered. From this year’s sessions to securing tickets, here’s your complete guide to SXSW 2025.  What is SXSW? Imagine the biggest names in tech, music, education, film and culture all in one place—that’s SXSW. Each year offers something new, but you can expect keynotes, workshops, film screenings and performances from rising and established artists alike. SXSW is where innovation, technology, culture and entertainment collide, and it has even propelled the careers of notable artists like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Chance the Rapper and Houston’s own Megan Thee Stallion.  When is SXSW 2025? SXSW 2025 will take place over nine days, from March 7 to 15. Sessions and performances vary daily, so be sure to check the SXSW website for the full schedule.  How to get tickets to SXSW 2025? You can purchase tickets directly online at the SXSW website. There are four different pass options:  Platinum ($

From Black cowboys who shaped Lone Star ranches to the opening of the first Black-owned boutique hotel, Black people have long contributed to Texas' history. While it’s important to celebrate Black History year-round, February is an opportunity to highlight the contributions that Black people have made to Texas through food, culture, art and more. Thankfully, Texas is so big that there’s plenty of ways to celebrate this month-long event. 

Time Out loves cities. We love talking about them and guiding you to explore them and, once a year, we even rank them with help from you, our readers. The results of our annual survey—which polls city-dwellers around the world about what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns—give us insight into what makes a city great. Your views on current culture trends, nightlife, and the things that make you love where you live, such as green spaces and access to beaches, help us compile our global ranking of the world’s best cities and this U.S.-specific list. Below, you’ll find the top 10 places in America, along with insider info from locals on why this year is the right time to visit. Now, without further ado, the best cities in the U.S. right now.

Looking to brighten up someone’s day? A beautiful bouquet of blooms should do the trick. While Texas is more often considered a cacti-laden land, the bluebonnets always find their way through the dust. And there’s much more where that came from. Flower shops are rearing plants from all over the world so that in Austin, you’ll literally find a bloom for every taste, be it for roses, orchids, tulips or carnations. So when you're searching for the perfect arrangement to say ‘I Love You’ on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, an anniversary, or a way to communicate something else, we have just the cuts. Plucked from both nationwide biggies and boutique family-run businesses, these flower delivery services cater to an ATX audience and are primed for a heartfelt gesture. And while you’re in the spirit of spoiling, consider our guides to the most romantic restaurants or the best spas in Austin for an extra sweet treat. Here are the finest florists to get a bouquet delivered. RECOMMENDED:🍫Complete the gift with the very best chocolate shops in the USA🌹Check out the best flower shops in Texas🌻Or head to The best flower shops in Austin How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our affiliate guidelin

I moved to Austin in 2023, and while the city is known for its friendly and hospitable vibe, making friends as a remote-working adult isn’t always easy. One day, while scrolling on Instagram, I came across Timeleft, an app that pairs you with five complete strangers for a group dinner at a restaurant of its choosing (don’t worry, you set the budget). Curious, I decided to test it out for myself.  How does Timeleft work?  Unlike other social apps, there’s no swiping on profiles or chatting before you meet. Instead, you start by taking a personality and identity quiz with questions like, “What best describes an ideal night” and “How important is humor to you?” The app also factors in age, gender distribution and personality test responses to create a well-balanced group.  Dinners take place every Wednesday at 7pm, with the restaurant chosen based on your budget ($, $$ or $$$) and dietary restrictions. You’re also assigned a table number—since no names are exchanged—to help you find your group.  My Timeleft experience The morning of my dinner, I received restaurant details from Timeleft. The pick? Ma’Coco, a casual Mexican joint serving Baja California-style dishes. When I arrived, I told the hostess I was with Timeleft table one, and she guided me to my seat. I was the third to arrive, with the rest of the group trickling in shortly after.  Courtesy Kayla HuiInterior of Ma'Coco Surprisingly, it wasn’t as awkward as I had anticipated. Some of my tablemates had attended previou

Austin, often called the “Silicon Hills” of Texas, has been attracting big-name tech giants like Oracle, Dell, Amazon and Google. With innovation at its core, it’s no surprise that autonomous vehicles are now part of the city’s transportation landscape. In its latest move, Uber has partnered with Waymo to bring driverless rides to Austin.  How to request a Waymo ride in Austin?  Uber users in Austin who request an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric may have the opportunity to be matched to a Waymo vehicle, pending availability. To increase your odds of being matched, users must have the most recent version of the app and turn on the autonomous vehicle (AV) preference in your account settings (more info here).   Once matched, riders can use the Uber app to unlock the vehicle, a fully electric Jaguar I-PACE, open the trunk and start the trip. You can identify your vehicle by license plate and car make/model. Similar to regular rides, Waymos will wait several minutes (seven to be exact) for riders to board. If any issues arise, 24/7 customer support is available through the Uber app and via in-car assistance. Waymos can accommodate up to four passengers in any seat except the driver’s seat. While four-legged friends are considered family, pets (except service animals) aren’t allowed, as a courtesy to riders with allergies.  Where Waymo operates in Austin Currently, Austin Waymos operates within the city’s 37-square-mile area in Austin, covering neighborhood

James Beard America’s Classics Award recognizes locally owned establishments that have served high-quality eats while standing the test of time. Since its inception in 1998, more than 100 restaurants across the country have earned this distinction. This year, a Texas institution joins the ranks, and it’s no other than Galveston-based Gaido’s, a seafood restaurant that has been serving fresh Gulf catches since 1911. Most recognizable by the large crab perched atop its roof, Gaido’s has been a Galveston staple for over a century. Its founder, San Giacinto Gaido, an Italian immigrant, was orphaned just two years after arriving on the coast. He worked his way through the service industry before first opening a sandwich shop and later, Gaido’s, which grew into one of the state’s most iconic seafood destinations. Today, the restaurant remains in family hands, run by fourth-generation Nick Gaido and his wife, Kateryna.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gaido's Seafood (@gaidosseafood)   Gaido’s menu changes daily based on the freshest catches, but one thing remains constant: the quality of the seafood. Locals and visitors alike make the trek to indulge in Gulf shrimp, catfish, snapper and redfish—always fresh, never frozen. It’s a fact that servers proudly remind customers, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to high standards. And while the seafood is the star, the experience is just as memorable, with sweeping ocean views and a signature dose of war

Austinites won’t need to travel thousands of miles to Dubai to witness one of its most iconic attractions. For the first time, the Museum of the Future will bring its groundbreaking experiences to South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025. The five-day event, running March 7 to 11, 2025, will feature panel discussions, cultural activations and a pop-up museum filled with multi-sensory experiences focused on space travel, climate change, health and artificial intelligence (AI).  One highlight will be Earth Dreams, an AI-powered environmental data installation designed by digital artist Refik Anadol. Afterwards, guests can head outdoors to experience Emirati culture and cuisine. Dubai-based FIX Dessert Chocolatier will showcase its viral Dubai chocolate bar, made famous on TikTok and gaining a global fanbase, while Project Chaiwala will host chai brewing demonstrations.  Beyond food, thought-provoking discussions will feature Arab filmmakers, award-winning astronauts, scholars and tech innovators tackling sustainable solutions for the future. Solar Foods will lead a talk on using solar energy to produce food, offering insight into how emerging technologies can reshape global food supply chain and sustainability.  The Museum of the Future House will be open to the public from 10am to 7pm at Third/Congress, while the 2050 track, sponsored by the Dubai Future Foundation, will run from March 7 to 10 at Austin Marriott Downtown. A full schedule of panels and programming will be announced soon.

In just a short time since opening in 2023, this five-star stunner in Dallas’ Harwood District has racked up one Michelin Key and a Michelin recommendation for its onsite restaurant, Stillwell’s. It’s easy to see why. Featuring 134 rooms, Hôtel Swexan blends Japanese architecture with European interior design and a touch of Texas flair (ahem, peep the neon cowboy sign at Stillwell’s). With all the buzz surrounding the hotel, I decided to check in for a two-night hosted stay to experience the property myself.  The room  I checked into my Panoramic Corner King Room, which offered sweeping views of Downtown Dallas. The space has a modern, minimalist aesthetic, and the bed—outfitted in Frette sheets—provided a front row seat to Dallas sunsets thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.  Courtesy Kayla HuiView from the Panoramic Corner King Room Hôtel Swexan is an anomaly in the hotel space; while many hotels skimp on bathrooms, this one goes all in. In fact, the bathroom was the most stunning part of the room. Lined with marble tiling, it featured a walk-in shower, Le Labo toiletries and a bathtub with a ceiling faucet (yes, water really does fall from the ceiling), creating a relaxing oasis from a day in the city.  Bathrooms throughout the property are equally striking, each featuring different wallpaper, light fixtures, sinks and tiling—some elegant, others cheeky.  Courtesy Hôtel SwexanOne of the bathrooms at Hôtel Swexan For those with deeper pockets and celebrating a special

Austin is about to welcome its first-ever women’s sports pub. Aptly named 1972 Pub—a nod to the year Title IX was enacted—the bar was founded to provide equal access to sports coverage and create an inclusive space for fans to support their favorite teams. Founders Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis were inspired to launch the concept after noticing the lack of visibility and opportunities for women’s sports.  “Our mission is to elevate and amplify women’s sports by creating a space where they are the priority—not an afterthought,” Hallum and Plessis tell Time Out via email. They chose Austin for its passionate sports community and growing interest in women’s athletics. “We wanted to create a space that reflects those values while ensuring women’s sports get the visibility they deserve,” they say.  The pub will offer ample seating, big screens and a dedicated watch party area. Guests can expect coverage of everything from the WNBA, NWSL, NCAA women’s sports and LPGA to women’s tennis, UFC women’s matches and global events like the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics. To enhance the experience, 1972 Pub will showcase signed memorabilia donated by professional, collegiate and local athletes, along with a Wall of Fame where athletes can leave their mark.  Set to open in March, 1972 Pub is currently accepting donations to help cover renovations, furniture, licenses, living wages for employees and to make the space a reality for Austinites. “If there’s a women’s sporting event hap

Even two years after the Barbie movie premiered, the hype around this pink-loving icon is still going strong. Case in point: Austin-based Barbie fans have something major to look forward to: a Malibu Barbie Cafe is finally making its way to the 512 after pop-ups in New York, Chicago, Miami and Houston.  Spearheaded by Bucket Listers and Mattel, the pop-up will offer an immersive experience, where visitors can expect to live out their Barbie dreams. Expected to open April 4, the cafe will feature a retro beachside setting inspired by 1970s Malibu complete with a roller rink and a vibrant fast-casual restaurant. Think disco balls, neon pink and yellow rollerblades and playful menu items like birthday cake pancakes and cupcakes served via Barbie’s Dream Boat. Yup, you heard that correctly.  Courtesy Malibu Barbie CafeBarbie Dream Boat cupcake tower Beyond the Barbie-themed decor and bites, the experience also includes exclusive merch, from branded t-shirts and hats to mugs and, of course, iconic Barbie dolls. Tickets are $25 and include select food and merchandise. They’ll be released via a notification system, so be sure to join the waitlist to snag yours before they sell out. 

In less than a week, the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin will unveil In Creative Harmony: Three Artistic Partnerships, a new exhibit exploring how human connection drives creativity through three unique artistic collaborations. “Artists have inspired one another for centuries,” said Simone Wicha, the museum’s director, in a press release. “In Creative Harmony demonstrates how these exchanges push the boundaries of creativity by beautifully weaving together three transformative partnerships and more than a hundred artworks.”  The exhibit highlights: José Guadalupe Posada and Artemio Rodríguez: A cross-generational dialogue between the renowned Mexican printmaker and contemporary artist Rodríguez. Arshile Gorky and Isamu Noguchi: A showcase of abstract paintings and sculptures tracing their creative trajectories. Nora and Eliza Naranjo Morse” An immersive display of pottery, drawings and graphic arts that blend ancestral knowledge and storytelling.  Courtesy AccuSoft Inc.Noguchi, Yellow Landscape The exhibit will be open to the public on February 16, 2025 and runs through July 20, 2025. Blanton will also host a series of public events to celebrate the collection: Friday, February 28, 2025 | 7-11pm – B Scene art party  Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 4pm – Art with an Expert: Artemio Rodríguez on art practice and the influence of Posada  Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 4pm – Art with an Expert: Claire Howard on Noguchi and Gorky’s artistic partnership For m

Driftwood might not be the first place that comes to mind for great food, but don’t sleep on its growing restaurant scene. Case in point: Whiskey Ridge, a restaurant specializing in locally sourced meat, Gulf Coast seafood and an impressive selection of whiskey and distilled spirits. Since opening in late 2024, it has been making waves in the Hill Country food scene. I made the 40-minute drive from Austin to see what all the buzz was about—here’s my honest review.  After a warm “welcome home” from the staff, I was seated at a table with a mix of banquette-style seating and loose chairs. We kicked off the evening with several appetizers: hot queso and chips, which leaned a little salty; a rich Texas gumbo and my favorite, the Gulf Coast oysters, broiled in herb butter, finely cut jalapeños and bread crumbs.  Our server Kef, who also happens to be Buffalo Trace certified, recommended we try some bourbons. He brought out Weller CYPB, a light, citrusy pour with smooth caramel notes and spiced apple undertones, followed by Heaven Hill Grain To Glass, which featured hints of oak, caramel and toasted almonds. But the real standout? A pour of Pappy Van Winkle, aged over 20 years at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. With only limited quantities produced each year, Pappy Van Winkle is notoriously hard to find, and few restaurants carry it. If you’re a bourbon drinker, Whiskey Ridge offers pours, but be prepared to splurge.  Courtesy Kayla HuiAssortment of bourbons from Whiske

Houston’s Restaurant Week is still a couple of months away, but its sister event Eat Drink HTX, is making a return for a fourth year. This two-week dining event offers prix fixe menus at dozens of casual and fast-casual restaurants across the city. A portion of each meal purchased benefits the Houston Food Bank and Kids’ Meals, which provides nutritious meals for preschool-aged children.  If you’re planning to participate, here’s everything you need to know: When is the event?  Eat Drink HTX runs from February 15 to February 28, 2025.  How much is it?  Two-course brunch and lunch: $15 Two-course dinner: $25  What restaurants are participating?  Dozens of restaurants will take part, offering diverse prix fixe menus that highlight a range of cuisines, from Filipino and Tex-Mex to Southern and European fare.  Some highlights include jumbo chicken wings and caramelized onion smashburgers from B.B. Lemon to dan dan noodles and house-made dumplings from Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Mala Sichuan. You can browse all participating restaurants and menus online.  Do I need a reservation?  Reservations are not required, but policies vary by restaurant. Be sure to check each restaurant’s menu page to see if they accept walk-ins.  When booking a table, let your server know you’d like to order from the Eat Drink HTX menu, as some restaurants may be offering their regular menus. 

Coach, the beloved American fashion house, has seen a resurgence in recent years, fueled by Y2K nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for quality craftsmanship at an accessible price. Now, the brand is expanding beyond handbags and accessories, venturing into the coffee scene with The Coach Coffee Shop.  After debuting its first location in New Jersey in late 2024, Coach has now brought its café concept to Austin’s The Domain, marking its second location and the first in Texas.  You can expect to find a selection of hot and iced coffee drinks, from lattes to matcha, as well as soft serve and baked goods like brownies, sugar cookies and the standout Tabby Cake, a chocolate bundt cake with shell frosting, shaped like the brand’s iconic purse. Shoppers can also browse Coach-branded apparel and homeware, including t-shirts, baseball caps, totes, and mugs and saucers.  The new Coach Coffee Shop is located at 11401 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 121 and is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm. 

Today, Austin has been named as one of the best cities in America. According to our annual survey—where readers like you choose the cities that make life great—Austin claimed the 7th spot, and it’s easy to see why. World-class cuisine, a vast network of hiking trails, major festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits and near-perfect weather (except for summer, iykyk) make the city a standout. And while it may have lost the title of the fastest growing metro in the U.S. to neighboring Dallas, Austin remains—and will continue to be—the “weird” city people have come to know and love. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s plenty to see and explore.  Where to even begin with all the reasons people love Austin? As one of the greenest cities in the U.S. (ranked No. 7), Austin dedicates roughly 15% of its land to parks, gardens and urban green spaces. That means endless opportunities to get outside, whether it’s hiking one of the 147 scenic trails or catching some rays at Zilker Park.  When temperatures dip or soar, you can always find refuge at one of Austin’s best restaurants, which encompasses Michelin-starred barbecue and fresh Italian to Tex-Mex and new-age Caribbean joints. Whatever your taste buds desire, Austin will likely have it. In 2024, Austin earned seven Michelin stars and 14 of the 45 Bib Gourmand distinctions, cementing its place as a must-visit culinary destination. Sports-wise, while Austin might not rival major cities like Chicago, New York, or Los Angel