Houston is the fourth largest city in America and has a great number of attractions for the entire family. Popular sites include the Space Center as well as numerous parks and historic buildings

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
This attraction is a 28-room mansion housing a collection of 16th century American folk-art, furniture and antiques, and is set in stunning landscaped gardens. It can be found in the beautiful River Oak’s neighbourhood. Features include audio and guided tours of the house.
Phone: +1 713 639 7750; website: www.bayoubend.uh.edu

City Hall
Today, City Hall is more of a museum than a centre of power and administration. The stunning limestone building is fronted by Tranquillity Park, a small area with a reflecting pool, which regularly features regular festivals, concerts and protests. Phone: +1 713 247 1000; website: www.houstontx.gov

JP Morgan Chase Tower
This impressive tower was originally designed to be even taller, but it stands an enormous 75 storeys and is the tallest building in Houston. It is the city’s best-known landmark and offers breathtaking views across the city from its observation deck. Website: www.chasetower.com

Julia Ideson Library Building
Built in the 1920s in the Spanish Renaissance style, Julia Ideson Library building was the only structure which was built from the original civic centre plan of the city. The old library, which contains millions of books, is linked to the new Houston Public Library by a tunnel.
Phone: +1 832 393 1313; website: www.houstonlibrary.org

Lawndale Art Center
This restored Art-Deco building was originally opened in 1930 and today, it is home to Houston's contemporary Lawndale Art Center, with four galleries which are dedicated to local artists. If you are interested in art and would like to meet some of the local artists, this is the place to come. A whole host of illustrious events and parties are held here such as the Hair Ball, for which every local artist living in the city receives an invite. Phone: +1 713 528 5858

Nina Vance Alley Theatre
Located in downtown Houston, this theatre stages a wide variety of events year-round including a number of performances dedicated to children. It was founded by Nina Vance in 1969, and comes complete with two theatres: the 824-seat Hubbard Stage and the 310-seat Neuhaus Stage. This is one of the most highly regarded residential theatres in the entire country.
Phone: +1 713 228 8421; website: www.alleytheatre.org

Oscar F Holcombe Civic Center
Located in the heart of downtown Houston, this building is a multimillion dollar complex created by mayor Holcombe. There are four exhibition buildings as well as a convention centre. The various buildings host annual events as well as operas, ballets and trade shows, and can be found in an area that is literally brimming with shops and restaurants.

Rothko Chapel
This building is exclusively used by abstract artists and houses a collection of their work. It is an imposing building, located behind a reflective pool and obelisk. Popular attractions include 14 huge canvas panels of primitive art, which serve as inspiration while also creating the perfect ambience.
Phone: +1 713 524 9839; website: www.rothkochapel.org

Space Center Houston
This is Houston's most popular tourist attraction. Visitors will find endless displays and information about travelling in space. Popular features include moon rock, astronauts’ training sessions and the space shuttle simulator. It is popular to join an organised tour of the entire facility.
Phone: +1 281 244 2100; website: www.spacecenter.org

Enjoy a Rodeo
With the world's largest rodeo kicking off with a real bang as crowds from all over the state ride into town on Go Texan Day. Fun and games continue for two days at the Astro Arena, while during the next three weeks, the Astrodome and nearby facilities come alive with rodeo events, award-winning barbecues and livestock events. World-champions compete in roping events, barrel racing, steer wrestling and bull and saddle bronc riding. The rodeo ends on a high as top performers take the stage for a grand finale.

Shop ‘til You Drop
Houston has an abundance of shopping malls, designer boutiques and quaint markets. The city is paradise for any shopaholic, and with prices for many things including designer products being much cheaper than you will find in Europe, you may need to invest in an extra suitcase to bring back all of your purchases.

Tour the Famous Space Center
Learn all about life in space and what its like to walk on the moon. Daily tours are available and will lead you through the entire Space Center, letting you catch a glimpse of astronauts in training.

Tour the Museum District
Spend a day or two learning all about Houston’s rich history and diverse cultures. The district is one of the largest such districts in the US and is home to dozens of museums which detail past and present Houston as well as examine natural and scientific wonders and display a range of relics from past times. The district has enough museums to keep you and your family entertained for days.

Visit Houston's Theatre District
Houston has one of the most established theatre districts in the whole of the US and second only to New York in terms of numbers. The Theatre district can be found in the heart of downtown Houston and covers an impressive 17-block area. The theatres stage all kinds of performances including opera, ballet and theatre. Other star attractions in this district include Bayou Place, world-class restaurants and the ever-popular Downtown Aquarium.