The USA is still one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans. The “Land of the free” has a magical attraction and attracts tourists from all over the world every year who want to discover and experience the American way of life, the endless expanse of the country and the great history of this continent. In addition to the colonial-inspired east coast, the sunny west coast and the many natural wonders in between, the south of the country also has a lot to offer. This post will introduce Houston, which is located in the southernmost state of Texas , for you.
Historical and interesting facts
Behind the giants New York, Los Angeles and Chicago , Houston is the fourth largest city in the USA and the largest city in the state of Texas. Around 7 million people live in the metropolitan region, which is equivalent to a double Berlin . However, since Texas is the second largest state in the USA in terms of area (behind Alaska), this crowd is spread out over enough space.
In August 1836, two real estate entrepreneurs from New York acquired the land and founded the city, which was finally registered on June 5, 1837. They named the city after Texas General Sam Houston, who rose to fame at the Battle of San Jacinto.
When oil was discovered in the area at the beginning of the 20th century, the city’s economic rise began and by 1930 the population had grown so much that Houston became the most populous city in Texas even before the start of World War II. Oil production is still the most important economic sector of the city today and the port is an important hub. The city also has three airports, the largest international and named after former President George Bush.
Attitude to life and atmosphere in H-Town
The Texans are a very special people within the USA and give the visitor a completely different view of the country and the world. Shaped by history and struggles for independence, the Texans have a certain pride, but without seeming arrogant. This outpost in front of the border with Mexico is characterized by robust and hard-working people, but they have not lost their friendliness and warmth. Towards strangers and visitors, a rough cordiality is displayed that has a very special charm.
After all, Texas is still known today as the land of tough guys, the state is still associated with the cattle-driving cowboys and real men. It is not for nothing that Texas has the most liberal gun law and you should not be bothered by it if you meet men in the streets who carry a gun on their belt. However, this creates a Wild West feeling that you can probably feel as alive in no other area in America as here, all nostalgia fans’ hearts will beat faster.
Attractions in Houston
The sights in Houston are unique and every visitor should definitely take enough time to get to know the facets of the city and to be able to see everything important.
Houston is home to the “Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC)”, which no tourist should miss. This is also the headquarters of NASA’s Mission Control Center, which has been coordinating the U.S. manned space program since 1961. It became world-famous through the phrase “Houston, we have a problem”, which has been often quoted and parodied since then. These facilities have also given the city the nickname “Space City” and continue to attract aerospace fans from all over the world to this day.
The downtown of the city, the city center, offers breathtaking skyscrapers as popular photo motifs and should definitely be experienced. As in any major American city, it is an incredible feeling to go shopping or eat an ice cream in the street canyons between the huge houses. In addition, downtown offers a lot of restaurants, theaters and museums, such as the “Museum of Fine Arts”, which is the largest Texas art museum.
The mall “The Galleria” is suitable for shopping, which leaves nothing to be desired, whether it’s fashion or culinary delights. Here you can shop and consume as you like a real American and experience the feeling of the big shopping malls up close.
The historic Rice University is also worth a visit, as is the bustling and bustling harbor of the city. Here you will experience the feeling of being in a metropolis that offers all the gateways to the world and is well connected.
Hotspot for all sports fans
If you love American sports, you will get your money’s worth in Houston. The city is represented in four of the five major sports leagues in the country and has one team each in the NFL (American football), MLB (baseball), NBA (basketball), and MLS (soccer). Attending a sporting event in the USA is an unforgettable experience and will get you excited about American sports. The best known are the basketball players around the Houston Rockets, who play their home games at the Toyota Center.
Key Facts about Houston
- Overview and History: Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and is known for its significant role in the space industry, which has earned it the nickname “Space City.” The city was founded in 1836 and has a rich history that is closely linked to the oil industry.
- Cultural diversity: Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. This diversity is reflected in the neighborhoods, gastronomy and cultural festivals. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food from around the world and attend cultural events ranging from rodeos to traditional festivals.
- Culinary offer: The city is famous for its excellent cuisine, especially barbecue, tex-mex and seafood. Houston is also known for its innovative dining options and has been referred to by some as the “new culinary capital of America.”
- Attractions: Top attractions include the Houston Space Center, which features a variety of space-themed exhibits and attractions, as well as the Museum District, which includes 19 museums, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts.
- Leisure and Nature: Houston offers many parks and green spaces, including Hermann Park and Memorial Park. Buffalo Bayou Park offers hiking and biking trails, paddle boarding the bayou, and beautiful views of the city skyline.
- Shopping: The city is a paradise for shopaholics with numerous shopping malls and districts. The highlight is the Galleria, one of the largest shopping centers in Texas, which offers a huge selection of high-end boutiques and retail stores.
- Events: Houston plays host to many major events, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the world that attracts millions of visitors annually.
- Transportation: Information about public transport, especially about the METRORail and METROBus system, which facilitates navigation in the city, is especially important for tourists.
- Climate: Houston has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. This can be particularly attractive for visitors from colder regions.
- Economic importance: In addition to space travel, Houston is a center for energy, especially oil and natural gas, biotechnology, and healthcare, which also attracts business travelers.
