The Joys of Traveling Solo

Houston has many hotels to choose from. A luxurious experience with a touch of history in Downtown Houston awaits at Hotel ICON. Housed in what was once Union Bank of Houston, the hotel features an elegant lobby bar—perfect to grab a drink solo—beautiful rooms, a restaurant called Line & Lariat, and a spa. The downtown destination is also conveniently located a short walk away from Market Square.

Also located Downtown, the C. Baldwin Hotel honors the brash and fiercely independent Charlotte Baldwin Allen, The Mother of Houston. Featuring 354 guest rooms and over 14,000 square feet of meeting space, a signature restaurant and abundant green space in Downtown Houston, the sophisticated and modern hotel experience is perfect for guests seeking a one-of-a-kind experience in an upscale space. Pro tip: Take advantage of the access to the Downtown tunnel system and let yourself explore!

Located in the cultural heart of the city, Hotel Zaza is the perfect place from which to explore Houston’s award-winning museums and cultural attractions. The chic bar, themed suites, and beautiful pool where you can kick back and relax make it a perfect place to stay while in Houston.

Hotel Saint Augustine

Enjoy upscale solo lodging in one of Houston’s newest and most unique hotels just outside of the Museum District, called Hotel Saint Augustine. Nestled in the heart of Montrose, Hotel Saint Augustine is located adjacent to The Menil Collection, a Houston staple and must-visit for locals and visitors alike. The hotel itself is a modern oasis complete with a bar, listening room, pool, and on-site restaurant led by Chef Aaron Bludorn. The sprawling hotel feels like an escape from the city while still being within walking distance of bars, restaurants, and plenty of sights. 

One of Houston’s newest hotels, The Marlene, is a historic neoclassical mansion transformed into a 9-bedroom Inn. Enjoy the beautiful space while sipping a cocktail at the on-site bar, Bar Madonna.

Hotel Daphne

The historic Heights neighborhood is home to another of Houston’s newest boutique hotels, Hotel Daphne. Just steps from the shopping and dining on West 19th Street, Hotel Daphne boasts 49 thoughtfully designed boutique hotel rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a cozy oasis perfect for relaxation between activities and exploring all the city has to offer! 

For those seeking a lavish experience, The Post Oak Hotel is just what the solo traveler needs. The 700,000-square-foot tower has everything one could desire, including casual and fine dining restaurants, a relaxing pool, and a luxurious spa. Its proximity to shopping and dining at Uptown Park and The Galleria is a nice bonus.

Solo dining is one of the best ways to treat yourself in general, but especially when you’re exploring or visiting a city with as many quality cuisine options as Houston. Houston has endless possibilities when it comes to dining, so choosing where to go can be tough. Allow us to offer some suggestions.

Enjoy all the flavors of India in an upscale environment at Pondicheri (pictured). Led by a chef and co-owner who was born and raised in India, Pondicheri combines the complexities of Indian cuisine with the magic of spices and goodness of fresh, local ingredients. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Pondicheri also features a Bake Lab and shop worth stopping by before heading out. 

Gulf Coast seafood doesn’t get any fresher than at Captain Mc’s, the fast-casual joint by commercial fisherman and former orchestra director Fred McBride. The menu is simple, but the flavors packed in each and every bite are anything but. Fried black drum, crab cake sandwiches, po’boys, hush puppies, and other staples all await at this establishment in Houston’s historic Third Ward. Top chefs from across the city collaborated with McBride on the menu, so dining here offers a true sample of Houston’s dynamic food scene. Stop in or drive thru for seafood that is brought straight from the sea to the table! 

ChòpnBlọk is a fast-casual restaurant in Montrose that explores the vibrant flavors of West Africa. The contemporary styles of every authentically prepared dish make this one of Houston’s most engaging culinary experiences. Having reimagined recipes that were passed down from home cooks, esteemed chefs, and family traditions, ChòpnBlọk offers a unique, convenient, flavorful, and unforgettable dining experience. 

You can’t visit Houston and not enjoy the city’s Tex Mex cuisine. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is a mainstay in the city’s East End, serving queso, sizzling fajitas and delicious margaritas. Located near the Galleria, Ninfa’s Uptown offers the same delicious food in a gorgeous space. Both locations feature bars with uniquely delicious cocktails that perfectly accompany any and all Tex Mex meals.

El Tiempo Cantina is another great option, with locations throughout the city, for margaritas and wood-fired fajitas, along with Candente, a Michelin recommended restaurant known for their smoked brisket enchiladas, cheesy brisket queso, and refreshing cocktails. 

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering and modern Asian American meal, look no further than Agnes and Sherman. The concept, located in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood, this concept boasts diner classics with Asian American soul. Stop in for comfort food and stay for the inclusive service, unique cocktails and vibrant dining experience. 

Finally, no trip to Houston is complete without sampling some of the mouthwatering barbecue options in the city! Satisfy your cravings for smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, flavorful sides, and much more at Gatlin’s BBQ, Pinkerton’s Barbecue, Truth BBQ, Burns Original BBQ, and The Pit Room. Each spot offers authentic Texas barbecue that will leave you wanting more. 

For all of your foodie planning needs, check out Taste Houston for more recommendations! 

August and September in Houston are busy months with numerous special events to choose from, making for a fun and satisfying solo visit to the city.

Open year round is the massive, explorable art attraction, Meow Wolf (pictured). This is the perfect stop for a solo traveler, because there’s plenty to do and see for hours on end. Enter Radio Tave, a reimagined old school radio station, and navigate hidden passageways, interactive mysteries, and more created by over 40 Texas-based artists. Choose your own adventure and get ready for your imagination to expand more than ever before! 

Enjoy a visit to the Houston Theatre District at Alley Theatre  and catch The Girl on the Train, on stage from July 24 to August 29. On August 16, root for the Astros as they face off against the Mariners at Daikin Park. On September 9, head to Miller Outdoor Theatre for free, live, family-friendly entertainment with ¡Viva La Brass! Produced by Houston Brass Quintet. The venue features a calendar of free events throughout the season, so be sure to check out their website to see what’s coming up! 

Houston has a rich and lively world-class performing arts scene that keeps locals and visitors engaged and entertained throughout the year. During your visit, be sure to check the calendar for the various venues in the city’s Theater District as you plan your solo vacation. 

The Menil Collection

Museums are perfect for quiet exploration, and the Houston Museum District has 21 museums and cultural institutions for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for art, history, or natural science, there are plenty of options like The Menil Collection (admission is always free), the Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Health Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, venture out of the city toward Spring and check out the National Museum of Funeral History.

You can’t go wrong with a trip to Space Center Houston, the city’s top attraction, to learn about space exploration. We recommend going with the NASA Tram Tour, which gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the NASA Johnson Space Center, including Mission Control and an astronaut training facility.