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IAH Layover Ideas Houston Intercontinental Airport Layover Guide

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Houston Intercontinental Airport

If you find yourself with a long layover at the Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH), don't fret. Houston offers a variety of activities that can turn your layover into an exciting mini-adventure. Here are the top 5 layover ideas for IAH:

1. The Mercury Room

For those who enjoy a lively nightlife, a visit to The Mercury Room is a must. This chic and hip club, located at 1008 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002, is renowned for its great music and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a drink at the bar, get your groove on the dance floor, or relax on the sidewalk patio and watch the world go by.

2. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

If you're a foodie, you'll certainly appreciate a meal at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. This intimate steakhouse, located at 5839 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77057, is known for its 1920s Art-Deco interior and delicious entrees. Whether you fancy a NY Strip, fresh lobster, or a filet mignon, you're sure to find something to satisfy your palate.

3. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

For those who prefer a more tranquil layover, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is the perfect destination. Located at 4501 Woodway, Houston, TX 77024, this 155-acre natural forest offers guided tours and educational programs. Best of all, admission is free!

4. San Jacinto Battleground

If you're a history buff, consider a trip to the San Jacinto Battleground. This state historical park, located at One Monument Circle, La Porte, TX 77571, marks the spot where Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836. You can also visit the museum located in the base of the San Jacinto Monument and take an elevator to the top for a stunning view of the Houston Shipping Channel and surrounding area.

5. Houston CityPass

For those who want to explore several attractions in a short time, the Houston CityPass is an excellent option. For $34.00 for adults and $24.00 for children, you'll be able to visit six attractions including the Johnson Space Center, the Downtown Aquarium, the Houston Zoo, the George Ranch Historical Park, and various museums in the Museum District. The pocket-sized booklet also contains transportation information, attraction details, and discount and offer coupons.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through IAH Airport:

  • Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
  • If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of IAH's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
  • If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
  • Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
  • Surf to your heart's content. Jump on Houston Intercontinental airport's internet (free!)
  • For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near IAH to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
  • Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you have a longer layover of 12-48 hours at the Houston Intercontinental Airport, the city of Houston presents a myriad of opportunities to explore and enjoy. Here are a few attractions that you can visit:

1. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston, located at 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058, is a leading science and space learning center. It is one of Houston's top attractions, the area's No. 1 attraction for international visitors and the official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center. The center features more than 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits, attractions, and theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human space-flight program.

2. The Houston Museum District

Located in the heart of Houston, the Houston Museum District is a collection of 19 museums, galleries, cultural centers, and community organizations. The district offers a range of museums to visit, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Children's Museum of Houston. You can explore art, history, culture, and science in this vibrant area of the city.

3. The Houston Zoo

Located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030, the Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from 900 species. The zoo provides a fun, unique, and inspirational experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world. It is a must-visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

4. Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park, located at 1800 Allen Parkway & Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77019, stretches over 160 acres and offers a natural playground for outdoor activities. Here, you can rent a bike or kayak, take a scenic hike, or simply enjoy a picnic while watching the sunset.

5. The Menil Collection

The Menil Collection, located at 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006, is one of the most significant privately assembled collections of the twentieth century. The museum houses approximately 17,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and rare books. If you're an art lover, this is a place you wouldn't want to miss.

Updated on: November 22, 2023