A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Houston for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Paris or Houston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Paris or Houston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris. Although Paris and Houston are roughly the same size, Paris has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paris is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston and Paris. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paris or Houston?

Paris is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Is Paris or Houston Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Houston is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Houston is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Paris or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Paris or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Paris just to party. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Paris or Houston Better for Music?

Paris is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Houston?

Paris is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Paris or Houston Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Houston Better for Families?

Paris is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Paris or Houston Better for Couples?

Paris is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Paris or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Paris or Houston Better for Students?

Paris is a world-class destination for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Is Paris or Houston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Paris or Houston a more walkable city?

Paris is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Paris?

How long in Paris or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Houston. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Houston. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Paris than Houston. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Houston if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Paris.

One day in Paris or Houston?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Houston, many people enjoy the live music and food that this one-of-a-kind big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or Houston?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Houston?

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Houston. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Paris and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Paris is in Europe and Houston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paris Expensive? and Is Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Houston?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Houston, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Paris or Houston?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Paris or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paris as well as Houston. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Paris is cooler than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Paris usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In October, Paris is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Houston. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Paris during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. Paris is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Paris usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Houston. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Paris is much colder than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Houston. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Paris