Houston is home to the world’s widest highway, spanning an impressive 26 lanes. Even still, Houston’s traffic is like that uninvited guest who always shows up, no matter the time of day. Whether you are braving the Katy Freeway (the aforementioned highway) during rush hour or cruising down Westheimer late at night, the traffic never seems to take a break. A five-mile journey can easily take you 30 minutes to navigate, so be sure to plan your outings wisely and use GPS apps to find alternative routes. If you’re in the Downtown area, you can avoid traffic by taking the METRORail, which gives you access to popular destinations around Downtown Houston; such as the Museum District, Theater District, and NRG stadium. Regular fare is $1.25.

Located near the Gulf of Mexico, Houston’s weather can be quite unpredictable. The Bayou City’s weather will sometimes go from blue skies to flash flood warnings in the blink of an eye. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach triple digits in the summer or balmy 80-plus-degree days in winter, followed by 32-degree weather the very next day. Wear light breathable clothes to help with the heat and humidity Houston is known for, and pack layers for those cooler months. Make sure you always bring an umbrella for those unpredictable showers.

Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. The city is not only populous—it is sprawling. To put it into perspective, it is about 52 miles from one end of the city to the other. You could practically fit the entire state of Rhode Island within the same distance it takes to drive across Houston. That’s why it’s crucial to plan ahead. By mapping out your itinerary in advance, you can ensure that your logistics are on point, allowing you to spend more time actually enjoying all the incredible things this city has to offer and less time driving or sitting in traffic.

While you absolutely cannot come to Houston and not try Tex-Mex or barbecue, Houston is a melting pot of diverse cultures, which makes for an incredible foodie destination. From high-end eateries serving up some of the best tikka masala to mom-and-pop shops that put the “soul” in soul food, the options are endless. Also, brunch culture and Sunday Funday are a big thing in Houston—check out areas like the Galleria, Uptown, and Montrose to celebrate.

Houston is home to the Galleria Mall, one of the largest malls in the nation complete with over 400 retail stores and an ice skating rink. You will find a mix of high-end, designer boutiques as well as local shops and boutiques. For artisanal finds, check out Uptown Park, or if vintage is more your style, Historic Heights is not to be missed. Rice Village offers quaint shops and a variety of retailers.