South Central Houston Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit South Central Houston
Popular places to visit
Rice University
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Rice University during your travels in Houston. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
Houston Zoo
With a huge collection of animals, a water park and a cinema, Houston Zoo is a great day out for the family.
University of Houston
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Houston during your travels in Houston. Experience the great live music and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.
Houston Methodist Hospital
If Houston Methodist Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Houston.
Houston Natural Science Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Houston Natural Science Museum during your trip to Houston. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music.
Houston Museum of Fine Arts
Bursting with works of art by international artists, this architecturally unique museum is one of Houston’s top cultural attractions.
Activities
NASA's Space Center Admission Plus Houston City Tour
Houston: Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket
Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned)
Houston Museum of Natural Science: Butterfly Center Ticket
Houston: Holocaust Museum Houston Entry Ticket
Houston: Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket
Our pick of the best South Central Houston Hotel Deals
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Compared to Memorial District, the Museum District was up to par in terms of the art & area. Will definitely stay here again if I am in the area.
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
Great room and super friendly staff. Breakfast each morning was a huge plus. The only complaints would be the lack of service on the tv and $20/day for parking. Overall very nice stay.
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District
Fantastic beds!
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026
Downtowner Inns - Houston Downtown
Clean room
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
InterContinental Houston by IHG
The staff was very professional, and I love that my room, was clean and fresh. The only area that could’ve been better was my bathroom. It could’ve been mopped more thoroughly, and there was hair in the bathtub that wasn’t mine, which was noticeable. I’d recommend a final check during cleaning to ...
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Medical Center Hotel & Suites
The checkin was excellent - Jaysi was very helpful and professional. The staff in the restaurant were friendly and helpful. The room was clean and neeat; however, the sheet and blanket were tucked intoo far down for it to even reach our lower necks. The shuttle driver was great.
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around South Central Houston
Greater Third Ward
If you're spending time in Greater Third Ward, check out sights like Carl Lewis International Track and Field Complex or Fertitta Center and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Elgin/Third Ward Station or TSU/UH Athletics District Station.
Midtown
Midtown is well liked for its restaurants and live music. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Houston Fire Museum and Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at McGowen Station or Ensemble/HCC Station to get around.
East Downtown Houston
The restaurants and live music are just a few things visitors like about East Downtown Houston. Shell Energy Stadium and Giant Beatles Statues are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Leeland/Third Ward Station or EaDo/Stadium Station to get around the larger area.
Museum District
Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Museum District. Top attractions like Children's Museum of Houston and Houston Natural Science Museum are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Museum District Station or Hermann Park/Rice U Station to see more of the city.
Houston Central Business District
If you're spending time in Houston Central Business District, check out sights like Toyota Center or House of Blues Houston and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bell Station or Downtown Transit Center Station.
Downtown Houston
Gourmet restaurants acclaimed theatres and top sights from Toyota Center to Daikin Park – discover Downtown Houston, a destination also famous for its sports teams.
