Downtown Houston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Discovery Green featuring a garden, a city and street scenes
Tour the beautiful green spaces, buzzing theater district and professional sports arenas nestled beneath a dramatic cityscape of gleaming skyscrapers.

Visitors to the Bayou City flock to Downtown Houston for its varied mix of urban parks and art, culinary delights and performing arts attractions. Discover historic landmarks, museums and theaters set along walkable streets in this 400-square-block neighborhood. Cheer on some of Texas’ biggest sports teams in Downtown Houston.

The area’s parks present opportunities for both relaxation and recreation. Riverfront Allen’s Landing Park is where the city was founded. Discovery Green has kayaking, live music, public art and seasonal ice-skating. Relax at the grassy lawns and pools of Tranquility Park and follow the wide promenade of Sesquicentennial Park along the Buffalo Bayou. At Sam Houston Park, The Heritage Society has a collection of 19th-century houses.

If sports are high on the agenda, watch a Houston Astros baseball game at Minute Maid Park. The Houston Rockets play NBA basketball at the Toyota Center. Spot sharks and other sea life at Downtown Aquarium and browse exhibits on law enforcement at Houston Police Museum. Experience the city’s spiritual life at the 180-year-old Christ Church Cathedral.

Live entertainment abounds in the Houston Theater District. Among its many venues are the Alley Theater, Jones Hall for the Performing Arts and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Attend performances by the Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera at the Wortham Theater Center. Watch concerts and stand-up comedy at Revention Music Center.

Houston’s culinary scene features hundreds of dining locations, which range from hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints to Michelin-star restaurants. Find many set around Market Square Park. La Carafe occupies the city’s oldest commercial property and is said to be haunted. Delight in dozens of food, retail and nightlife options at GreenStreet mall.

Many of Downtown Houston’s attractions are within a short walk of the city’s extensive light rail system. Escape the heat and showers by using the Downtown Houston Tunnel System. This 6-mile-long (10-kilometer) system of subterranean walkways links 95 city blocks. Take time to enjoy the food courts and retail outlets along the tunnels.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Houston Hotel Deals

Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston
Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston
4 out of 5
720 Fannin Street, Houston, TX
The price is AU$186 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$186
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Houston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,633 reviews)
"The rooms were small and the toilet ran all night but know that it is a beautiful place. The staff was kind and the lobby was gorgeous."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston
The Whitehall Houston
The Whitehall Houston
4 out of 5
1700 Smith St, Houston, TX
The price is AU$257 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$257
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Houston. Enjoy free WiFi, a free area shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,023 reviews)
Superb hospitality in Houston!
"I was very happy with my stay at THE WHITEHALL, for an entire week. From Mr. Montoya's warm welcome at the front desk, to the excellent housekeepers, and the very freindly staff in the carry out restaurants on the 2nd floor (great menu too!) it was superb. My first stay, I'll be back."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

The Whitehall Houston
C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton
C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
400 Dallas St, Houston, TX
The price is AU$289 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
AU$289
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Houston. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (584 reviews)
Road trip
"It was a nice quaint getaway to visit friends and family after a long drive. We had a good night's rest."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Laura Hotel, Houston Downtown, Autograph Collection
The Laura Hotel, Houston Downtown, Autograph Collection
4.5 out of 5
1070 Dallas St, Houston, TX
The price is AU$333 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$333
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Houston. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"Amazing Stay. I loved this hotel and I felt very safe."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

The Laura Hotel, Houston Downtown, Autograph Collection
Holiday Inn Houston Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Houston Downtown, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
1616 Main St, Houston, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$286 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$286
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Houston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Room cleanliness was great. Dinorst was wonderful and left the room so neat it was a pleasure to return to it after a long day out."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

Holiday Inn Houston Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Hilton Americas-Houston
Hilton Americas-Houston
4 out of 5
1600 Lamar Street, Houston, TX
The price is AU$334 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$334
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Houston. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,075 reviews)
Nice Stay for Rockets Game
"Had an excellent stay. The staff was friendly and the hotel was very clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Hilton Americas-Houston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Houston

Houston which includes a skyscraper and a 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 Main Street Square Station.

Houston Central Business District
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Midtown

Midtown is well liked for its restaurants and live music. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston and Continental Club are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at McGowen Station or Ensemble/HCC Station to get around.

Midtown
Menil Collection featuring interior views and art

Montrose

3/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Montrose include the theatres and museums. Make a stop by Menil Collection or Buffalo Bayou Park while you're exploring the area.

Montrose
Hermann Park which includes a park and landscape views

South Central Houston

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending time in South Central Houston, check out sights like Houston Zoo or Children's Museum of Houston and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Elgin/Third Ward Station or TSU/UH Athletics District Station.

South Central Houston
Hermann Park which includes a park and landscape views

Houston Museum District

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Houston Museum District. Top attractions like Houston Zoo and Children's Museum of Houston are major draws, and you can catch the metro at M. D. Anderson Station or Museum District Station to see more of the city.

Houston Museum District
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Houston Heights

You'll enjoy the coffee shops and live music in Houston Heights. You might want to make time for a stop at The Heights Theater or Artcar Museum.

Houston Heights

Downtown Houston Travel Guide

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