Downtown and Museum District
Downtown. Quite simply, it's the heart of the city. Whereas ten years ago it seemed totally dead and unsafe after dark, it has transformed itself into a very pleasant neighborhood, especially at night, when the bars, theaters of the Theater District and the Toyota Center come alive with basketball games, concerts and other festivities. The district is bounded by I-10, I-45 and 59. Beware: during the day, as in many American downtowns, the homeless roam the streets aimlessly... No real danger if you remain vigilant and attentive to your surroundings.
Museum District. As its name suggests, this district is home to numerous museums. Not only is it Houston's cultural center, it's also its green lung, thanks to the very pleasant Hermann Park, located to the southwest of the area, which includes a zoo and Japanese gardens. On the other hand, it's not the best place to eat or stay. The Museum District is located south of Downtown, easily accessible via the city's only tramway.
Midtown and the West
Midtown. This zone encompasses the streets between Downtown, to the northeast, and Montrose, to the west. It's also known as Neartown. Houston is so spread out that it has several centers; Midtown is the gateway to the west.
Montrose. Built in 1911, Montrose established itself early on as Houston's hype district, where you don't do anything like elsewhere. Eccentricity is the order of the day. Lovers of fine dining, art galleries and small boutiques with a distinct character will be delighted. Sociologically speaking, this is where Houston's Hispanic and gay communities have taken refuge. Montrose is located west of Midtown.
River Oaks. For a glimpse of the American dream, head to River Oaks, Houston's most upscale neighborhood, west of Montrose. The average house here is 330m2. Once the home of oil tycoons, River Oaks is now also home to lawyers, doctors and entrepreneurs. With its wide avenues lined with century-old oaks, dogwalkers and housewives, it looks like a movie set.
Uptown. West of River Oaks lies Uptown, Houston's other famous neighborhood. With more than a thousand stores, it's overrun by shopping enthusiasts who flock to the huge malls, including The Galleria, which welcomes more than 30 million visitors every year.
The Heigths. This district dates back to the late 19th century and is the city's historic hub. A residential area for the wealthy, The Heights has preserved its authentic character. The stores in the area cater primarily to a wealthy clientele, but a stroll through the shady streets, among the century-old trees, is well worth the detour. In addition to its splendid Victorian houses, The Heights is also worth a visit for its excellent restaurants and bars, located on and around Washington Avenue.
Rice Village. Located around Rice University, west of Hermann Park, this restaurant and boutique district is a more chic version of trendy Montrose. Here you'll find original boutiques and excellent restaurants, all with a village atmosphere. Rice Village encompasses Rice Boulevard, University Boulevard and the southern portion of Kirby Drive.
West University. Following on from Rice Village is West University Place, or West U to its friends. It's actually a city of 14,000 inhabitants, with its own local government, integrated into the heart of Houston. Here, everything is organized for academics and students. Weslayan Street, the district's western boundary, is home to numerous bars.
Chinatown. To the west of these two districts lies Houston's Chinese community, one of the fastest-growing in the city. Locals joke that this is due to the presence of China's top basketball player, Yao Ming, in the ranks of the city's professional team, the Houston Rockets, until 2011. Still, this neighborhood, built in 1965, is the ideal place to sample Oriental cuisine. Houston has the second-largest Asian community in the United States (behind Los Angeles). In fact, the city has not one but two Chinatowns, where some 80 languages are spoken. The first and oldest is located to the east of Downtown, while the second, much larger Chinatown (the one we're referring to) is to the southwest of the city. Bellaire Boulevard runs through it.
