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Reesa Rei

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The Ultimate Downtown Houston Local’s Guide

This post is in sponsorship with Stay Alfred. All opinions are my own.

Although I was born and raised in Houston, I’ve never claimed to know my city. Houston has grown at such a rapid rate, it’s impossible to keep up with the ebbs and flows of all it’s changes with a routinely lifestyle. Because I frequently travel, the changes in Houston are noticeable to me every time I come back home. One area that has made the most drastic improvements is Downtown Houston.

Even within the past 3 years, Downtown Houston has so much to offer! From its restaurants to the huge amount of entertainment happening each night, there is something for anyone. Every time I return from a trip, I love revisiting downtown and enjoying the new places to check out. Here’s what you need to know about traveling in Downtown Houston.

 

The Ultimate Downtown Houston Local’s Guide

 
 
 
 
 
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Where to Stay

If you want to have a local’s experience while you’re in Downtown Houston, I highly recommend Stay Alfred! After staying with Stay Alfred’s travel apartments in a variety of cities, I knew that experiencing Downtown Houston in one of their travel apartments would be a high-class, affordable experience. Their property located in Caroline is the perfect place to really get a true sense of the downtown area! Not only is it right across from the metro train system, it is also walking distance to so many stadiums and parks in Houston. If you’re a big fan of the Houston Rockets, Astros, or Dynamo team, can easily walk to see a sports game at the Toyota Center or take quick drive to Minute Maid Park and BBVA Compass Stadium.

The travel apartment includes a full kitchen, living room space, washer, dryer, walk-in closet, full-sized bathroom, and balcony area! If you prefer to relax, the property has enough amenities that will make you comfortable during your entire stay. Plus, the apartment complex had an outdoor pool, lounge area, and 24 hour fitness gym. It felt amazing to wake up and know that I can make my own breakfast in an open kitchen, dress up in my walk-in closet, and enjoy the scenic city views from my balcony; that experience alone is what made my staycation extra special. Best part? Booking the Stay Alfred Houston property in Caroline only costs $72/per night. See more of Stay Alfred’s Houston properties here. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Where to Eat

If you enjoy dining out, there are plenty of options in Houston! While Texas is known for their BBQ, Tex-Mex, and chili, you will quickly learn that there are a wide variety of food cuisines to try. Houston’s growing diverse population also reflects the new and upcoming restaurants that are opening every weekend in the city – it’s hard to keep up with trying every dish! For me, I am obsessed with the hole-in-the-wall type of restaurants that are underrated vs the popular food spots. However, Downtown Houston really has something for everyone. Here are my top favorite downtown restaurants:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

I share more Houston restaurants here.

Houston Park

Where to Enjoy the Outdoors

While Downtown Houston isn’t the most nature-esque place in Texas, I do believe that you’ll find some of the best parks in the state. Every time I travel away, I do miss the charming parks that are from Houston. Each park in the area has historical significance that I believe it’s worth the time to check at least of our parks out. Plus, they all have astounding, one-of-a-kind views of the city skyline. The parks in downtown are great for strolling, working out, or picture-taking. The downtown parks in Houston are one of the best places to see for free! Here are my top personal favorite parks in Downtown Houston:

  • Discovery Green: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010 (perfect for families, dogs, and accessible to convention center)
  • Market Square Park: 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002 (close to bars, metro train station, and hosts free social events) 
  • Sesquicentennial Park: 400 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002 (perfect for biking/walking, near theater district, great views)
  • Hermann Square: 900 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002 (close to City Hall)
  • Sam Houston Park: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 (lots of historical significance, great for walking)

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Where to Take Photos

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, everyone enjoys taking photos in Houston! The city has an growing amount of mural and art installations that you can’t help but bring your camera! I always get questions about Instagram worthy spots in Houston, and it’s not surprising at all! I think that Houston has one of the best art scenes in the US. Here are the best Downtown Houston art spots to check out:

  • 100 Block of Main (as pictured): 100 Main St Houston, TX 77002
  • Houston Is Inspired Mural: 313 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
  • Downtown Houston Pandr Murals: 1301 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
  • Houston Graffiti Building: 1503 Chartres St, Houston, TX 77003
  • Art Blocks Art Installations: Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Have you visited any of the spots I’ve mentioned about Houston? Let people know your experience in the comments below! I want to say thanks to Stay Alfred again for sponsoring this post! If you enjoy my guide, make sure to regularly check out my blog for more of my travel updates here. Until next time!

Stay Alfred, Downtown Houston, Reesa Rei, The Ultimate Downtown Houston Guide

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