MAIN Travel Houston Downtown Houston TX

Of course you know that everything in Texas is supersized. The best barbecue, the best living -- the biggest and best of just about anything is found in Texas. If you doubt that, just stop any Texan and they'll be happy to explain why that's true.

Downtown Houston
One of the largest skylines in the country, downtown Houston is justifiably proud of its world-renowned, stunning mix of post-modern, art deco and Italian renaissance architecture by world class award winning architects.

Built to impress, the sparkling, sky reflecting towers succeed beyond imagination. JP Morgan Chase Tower may not be the tallest building west of the Mississippi anymore, but with it's 75 stories it is still the tallest 5 sided building in the world.

Yes, the skyline is amazing, but the breath taking downtown Houston skyline is only the most obvious asset you'll see on a walking tour of the downtown area.

Standing next to the skyline district you'll find a comfortable historic district, big time shopping district, Houston's Downtown Aquarium, and a world class theater district, but don't forget that you're in Houston, Texas -- the Cowboy Capital of the World.

You can see the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo -- one of the best, largest and richest rodeos in the country one day and go to the opera the next!

Need more? Houston's ready!

Downtown has the Major League Baseball Houston Astros playing baseball at Minute Maid Park (aka. The Ballpark at Union Station (BUS), Enron Field, Astros Field and The Juice Box).

When the stadium opened in 2000 the retractable roof was an amazing feature. On a hot Texas summer day, many still feel that way!

The entrance to the ball park was once Houston's Union Station. The doorway and historic lobby were renovated and included in the final version of the stadium. The train motif is carried through to the orange filled engine that chugs along a track on top of the wall, behind left field, whenever an Astros player hits a home run or when the home team wins. It may be Minute Maid Stadium today, but Union Station will always be more than just a memory here.

Stop in at Irma's for breakfast or lunch for an authentic old time Houston Southwest Tex/Mex dining experience. If it's a game day they open three hours before the first pitch. Reservations are recommended. On non game days Irma's closes after lunch.

Houston's downtown is a complete experience with squat early buildings sitting next to towering skyscrapers. Office space and entertainment are the prime focus, but there are plenty of people who love the city buzz and enjoy living in the hub.

The Historic District
Adjacent to downtown Houston's skyline is the answer for locals who want the fun of Downtown with the comforts of neighborhood living. Residential properties, restaurants and friendly bars make this a top hangout spot for locals.

Post Rice Lofts, the old Rice Hotel, is located where the the Historic District connects to the Ballpark and Theater Districts. You'll find some good eating and enough variety to please any taste buds. Locals take advantage of the food offerings here to catch a meal before seeing an Astros game or a hit play.

The Theater District
It's home to ballet, opera, theater, comedies, and music concerts. There is even a Theatre Under the Stars. The Houston Symphony, the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Ballet may be away performing in other parts of the world during your visit, but if you can catch a performance you'll understand why they draw awards and applause from around the globe.

The premier showcase for drama is the Alley Theater. The company began performing back in the 1940s and moved to the permanent home in 1968. There are too many other theaters and performance spaces in downtown Houston to list every one. Stop in at the Houston Visitor Center at Tranquility Park to get the most up to date information on what to see during your visit.

More about downtown Houston around the Web:

Check out the spectacular views, places to eat, things to do and just about anything Houston related at these top sites:

Houston 713 My Area Network - Food, museums, daily specials (like where to get a $2 beer), upcoming events, resources and tips for locals or tourists to get the most out of every day in downtown Houston.

Destination 360 Downtown Houston - Good resources in a concise format. Cool virtual tour is not interactive but gives you a quick spin around the downtown area.

CultureMap Houston - Don't cringe. The culture covered here ranges from fine arts to the donut wars caused by Dunkin' Donuts moving into Shipley territory. If you want to get a real feel for Houston, check out the articles.