Where to Stay in Houston First Time: 9 Best Areas & Safety

In this post, I will help you to find Where to stay in Houston first time, best areas to stay in Houston for first-time tourists (with a map and video), best hotels in Houston for all budgets (including the hotels where I stayed), and safest places to stay in Houston.

Settled in 1837 by Sam Houston, Houston – the world capital of space exploration, currently has a population of more than 2.3 million people, making it the largest city in Texas and the 4th largest in the entire United States. Covering the second most land of any city in the contiguous US, filled with everything from businesses and commerce to parks and attractions.

Houston is overall safe for tourist, but as in any big city, you should be aware of surrounding and use common sense. You should also stick into the tourist areas. Downtown and Uptown are some of the safest neighborhoods in Houston for tourist.

Where to Stay in Houston, TX?

The best areas to stay in Houston for first-time visitors are Downtown Houston, Galleria/ Uptown, Museum District, Northwest Houston, Energy Corridor, and Westchase.

Downtown Houston is the overall best area to stay in Houston for first-time tourists due to its proximity to the city’s attractions and many choices in accommodations. It has highest concentrations of attractions, restaurants, bars, shops, and sports venues.

Downtown is one of the best areas to stay in Houston without a car due to its central location, walkability, and well-connected transportation. The MetroRail Red Line has trains to major attractions such as the Museum District, Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, and NRG Stadium.

Additionally, The Galleria is easily reachable from downtown for shopping and dining by local buses as well as ridesharing services such as Uber, and Lyft.

Meanwhile, Galleria – Uptown is almost certainly the place to stay in Houston for shopping, as it features the largest mall in Texas and one of the largest in the entire country.

Galleria is better than Downtown if you want a trip filled with shopping and browsing at one of America’s largest malls. However, for almost everyone else, I would recommend Downtown as a much better option.

Where did I stay in Houston?

When I first visited Houston, I stayed for 3 nights in Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown. It is a 4-star mid-range hotel located within a short distance from major sights and restaurants. My room was very nice, close to Minute Maid Park.

💖 Best Area for first-timers:Downtown Houston
💎 Best luxury hotel:JW Marriott Houston Downtown 
🏨 Best mid-range hotel:Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center 
💰 Best budget hotel:Hampton Inn Houston Downtown

Map of Best Areas and neighborhoods to Stay in Houston:

Map of Best Areas where to Stay in Houston
Map of Best Areas where to Stay in Houston

9 Best Areas to Stay in Houston for first-timers and visitors

1. Downtown Houston

Downtown, where to stay in Houston for first time tourists
Downtown Houston

Downtown, is without doubt, the best area to stay in Houston for first-timer. Downtown is the most convenient location and it is the heart of the city. It is packed with businesses, attractions, and amenities, which make it a popular destination with both tourists and local residents alike.

Downtown is a commercial area and business center of Houston with skyscrapers, high-quality accommodations, well-connected transport, and the best area for business travelers, first-time tourists, as well as for those travel without a car.

Skyscrapers have a diverse mix of art deco, post-modern and Italian renaissance. Most of the buildings in the Skyline District are linked by the six miles long Pedestrian Tunnel and Skywalk System.

Malls such as Discovery Green and the Houston Centre, as well as the Houston Downtown Tunnel System, are filled with shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes, catering to customers of all different tastes and budgets.

Green spaces are also abundant. There are Market Square Park (former City Hall), Discovery Green, Sam Houston Park, White Oak Bayou Greenway, Sesquicentennial Park, Allen’s Landing Park, Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, great spots for outdoor activities and relaxing.

There is a similar level of choice when it comes to hotels as well, with everything from major chains and boutique hotels to privately owned apartments and guesthouses, ensuring everyone will be able to find a place to stay.

In terms of specific attractions, two of the most popular things people visit the area for are a pair of sports venues, Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center, home to the MLB’s Houston Astros and the NBA’s Houston Rockets, respectively.

This makes it an ideal location for anyone coming to see a game or attend any of the other events that are frequently held at the two venues.

You also have one of the largest Theater Districts in the country, and one of only 5 that features permanent professional companies in all of the major performing arts disciplines, ballet, music, opera, and theatre.

Anyone who wants to catch a show during their vacation will simply be spoilt for choice in this part of the city.

You will find Downtown’s premier theater venues like Society for the Performing Arts, Theater Under the Stars, Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Wortham Theater, and Houston Symphony.

In the heart of the Theater District, you can also enjoy dining and entertainment at Bayou Place which is home to Revention Music Center, as well as The Ballroom at Bayou Place; AMC Houston 8; and the family-friendly location of the Downtown Aquarium.

You even have the George R. Brown Convention Center. Covering 1.8 million square feet, it hosts all manner of conventions and events throughout the year, making it a popular destination with people traveling for both business and pleasure.

The Downtown Civic Center is the core of Houston’s government where you can find City Hall, Hermann Square, Houston Public Library’s Central Library, Texas Room, and Heritage Society.

Art lovers will love to explore Avenida Houston for vibrant street art, “Houston Is Inspired Mural”, and Art Blocks at Main Street for works of national and international artists.

Within walking distance from Downtown is EaDo (formerly Old Chinatown), home to many sporting events and concerts. It’s packed with good bars and restaurants, best for a festive time.

Other attractions are the Holcombe Civic Center, the Oscar F, the JP Morgan Chase Tower which is one of the tallest buildings west of the Mississippi, the One Shell Plaza, the Houston Tunnel System.

Downtown is severed by Amtrak Station, Greyhound bus terminal, and all three lines of the METRORail system. With its well-connected public transport, Downtown is the best area to stay in Houston without a car.

Downtown Houston has plenty of accommodations that suits all kind of travelers from budget guest houses, apartments, B&B to luxury hotels with all the facilities such as on-site bars, restaurants, fitness centers, spas.

Stay in Downtown Houston if you travel without a car; you want a super central locatin; you are first-timer; you want to stay in a safe neighborhood.

Best Places to Stay in Houston Downtown:

luxury ($$$): JW Marriott Houston Downtown, 5-star hotel is located in downtown Houston. it has an on-site restaurant, a private car parking, in-house bar, and a fitness centre. All guest rooms are come with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, air conditioning free wifi, and a wardrobe.

Mid-range ($$): Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center Located in Downtown, this 4-star hotel has a restaurant, free bikes, a fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk, and an on-site private car parking. You will be close to Minute Maid Park, Wortham Center and Alley Theater.

budget ($): Hampton Inn Houston Downtown, 3-star hotel located in the heart of downtown. It has a fitness centre, private car parking, a shared lounge. American breakfast is served daily.

2. Galleria – Uptown

Galleria–Uptown along with downtown is the best place to stay in Houston. Galleria is better than downtown if you are looking for an exclusive area with more upscale shopping, fine dining, and luxury hotels.

The Galleria–Uptown section of Houston is the primary business district in the city. With more than 23.6 million square feet of office space, containing more than 2000 companies, it is the 17th largest business district in the whole United States and represents more than 11% of the entire office space in the city.

Galleria Houston is set in the corner of Westheimer Rd and Post Oak Blvd and is the most exclusive and premier shopping district. In addition, numerous radio stations and consulates for 16 different countries are also based here. This means it is a location constantly full of people traveling around the world to do business.

While this may not sound like the most inviting destination for tourists, it is the Galleria side of the district that could make it worthwhile. The Galleria Mall is the largest mall in Texas and the 18th largest in the united states, covering more than 3 million square feet of land, that houses 400 different stores.

With everything from department stores and high-end outlets to small boutiques and eateries, it is a fabulous destination for anyone who wants to indulge in a little retail therapy while they are away.

Other great places for shopping are the open-air shopping of Uptown Park just north of Post Oak Boulevard and the Highland Village for Houston’s most distinctive dining establishments and high-end shopping;

While the galleria is certainly the main attraction in the district, it certainly isn’t the only thing that will appeal to tourists in Uptown. You have a number of small parks that are great for when you want to relax outdoors for a while, and there are also a variety of buildings with varying different architectural styles, which could be of great interest to fans of history and art.

Galleria – Uptown is also close to The Memorial Park, the largest urban park in Texas, with many trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking. There is also a Texas’ top-rated municipal 18-hole golf course, and the Houston Nature Center and Arboretum.

Galleria – Uptown offers a wide range of accommodation options that suit all budgets, from hostels to luxury hotels.

Stay in Galleria – Uptown if you are traveling to do business with one of the many, many corporations in the area; you want to go shopping at the Galleria; you want to stay in the exclusive area with great nightlife, luxury hotels, and high-end restaurants; you want to stay in a safe area.

Best Places to stay in Galleria – Uptown:

luxury ($$$): The Post Oak Hotel This 5-star hotel is located only 1.6 km from The Galleria. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and private car parking. Each guest room has a desk, a seating area, a marble bathroom, premium bar, and coffee makers.

mid-range ($$): Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria Located only 10 minutes’ walk from the Galleria shopping center, this 4-star hotel has outdoor swimming pool, car parking, 24-hour business centre, and an on-site Ara restaurant.

budget ($): Courtyard by Marriott Houston Galleria Located near Galleria shopping center, this 3-star hotel provides modern rooms, an indoor swimming pool, The Bistro, and a car parking.

See more:

3. Museum District

Museum District, where to stay in Houston with family

The Museum District is one of the famous cultural districts in the United States, is situated near Rice University and Texas Medical Center. Museum District is great for those who looking for where to stay in Houston for family. It has plenty of activities for kids to entertain.

Museum District is home to an organization of 20 museums, galleries, cultural centers, and community organizations. It can be reached by METRORail.

Some of the highlight museums are the National Museum of Funeral History, the Holocaust Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Health Museum.

The kids will want to visit the Children’s Museum, Peggy Park, the Houston Zoo, Hermann Park. Hermann Park is an amusement park with an assortment of entertainment: Hermann Park Golf Course, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Japanese Garden, and picnic spaces.

Within a short hop from the Museum District, you will find Montrose. Montrose is a hip and vibrant neighborhood, popular with college students. Montrose has a great nightlife with plenty of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

In Montrose, you can see Menil Collection, Buffalo Bayou Park, and Cipher Escape Rooms.

Medical Centre is a district that gets its name from the primary type of business located in the area, that being medical institutions, which is something the neighborhood features more than 60 of.

The industry is so abundant here that they even have their own orchestra, the Texas Medical Center Orchestra, which is one of the only ones of its kind in the world.

With 21 hospitals (which includes the world largest cancer hospital, as well as the world’s largest children’s hospital), 8 specialty institutions, 8 academic and research institutions, 7 nursing schools, 4 medical schools, 3 public health organizations, 2 pharmacy schools, and a dental school, people come from far and wide to be treated for all manner of conditions, from your everyday illnesses to more rare and unique diseases.

Medical Centre also boasts the NRG Stadium (formerly Reliant Stadium), which is home to the NFL’s Houston Texans.

There are a wide range of accommodation options around the Medical centre, mostly mid-range hotels like 3-star and 4-star.

Stay in Museum District if you like museums, you’re traveling with family; you want to visit the Houston Zoo; you want to see an NFL game, or are attending another event at NRG Stadium.

Best places to stay in Museum District:

4. Northwest Houston

Northwest Houston is a region of the city made up of a number of smaller districts and neighborhoods. A primarily residential part of the city, it features a number of smaller businesses, companies, and institutions, which don’t rely on the heavy foot traffic of Downtown Houston.

While this may not sound like a destination well suited for tourists, it does have one aspect that separates it from other parts of the city, which is the diverse mix of cultures of the people that live here.

That’s because Northwest Houston features perhaps the largest population of Hispanic and Korean American residents in the country.

The Koreatown section of the area features a large Super H Mart supermarket, numerous Korean restaurants, and a Korean bookstore, newsstand, furniture store, pharmacy, optical shop, and travel agents.

The Hispanic side of the district features many of the same amenities, plus the headquarters of the popular La Michoacana Meat Market. This makes it a great choice for anyone who is feeling a little homesick, or those who love to try and experience as many different cultures as possible.

On top of that, there is also a part of the area known as “thrift store nirvana”, which is ideal for people shopping for bargains. There are even numerous parks and areas for outdoor recreation, making it equally perfect for those who want to get a break from the city for a while as well.

More highlights are the Karts circuit, Terry Hershey Park. You can choose to stay in budget-friendly motels, apartments, and B&B.

Stay in Northwest Houston if you are traveling on budget; you prefer to stay in a more residential area with a local vibe, close to the Karts circuit and the Terry Hershey Park; you want to visit the heavily Korean and Hispanic parts of the city; you like a range of parks and areas for outdoor recreation in your destination; you enjoy shopping in thrift stores.

Best places to stay in Northwest Houston:

3. Greenway Plaza and Upper Kirby

Our next district is one that combines the two neighborhoods of Greenway Plaza and Upper Kirby, to form one larger area that is known as both a business and commercial district.

We begin on the Greenway Plaza side, which is the part of the district primarily comprising offices and large businesses. There are also a number of eateries in the area, but they predominantly consist of fast food, designed to cater to the workers commuting in and out of the area.

There is one well-known attraction in Greenway Plaza, which is Lakewood Church. The former home of the Houston Rockets, this 16,800-seater area has the largest congregation in the United States, presided over by controversial senior pastor Joel Osteen.

While not for everyone, many people will at the very least be interested to see what one of the so-called “mega-churches” looks like in person.

The Upper Kirby side of the district tends to be the area where more visitors tend to go if they want to stay here. With numerous shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as parks and open spaces, it is an area where you can enjoy a relaxing break with all the conveniences of the city, yet without a lot of the crowding that you will find downtown.

Upper Kirby is also close to the nightlife area of Montrose and River Oaks neighborhood where you can find River Oaks Park, Homewood Park, Ella Lee Park, Del Monte Park.

Greenway Plaza has plenty of tradition 3-star hotels and Bed & Breakfast with basic facilities such as air-conditioning rooms, free wifii, satellite flat screen TV, coffee /tea maker, and private bathrooms.

Stay in Greenway Plaza – Upper Kirby if you want to attend a sermon at Lakewood Church; you like a great range of shops, bars, and restaurants; you are doing business with one of the corporations located in Greenway Plaza.

Best Places to Stay in Greenway Plaza – Upper Kirby:

4. Westchase

Westchase is a district located in the western part of the city, which is known primarily as a business district. More than 1500 businesses are located within the district, a number of which are headquartered here, and many of them revolve around the petroleum industry, of which Houston is considered a major capital of.

It is also the location of a number of diplomatic missions, with the consulates of Costa Rica, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia all located here. This further enhances its reputation as a popular destination for those traveling on business.

Despite this reputation, there are a number of attractions here for tourists as well. For starters, you have the Nippan Daido, one of the only Japanese markets in Houston and by far the largest.

This is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to pick up Japanese foods and goods, as well as a place for Japanese tourists to pick up some home comforts while they are away.

You also have the Brays Bayou, a slow-moving river that runs for 31 miles. While not as wild and abundant with nature as some of the other bayous further out of the city, it is still a great place to take a walk and get out of the heavily built-up city center for a while.

On top of all of that, the hotel industry in the area has hit a boom period in the last few years, with an expansion of 9%. This means there are plenty of options to choose from, with everything from cheaper motels to high-end hotels, such as a Marriott and a Hilton.

Stay in Westchase if you are coming to do business with any of the corporations located here; you want a great range of hotels to choose from; you are working on a diplomatic mission for one of the consulates in the area; you want to visit Houston’s largest Japanese market; you want to take a stroll along the banks of the Brays Bayou.

Best places to stay in Westchase:

5. Energy Corridor

The Energy Corridor is immediate to the north of Westchase and is very similar in a number of ways, as another district that heavily focuses on business. Many of the same types of businesses located in Westchase, such as petroleum and car producers, are again located here.

However, it is energy providers that make up the bulk of the industry in this district, which is how the area got its name.

However, where it differs from Westchase is that the Energy Corridor is also a location known for its parks and other locations designed for outdoor recreational use. Most of these lines the edges of the Buffalo Bayou and have a secondary purpose of being a major factor for dealing with flood control.

Terry Hershey Park runs for 6 miles along the edge of the bayou, with a network of trails that are popular with hikers and cyclists, as well as a number of geocachers.

George Bush Park covers 7,800 acres around the Barker Reservoir, where facilities like hiking and cycling trails, soccer and baseball fields, a shooting range, and a dog park make it a popular destination with a wide range of people. 

Bear Creek Pioneers Park covers 2,154 acres surrounding the Addicks Reservoir and contains walking and equestrian trails, a zoo, an aviary, a playground, a soccer field, little league, and softball fields, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, horseshoe courts, and a World War 1 memorial, as well as numerous wildlife habitats, ponds, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and public restrooms.

You even have the much smaller Ray Miller Neighbourhood park and the Energy Corridor Cricket Club.

With more than 26,000 acres of outdoor space, Energy Corridor is a perfect choice for anyone who loves the city but also wants the ability to get away from it all and relax from time to time.

Stay in Energy Corridor if you are doing business with one of the companies in the area; you love a range of parks and outdoor recreational areas in your destination.

Best places to stay in Energy Corridor:

8. George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Kingwood Houston

The main airport in Houston is located away from the central section of the city. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is located far north of the metropolitan area between Kingwood and Lake Houston.

While there aren’t a huge number of things to see in the area around the airport, there are a great range of hotels available. With everything from cheap motels to high-end hotels, there will be something available to suit you, whatever your taste or budget may be.

This means it is a great place to stay for anyone who prioritizes staying near the airport while they are away, whether you are stopping on a layover, worried about missing your flight, don’t want to drag your luggage all over town or for any other reason that you may have.

The district of Kingwood is known as the “liveable forest” and contains a number of small villages, located within the pine forests on the outskirts of the city. Meanwhile, Lake Houston is a reservoir covering almost 12,000 acres.

Surrounded by cabins and abundant with fish, it is a popular location for fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, hiking, and biking.

Another added bonus is that being so removed from the center of the city, means the roads are considerably less congested. This is perfect for anyone planning to explore the area by car.

Best places to stay near Houston Airport:

9. NASA Johnson Space Center/ Clear Lake City

NASA Johnson Space Center is a great place to see if you’re traveling to Houston with kids. The most popular attraction in Space Center Houston is the NASA Tram Tour.

This is your chance to go on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and get a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration. 

JSC tour, you will get to visit  George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park, Apollo 13 bronze statue, Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9, and Apollo Mission Control Center.

NASA Johnson Space Center is set in Bay Area Houston which is 15 miles from Hobby Airport, and between Houston and Galveston.

The Bay Area Houston encompasses four cities along the coast of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake including Nassau Bay, Kemah, League City, and Seabrook.

Clear Lake is a great place to do water sports, fishing, and dolphin watching from a sailboat. The waterfront pomade of Kemah Boardwalk has many seafood restaurants, amusements, shops, festivals, and events year-round.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail offers an ecotourism haven. With long miles hike and bike trails in Seabrook, the Nassau Peninsula conservation, the Clear Creek Nature Center, and Armand Bayou Nature Center – Bay Area Houston.

Being located far away from Downtown Houston, you will have plenty of affordable accommodations, a very good spot for budget travelers.

Best places in NASA Johnson Space Center and Clear Lake City:

Where should I stay in Houston for the first time?

Downtown Houston is the best place to stay in Houston for first-time travelers due to its prime location. If you stay here, you will be located in the heart of the city, within easy access to attractions, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops.

What are the best areas to stay in Houston?

Downtown, Galleria, Museum District, Northwest Houston, Energy Corridor, and Westchase are the best areas to stay in Houston because they are the most popular areas for tourists that offer a wide range of attractions and amenities.

Where is the safest place to stay in Houston?

Downtown and Uptown are some of the safest neighborhoods in Houston for tourists. It’s best to always practice common sense and be aware of petty crimes like pickpockets and scams.

Where not to stay in Houston?

You should avoid Sunnyside, MacGregor, Greenspoint, and Sharpstown because they have high crime rates. Downtown Houston is safe for tourists to book a stay.

Is it better to stay Downtown Houston or Galleria?

Downtown Houston is the best place to stay in Houston for first-time visitors and for those on a short visit. Galleria is better choice if you want an exclusive area with more upscale shopping, fine dining, and luxury hotels.

Anyone who only has a single night at their destination is going to want to fit as much as they can into their visit. With bars, shops, restaurants, and multiple arenas, sports venues, and attractions, Downtown Houston easily have the most to offer for a short visit to the city.

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In conclusion, Downtown, Galleria, Museum District, Northwest Houston, Energy Corridor, and Westchase are the best places to stay in Houston for visitors and first-time travelers. They offer plenty of things to do and see for all travelers.

Overall, Downtown is the best area to stay in Houston for tourist, especially for first-timers due to its central location and its high concentration of accommodations for all budget travelers. It is the heart of the city, offering easiest access to major attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

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