Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote articles about staying in Houston without a car and for families (I will put the links to them at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the safe places to stay in Houston for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safe areas to stay in Houston for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map and areas to avoid. I’ll also share where I stayed in Houston and recommend some of the best hotels in Houston for visitors with various budgets.
Houston is the most populous city in the state of Texas, USA. It’s known for its diverse culture, energy industry, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which is home to the Mission Control Center for the United States’ human spaceflight program.
The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous museums and galleries. The Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Menil Collection are just a few examples of the cultural institutions in the city.
Houston is home to the Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), and Houston Astros (MLB). The city also hosts major sporting events, such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The city has a variety of parks and outdoor areas, including Buffalo Bayou Park, Hermann Park, and Memorial Park. These green spaces offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
It is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas Southern University.
Is Houston safe to visit?
Yes, Houston is generally considered safe to visit. Like any major city, it has areas with varying levels of safety, but the majority of popular tourist destinations are safe for travelers.
But, as you would when traveling to any city, it’s advisable to exercise caution, stick to tourist areas, avoid dark alleys at night, avoid displaying valuables, and be aware of your surroundings.
Where to stay in Houston for the first time?
The best and safe areas to stay in Houston for first-timers and tourists include Downtown Houston, Uptown/Galleria, Museum District, NASA Johnson Space Center, and Northwest Houston/ Energy Corridor.
These areas have their own appeal, and safety concerns are usually manageable if you take common-sense precautions.
Downtown is the best area for first-timers who want to be at the heart of the action and explore Houston’s urban core. On other hand, The Galleria/Uptown is an excellent choice for travelers who want to spend a significant amount of time exploring the mall, enjoy shopping and dining.
If you prefer a more relaxed and museum-centric experience, the Museum District/Medical Center is a great choice. If you’re a space enthusiast, consider staying near the NASA Johnson Space Center. Business travelers may find the Energy Corridor/Northwest Houston area convenient.
These areas have a wide variety of accommodations, so you’ll have plenty of choices to choose from. Other areas such as Montrose, Midtown, River Oaks, Greenway Plaza/Upper Kirby are also popular but they have very limited hotel choices, so I suggest just going there for a visit if you have time.
On my trip to Houston, I stayed in Downtown Houston at the 3-star Holiday Inn Houston Downtown, an IHG Hotel located on Main Street. It is a great hotel in a safe, secure building, a short walk/ Uber ride to major attractions, as well as many restaurants, and shops.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Houston for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Houston, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Houston have been carefully selected by me, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Safe areas to stay in Houston for first-timers and tourists:
1. Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston is one of the most popular areas to stay in Houston for first-time visitors looking to explore the heart of the city and its major attractions. Downtown Houston offers a vibrant and dynamic urban environment with plenty of things to see and do.
Downtown is home to many of Houston’s iconic landmarks, including Discovery Green, a beautiful urban park with events and activities year-round.
You’ll be near Minute Maid Park, where you can catch a Houston Astros baseball game, and the Toyota Center for Houston Rockets basketball games and concerts.
The Theater District is also located Downtown, offering numerous theaters, opera houses, and performance venues.
Downtown Houston boasts a thriving dining scene with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can find cuisine from all over the world, from Tex-Mex to fine dining. The area also offers a lively nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and entertainment venues that come to life after dark.
The historic district of Market Square Park is worth a visit, with its restaurants and outdoor art installations.
Downtown is well-connected to other parts of Houston by public transportation like METRORail and buses, making it easy to explore the city, even without a car. Houston Zoo and the Museum District are just a short drive away.
Downtown Houston offers the highest concentration of accommodation options, so you’ll have plenty of choices to choose from to suit your budget and preferences.
Best places to stay in Downtown Houston for first-timers:
- Luxury ($$$): JW Marriott Houston Downtown, great 5-star hotel, centrally located in Downtown Houston, a short walk from Alley Theater, Theatre District Houston, Wortham Center, as well as Downtown Aquarium, Minute Maid Park, Discovery Green Park. It offers free shuttle service, Good breakfast, and family rooms.
- Mid-range ($$): AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown, 4-star hotel with secure entrance, located in the heart of Downtown Houston, a short distance from Houston Toyota Center and BBVA Stadium – Houston Dynamo.
- Budget ($): Holiday Inn Houston Downtown, an IHG Hotel, popular 3-star hotel in Central Houston, offering 24-hour front desk and private parking for those who drive.
2. Galleria/ Uptown
Galleria/Uptown is a popular base in Houston, particularly for visitors who enjoy shopping, dining, and a bustling urban environment.
The Galleria is one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, featuring over 375 stores, including high-end luxury brands, department stores, and boutique shops. It’s a shopper’s paradise.
The Galleria/Uptown area is known for its diverse dining scene. You’ll find a wide range of restaurants, from upscale steakhouses to international cuisine and casual eateries.
The area offers a variety of entertainment options, including theaters, cinemas, and nightlife venues. The area around The Galleria is lively, especially in the evenings.
While not as centrally located as Downtown, the Galleria/Uptown area is still relatively close to some Houston attractions, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Galleria/Uptown offers a wide range of hotels, many of which cater to business travelers and tourists alike.
Best places to stay in Houston in Galleria/ Uptown for first-timers:
- Mid-range ($$): The Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria, great 4-star safe hotel that has an outdoor rooftop pool, Free parking, and 24-hour front desk.
- Mid-range ($$): Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston Near the Galleria, popular 4-star clean comfortable hotel in a safe area in Uptown Houston, a short walk from the shops and restaurants at the Houston Galleria Shopping Center. It has an Indoor swimming pool and family rooms.
- Budget ($): Hilton Garden Inn Houston/Galleria Area, great 3-star safe hotel located within walking distance from the Galleria Shopping Mall, and a short Uber ride from major attractions and Downtown Houston.
3. Museum District/ Medical Center
Museum District/Medical Center is a great area for visitors who have an interest in culture, museums, and the medical field. It’s also well-suited for families and those seeking a quieter atmosphere and proximity to green spaces like Hermann Park.
The Museum District is home to the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and Menil Collection. It’s a haven for art and science enthusiasts.
Hermann Park, a beautiful urban park, is located in this area. It features walking trails, a golf course, a lake, and the McGovern Centennial Gardens, making it a great place for relaxation and outdoor activities.
If you’re visiting Houston for medical reasons or have an interest in healthcare, the Texas Medical Center, one of the largest medical complexes in the world, is nearby. You can explore its educational facilities and medical institutions.
The neighborhood has a more laid-back and cultural atmosphere compared to the busier downtown areas, making it a relaxing place to stay.
The Museum District is well-connected by public transportation, including METRORail, which provides easy access to other parts of the city.
Best places to stay in Museum District/ Medical Center for first-time tourists:
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District, great 4-star hotel located within a short distance from Houston Museum of Natural Sciences and Hermann Park/Rice U Station. It offers free shuttle service, free use of bicycles and car rental services.
- Mid-range ($$): Locale Medical Center – Houston, 4-star good value for money, clean, safe accommodation located close to Houston Zoo, Rice University, and Rice Stadium.
- Budget ($): Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston Medical Center, TX, 3-star good value for money, superb hotel located in the Medical Center/ Museum district of Houston, close to the zoo, museum, and aquarium.
4. NASA Johnson Space Center area
Staying near the NASA Johnson Space Center can be an exciting and unique experience, particularly if you have a strong interest in space exploration and want to explore this iconic facility.
The area offers easy access to Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. You can learn about space missions, explore interactive exhibits, and take a tram tour to see astronaut training facilities.
The Johnson Space Center area is situated along Clear Lake, providing scenic waterfront views and recreational opportunities like boating and fishing.
This area offers a more relaxed and suburban atmosphere compared to the bustling city center, making it a peaceful place to stay.
Consideration: The Space Center area is a bit farther from downtown Houston, so if you plan to explore other parts of the city frequently, you may have longer commutes.
Best places to stay in Houston in NASA Johnson Space Center area:
- Budget ($): Newly Renovated Courtyard by Marriott Houston NASA Clear Lake, 3-star good value for money hotel located in Nassau Bay, short drive from NASA Johnson Space Center.
- Budget ($): Sonesta ES Suites Houston – NASA Clear Lake, 3-star accommodation, located close to the Kemah Boardwalk and just blocks from NASA. Short drive by car from Lyndon B. Johnson Space Centre and Lake Nassau Park.
- Budget ($): Holiday Inn Express Houston Space Center-Clear Lake, an IHG Hotel, great 3-star hotel located within a 15-minute drive of the NASA Space Center. It has a daily breakfast buffet, family rooms, and a spacious outdoor pool.
5. Energy Corridor/ Northwest Houston
Energy Corridor/Northwest Houston is well-suited for business travelers, those seeking a quieter suburban environment, and visitors who plan to explore the natural beauty of Houston’s parks and outdoor areas.
The Energy Corridor is home to numerous corporate offices, especially in the energy sector. If you’re in Houston for business, staying in this area can be convenient and reduce commute times.
The Energy Corridor features several parks and green spaces, including Terry Hershey Park and George Bush Park, where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
While the dining and shopping options in the Energy Corridor may not be as extensive as in other parts of the city, you’ll still find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops to meet your needs.
The Energy Corridor is located farther from the city’s central attractions and cultural institutions, so you may have longer commutes to popular tourist destinations.
Best places to stay in Houston in Energy Corridor:
- Mid-range ($$): Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston-Energy Corridor
- Mid-range ($$): The Moran CITYCENTRE
- Budget ($): Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memorial – CityCentre, an IHG Hotel
In conclusion, Downtown Houston, Galleria/ Uptown, Museum District/ Medical Center, Energy Corridor/ Northwest Houston, and NASA Johnson Space Center area are the best places to stay in Houston for first-timers and tourists. They are safe neighborhoods with plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from.
You can continue reading about Houston in these articles:
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Houston. I hope you found my article helpful and enjoy your holiday!
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality travel guides.