“Everything is bigger in Texas”, this is quite true as there are a lot of bigger things happening in Texas nowadays particularly in Houston. Houston is the largest city in this lone star state and is rich in tradition and culture. It has a 2.2 million population according to census in 2008. The city is perhaps the major business center in Texas. There are a remarkable increase in number of tourists visiting this city for the past decade and such increase greatly benefiting the economy of the city. One of the important areas in Houston that carries all the corporate transactions of the city is the downtown Houston.
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They say that you got it all in downtown Houston. From commercial companies, loft spaces, nightspots, parks to historical landmarks, this area offers it all. It is a city within a city, microcosm. The downtown area in Houston has only 1,178 acre, a 108-square-mile area bounded by Interstate 45, U.S. Highway 59 and the Interstate 10. Although it covers such small area it generates huge commercial profit that aid Houston to developments and economic achievements. It is the key and the largest business district in this city.
Where to go in Downtown Houston?
The downtown Houston is a business district so you can usually see towering skyscrapers and competing building architectures here. Check them at night to see the breathtaking designs of lights. You can also enjoy the night here in the city’s popular bars and clubs presenting comedy shows, dance and musical shows and other entertainment acts.
Historical Landmarks in Downtown Houston
This area is rich in history. There are several historical landmarks and markers that you can find here. Among those prominent and familiar historical signs include marker commemorating the foundation Houston by the Allen brothers, marker on the Harris County Annex 2 Building indicating the site where Sam Houston lived from the years of 1837 to 1838, the Old Market Square Park, Houston Public Libraries and Houston City Hall. All these landmarks offer its own piece of history in the foundation and transformation of Houston from the ruins of Texas revolution to modern and industrialized city today.
Architecture and Engineering in Downtown Houston
One of the visible signs of progress of the city of Houston is the towering buildings with unique architecture in the bustling business district here in Downtown Houston. The area offers a great site for all major companies in the world. It has contained some of the headquarters of many prominent and bigtime companies. At night you can enjoy the lights of the skylines here. Popular towers and buildings with beautiful architecture are the One Shell Plaza, the first skyscraper here with 50-floor design, 71-floor Wells Fargo Plaza, 75-floor JP Morgan Chase Tower, Bank of America Center, Heritage Plaza, Sweeney, Coombs and Fredericks Building, The Gulf bldg, and Houston Industries Building. Local based corporation also competes very well against those huge companies.
Aside from towering skyscrapers that you can find here, Downtown Houston offers great and extensive networks of pedestrian tunnels all around the area connecting the buildings in the city. The tunnel system itself is a major work of art with defined modern architecture designs. These tunnels are home to variety of restaurants and bars offering the pedestrians and tourists plenty of food menus to choose from.
Restaurants and Bars in Downtown Houston
After a hectic day of sightseeing and visiting famous destinations in Houston, treat yourself with great food at Houston’s popular restaurants and bars. The downtown Houston itself offers variety of restaurants according to your favorite taste of food. You can see Western, Asian and Tropical menus here, famous seafood restaurants and other deli type of foods. Try visiting dining at Zula Restaurant, Gravitas Restaurant, Mai’s restaurant, Baba Yega Restaurant, Kiran’s restaurant and Houston Galleria. Enjoy the foods Houston can offer.
Nightlife in Downtown Houston
If you are looking for a cool party at night in Houston, Downtown Houston is the place to be. You can spot on several bars and clubs here. The party starts at afternoon and usually ends at 4am. Enjoy the booze and the dance floor with some of the Houston’s popular dance clubs. If you are lucky you will be able to see certain popular celebrities hanging out in some of the posh clubs here. Some of the notable bars and clubs here are La Carafe, Shadow Bar, State Bar and Lounge, 6th Street Bar and Grill, Brasil, Bronx Bar, Dark Horse tavern and Kentucky Club.
Hotel Accommodation in Downtown Houston
Whether you are here for business or for pleasure treat yourself with the city’s top hotel accommodation and stay here as if you are just at home. There are so many hotels, house rentals and condos to stay here. Most of these hotels are highly rated offering you complete accommodation services with modern amenities to enjoy. If you are looking for comfort and best deals at the same time a lot of Houston hotels to choose from. If you would stay here for quite a long period it is a good idea to get a house rental or rent a loft space in one of Downtown Houston’s condominiums. Some of the city’s popular hotels are Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, The Lancaster Houston, Houston Magnolia Hotel, Crown Plaza hotel Houston, Hotel Icon, Hotel Zaza Houston and Holiday Inn Express Hotel. These hotels are perfect to stay with because they are just located right in the heart of the downtown of the city where everything is just a walking distance.
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