Come, stay and play! As the fourth largest city in the U.S., Houston is definitely worth the visit. H-Town’s storied past and continued expansion yields a huge city dotted with intimate neighborhoods perfect for artistic, gastronomic and touristic exploration. Over the last decade, we’ve seen the popularity in home shares increase tremendously. In addition to hotels, travelers are looking to AirBNB and VRBO in search of vacation accommodations. For those heading to H-Town and interested in this fun and unique form of lodging, we’ve got a breakdown of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Houston and some great Airbnb options in the area.

An aerial image of downtown Houston overlooking the Toyota Center.
Courtesy of @rphillipsmedia on Instagram

Downtown

When someone refers to a city’s downtown, one often thinks of looming steel grey office buildings bustling with workers. However, Houston’s Downtown is so much more than just men and women heading to and from work. Our Downtown is Astro’s baseball and Rockets basketball, along with world-renowned art including the Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony and a number of performing arts groups. Downtown Houston is a living breathing district flourishing with diverse restaurants and some of the city’s best bars. Further, this area is capped off with Discovery Green, the 12-acre park that serves as a beautiful focal point and natural escape. Anyone who stays in Downtown Houston could truly spend their vacation wandering around eating wonderful food, enjoying amazing street art, sipping craft cocktails and watching some of the best sports teams in the country. 

Where to stay? We recommend this posh high-rise escape in the heart of Downtown. The best part is the private balcony allowing for stunning views of the area. See more Downtown Airbnbs.

View On AirbnbPlush high-rise suite w/ a luxury view.

An overhead capture of Hermann Park with Houston's downtown skyline in the distance.
Courtesy of @hermannpark on Instagram

Museum District

You’d be hard pressed to find a city with a more convenient Museum District than Houston. With 19 museums located across 14 walkable zones, you can easily lose yourself as you wander through halls, exhibits and galleries. Everyone enjoys the Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Houston Museum of Fine Arts and Children’s Museum of Houston. However, there are very interesting niche museums unique to H-Town, including Buffalo Soldier National Museum, Asia Society Texas Center, Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Center for Photography, The Health Museum and more! Bonus, 10 of the 19 museums are completely free to visit! Plan your itinerary and enjoy the walk under the Museum District’s tree-lined streets with beautiful fountains and glimpses of Rice University.

Where to stay? We recommend finding a spot with some of the Museum District’s charming architecture. Check out this craftsman-style AirBNB for your upcoming trip. See more Museum District Airbnbs.

View On AirbnbFabulous Museum District Apartment

Montrose
Courtesy of @thatericmiller on Instagram

Montrose

With only 7.5 square miles, Montrose packs quite the punch for being one of Houston’s smaller neighborhoods. The area is peppered with charming craftsman-style bungalows, amazing antique and consignment shopping, and walkable streets where patrons are often lured in by the smell of amazing coffee and food. Montrose boasts a very inclusive community as this area attracts every walk of life; from artists to titans of industry and musicians, everyone is welcome. Montrose is especially friendly to the LGBTQ community. In fact, a lot of the city’s iconic LGBTQ bars and clubs are located in the Montrose area. There are also plenty of amazing galleries to peruse and unique shops for interesting artisanal finds if you’re so inclined.  

Where to stay? Do not miss out on this uber-stylish, perfectly appointed apartment located in Montrose. See more Montrose Airbnbs.

View On Airbnb# 1 Charming apartment in artistic montrose!

Galleria
Courtesy of @uptownhouston on Instagram

Galleria

One of the words synonymous with Houston is often Galleria. As one of the largest indoor shopping centers in the U.S.The Galleria is visited by more than 30 million visitors each year. Not to brag, but The Galleria is also Texas’ largest shopping center with 400 stores from high-end Chanel and Brunello Cuccinelli to kids favorites like The Disney Store and everything in between. However, these days, this area has more to offer than just a massive shopping center, the entire The Galleria neighborhood has become the epicenter of Houston shopping, uber-chic hotels and some extremely fine dining. Plus, traversing the area is even more convenient with the addition of the METRO bus service that runs like a light rail with its own boarding platforms and bus lanes.

Where to stay? Just like the Galleria area, this sleek and lux two-bedroom condo is just waiting for its next guest. See more Galleria Airbnbs.


A tram rolls by Midtown Park in the Midtown neighborhood of Houston.
Courtesy of @midtownhou on Instagram

Midtown

If you’re thinking about going out and enjoying some of the best nightlife in Houston, you need to head to Midtown. Settled between Downtown and the Museum District, this area is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. With over 140 restaurants, bars and coffee shops, there are plenty of trendy spots to pop into as you explore. The area also has beautiful remnants of its past including single-family Victorian homes built at the turn of the century. However, Midtown isn’t just for the young or young at heart looking for a fun night out, it’s great for families too! Midtown Park has three acres of urban space that includes a lawn, pavilion, wetland stream, trail, playground, public art, game courts, market area and dog park.

Where to stay? For one of the most eclectic and fun spots in Midtown, head to the tiny house complete with backyard chickens! See more Midtown Airbnbs.


The Heights

If something fun is happening, it’s probably happening in The Heights. In recent years, The Heights neighborhood has exploded with some of the city’s most vibrant restaurant, bar, coffee, antique and shopping scenes. Yes, this area has it all. Truly, one of the best facets of The Heights is the architecture up and down Heights Blvd. As you walk, drive or bike into the neighborhood via this iconic street, large Victorian manors and quirky craftsman-style houses are plentiful. Head down the numbered streets that make up the area, like 19th St., and you’ll find cute boutiques and antique shops nestled into shopping centers with 1920s façades. Traveling with kids? Ice cream shops, fun outdoor eating and Donovan Park make this area incredibly family-friendly.

Where to stay? It doesn't get more Heights than this charming, one-bedroom craftsman-style bungalow. See more Heights Airbnbs.