Get To Know the Neighborhoods

Civic Center

District

UNDER the leadership of Mayor Sylvester Turner, the core of Houston's government is located in Downtown Civic Center. City Hall moved from Market Square to their new location in 1939. A reflection pool in Hermann Square faces the entrance to City Hall and is home to many events and festivals. Houston Public Library's Central Library is located next door which includes the historic Julia Ideson wing, home to the well-known Texas Room. You will also find Houston’s only outdoor museum, curated by the Heritage Society, which includes nine historic structures dating from 1823 to 1905.

Tours

Bayou City Bike Tours

Bayou City Bike Tours was founded by three proud Houstonians who are strong advocates for a more bike-friendly, healthy, and service-oriented Houston. Experience the central city on a leisurely 3-hour ride ...

Tours

Segway Tours of Houston

Segway Tours of Houston is a fun way get to know our city. Like the rest of Texas, downtown Houston is a pretty big place to walk around. There are a lot ...

Shops + Services

Houston Public Library Passport Office

Houston Public Library (Central) joins the U.S. Department of State’s Houston Passport Agency to provide passport services for U.S. citizens in Houston. Passport applications are processed Monday – Saturday. Customers are ...

Bayou City Bike Tours

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Meet Downtown

New Years Eve 2019

The holiday season is in full swing and New Years Eve will be here before we know it. You don’t want to be left out of the plans, right? Right. ...

Repurposed and Revitalized

Most people of a certain age recall the refrain, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” The song, Joni Mitchell’s (and Tracy Chapman’s cover) “Big Yellow Taxi,” is, ...

Dine Downtown: La Calle

Craving authentic Mexican street tacos, but can’t make it to Mexico City? Well, you’re in luck! Nestled in the Historic Market Square neighborhood of Downtown Houston is La Calle Tacos ...

Allen's Rising

Anyone looking for further evidence of Downtown Houston’s lifestyle evolution need look no further than Exhibit A. As in Allen Center. The iconic complex that towers over Smith and Dallas ...

Let’s #GetFit2020

Helllllloooo January! The month where we all start fresh and set resolutions that fall by the wayside come summer, right? Maybe it’s just me, but setting New Year’s resolutions has ...

Dine Downtown: Adair Downtown

Wander down the steps of Wells Fargo Plaza and you’ll find yourself transported into a classic American bistro. As the latest addition to the lineup of Adair Concepts [the minds ...

Underground Utopia

When you think of the Downtown Houston dining scene, two words probably come to mind—food hall. We do seem to love them! And what’s not to love? Offering a variety ...

Carbloading Done Right

All right, marathon runners. Much like animals gather and store food before the winter, it’s key to fill up those glycogen stores prior to such strenuous activity, or else risk ...

Get Your Cinco On!

It seems like it was just yesterday when the world realized the gift 2020 had given us: Cinco de Mayo falling on Taco Tuesday. Then came COVID-19 and self-isolation. While ...

Love Is In The Air

It’s the season of love. Whether you’re on the lookout for a special Valentine’s Day date idea, or somewhere to take your S.O. after a long week of work, we’ve ...

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Upcoming Events

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Exhibits

Sat Aug. 29 2020

Houston Women March On: Celebrating 100 Years of the Right to Vote

Heritage Society

This exhibit is presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters and will celebrate the perseverance of women across America and here in Houston who fought for the right ...