In 1836, the Allen brothers purchased over 6,000 acres of land at the confluence of White Oak and Buffalo bayous, a spot now known as Allen's Landing. Downtown now sits atop the original Houston township; and, in addition to being the largest business district in the city, it’s home to the best in culture, dining, history and fun to be had in the biggest city in Texas.

Venture down Texas Ave and you’ll find the Art-Deco-inspired Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center in the historic former Petroleum Building, one of Houston’s most iconic high-rises. Designed by New York architect Alfred Bossom, the building features some unusual touches, including reliefs and stepped-back upper floors that mimic Mayan pyramids. It’s also the perfect starting point for the impressive variety of things to do in the heart of H-Town.

Houston may not be famous for being weird like Austin, or for being the home of the Alamo like San Antonio—but what it does have is an eclectic beat of its own and a lot of pride. Visit some of these local-approved sights to get a true H-Town experience.

Head to Main Street Square for shopping and some people-watching at one of the busiest spaces in the city. Nestled between the two light rail stations at the Square is a 250-long reflecting pool adorned with animated water jets—a great place to sit and people-watch.

To keep the waters of Buffalo Bayou from becoming stagnant, they need to be stirred up and oxygenated from time to time. So, help the city out by heading to the Preston Street Bridge where, in an unassuming spot, you’ll find a big red button. Push it and watch the big bubble burst!

The city of Houston embraces street art—and its colorful walls offer the perfect setting for an eye-catching Instagram pic. Snap a selfie at an iconic installation on Travis Street, a hip, colorful mural that pays tribute to the city. It’s just across from Market Square Park, downtown’s lively historic center.

Join the locals in a 12-acre urban park. With festivals, concerts and events year-round, Discovery Green puts you in the heart of Houston culture.

It’s lunch time in downtown Houston, but where is everyone? Look beneath the streets to find crowds of locals traversing a vast network of underground tunnels connecting all of downtown. It’s a cool place (literally) to explore and find something to do.

Start your morning at Minuti, just a 5-minute walk down Texas Ave from the Cambria. This indie coffee joint serves up incomparable Italian roasts locals rave about. Have the friendly barista whip you up a Coffee of the Day and pair it with one of their daily-fresh pastries. They say food can be a religious experience—so take your daily bread (or rather, lunch) at Treebeards, where you can enjoy Southern-style weekday lunches in the social hall of the historic Christ Church Cathedral, only a 3-minute walk from the hotel. While not your typical setting for a midday meal, visitors can’t help but fall in love with the restaurant's ample portions of classic comfort food and its quiet setting. In the evening, head to the corner of Capital and Main for a unique dining experience in fun, kitschy surroundings. The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium serves a vast selection of local brews and tasty pub grub. Open until 2 a.m., this eclectic hangout is perfect for your evening meal or a late-night-bite. Order the Mud Island Torte for dessert and get an extra fork to share (or not).

Sitting on 10 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of downtown, The Heritage Society Museum boasts ten authentically restored historic structures—some dating as far back as 1823. Learn about life during frontier times and explore the galleries. Admission is cheap—only $5 for adults and $2 for kids.

Want to see the city from a different and unhurried perspective? Head just outside downtown to Buffalo Bayou’s Sabine Street and get equipped with two wheels and a helmet for your cycling tour of downtown Houston. Tours last up to three hours and cover every major point of interest, while guides serve up the down-low on Houston’s history and culture.

Big sports fan? Catch the Houston Astros as they swing for the bleachers at Minute Maid Park, just a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Finally, see a show—everything from grand symphonies to jazzy musicals—at the Jones Hall for the Performing Arts on Texas Ave at the edge of the Theater District, only about a 10-minute walk from the Cambria.

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