Houston/West Houston

Despite a plethora of rundown apartment complexes and a reputation for crime, Southwest Houston was the center of much of the city's suburban development from the 1940s through the 1970s, today it is one of its most diverse quarters and is also home to some of the city's most desirable neighborhoods, including Meyerland and the charming City of Bellaire. This area is almost completely outside of the 610 Loop, although the City of Bellaire is partially inside the 610.
New Chinatown (AKA Little Saigon or Asiatown) would be the largest Chinatown in the world area-wise, but the term Chinatown is misleading due to the fact that the majority of the shops and restaurants cater to Houston's large Vietnamese population. This area is outside the 610 Loop and near the Beltway, Houston's outer freeway loop.

• Houston Telephone Museum

  phone: +1 713 666-9164
  address: 6500 West Loop South, Bellaire
  A museum of telephone history. Please call us to schedule. If there is no answer, please leave your name and phone number, and we will return your call.

• WorldFest-Houston Film FestivalTotally dedicated to Independent Film screenings. All Screenings at the AMC Studio 30 on Dunvale, the HQ Hotel is The Renaissance Hotel, Greenway Plaza. Featuring 55 new international feature films and 100 new short films, all introduced by their directors with a Q&A after the screening.

• Sky Zone Houston

• Hong Kong City MallA very large grocery store/shopping center in this area.

• Memorial City Mall

  phone: +1 713-464-8640
  address: 303 Memorial City (IH-10 West at Gessner)
  Has many department stores and also an indoor ice skating rink.

• Traders Village

  address: 7979 N. Eldridge Rd.
  A giant outdoor flea market with all sorts of wares. Deals are to be sought here. Unlike in the rest of the US, you can actually try to bargain in flea markets like this. Should not be missed by those looking to shop.

• Taste of Texas

  address: 10505 Katy Freeway (IH-10 between BW-8 and Gessner)
  The finest steaks and prime rib (only certified Angus Beef) money can buy. Award-winning wine list, lobster, freshly baked breads, etc. Menu is translated into 12 different languages.

• Vine Wine Room

  phone: +1 713 463-8463
  address: 12420 Memorial Dr
  This cozy wine bar and wine retail shop offers wine by the glass and bottle, selected beers, and wine-friendly snacks and pizzas. There are wine tastings every Saturday at 3PM, often showcasing wines new to the establishment.

• Omni Houston Hotel at Westside

  phone: +1 281 558-833
  address: 13210 Katy Freeway
  A luxury hotel featuring an atrium lobby complete with indoor lakes and waterfalls, tropical fish and glass elevators.