Houston, the fourth largest city in the country, boasts a renowned performing arts and cultural community in addition to exceptional attractions, museums and championship professional sports teams. Its award-winning gastronomy scene with more than 13,000 restaurants recently landed Houston as one of the top 10 US Cities for food and drink, according to Food & Wine magazine’s 2025 list. H-town is warm and welcoming, a place where flavors and cultures of the world come together to create captivating experiences.
- A Dynamic Convention Campus
Located in Downtown Houston, the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB), provides more than 1 million sq. ft. of flexible convention space. Connected by skywalk, the 1,207-room Hilton Americas-Houston, is a full-service hotel with its own meeting space, several restaurants on site as well as a luxurious spa and health pool, plus an indoor heated infinity-edge pool on level 24. Also connected by skywalk on the opposite end of the GRB, the 1,000-room Marriott Marquis Houston features more than 150,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space. The rooftop Texas-shaped lazy river and infinity pool offer amazing views of Discovery Green Park. The hotel also has an exclusive spa and restaurants like Biggio’s Sports Bar and Xochi, created by top-ranked Chef Hugo Ortega.
The number of available hotels located around the GRB convention campus range from a variety of options to fit every traveler’s needs; from luxury accommodations and amenities at Four Seasons and The Lancaster to those catering to a modern and younger audience like Moxy and Aloft, and everything else in between.
2. Nearby Attractions
In front of the GRB is the 12-acre park Discovery Green. An attraction within itself, Discovery Green offers programming all year that includes concerts, public art exhibits, festivals, free yoga classes and the annual outdoor ice-skating rink, plus much more!
On the other West side of Downtown outdoor enthusiasts will find the Buffalo Bayou Park with pathways for biking and jogging, bike and kayak rentals, the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark and The Buffalo Bayou Cistern, a unique space that used be the city’s water depository and it’s been converted into an art venue.
3. Professional Sports
Sports fans will find professional sporting events all year and three stadiums are within walking distance of the GRB. Daikin Park, home of the MLB Houston Astros, Toyota Center, home of the NBA Houston Rockets and Shell Energy Stadium, home of the MLS Houston Dynamo and MWSL Houston Dash make attending a pro game super easy. In addition, just a short ride on METRO Light Rail’s red line is NRG Stadium, home to the NFL Houston Texans. In February and March every year the NRG Complex is home to the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which as the world’s largest rodeo, is a must see.
4. A Diverse Culinary Experience
As a culinary destination, there is no better place than Houston. Recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the country, restaurants in Houston reflect that diversity in innovative cuisines from more than 70 countries and American regions. The international flavors, award-winning chefs and restaurants deliciously embrace every corner of the world with a tapestry of cultures infused in every dish. Nearby the GRB, convention attendees can enjoy authentic Oaxacan dishes at Xochi, a refined French meal at Brasserie du Parc, traditional Mexican dishes at Irma’s or Texan barbecue at J-Bar-M BBQ. For anyone craving a Texas steak, two equally good choices are Pappa’s Bros Steakhouse or Vic and Anthony’s. Nightlife includes bars, craft beer, speakeasies and distilleries, all in the area as well. Also close by is EaDo, on the east side of downtown, which has become one of the hippest nightlife areas featuring several craft breweries, trendy bars and clubs along with murals made for selfies at Graffiti Park.
5. Arts & Culture
Houston’s Theater District, just blocks away from the GRB, is another city gem showcasing resident professional companies including the opera, ballet, symphony and theater. At any given time of the year, visitors can enjoy a wide repertoire of performances from the classics at the opera and symphony, to contemporary productions at the ballet and theater. Theater Under the Stars is home to musical productions both locally produced shows as well as touring Broadway hits.World-class museums, historic neighborhoods, and hidden gems offer visitors access to authentically Houston cultural experiences--most only a few minutes from the GRB by public light rail.
In conclusion, whether you have been to Houston many times or if this is your first visit, be prepared to discover something unique, enjoy a performance or cheer on your favorite sports team, and of course make your visit tasty and memorable with an endless selection of dining options.
With more than seven million residents in its Metro area, Houston is a remarkable convention destination. The city’s diversity shines through its food, art, innovation and entertainment. As an energy, technology, business, medical and space hub, Houston has hosted global events and meetings from Super Bowls, to the World Petroleum Congress and everything in between. Recognized for its unmatched hospitality and some of the friendliest people on the planet, it really does all come together in Houston, giving you every reason to consider having your next meeting or event in H-town.
Discover your next adventure in Houston at:VisitHouston.com.
Discover the Perfect Event and Meeting Venues in Houston
Explore the Meeting and Event Planning Guide to Learn More About Houston
