METRORail

Houston City Guide content to help you explore the city using the METRORail.

NRG Stadium: where to stay and park

woman on horseback at Houston Rodeo
Up to 175,000 visitors will attend Houston Rodeo on any given day, not counting the livestock visitors and thousands of volunteers, vendors and employees running the livestock show and rodeo events.

Events at NRG Stadium

Houston’s NRG Stadium was formerly named Reliant Stadium, and it’s inside of a larger event complex called Reliant Park. The arena has a retractable roof and is the home of the Houston Texans NFL team and RodeoHouston.

NRG hosts some of the city’s biggest sporting events and concerts, like the NCAA Final Four, the Texas Bowl, Taylor Swift and so much more. In 2026, NRG will even host FIFA World Cup games!

Reliant Park is also the site of the famed Astrodome.

Hotels near NRG Stadium & Reliant Park Houston

chair outside

If you’re planning a trip to Houston for an event at NRG Stadium or Reliant Park, you may not be excited about your choice of NRG Stadium hotels.

You want to stay in a nice place with a total price that doesn’t look like a mortgage payment. You want to be in a convenient area, close to the action but able to get from the event to a quiet bed quickly. Or close to a late-night pizza.

You’ve probably noticed that many hotels near NRG Stadium are filling up or overpriced during big events like NCAA’s Final Four. Popular hotels in the city center or Galleria offer great rooms, but usually lack free parking and easy access to NRG.

Tens of thousands of NRG attendees are competing for the same hotel room and parking space

With close to 200,000 daily visitors for peak events at Reliant Park and an NRG Stadium capacity of 72,220, a lot of people are looking for the same hotels near their event.

Parking lots near NRG Park are limited, crowded and expensive. Valet parking is usually not available at NRG/Reliant or nearby hotels. The nearby Drury Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Quinta Inn, Wingate Houston and other hotels near NRG Arena along Spanish Trail tend to charge high prices for the crowds attracted to major events like the NCAA Final Four or Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

The closest hotels to NRG stadium offer only basic rooms, and suites are generally not available. For a nice hotel, you will usually need to stay a bit further away at one of the more popular hotels in the Galleria (Westin, Hilton Post Oak or Hyatt Place). Houston’s best hotels are concentrated downtown (JW Marriott, Four Seasons, Intercontinental Houston and Blossom Hotel Houston).

You don’t need to give up on staying in a great room in a great location to be near NRG Stadium Houston, or dependent on a hotel shuttle to battle through the traffic to get you in and out of NRG.

Local tip: use the METRORail to get into and out of NRG and Reliant faster than anyone else.

Stay somewhere nicer than the NRG hotels for less money

The secret is to book your stay in Midtown instead of just close enough to NRG/Reliant to deal with the crowds and high prices. Midtown is Houston’s most walkable neighborhood, and it’s just a short ride on the METRORail to NRG Stadium/Reliant Park on Spanish Trail and Houston’s downtown. Plus, there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in Midtown to keep you entertained when you’re not at NRG.

Walkable, lively Midtown beats the “NRG hotels”

There are plenty of reasons to choose a furnished apartment on Main Street in Midtown instead of a hotel room closer to NRG Stadium.

First and foremost, Midtown is the most walkable location in the city center. That means that when you’re not at the event at NRG, you can easily explore all that Midtown has to offer on foot. There are plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance, so you’ll never be bored.

Lodgeur’s furnished apartments at Mid Main Lofts in Midtown have a WalkScore of 91. Just steps away from their luxurious apartments are an array of delicious restaurants and vibrant bars to explore.

  • On-site, free self-parking with your Lodgeur stay? Check.
  • High-speed, free wifi across the whole property? Check.
  • Luggage storage? Check.
  • No hotel staff or valet to wait for? Check.
  • NY-style pizza across the street? Check. (Home Slice Pizza)
  • Lavish brunch boards, a killer breakfast menu and mimosa flights? Check. (The Brass Tap)
  • Craft cocktails and friendly bar staff, with an awesome burger? Check. (Winnie’s)
  • Breakfast tacos and Mexican coffee? Check. (Tacos A Go Go)

With a dozen restaurants and bars downstairs or across the street from Mid Main Lofts, and dozens more within walking distance, the most walkable apartments in Houston, TX are at Mid Main Lofts. The community features a gorgeous pool, wide open pool area with loungers, fitness center, and more, so you can relax and unwind after a long day at NRG. A stay with Lodgeur includes free parking on Main Street.

Check out our blog post here for the places to eat and drink in Midtown when you don’t want to drive, and our list the best breakfast and brunch places in Midtown for your pre-event fuel.

The METRORail is your “hotel shuttle” to NRG Stadium in Houston

METRORail Red Line at Ensemble Station
Lodgeur guests use the Red Line of the METRORail for easy access to NRG Stadium and Reliant Park. The Ensemble Station is directly next to Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts.

The METRORail is a light rail system that runs throughout Houston, and it has a stop right in the heart of Midtown. That means that getting around during your trip will be a breeze! You won’t need to spend an hour searching with thousands of other NRG attendees for your Uber or Lyft, and you won’t have to traipse a half mile from a poorly-lit $25 cash-only parking lot.

Midtown’s Ensemble Station takes you to Houston’s best destinations

Map of METRORail Red Line destinations

Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts in Midtown is located directly on the METRORail Red Line to the two main venues for Houston events: the NRG area and downtown Houston/Toyota Center/Minute Maid Park. If you’re staying in Midtown, you can easily get to either venue on the METRORail without making any line changes.

METRORail direct to Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, and downtown parades and races

The Ensemble station on the METRORail Red Line will take you north to Houston’s downtown events. If your event is at the Toyota Center, Minute Main Park, a road race from Discovery Green, or a parade – you can easily avoid the hassle of event traffic and parking by riding a few stops on the Red Line from Ensemble Station in Midtown.

METRORail direct to NRG Stadium and Reliant Park

The METRORail is the fastest way in or out of events as massive as the ones at NRG and Reliant. Just take the Red Line south from the Ensemble Station to NRG Stadium and Reliant Park.

Using the METRORail to explore Houston

You can use the Red Line of the METRORail to visit the Houston Zoo, Houston’s many museums and even access the Texas Medical Center. Check out our blog post about using the METRORail to get around the city without a car. (Pro tip: the Red Line will take you directly to Midtown, downtown, NRG/Reliant, the Museum District, and the Texas Medical Center).

Make the most of your trip to Houston

Midtown offers more comfortable stays than hotels closest to NRG Stadium and Reliant Park, with a more convenient home base to explore Houston than you can find in the Galleria.
Midtown offers more comfortable stays than hotels closest to NRG Stadium and Reliant Park, with a more convenient home base to explore Houston than you can find in the Galleria.

Location matters

If you’re planning a trip to Houston, location matters! Midtown is Houston’s most walkable location (WalkScore of 91!), so guests can easily explore all that the city has to offer at the best price when you’re not at NRG Stadium.

Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts has an unbeatable location at 3550 Main Street right next to its own METRORail station for fast and cheap access to the main Houston event venues: NRG Stadium/Reliant Park and Downtown Houston.

A better choice than the small hotel rooms at the NRG hotels, a furnished apartment in a great location with easy access to NRG Stadium, the city center, and offers convenient amenities like luxurious outdoor pools and fitness centers that rival those of Houston’s best hotels.

The best food in Houston is in Midtown

You won’t need to eat breakfast at the same place twice with Midtown’s huge choice of restaurants. While you won’t be able to order a soggy burger from room service or get free breakfast, Home Slice Pizza is right next door and has a takeaway window serving up the city’s best pizza. You’ll be able to order a great breakfast downstairs at The Brass Tap.

Remote self checkin beats an “express check in” line

You can skip waiting in line for the hotel staff at the front desk to help you check in (during the busiest events of the year for Houston hotels). Instead of having a front desk, Lodgeur offers 24/7 remote check in. The leasing office at Mid Main Lofts provides luggage storage for Lodgeur guests. All Lodgeur apartments are non-smoking rooms.

Free garage parking

While there is no valet parking, Lodgeur offers free parking in the attached parking garage on Main Street. There is also a dedicated pickup spot for Uber and Lyft rides.

Midtown rocks for your plus one and the kids

Visiting Houston for an event with your plus one? We have a guide for a perfect weekend in Midtown. We know the best places to eat, drink and explore Houston without needing a car.

Children in your party? We also know that being able to close the door on the kids’ bedroom is priceless (so their bedtime doesn’t become everyone’s bedtime). A spacious apartment (with a proper fridge for kids’ snacks) can be a much better choice for families and friends than sharing a hotel room for a weekend. And they’re going to love the revolving sushi restaurant downstairs.

Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool to keep your crew happy while you’re off at NRG. If they aren’t into soaking up the Texas sun, Midtown is filled with unique shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife to explore. FYHA beats any hotel gift shop for cool souvenirs, but Midtown has more fun shops to explore.

Our Houston City Guide is filled with the best things to see, do, eat and drink in Midtown and central Houston. Check out the best family activities, fine arts destinations, and hidden Houston destinations you won’t find on the Tripadvisor list of usual suspects.

Book your stay in Midtown for NRG events

Book your event accommodations at Lodgeur’s Mid Main Lofts today and experience the most convenient suites in Houston! You may be coming to Houston for the event, but your whole stay should feel like a vacation.

Surviving Houston without a car

Surviving Houston without a car

Living in Houston without a car can be quite the challenge. With Lodgeur’s apartments at Mid Main Lofts in Midtown, there are plenty of options for those who don’t own or rent cars. From bike-sharing programs to public transportation, this bustling city has something for everyone looking to get around quickly and conveniently.

In this blog post, we will explore the different methods you can use to navigate Houston without relying on your own wheels!

Walking

With Lodgeur’s Midtown location boasting a WalkScore of 91, you can easily walk to many destinations within the city. This is a great way to get some exercise while exploring the city. Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts boats 10 restaurants, coffee shops and bars downstairs or within one block of Lodgeur’s furnished apartments. There is even a barber shop, dentist and optometrist downstairs. If you’re willing to venture out for a 5-minute walk, you can reach dozens of places to eat and drink.

Public Transportation

Public Transportation

Houston offers a light rail system that travels through downtown, Midtown, and the Museum District. This is a great option for commuters and visitors alike as it runs regularly throughout the day and night. The Metrobus also operates in Houston with several lines that run throughout the city, often connecting to light rail station. All you need to do is purchase a MetroQ card from any of the transit centers around the city, and you’re ready to go!

Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts is situated directly on the METRORail Red Line (Ensemble Station), with direct access to downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, NRG Arena/Reliant Park, and the Museum District. It doesn’t get any faster, cheaper or easier to explore Houston. (Our travel nurse guests almost always choose to use METRORail over their own cars to get to TMC quickly and cheaply.)

The easiest way to explore Houston is to stay in apartments with a METRORail station. Check out our blog post on exploring Houston by METRORail.

Bike Sharing

Houston is home to several bike-sharing programs: B-Cycle, LimeBike, and Mobike. All of these services allow you to easily find a nearby bike station, check out a bike, and pay for it with a credit card. You will find bike-sharing programs all over downtown and the Museum District.

Ridesharing

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Houston. All you have to do is download the app, enter your payment information, and request a ride. This is an easy way to get around the city without having to worry about parking or other transportation fees. Just look for the Uber/Lyft pickup spots at the parking garage.

Park your ride

If you arrive in Houston by car, we have gated garage parking available for you. Even if you’re going to take the METRORail to downtown or TMC for work, you have complimentary garage parking available for your car.

With Lodgeur’s furnished apartmnts at Mid Main Lofts, you can explore Houston without relying on your own car. From walking and bike-sharing to public transportation and ridesharing, Lodgeur has all the options you need to make getting around the city easy and convenient.

Check out all the great places you can walk to from Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts.

Houston’s February events and celebrations

Houston is a vibrant and lively city with plenty of events and activities to enjoy all monthlong. From the Houston Rodeo and Garden Show to the Lunar New Year Festival and free, local events, there’s something for everyone in Houston this February.

Lunar New Year Night Market & Lantern Festival

Free entry

Chinese dragon at the festival

Image courtesy of Visit Houston.

Houston’s Lunar New Year Night Market features a wide variety of traditional foods, activities, and entertainment for all ages. Visitors can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine from numerous vendors while watching vibrant cultural performances. As part of the celebration, attendees can also participate in the light sculpture decorating and lantern lighting for an additional fee.

Event details.

Feb. 4 & 5
401 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77201
10 am – 11 pm
www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-night-market

Hands on Houston: Beaded Bracelets

Free

Hands on Houston is a volunteer organization that hosts events for the community to come together and create art. One of their most popular events is Beaded Bracelets, where participants can learn how to make colorful beaded bracelets. This event provides an opportunity for people of all ages to get creative while having fun with friends or family. During the event, attendees will have access to a wide selection of beads in various shapes and sizes, allowing them to design unique pieces that reflect their own personal style. They’ll also receive guidance from current resident artist Lakea Shepard. The event is free and open to the public while supplies last.

Event details.

Feb. 4
4848 Main St., Houston, TX 77002
11 am – 3 pm

Houston Home + Garden Show

$

The Houston Home + Garden Show is an annual event that celebrates the beauty of nature and brings together home improvement professionals, green living experts, and local businesses. This year’s show is chock-full of new exhibitors, experts, and activations with an emphasis on gardening that will capture the essence of the Spring season: making old things new and giving a fresh take to your treasured spaces.

Event details.

Feb. 3 – 5
NRG Park
$10 general admission

First Saturday Arts Market

Free

people on the picture gallery

Image courtesy of First Saturday Arts Market.

Houston’s First Saturday Arts Market is a popular outdoor event that takes place the first Saturday of every month in the Historic Houston Heights. Enjoy live music, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, and check out some of the featured works from local and regional artists. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or just want to enjoy an afternoon in the company of artisans, First Saturday Arts Market is the perfect way to experience Houston’s thriving local art scene.

Event details.

Feb. 4
540 W. 19th St., Houston, TX
11 am – 6 pm

Monster Jam

$$

monster trucks

Image courtesy of Monster Jam.

This monster truck extravaganza features the world’s best drivers competing in intense races and performing outrageous stunts. You won’t want to miss out on all of the high-octane action as these massive trucks tear up the track while they perform jaw-dropping feats of strength and agility. Get ready to witness an unforgettable spectacle at the Monster Jam in Houston!

Event details.

Feb. 11
One NRG Park
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Tickets start at $20
www.monsterjam.com/en-US/events/houston-tx

Valentine’s Day at Solstice

Free

people walking on the street

Image courtesy of SOLSTICE by Studio Iregular at Discovery Green.

Studio Iregular’s art installation, Solstice, wraps up its final art programming event on Valentine’s Day! Solstice is comprised of a series of mirrored and LED arches that reflect the transformation of Earth when the sun is at its closest and furthest from the equator. Guests will be able to experience the longest day of the year to the shortest in an explorative and interactive format. And later that evening, Will Brandon of America’s Got Talent will perform a spectacular fire show from 6-9 p.m.!

Event details.

Feb. 14
Discovery Green
6 – 9 pm
www.discoverygreen.com/event/valentines-day-at-solstice

The Love Project Live “Til Death”

$$-$$$$

“The Love Project is a Documentary and Live Music event focused on the journey of falling in love. We interview Houston residents, asking them about their deepest love and their most difficult heartbreak. These filmed responses are woven into our documentary, as we compose music that represents the feelings conveyed, and we play them live.  Our goal is to create an all-inclusive space where we can all come to connect, heal and grow as lovers.” -Sharee Davis

Event details.

Feb. 14
339 West 19 Street Houston, TX
7 – 10 pm
www.prekindle.com/event/22573-the-love-project-houston

Indian Film Festival of Houston

$$-$$$

The Indian Film Festival of Houston is an annual event that celebrates the wonders of Indian cinema by showcasing a variety of films, documentaries, and short movies. Drawing in audiences from all walks of life, this 3-day event strives to provide inspiring and thought-provoking stories from India’s vibrant film industry.

Event details.

Feb. 23 – 25
1370 Southmore Blvd., Houston, TX 77004
Tickets start at $19
asiasociety.org/texas/events/15th-indian-film-festival-houston

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

$-$$$

Houston rodeo

Image courtesy of RODEOHOUSTON.

Houston Rodeo is an annual event that celebrates the city’s rich western heritage. This 3-week event features a variety of activities and attractions including professional rodeo competitions, live music performances (Parker McCollum performs Opening Day!), carnival rides, interactive exhibits and more. From bull riding to barrel racing to mutton bustin’, this family-friendly extravaganza offers something for everyone. With over one million visitors each year, Houston Rodeo has become one of the largest events in the state. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or just want to experience the legendary Wild West culture first-hand, don’t miss out on this incredible event!

Check out our post here on the top 10 things to do at Houston Rodeo and here for where to stay and how to get to Houston Rodeo.

Event details.

Feb. 28- March 19
NRG Stadium
www.rodeohouston.com

Guide to Houston’s Bayou City Art Festival

bayou city art festival

For 50 years, the Bayou City Art Festival (BCAF) has been a beloved Houston tradition that brings together 300,000 annual visitors and 1,500 regional artists from 32 states to celebrate art. From paintings to photography and drawings to sculptures – over 300 booths will be filled with handmade creations for both sale and demonstration purposes. Make sure you join us at BCAF this year for an unforgettable experience!

The Bayou City Art Festival offers even more than just a plethora of art- it also hosts a beer garden, wine garden, entertainment stage, and an area dedicated to kids’ art and imagination. BCAF guarantees a robust array of food truck options, so you can fill your belly with the perfect meal and never have to worry about hunger pangs. You won’t have time for hangry!

Twice as Nice

Bayou City Art Festival is so popular that it’s held twice a year during Houston’s best months to be outside. In March, it’s at Memorial Park and in October, it’s at downtown at Sam Houston Park.

All for a good cause. Six good causes, actually.

The festival is run by a nonprofit, the Art Colony Association, to benefit 6 local Houston nonprofits: Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, FreshArts, ARTreach, Second Servings, and The Women’s Fund.

How to get to Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park in March

No on-site parking is available at the Memorial Park event. Nevertheless, ticket holders can access free and safe parking options at Northwest Mall (555 NW Mall). Alternatively, individuals may purchase a $5 roundtrip shuttle pass to get transported from their cars to the festival site. Additionally, children 12 and under are eligible for complimentary rides. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft always have a strong presence at BCAF.

How to get to Bayou City Art Festival downtown in October

The downtown edition of the Bayou City Art Festival is one of the most anticipated art events in Houston, held downtown every October in Sam Houston Park, along Allen Parkway. If you’re staying at Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts in Midtown and want to attend this fantastic event, there’s no need to worry about how to get there! The METRORail provides quick and easy transportation from Midtown directly downtown, so all you have to do is hop on board and enjoy the ride.

You will take the METRORail from the Ensemble Station at Mid Main Lofts northbound to the Market Street Square Station, directly on the Red Line. With just four stops along the way, you can be sure that your journey will be comfortable and stress-free. Check out our guide to using the METRORail.

How to buy a ticket

Tickets are available on the Bayou City Art Festival website, and usually cost $15-18 for an adult one-day ticket. Tickets may not be sold at the gate, so be sure to order in advance.

For more art destinations in Houston open year round, check out our post on hidden art stops in Houston.

Places you can check out using the METRORail

Houston METRORail
The Red Line of Houston METRORail, at Ensemble Station.

Houston is a city like no other. Few metropolitan regions in the U.S. can match Houston’s sheer diversity and character. Here, you’ll find any cuisine you can imagine, from authentic Thai and Vietnamese food to old-fashioned Texas BBQ and soul food. But aside from the hundreds of restaurants to try, Houston has plenty of local hot spots to check out, too! 

The only catch is newcomers may find it difficult to decide which places to see first. There are so many destinations to choose from, but if you live or stay in a Midtown apartment, riding the METRORail is the fastest and most adventurous way to get around town.

It’s pretty easy to find these destinations once you know how to buy tickets and which stops to take, so here’s what you need to know about the METRORail:

How the METRO Rail works: routes, hours, and ticketing information

Originally opened to the public in 2004, Houston’s 3-line light rail is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to get to some of Houston’s busiest neighborhoods (namely downtown, Midtown, the Museum District and the Texas Medical Center.)

The Red Line runs north and south through the heart of downtown, eventually reaching the 610 Loop on both ends. The Purple Line goes to the southeast of downtown through the University of Houston stops, and the Green Line takes you through the East End of downtown. That’s Houston’s light rail system in a nutshell; it’s fairly simple compared to other large metropolitan areas.

Hours of operation

The METRORail runs from 4 a.m.- midnight Monday through Friday. Although the weekend hours vary by destination and route, certain stops are open until 1 a.m. or later Saturday and Sunday.

Before you head out on the town, we highly recommend downloading the RideMETRO app! The app is always up to date with the latest arrival times in case there’s a delay.

Ticketing information

When it comes to buying tickets for the METRORail, you have a few different options. You can always buy your ticket directly at the rail platform kiosk, but the Metro Q Ticketing app significantly simplifies the process. (You won’t have to worry about waiting in line or carrying around a physical card!) You can load money into Q Ticketing via the app itself or by visiting RideMETRO’s web portal here.

If you plan to use the light rail frequently, you’re going to want to pick up a METRO Q Fare Card. This reloadable card can be used on the:
• Local Bus
• Park & Ride bus
• METRORail
• METRORapid
• METRO curb2curb

You can order the card online, and refill the balance online. And after every 50 rides, you get five rides free! (FYI: If you’re a student or senior 65-69, you’ll receive a discounted METRO Q® Fare Card.)

Once you buy a Local Single Ride ticket for $1.25, you have unlimited transfers for three hours before purchasing another fare. If you want the freedom to ride the rail all day, the best choice is a Local Day Pass, which only costs $3. Either way, the best time to use the light rail is in the morning and during lunch hours, when the city is most active and bustling.

By the way, all light rail platforms are accessible for the disabled, with ramps and audio-visual announcements for departures and arrivals. Seating is widely available since many Houstonians choose to stand up while the rail is in motion. Both mobile apps also keep you in the loop with service alerts, or you can text (713) 635-4000 with the words “light rail” to receive automated responses for more information.

Top 10 things to do in Houston along the METRO Rail

As you can see, it’s simple to ride the METRO Rail in Houston! Now you just have to know the stops that take you to the best hot spots, but don’t worry, we’ll go over some popular stops to help you plan your next outing.

1. Museum District

museum image

In total, Houston’s Museum District boasts 19 different museums, some of them featuring fascinating historical collections. The Holocaust Museum Houston is a must-see for history buffs, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston is the creme de la creme of them all, hosting national exhibitions throughout the year.

To reach the museum district from Midtown, take the Red Line to the Museum District platform southbound at stop number 25015, close to the MFAH, which is only a short walk across Main Street. The most accessible landmarks for this stop will be Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo, in case it’s your first ride.

2. Hermann Park

Houston’s most famous park by far is Hermann Park. Not only is it near the Houston Zoo, but it’s also the most prominent open green space inside 610 Loop. You can walk the Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail to view the entire park or visit the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool – a perfect spot for photos and videos.

By light rail, getting to Hermann Park is easy because you can use the Museum District stop to walk to the park’s north end. The other option is to take the rail to the Hermann Park/Rice University platform, stop number 25013, to arrive closer to the reflection pool.

3. Houston Zoo

Houston zoo image
Photo courtesy of the Houston Zoo.

Houstonians love the Houston Zoo, especially the children who flock there every weekend in droves. Interestingly, the zoo is actually located inside Hermann Park’s grounds, although it’s a separate attraction. The exhibits are diverse, with new exhibits dedicated to the Galápagos Islands and South America’s Pantanal. The exit platform to the Houston Zoo is stop number 25012, just before the primary stop for Hermann Park.

4. Rice University

Image Courtesy of Rice University Admissions.

Rice University is ranked among the 25 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the U.S. in 2022, and is popular with runners for its shady trails. It’s easy to reach Rice via the same stop as Hermann Park (25013), near Cambridge Street, and walk across Main Street to see the college.

5. Rice Village

Photo courtesy of Rice-Village.com.

You could easily spend your entire afternoon perusing Rice Village. Here you’ll find an assortment of shops and restaurants (like Sweet Paris and Sixty Vines), from boutiques, chain stores and grocery outlets to lively bars, coffee shops, and international restaurants. Rice Village also hosts a lively farmer’s market from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first and third Sunday of the month.

To get to Rice Village from the light rail, take the Red Line southbound to stop number 25010, the Dryden/Texas Medical Center platform. The catch is that Rice Village still lies further to the west, so the easiest way to take the scenic route is to walk along University Boulevard.

6. Downtown

Houston at night

Downtown Houston needs no introduction, home to world-class entertainment, sporting events, and nightlife. You can eat off the beaten path at fine dining restaurants, casual cafes, and bars. It’s a very bustling area of the city, as you might expect, and you have many options to arrive via the Red Line northbound from Midtown. Any stops will suffice along the Red Line downtown, from the Preston platform, stop number 25029, to the Bell Street southbound platform, stop number 25026. Check out the famed underground tunnels for a cooler option or head over to our post on What to do in Downtown Houston for more ideas.

7. Minute Maid Park

Image courtesy of MLB.com

Minute Maid Park is the home of the Houston Astros, one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball! If you can’t catch a game while you’re here, you can always buy tickets for an Astros Ballpark tour!

You can reach the ballpark via the Red Line to the Central Main platform, stop number 25050. The baseball field is a bit of a walk to the west along Crawford Street and Texas Avenue, but you’ll avoid paying for parking while still enjoying the festive atmosphere.

8. Toyota Center

Toyota Center

Image Courtesy of the Toyota Center.

The Toyota Center is home to the Houston Rockets. This state-of-the-art arena hosts all kinds of events year round. If you’re coming from Midtown, take the Red Line to the Bell northbound platform, stop number 25025. The basketball arena lies further west along Bell Street and La Branch Street next to Root Square park.

9. Theatre District

theatre image

Photo courtesy of the Houston Grand Opera.

If you’re in the mood for a touch of sophistication, the Theatre District near downtown is where you want to be. It hosts the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ballet, the Houston Symphony, and other fine arts entertainments, too. But the Bayou Place Entertainment Complex is where the action is before and after shows.

To get to the Theatre District from Midtown, take the Red Line northbound to Central Main stop number 25050. But from there, you transfer onto the Purple Line and ride the rail to the Theatre District Capitol platform, stop number 25052. Alternatively, the Green Line will stop at the same venues.

10. Discovery Green

Discovery Green image

Find the best law clerk and intern housing in Houston, TX

walking into an apartment with luggage

If you’re clerking downtown this summer, Lodgeur is your easiest option. You can book a sleep-ready apartment as easily as you would book a hotel room, ensuring you won’t be spending the night before your clerkship piecing together a bed from IKEA or trying to get the WiFi set up properly. Just bring your clothes and order your groceries because you’re ready to go.

Furnished housing options for law clerks

Extended Stay Hotel. Paying for a room in an extended-stay hotel isn’t attractive for a medium-term stay. Extended-stay hotels can usually tick the boxes for a gym, pool and kitchenette, but the drab decor and tight quarters are nothing to write home about.

Corporate Housing. Corporate housing companies usually operate in the analog era and typically require you submit an online inquiry form with your name, contact information and budget before they call you on the phone to discuss your plans and offer you a quote.

Airbnb and VRBO. Most of the popular Airbnb listings will already have bookings far in advance, so it can be tricky to find one with availability for your entire clerkship.

Lodgeur. Lodgeur operates in Class-A apartment communities with higher quality amenities than most hotels. You can search for your specific apartment on our website, book online, check in from your phone, and text us if you need anything. Lodgeur holds apartments for extended stays, so there won’t be a weekend booking in the middle of your clerkship. Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about cleaning your apartment because cleaners are scheduled to visit every 2 weeks.

Young professionals love Lodgeur for extended stays

We have hosted more than 6,000 guests, whether they’re looking to stay for just a few nights, weeks or months. Lodgeur hosts professional athletes in town for the sports season, actors in town for the theater season, consultants on open-ended projects, young doctors on their medical residencies as well as law clerks and interns of all stripes.

Lodgeur attracts young professionals looking for stylish and comfortable on-demand housing. From edgy murals in our Digital Nomad suites to our heavenly memory foam mattresses, every item is curated to make your stay as comfortable as possible. (We receive so many guest inquiries about Lodgeur’s mattresses that we have a standard email response to let guests know where to buy them!)

Not to mention, the convenience of on-demand housing benefits both you and the planet. You won’t have to worry about dealing with packing supplies, brand new furniture and other household items, which means you’ll also significantly help cut down on waste and emissions.

Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts has an unbeatable location

Lodgeur’s Midtown apartments at Mid Main Lofts attract law clerks every year due to its premium location.

Mid Main Lofts offers free parking in the attached garage and has its own stop on the METRORail line to Downtown. So if you don’t have a car or want to avoid parking downtown, you can take the METRORail from the Ensemble/HCC stop to Main Street Square or Preston stops.

Mid Main Lofts also has four restaurants on the ground floor of the building, with another six across the street and dozens more trendy restaurants and bars all within walking distance. The nearest grocery store is 0.6 miles away. The neighborhood is filled with a lively mix of theaters, specialty museums, parks, beer gardens and live music venues. So next time you’re out late or just need a nice pick-me-up after a long day, you’ll have food and drink options galore right on your doorstep.

Why law clerks return to Lodgeur

Between exam prep, keeping an eye on class rank and landing clerkships, law students don’t have much time for setting up a home for the summer. Lodgeur provides on-demand housing, ready to go. No boxes, movers or furniture assembly required.

  • The utilities and wifi are already set up. The bed is made. Lodgeur will even come and clean the apartment every two weeks.
  • Washer, dryer and iron in each unit, so you show up to the office looking professional no matter how busy you are.
  • Come home to a comfy apartment that was designed for stylish young professionals, in one of Houston’s most walkable neighborhoods.
  • No lease commitments- seriously. You choose customized dates and book a furnished apartment for as long as you’d like. And if you end up needing to shorten your stay, just give us 14 days’ notice before leaving.

Also, solo travelers should check out our blog post on top safety features to look for in your next furnished apartment rental.

Book your stay today

We make it easy for law clerks and interns to find accommodation and book with nothing more than a click. After all, this is on-demand housing. Welcome home!

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