Montrose is Houston's most bohemian neighbourhood — a walkable grid of bungalows, art galleries, vintage shops, and tattoo parlours that feels like a different city from the sprawling suburbs around it. It is the heart of Houston's LGBTQ+ community, with gay bars clustered along Pacific Street and Fairview.
The Menil Collection, one of the best free art museums in the country, is here, along with the Rothko Chapel and the neighbourhood's signature mix of thrift stores and independent restaurants. The intersection of Montrose Boulevard and Westheimer Road is the commercial core. In June the Westheimer Street Fair and Houston Pride Parade take over the streets. Dress for heat — this is still Texas in summer.