West Houston, at first glance, seems to be no more than urban sprawl at its worst: strip malls, gridlock, billboards, and more strip malls. Yet one need not travel far from the interstate to discover a trove of hidden gems: tranquil parks, the absolute highs and lows in both upscale and bargain shopping, and an endless variety of exotic, authentic eateries - as proof, look no further than New Chinatown.

Understand

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.

See

• 1 Houston Telephone Museum, 6500 West Loop South, Bellaire, ☏ +1 713 666-9164. 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. (updated Apr 2016)

Do

• WorldFest-Houston Film Festival. Totally 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. 

Buy

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

• Memorial City Mall, 303 Memorial City (IH-10 West at Gessner), ☏ +1 713-464-8640, welcome@memorialcitymall.com. Has many department stores and also an indoor ice skating rink. 

• Traders Village, 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. 

Eat

• Taste of Texas, 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. 

Drink

• Vine Wine Room, 12420 Memorial Dr (In the Wick Lane Shopping Center), ☏ +1 713 463-8463. 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. 

Sleep

• Omni Houston Hotel at Westside, 13210 Katy Freeway, ☏ +1 281 558-833, fax: +1 281-558-4028, reservations@omnihotels.com. A luxury hotel featuring an atrium lobby complete with indoor lakes and waterfalls, tropical fish and glass elevators.