Facts Population: Texas Medical Center: approximately 2,250,000 (fourth Land area: World's largest concentration of largerst city in the US) 600 square miles healthcare and research institutions Attractions near the Texas Medical Center Houston Zoo: More than 4,500 animals. From its newer Galapagos tortoise exhibits to its popular rend panda, the zoo provides hours of interactive adventures. Address: 1513 N Macgregor Drive Museum District: A collection of museums, galleries, and cultural centers located within a 1.5-mile radius of Herman Park. Museum of Fine Arts, John P McGovern Health Museum, Holocaust Museum, Houston Center for Photography, Lawndale Art Center to name a few. Rice Village: Spread across some fifteen blocks near Rice University, this long---lived shopping area is well---known for its eclectic shops and intriguing merchandise. Hundreds of retailers, restaurants, and bars suit all tastes, whether you're in the market for clothes, accessories, a bite to eat, or even just some people---watching. It's a great place to wander if you're not sure what you want but are hoping to have your imagination jogged. Large and small venues are both available. Address: 2526 Rice Blvd Attractions near the Downtown Houston Downtown Aquarium: 400 species of marine life. Dine alongside a 150,000 ---gallon 2---story tank at Downtown Aquarium. White tigers lounging about, pet a stingray, train ride through shark voyage. Wrap up evening with a feast of seafood entrees, steak and decadent desserts. Bayou Place: Start the evening off with dinner at the legendary Hard Rock Café or the authentic Italian trattoria, Mingalone. Enjoy box office hits or catch the latest indie flick at the Angelika Film Center followed by drinks and dancing at ROCBAR, Houston’s largest rock and roll nightclub. Located at 500 Texas Avenue Attractions within Houston Galleria Mall: Texas’s largest mall, located just outside the 610 loops in the uptown district. It offers more than 350 retailers beneath its stunning atriums. Attached to two hotels and boasting an ice--- skating rink, the complex also gets a designer punch with businesses like Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Burberry, Gianni Versace and Cartier. Of course, you'll find many mall standards here as well, not to mention a host of terrific restaurants, including BiCE and Ninfa's. Address: 5085 Westheimer Road Johnson Space Center: The Lyndon B Johnson Space Center home of the NASA astronaut corp. Tourist can experience a simulation of zero-­‐gravity environment or encounter a virtual rocket launch. Address: 1601 Nasa Pkwy .