Dallas, TX

Travel Guide

Dallas
Downtown Dallas which includes modern architecture, a high rise building and a city
Klyde Warren Park featuring night scenes and a fountain
George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum featuring interior views
Dallas which includes a skyscraper and heritage architecture

With cowboy culture, cosmopolitan flair and good ol’ Texas charm, Dallas fascinates at every turn. Saddle up for iconic sights, legendary festivals and outdoor pursuits.

Dallas, or the “Big D,” as it’s affectionately known, rises like a shimmering oasis from the flat Texas plains, its skyline dotted with sleek skyscrapers. This sprawling, energetic Southern city offers an authentic taste of Texas life, from rodeos and sizzling barbecues to live country music at iconic venues like Poor David’s Pub and the historic Sons of Hermann Hall. Dallas’ charm lies not just in its cowboy culture and impressive architecture but also in its dynamic art districts, diverse culinary scene and lakeside green spaces. Whether exploring cultural landmarks or unwinding in nature, Dallas vacations guarantee memorable adventures.

The best areas for accommodation in Dallas

The Dallas Arts District is one of the best places to stay in Dallas for first-timers seeking a mix of art, culture and convenience. This downtown area is filled with museums, galleries and performance venues, including the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Go for a sunset stroll through Klyde Warren Park, then enjoy a wide array of dining options, from food trucks and casual bistros to upscale restaurants.

For couples looking for a romantic getaway, Knox-Henderson is one of the best places to stay in Dallas. Shop for stylish outfits in hip boutiques and treat each other to something special from a vintage store. In the evening, kick back in a wine bar or swanky cocktail lounge before dining in restaurants serving a range of cuisines, including Spanish, Japanese and classic American fare.

One of the best places for families to stay in Dallas is Uptown. This vibrant, walkable neighborhood has plenty of dining options and is close to kid-friendly attractions like Eye, a huge replica of a human eye. Alternatively, stay in or near upscale Highland Park. With numerous parks and trails along Turtle Creek, it’s perfect for outdoor family fun.

Dallas Travel Guide Video

Best time to visit Dallas

  • Winter (December to February): Enjoy cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and great deals on accommodations. Winter is a great time to catch a Dallas Mavericks basketball game or Dallas Stars hockey game.
  • Spring (February to April): Mild weather for outdoor activities makes this one of the best times to visit Dallas. Get outside in green spaces such as Trammell Crow Park.
  • Summer (June to August): High season brings hot temperatures, but the city is in full swing with al fresco bars and restaurants buzzing with life.
  • Fall (September to November): Cooler temperatures, lower humidity and events like the State Fair of Texas make this another great time to visit Dallas.

How many days to spend in Dallas

A two- or three-day Dallas vacation provides a great introduction to must-see spots, including Downtown and Reunion Tower. Extend your trip to around five to seven days to explore the Bishop Arts District or hike through the Great Trinity Forest. Short on time? One day is enough for key attractions.

The vibe of Dallas

Visit Dallas, and you’ll discover easygoing Southern hospitality mixed with fast-paced living. The city never stands still, from the busy streets of the skyscraper-dotted downtown to lively nightlife hot spots like Greenville Avenue. But Dallas also knows how to slow down. Find tranquility in laid-back neighborhoods like Lakewood, with its lakeside trails, or Oak Cliff, known for its tree-lined streets and parks. Sports are a passion here and locals rally behind their hometown heroes with unwavering pride, from the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys to the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

What is Dallas famous for?

Famous for its cowboy roots and oil wealth, Dallas is more than big hats and rodeos; it’s a thriving hub of culture, history and entertainment. Arguably, the city’s darkest day was November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The book depository where the fatal shots were fired from is now a museum. In popular culture, the T.V. show Dallas gave the world a taste of the city’s glamor, and the fictional Ewing family’s ranch remains a popular stop for fans. The city is also a big draw for the Dallas Arts District, one of the largest in the country, with 19 blocks of museums, galleries and theaters.

Events in Dallas

Events in Dallas deliver year-round excitement. Springtime visitors can enjoy the scents and colors of around 500,000 flowers at Dallas Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (February to April). The Riverfront Jazz Festival takes center stage in late summer with a roster of national and international legends. The State Fair of Texas takes over in September and October with 24 days of rides, exhibits and entertainment. In December, the Dallas Holiday Parade kicks off the holiday season with floats, marching bands and plenty of festive cheer. Other popular Dallas events include the Taste of Dallas (June), showcasing the city’s cuisine, and the Dallas International Film Festival (April to May).

Top attractions in Dallas

One of the top things for first-timers to do in Dallas is view the city from Reunion Tower’s GeO-Deck, 470 feet (143 meters) up. Afterward, reflect on a dark chapter in U.S. history at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. For outdoor activities, White Rock Lake offers hiking, canoeing and bird-watching. And don’t miss Pioneer Plaza’s cattle sculptures celebrating the city’s cowboy heritage.

There are lots of fun and romantic things for couples to do in Dallas. Spend a fun day at Trinity Forest Adventure Park, tackling obstacle courses and zip lines. Then relax with a couple’s massage at luxurious spots like The Spa at the Joule or Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Picnic amid the scenic beauty of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and end your evening with a performance at Winspear Opera House.

Dallas is packed with exciting things for families to do. Six Flags Over Texas amusement park delivers high-energy fun with rides for all ages. Continue the excitement at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, North Texas’ largest indoor waterpark. Explore 19th-century pioneer homes at the Dallas Heritage Village, then travel back further in time at the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Cheer on jousting knights while enjoying a royal feast in an 11th-century-style castle.

This Texas city lives up to its reputation as a spot where big things happen, from arts to professional sports and a downtown cattle drive.

Where to stay in Dallas

Reunion Tower which includes a city, a sunset and a high rise building

Downtown Dallas

4/5(3,367 area reviews)

Travelers love Downtown Dallas for its popular shops, and you can see more of Dallas by jumping on the metro at Akard Station or Saint Paul & Federal Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Majestic Theater and Dallas World Aquarium.

Downtown Dallas
Default Image

Las Colinas

4/5(2,531 area reviews)

Mixed-use community with corporate offices, luxury hotels, and landscaped water courses, Las Colinas boasts private country clubs, championship golf courses, and the River Walk-styled canal with gondola cruises. Explore the Mustangs at Las Colinas sculpture, Las Colinas Flower Clock, and Toyota Music Factory.

Las Colinas
Victory Park featuring a city

Uptown

4.5/5(162 area reviews)

Pedestrian-friendly Uptown Dallas offers diverse establishments, from residential towers to nightlife strips. Explore the Gallery Walk Shopping District, visit the Dallas Museum of Art, and enjoy convenient transport options like the free M-Line trolley.

Uptown
AT&T Stadium

East Arlington

East Arlington is known for its exciting theme parks, and you can see some sights in the area like AT&T Stadium and Six Flags Over Texas.

East Arlington
Chicken and Waffles and Mimosas in Dallas, TX

North Dallas

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

While visiting North Dallas, you might make a stop by sights like NorthPark Center and Adventure Kids Playcare North Dallas.

North Dallas
American Airlines Center showing a city

Oak Lawn

4.5/5(524 area reviews)

Urban professionals reside in this diverse Dallas area, featuring older homes, upscale townhouses, and various dining options along Maple Avenue. Easily accessible, it's near Downtown Dallas and connected by multiple transit lines.

Oak Lawn
The Westin Dallas Park Central
The Westin Dallas Park Central
4 out of 5
12720 Merit Dr, Dallas, TX
The price is $115 total per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
$115 total
per night
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dallas. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,630 reviews)
"Hotel lobby was clean and inviting. Guest room was clean and roomy. Housekeepers were unfriendly and not hospitable at all, and all we asked for was extra towels. We did not even bother with turndown services."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

The Westin Dallas Park Central
Loews Arlington
Loews Arlington
4.5 out of 5
888 Nolan Ryan Expressway, Arlington, TX
The price is $212 total per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
$212 total
per night
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,129 reviews)
"Friendly, clean, and conveniently located"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

Loews Arlington
Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
4 out of 5
1401 Commerce St, Dallas, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $147 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$147 total
per night
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Dallas. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,077 reviews)
"A small problem with the batteries in my remote and my AC had no control. All Alaska."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Canvas Hotel Dallas
Canvas Hotel Dallas
4 out of 5
1325 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Dallas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,457 reviews)
"The place itself was nice. The area not so much. Most importantly I blame Expedia because you had this designated as a Downtown hotel- this was not downtown. It was a mile or so from downtown and the walk there was through a rough neighborhood."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Canvas Hotel Dallas
Hotel ZaZa Dallas
Hotel ZaZa Dallas
4.5 out of 5
2332 Leonard St, Dallas, TX
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Dallas. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,577 reviews)
"Wonderful and staff was professional helpful and constantly checking on things"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Hotel ZaZa Dallas
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
5 out of 5
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Dallas. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (752 reviews)
"As always a superb experience. Our favorite place in Dallas."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2025

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Food in Dallas

Dallas dishes up the best of Texas comfort food, from slow-cooked barbecue brisket to Tex-Mex favorites like tacos and enchiladas oozing with cheese. For hickory-smoked meats and classic Southern sides like candied sweet potatoes, head to Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que and Home Cooking, a Dallas institution that’s been going since 1976. And there’s more to the dining scene than the classics. Dallas’ diverse population means you’ll find restaurants from all over the globe, from Deep Ellum’s Lebanese mezze and Japanese sushi joints to Lower Greenville’s Afghan kebabs and Indian curry houses. The daily Dallas Farmers Market is a go-to for local, seasonal produce, artisanal food stalls and up-and-coming restaurants.

Nightlife in Dallas

Dallas, Texas, knows how to entertain once the sun goes down. For the cocktail connoisseur, check out Uptown’s rooftop bars and lounges. Or grab a local brew in the taprooms and breweries of the Design District and Lakewood. Want to catch some great bands? Deep Ellum has been the heart and soul of the Dallas live music scene for decades, featuring rock, blues, indie and more. Oak Lawn is another popular nightlife hub. Also known as the “Gayborhood,” it’s home to many LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, including sprawling dancehalls and Texan-style gay bars complete with Southwestern-inspired decor.

Shopping in Dallas

From upscale shopping to bargain hunting, Dallas covers all the retail bases. Begin at Neiman Marcus, the renowned luxury retailer founded in Dallas in 1907. For even more designer names like Dior and Ralph Lauren, visit Highland Park Village, a historic mall known for its upscale boutiques. Looking for budget-friendly options during your Dallas trip? Galleria Dallas, home to over 200 popular retailers, is a great stop. Hunt for vintage finds, locally crafted goods and unique art pieces in the independent stores and galleries of the Bishop Arts District. Then test your bargaining skills at Traders Village in Grand Prairie, a sprawling outdoor flea market.

Getting around Dallas

With trains, buses, streetcars and trolleys, the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) system is a cheap and convenient way of getting around Dallas. Several neighborhoods, like Downtown Dallas, are easily explored on foot. Alternatively, use the scooter and e-bike share program to travel short distances. To reach more distant attractions like Southfork Ranch from the T.V. show Dallas, rent a car.

Dallas currency and budget

A daily budget of $150-$200 should cover food, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing on a mid-range vacation. To cut costs during your Dallas travels, look for happy hour lunch specials and visit free attractions like the Dallas Museum of Art. Remember to tip around 20% in restaurants and 10% for cab drivers. Here’s a snapshot of some everyday expenses:

  • A meal at an inexpensive restaurant = $20.00 USD
  • A regular cappuccino = $5.50 USD
  • A pint of domestic beer = $6.00 USD
  • A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant = $80.00 USD

*Prices are provided for informational purposes and are subject to change.

Reviews of Dallas

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3789
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
3540
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
1059
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
111
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
98
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

People can not drive!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Dallas was nice the hotel sucked

5/5 - Excellent

Unknown

Dallas overall , even though I came during the time of the protesting and looting , I love it. I come here all the time. I’m hoping to move here soon.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Pop Factory in Uptown was a great place to stop in for icecream. There is space outside to sit and enjoy w the kids.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

From here originally, so it’s a great home environment to me.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

I only give it the meh face because of the circumsances surrounding us when we visited. We were going the next day to my step sons bio moms services as she passed away and the riots were unsettling. Again the hotel itself was amazing.

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