The Essential Guide to Dallas, Texas

As they say, everything is bigger in Texas, and that’s certainly true when it comes to Dallas.

Although other big Texas cities, like Austin and Houston, often steal the spotlight, this gem of the North Central Plains has been quietly holding its own over the decades. Although most Americans of a certain age may know the Big D (as it is so affectionately known) from the hit show “Dallas,” the city has long been on the global radar. It’s a hub for sports, air travel, and corporate business, and it has the luxury hotels, world-class art museums, and a Michelin-awarded culinary scene to match. In fact, it’s also home to the best bagel shop in the country. 

“The Dallas-Fort Worth food scene is best represented in the unassuming, chef-driven establishments tucked away in neighborhood corners,” says Lily Smith, cofounder of Dallasites 101 Media. “[It’s] has become this beautiful culmination of cultures: the Deep South, Louisiana Creole, the special fusion that is Tex-Mex, and, of course, Texas barbecue.” 

While Dallas, with its 1.3 million-plus residents, is far from a hidden gem, there are seemingly endless neighborhoods to explore. This summer will be particularly busy, too. Arlington, Texas’s AT&T Stadium—home of the Dallas Cowboys—will host nine World Cup matches, starting June 14. 

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Dallas, Texas.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hôtel Swexan

This family-owned property is located in Dallas’s buzzy downtown Harwood District. The vibe here is decidedly sleek and chic, and is perhaps best described as a mix of upscale European-inspired luxury and warm Texan hospitality. There are 134 rooms at the property, including eight knockout suites, which range from grand spaces with corner room views to the richly decorated Imperial Suite, meant to evoke the allure of Morocco. While you’re here, don’t miss out on snagging a reservation at Stillwell’s Steakhouse and Bar, the on-site Michelin-recommended steakhouse with prime cuts of meat and tasty cocktails.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

With roots dating back to the 1920s, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has hosted Dallas’s rich and beautiful for over a century. This Italian Renaissance-inspired building has 142 rooms and feels more like a private mansion than a hotel. There’s plenty to do in the surrounding posh neighborhood of Turtle Creek, and if you’re down exploring, you’ll want to book an hour (or two) at the on-site spa, which offers a full menu of massages and facials, including one designed exclusively for the property by skincare-specialist-to-the stars Barbara Strum.

The Joule

It’s hard not to be wowed by this neo-gothic stunner located in the heart of downtown Dallas. The building that now houses The Joule was originally built in 1927 and once housed the Dallas National Bank. Today, it’s one of the swankiest properties in the city and has 160 guest rooms, including penthouses. Before you head off to grab a bite to eat at one of its two on-site restaurants, you’ll want to make some time to admire the walls, which are festooned with pieces by modern art giants such as Andy Warhol and Millard Sheets. Even if you don’t stay overnight, you’ll want to make some time to check out the rooftop pool, which is the perfect place to cool off in the summer—day passes are available.

The Adolphus, Autograph Collection

When it comes to any discussion about the best hotels in Dallas, it would be remiss not to mention The Adolphus, Autograph Collection, which is arguably the landmark hotel in Dallas. Constructed in 1912 with the intent of becoming the city’s premier luxury property, it has provided sumptuous, comfortable stays for travelers ever since. The Beax Arts-style building has 268 rooms and 139 suites, all of which are thoughtfully decorated and have marble bathrooms and rainfall showers. The hotel’s convenient location puts you within easy walking distance of the Convention Center, The Dallas World Aquarium, and The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

Hilton Anatole 

Located just north of downtown, the Hilton Anatole is known for its extensive water features, making it a favorite among families. Kiddos will love the 630-foot lazy river, water slides, beach-entry pool, and kids’ splash zone. There’s also a separate pool with a swim-up bar.

Best Things to Do

Explore Klyde Warren Park.

Klyde Warren Park functions as the town square of Dallas. “It’s a great introduction to the ‘city’ of Dallas, where you feel like you’re in the heart of it, surrounded by beautiful culture, art, and buildings,” Smith says. Built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, it hosts weekend fitness classes, family nights, and outdoor movies. The 5.4-acre park also has a 5,000-square-foot splash pad for when it gets hot—and this is Texas; it will get hot.

Visit the Dallas Farmers Market on a weekend.

You can peruse the offerings at the Dallas Farmers Market’s 26,000-square-foot indoor food hall seven days a week, but the experience is even better on weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays, vendors selling gifts, produce from nearby farms, and local meats gather at The Shed, an open-air pavilion. 

Attend the State Fair of Texas.

The State Fair of Texas is kind of a huge deal. In fact, it’s the biggest and longest-running state fair in the United States. On your way into the fairgrounds (which spread over a whopping 277 acres), you’ll be greeted by Big Tex, a 55-foot-tall animatronic cowboy. The original intent of the State Fair was to showcase the state’s agricultural prowess, and you can still view show animals here. However, there are also tons of amusement rides, games, concerts, and, of course, corn dogs to be had. The State Fair of Texas typically takes place over the fall, and this year, it will run from Sept. 25 through Oct. 18.

Catch a game.

It’s hard to think of a better destination for sports fans than Dallas. Of course, the city is home to the Dallas Cowboys football team. But it also has the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, the Texas Rangers baseball team, the FC Dallas soccer club, as well as a hockey team, the Dallas Stars. Perhaps most excitingly, though, the Big D is slated to host nine FIFA World Cup matches this summer.

Spend a day museum-hopping.

This most well-known museum in Dallas is arguably The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza, which chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. However, Dallas’ museum scene is so much more than one museum. The Dallas Contemporary is one of the most exciting modern art museums in the state, while the Dallas Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the U.S. If you’re an aviation enthusiast, head to the Frontiers of Flight Museum, located near Dallas Love Field (DAL), which is dedicated to all things related to aerospace and flight. Lastly, kiddos will likely get a kick out of the ​​Perot Museum of Nature and Science, which has five stories packed with kid-friendly exhibits.

Best Shopping

Highland Park Village 

If you’re interested in designer shopping, set your sights on Highland Park Village. The outdoor mall is home to brands like Altuzarra, Balmain, and Brunello Cucinelli, but you don’t necessarily have to swipe your credit card to enjoy the destination. Window shopping and popping into The Juice Bar or Bird Bakery are equally enjoyable pastimes. 

Galleria Dallas

Galleria Dallas is an expansive indoor mall with 200 shops and boutiques, ranging from Aerie and Apple to Gucci and Gap. At the center of the ground floor, you’ll find a large ice skating rink; skating is first come, first served and admission is $13 (plus $5 for skates).

Dallas Design District 

Set near the banks of the Trinity River, the Dallas Design District is filled with art galleries, interior design showrooms, and, most recently, custom-tailored apparel stores. You can find art galleries on Dragon Street and antiques on Slocum Street. Some favorites in the area include Again & Again for vintage and midcentury home furnishings and Lula B’s Antique Mall, which seems to have just a little bit of everything—it’s a fantastic place to lose track of a few hours.

Best Restaurants

Pecan Lodge

When it comes to barbecue, every Texan seems to have their own opinion about which restaurant is best, but it’s hard not to like the smoked meats and sides at the Pecan Lodge. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Justin and Diane Fourto, this restaurant has been churning out perfectly smoked brisket, sausage, and the crispiest fried okra you’ve ever sunk your teeth into since 2010. As a bonus, the Pecan Lodge is located in Dallas’ hip, walkable Deep Ellum neighborhood, which is filled with cute shops and restaurants—I like to grab a slice of pie from Emporium Pies after my meal. 

Tatsu Dallas

Helmed by chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi, Tatsu Dallas earned its first Michelin star in 2024. The menu features the Edomae sushi (Tokyo-style sushi), served via omakase courses, and Sekiguchi’s finesse has helped up the ante in the city’s cuisine scene. “Dallas dining is having a major ‘elevated’ moment,” says Smith. “With the Michelin Guide now officially on the ground in Texas, we are seeing a new wave of culinary competition, pushing local chefs to strive for that recognition.”

Starship Bagel 

Bagels aren’t exactly synonymous with Dallas, but Starship Bagel is changing that. At New York BagelFest 2025, Starship Bagel received the title of “Best Bagel.” In 2026, the bagel shop was named a semifinalist for Best Bakery in the James Beard Awards. Not sure what to order? Go with a bestseller: The Millennial Falcon comes with your choice of bagel and schmear plus smashed avocado, tomato, red onion, sprouts, and crushed red pepper.

Purépecha Alta Cocina Mexicana

There’s a reason why this restaurant has been called “the single most exciting dinner experience,” by Dallas Magazine. Diners can choose from a four or seven-course tasting menu, which showcases the diverse, exciting flavors of Michoacan, Mexico—expect things like whole-fried branzino, fresh tortillas, rich mole sauce, and even rabbit meatballs. Note: You will need an advance reservation in order to dine here.

Mot Hai Ba

This little modern gem, which has Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, is located within Dallas’ Lakewood neighborhood. Its menu is a refreshing, creative blend of Vietnamese, French, Serbian, Japanese, and Texan flavors, all of which seem to work together seamlessly. Don’t skip the crispy rice cakes, and the shaking beef is a customer favorite. The dining area is relatively small, though, so if you’re dining with a large group, it’s not a bad idea to call ahead.

Best Time to Visit

In terms of the weather, the best time to visit Dallas is between September and December. By that time, the spring storm season and the worst of the summer heat will be in the rearview mirror—and Dallas Cowboys games will be in full swing. If you’re looking for festivities, the State Fair of Texas takes over Fair Park (a Fletcher’s Original Corny Dog is a must) in late fall. This year, though, the months between June and July will likely be a popular time to visit the city, since Dallas will host nine FIFA World Cup games over those two months.

How to Get There

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), in nearby Grapevine, is one of the busiest in the world; it’s served by most major airlines, including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Frontier. If you’re a Southwest Airlines loyalist, however, you’ll need to fly in and out of Dallas Love Field (DAL). DFW is about 22 minutes, depending on traffic, from downtown Dallas; DAL is just about a 15-minute drive. 

How to Get Around

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit is a train and bus system that travels to 13 cities within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. A day pass is $6 and allows for unlimited rides. If you plan to drive outside of downtown or visit the Dallas suburbs, you may want to rent a car; rental cars are available at both Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. Otherwise, Ubers and Lyfts are plentiful.