Downtown Dallas is a continuously growing area with a beautiful arts scene, urban green spaces, fine dining and luxurious shopping.
See the hustle and bustle of professionals by day, and experience nightlife and entertainment after dark.Use our guide to the neighborhood to plan your next outing! While we've mentioned a few spots here, there are so many more to explore! Head out and find your new favorites - and tag @VisitDallas on Instagram when you make it there.
West End
Experience Dallas history in the West End District. Here you'll find the Old Red Museum where the visitor's center is housed, along with the JFK Memorial Plaza. There's also tons of shops and restaurants located on a walking strip of Market and Record Streets. Stroll former warehouses and railroad stations that have been beautifully preserved and converted into restaurants with shaded sidewalk patios and only-in-Dallas retail shops. The district is home to some of Dallas' most iconic moments, including the grassy knoll in memoriam to JFK, and a perfect spot for a walking tour of Dallas history.
AT&T Discovery District
A new attraction to Downtown Dallas, the district has a range of things to see and do - The Media Wall consists of more than 9,000 square feet of futuristic, colorful high-definition displays on a 104-foot tall outdoor wall interpreting communication in the natural world. The Globe is a 30-foot-tall, three-dimensional representation of AT&T's iconic logo, decorated with 30,000 LEDs. If you're feeling hungry, check out the cafeteria-esque picks of locally and nationally-acclaimed eateries.
Farmer's Market
The Dallas Farmers Market was established in 1941 as the a municipal farmers market. Historically, it was the central hub for farmers to bring their produce, meats, and dairy to the city. Today, with the development in downtown Dallas, the Dallas Farmers Market has been transformed to be the farmers market for the future. The addition of food entrepreneurs along with farmers and ranchers, makes this a place to taste the diverse flavors and cultures of Texas. The Market is open daily with a variety of eateries and shops. The Shed is open over the weekends as the an open-air farmers market.
Arts District
The Dallas Arts District is largest urban arts district in the US. Spread over 20 square blocks and encompassing 68 acres, the walkable downtown hub of creativity features art for all the senses with award-winning museums, performing arts venues, restaurants and bars, while an arts magnet high school, Booker T. Washington, inspires tomorrow's brilliant artists.
Downtown Arts & Culture
Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park opened in 2012 and introduced a central green space in the middle of a bustling downtown scene. The 5.2-acre park delivers a comprehensive activities calendar for locals and visitors, including daily food trucks and fitness classes, a dog park, a children's center, games and live music. Connectivity was key in picking the spot above Woodall Rogers Freeway for the park; visitors can get to Klyde Warren via foot, trolley or bicycle from multiple neighborhoods.
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy with documentary films, photographs and artifacts. Walk through a timeline of Kennedy's life and presidency and the moments of November 22 as the entire nation stood by. A live feed from the museum webcam features a real-time view from the sniper spot, and two areas in the museum were recreated to appear as they did in 1963.
Dallas World Aquarium
The adventure at the Dallas World Aquarium begins at the top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds and lounging sloths can be seen along with a wide array of animals that are part of the many conservation projects. Experience the outdoor South Africa exhibit and catch a glimpse of black-footed penguins, Shoebill storks and Madagascar giant day geckos.
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
https://www.dhhrm.org/ opened a new, permanent home in a state-of-the-art 55,000 square-foot building in the West End District in 2019, continuing its mission to educate the public about the dark histories of prejudice, hatred and indifference throughout the world. The museum explores all human rights, other historic genocides and America's own civil rights journey, including a celebration of upstanders.
Main Street Garden
Escape to the Main Street Garden park offering a great lawn, toddler play area, dog run, fountains, City Park Cafe and public art installations. During summer months, bring a blanket and catch an al fresco movie on the lawn.
Pioneer Plaza
Walk among 49 bronze longhorn cattle sculptures, herded by three bronze trail riders, in one of the most photographed locations in the city.
Reunion Tower GeO-Deck
See our city from over 500 feet in the air at one of Dallas' most recognized structures. Enjoy the view and interact with Halo, the deck's digital information system, to learn about Dallas, its landmarks, Reunion Tower's light shows, milestone events in the city and more.
Places to Eat in Downtown
Omni Restaurants
Most hotel restaurants are mere guest conveniences, but Texas Spice and Bob's Steak & Chop House inside the convention center hotel are delicious destinations for Lone Star cooking at its finest. The hotel recently added four more restaurants, each with their own patio space to enjoy Downtown Dallas.
Jaxon Beer Garden
A menu with a focus on Texas fare and elevated classic Southern dishes. Compliment your meal with a cold beer from our curated selection of 34 local and regional craft beers or specially crafted cocktails and spirits.
Dakota's Steakhouse
This iconic Downtown Dallas restaurant has opened at a new location. Patrons descend 18 feet underground in a canopied glass elevator, accessed from street level, for a culinary experience unlike any other. The American Steakhouse offers an expansive subterranean courtyard allowing patrons to dine al fresco and enjoy a New Orleans-inspired exterior space. Happy hour is offered on weekdays 4-6p.m.
Partenope Ristorante
Enter into a chic, modern blue-and-white restaurant for Neopolitan-style pizzas, panini, pasta & cocktails. Love pizza so much you want to make it yourself? Look at Partenope's website for pizza making classes on Saturday. Enjoy an authentic Italian experience!
Café Momentum
This new American spot is a Dallas-based restaurant, a culinary training facility, and most importantly, employs at-risk youth to not only help out in the kitchen but also learn culinary skills that will help them integrate into the local workforce. Try the smoked fried chicken or the sweet potato ricotta ravioli. Cafe Momentum is only open for dinner Thursday-Saturday.
Campisi's
Need a pizza fix? Stop by Campisi's, one of the oldest restaurants in the area and one with a deep history to the city. Right in the heart of downtown Dallas, you can find the Elm Street location next door to The Joule Hotel's garden, which features a stunning, three-story Giant Eyeball. The menu features all types of pizzas, pastas and salads, so take your pick!
Chop House Burger
Fresh, all-natural ingredients come together to create some amazing gourmet burgers at Chop House Burger. Located off Main Street, this burger joint promises to impress with mouthwatering burgers and decadent shakes. Don't leave without tasting the truffle fries!
Crafty Irishman
This cozy spot on Main Street is the place to go when you're craving an Irish specialty. Take your pick from Bangers and Mash and Shepherd's Pie, wings, as well as burgers and sandwiches. Need a beer? Check their list of rotating selections.
Ellen's Southern Kitchen
Located in the West End, Ellen's Southern Kitchen is the place to go for brunch when in the area. The menu features originals that you won't find anywhere else like the Grit's Benedict. If you need an oldie but goodie, go with the Chicken Fried Steak – you'll leave with a full stomach and happy heart.
Salsa Limon
Bright colors, fresh ingredients and a thirst quenching horchata makes Salsa Limon a must-taste lunch spot. Choose your favorites among their street tacos, quesadillas and burritos, and leave room for to taste all their homemade salsas. Need a late night bite? They're open until 3 am on the weekend, so ask your Uber driver for a taco stop on the way back home.
The Woolworth
Sip a delightfully crafted cocktail before dinner in this former five-and-dime space. Start with the nitrogen jalapeno margarita before digging into caprese lollipops and truffle fries.
CBD Provisions
This restaurant at The Joule Hotel showcases bold flavors and exotic presentations. The pig's head carnitas and BBQ pig tails are among the most memorable. Make sure to take a gander at the 30-foot Eye sculpture by Tony Tasset across the street.
Shopping in Downtown
Neiman Marcus
The flagship store of the luxury retailer sits at the corner of Main and Ervay streets and includes the Zodiac room, a popular lunch spot on the sixth floor.
Commerce Goods + Supply
Commerce Goods + Supply is new blood born of Texas history and stories makers. experience the warmth of a western presence in a modern light through a curated mix of artisan goods and elevated essentials. Located in the historic Adolphus Hotel, Commerce is new blood born from old money and mahogany.
Forty Five Ten
This luxury department store, located across from the Joule Hotel, offers the latest fashion trends and top designers' clothing for women and men. This lavish spot carries both men and women's apparel, as well as home, beauty and jewelry items.
Hotel Shop at the Joule
Located in the Joule Hotel, this sleek, high-end boutique has everything you need from clothing to jewelry to home décor. They've also got great knick-knacks and accessories that make for the perfect gift.
Traffic LA
Traffic LA is a contemporary designer boutique that sits inside the Joule Hotel. They sell top designer clothing from Alexander McQueen, BALMAIN and Rick Owens just to name a few, selling both men and women's clothing.
Wild Bill's Western Store
Located in the historic West End of Downtown Dallas in a 100-year-old red brick building is Wild Bill's, the western wear destination in Dallas. Look around and check out the tin ceilings, hardwood floors and a massive turn-of-the-century bar complete with saddles as barstools. Get the latest boots, hats, apparel, and maybe even a story or two from Bill himself!
Downtown Stories
FAQs
What is the most famous food in Dallas? ›
Barbecue and Beyond
Like most of Texas, Dallas has earned a national reputation as a go-to location for barbecue and Tex-Mex.
Downtown Dallas is a continuously growing area with a beautiful arts scene, urban green spaces, fine dining and luxurious shopping. See the hustle and bustle of professionals by day, and experience nightlife and entertainment after dark.
Does Dallas have a walkable downtown? ›Downtown Dallas is increasingly walkable and can be traversed on foot in about 30 minutes. Getting around Downtown and completing daily errands by walking are a breeze, so says our walk score of 95. In addition to walking, Downtown Dallas offers a variety of transportation options to suit multiple needs and lifestyles.
What are the 3 most popular foods? ›- Ice Cream.
- Chicken Tenders.
- Soft Drinks/Soda.
- Pizza.
- Oreo Cookies.
- French Fries.
- Hot Dogs.
- Hamburgers.
1. Barbecue. Texas food is all about the meat. At our barbecue joints, you'll find brisket, sausage, and ribs to be the most popular.
What food is popular in Dallas TX? ›Equal parts Tex-Mex, barbecue and soul food, the Dallas Fort Worth area boasts an impressive culinary resume. The city's tenure as a confluence of Mexican and American culture is largely responsible for its culinary reputation.
What is the nice part of downtown Dallas? ›1. Bishop Arts District. The Bishop Arts District, located 10 minutes south of downtown– is one of Dallas' most charming neighborhoods– filled...
What do people visit Dallas for? ›Dallas is home to more than a dozen neighborhoods and districts that each have their own distinct vibe and attractions. From spectacular museums and performing arts venues in the Arts District, to the buzzing nightlife of live music at cool bars in Deep Ellum, Dallas has a place for everyone.
How much is the trolley in downtown Dallas? ›The trolleys operate normally 365 days a year, providing safe, clean, reliable, and convenient public transportation free of charge (and dog-friendly).
What is the hidden door in Dallas? ›The Dallas News' People's Choice named the Hidden Door “Best LGBTQ Bar and Club in DFW.” We agree! The Hidden Door is owned by the Anthony Bobrow Trust. All our net profits are returned to our community via donations that, after the announcement of 2022's gifts, are approaching $ TWO MILLION.
What is the best month to visit Dallas Texas? ›
The best time to visit Dallas is between September and November, when the temperatures aren't overwhelmingly hot, the tourist traffic has died down and the State Fair of Texas is in full swing.
What is the nicest part of Dallas? ›- Prestonwood. The number one neighborhood to live in within Dallas, Texas, for 2022.
- Uptown/Knox Henderson/Oak Lawn. Perfect for young, single professionals who want to live the trendy, big city vibes that Dallas offers. ...
- Arapaho. ...
- Canyon Creek South. ...
- Campbell Green. ...
- Deep Ellum. ...
- Bishop Arts District/Oak Cliff. ...
- Design District. ...
- Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
- Margarita Mile (21 & Up)
- Take a JFK Assassination Tour.
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
- Visit Reunion Tower.
- Dallas World Aquarium.
- Horseback Riding at Ascend.
- Go to a Cowboys Game.
- Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail. Easy• 4.6(2014) ...
- White Rock Lake Trail. Easy• 4.7(3740) ...
- Cattail Pond, Fossil Valley, Red Oak and Escarpment Trail Loop. ...
- Cattail Pond Trail and Cedar Brake Trail Loop. ...
- Katy Trail. ...
- Possumhaw Trail. ...
- Katy Trail: Hi Line to Oak Lawn. ...
- Oak Cliff White Loop.
Downtown Dallas has plenty of on-street parking meters, which are enforced Mon-Sun, 7AM-6PM, with a maximum stay of 2-4 hours. Meters accept $1.00 and $0.25 coins, as well as cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover). Prices range between $0.50-$2.00/hour.
Do you need a car in downtown Dallas? ›Dallas is the 24th most walkable large city in the US, with many of the neighborhoods individually ranking much higher on the walkability scale. In particular, the areas of downtown Dallas, Oak Lawn and Henderson are considered quite favorable for folks who don't mind using their feet to get them where they need to go.
Is it better to stay in Uptown or downtown Dallas? ›Whether it is green space, nightlife, entertainment or safety, Uptown Dallas has the advantage over downtown, bar none. Experience Uptown for yourself and you will agree. There is no other place like it!
What is the number one famous food? ›Pizza is the topmost liked food in the world. Today you can find pizza in almost every corner of the world. This traditional Italian dish is made of flattened round dough topped with cheese, and tomatoes, and additionally garnished with basil, olives, and oregano.
What is the most famous snack in Texas? ›In Texas, the most popular snack food is chips and salsa. Here's what The Daily Meal said to back up its decision: When you think about the best recipes from Texas, chances are you start dreaming of tacos, burritos and fajitas. But no Tex-Mex meal would be complete without a round of chips and salsa.
What is the favorite snack of Texas? ›Buc-ee's treat named best snack in Texas.
What is the most famous dish in Texas? ›
Barbecue. Of all the traditional Texas foods on this list, barbecue has to be the most popular. From sweet to smoky, each restaurant puts its own spin on Texas barbecue.
What popular restaurants are in Texas? ›- Paper Route Bakery, Austin.
- Comfort Cafe, San Antonio.
- Manolis Ice Cream, Pastries & Cakes, Austin.
- Pontotoc Vineyard, Fredericksburg.
- Robin's Snowflake Donuts & Cafe, Spring.
- Kat's Barbecue, Santa Fe.
- Gino's Deli Stop N Buy, San Antonio.
- Arctic Ape Wild Desserts, San Antonio.
You'll be about one meal in when you realize the food scene in Dallas is just as vibrant as the city itself. Its culinary offerings stretch far beyond the drool-worthy barbecue Texas is famous for (of course, there are some great options for that too).
How many days do you need to see Dallas? ›Three days gives you plenty of time to explore everything Dallas has to offer, plus venture farther afield to nearby Fort Worth for a completely different Texas experience. With three days to spend in the DFW area, here are some ideas for how to make the most of your time.
Can I get around Dallas without a car? ›Founded in 1999, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides public transportation throughout the city of Dallas. Operating from approximately 5 a.m. through midnight, DART trains, buses, streetcars and trolleys offer an inexpensive way to get around without being forced to walk for miles to reach your destination.
Does Dallas have a riverwalk? ›A new development in the heart of upscale and family-friendly Flower Mound, Texas, the River Walk features a central tree-lined waterway that connects a unique mix of retail, dining, residential & event spaces.
Is downtown Dallas or Fort Worth Better? ›Fort Worth is more affordable than Dallas.
In 2022, the consumer prices in Fort Worth, TX, were 6.07% lower than in Dallas, without factoring in rent. Overall restaurant prices were 23.00% lower, and grocery prices were 3.40% lower than in Dallas.
Deep Ellum is the most walkable neighborhood in Dallas, and that makes it perfect for a laidback day of shopping.
How can I spend 2 days in Dallas? ›- Stop 1: The Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden. ...
- Stop 2: George W. ...
- Stop 3: Perot Museum Of Nature And Science. ...
- Stop 4: Klyde Warren Park. ...
- Stop 5: Dallas Museum Of Art. ...
- Stop 6: Tex Mex Food And Culture Walking Tour. ...
- Stop 1: Dealey Plaza.
Dallas is unique, considering everything we have at our fingertips – fine dining, high-level sports and entertainment, art, museums, outdoor activities, a lively music scene, and great weather.
What is good about Dallas? ›
A good place to live, Dallas is considered one of the best places to live in Texas and is popular among young professionals and families looking to relocate to the lone star state. Considered one of the safest big cities in America, Dallas takes pride in its well-maintained streets and sought-after neighborhoods.
Is the tram free in Dallas? ›The M-Line Trolley service is free. To connect to DART Rail or buses, buy a DART Day Pass for S6. 00. Day Passes are available on buses, from a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) found at all DART Rail stations, the GoPass app, and with a GoPass Tap card.
How long does it take to ride the Dallas trolley? ›General Service Hours
Riding the entire route takes approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Riding the Trolley is as easy as 1-2-3: Locate a Stop: Look for one of our maroon “M-LINE” signs at one of our 39 stops and stand next to it. Wait Safely: If tracks are in the middle of the street, wait on the curb. The operator will stop traffic for you to board.
What is the pink wall in Dallas? ›Known to locals as Preston Hollow South, the two dozen plus, 1950s and 60s era, Hollywood styled condo area is also referred to "Behind the Pink Wall." If you want to mingle with moneyed Dallas, but don't have millions to spend, you may just find living Behind the Pink Wall your favorite location.
What is a jib door? ›A jib door is a secret door, well they are not that secret, they are a door in a formal room where the position, size or shape of the door does not fit in with the architectural character and layout of the room and so is concealed within the decoration and its position doesn't interrupt the proportion and character.
What is the big white arch in Dallas? ›The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is designed by internationally renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. This stunning bridge with a 400 foot center arch connects Woodall Rodgers Freeway seamlessly to Singleton Boulevard in West Dallas and the new restaurant areas such as Trinity Groves and Sylvan 30.
What is the rainiest month in Dallas? ›The month with the most rain in Dallas is May, with an average rainfall of 4.2 inches. The month with the least rain in Dallas is July, with an average rainfall of 1.7 inches.
Which part of Dallas is the safest? ›- Deep Ellum.
- Lake Highlands.
- Oak Lawn.
- West End.
- Winnetka Heights.
Dallas-Fort Worth's coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 34.0°F. In July, the warmest month, the average day time temperature rises to 95.4°F.
Is uptown or downtown Dallas Better? ›
Whether it is green space, nightlife, entertainment or safety, Uptown Dallas has the advantage over downtown, bar none. Experience Uptown for yourself and you will agree. There is no other place like it!
How do I spend a day at DFW? ›- Dealey Plaza, one of the top sites to see in Dallas.
- West End Historical District in Dallas.
- Pioneer Plaza.
- Dealey Plaza.
- Sixth Floor Museum.
- Old Red Museum.
- Dallas Arboretum.
- Downtown Dallas at Dusk.
The contemporary city. Dallas today is a cosmopolitan city known for its high concentration of restaurants and shopping centres. Skyscrapers, such as Bank of America Plaza (1985) and Reunion Tower (1978), create a striking night skyline.
What is unique to Dallas? ›- DFW is the country's largest landlocked metropolitan area. ...
- Dallas is home to the nation's largest urban arts district. ...
- The Cowboys were first called the Steers. ...
- AT&T Stadium is the world's largest column-free room. ...
- The Dallas Zoo opened with an animal population of four.
The best area to stay in Dallas, TX is Downtown, especially for tourists and first-time visitors. Dallas's city center is packed with historic and cultural attractions, shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues. Downtown is also the best-connected area in town and hosts some of the best hotels in the city.
Does downtown Dallas have nightlife? ›After the sun goes down, downtown Dallas heats up with a dizzying array of nighttime diversions to keep night owls entertained until the wee hours. From uber-hip lounges to neighborhood pubs and intimate live music venues, downtown Dallas has it all and more.
Where can I walk around in Dallas Texas? ›- White Rock Lake Trail. ...
- Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail. ...
- Katy Trail. ...
- Cattail Pond, Fossil Valley, Red Oak and Escarpment Trail Loop. ...
- Cattail Pond Trail and Cedar Brake Trail Loop. ...
- Katie Jackson Park Yellow, Black, and Blue Loop. ...
- Katy Trail: Hi Line to Oak Lawn. ...
- Santa Fe Trail.
Three days gives you plenty of time to explore everything Dallas has to offer, plus venture farther afield to nearby Fort Worth for a completely different Texas experience. With three days to spend in the DFW area, here are some ideas for how to make the most of your time.