Dallas is huge. Really huge. So picking the right area can make a big difference to your trip. You could stay among skyscrapers and museums downtown, go for the restaurants and nightlife of Uptown, or base yourself in Bishop Arts for a more local feel. Then there’s Deep Ellum, where live music and colorful murals are hard to miss.
Dallas is also a city with plenty of layers. The neighborhood of Deep Ellum has deep roots in Black culture and jazz, while Oak Cliff was once a streetcar suburb and a Freedmen community. Today, both areas have a very different feel, with restaurants, bars, shops and creative spaces.
And then there’s the slightly surprising fact that Dallas is not particularly walkable overall. Uptown is one of the exceptions, with the Katy Trail and the free McKinney Avenue Trolley making it much easier to get around without constantly reaching for your car keys.
We’ve picked the areas that make the most sense for visitors, from first-time sightseeing to late-night music, great food and quieter neighborhood stays.
In this travel guide:
Downtown Dallas
Best area for: nightlife, shopping, tourists
Downtown Dallas is where you really get a sense of how the city grew from a small settlement into the huge Texas metropolis it is today. It is compact, packed with skyscrapers, and surprisingly full of history. Dallas itself was founded in the 1840s, and downtown is still the city’s original core.
For visitors, there is plenty to keep us busy. Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum are the obvious stops. The area is closely tied to the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, so there is a serious side to exploring this part of town. The old warehouses of the West End now house restaurants, shops and bars, which gives the district a little more character.
Downtown is not purely a tourist zone. Thousands of people work here, and there are plenty of apartments and condos too. During the week, the streets can feel very businesslike. After work, things shift towards restaurants, bars and entertainment.
We also like the contrast between all those towers and Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre green space built over a freeway. It opened in 2012 and has food trucks, events and plenty of places to sit.
Best place to stay in Downtown Dallas
Hotel The Adolphus. Address: 1321 Commerce Street, Main Street District, Dallas, TX 75202, United States of America.
Uptown
Best area for: nightlife, trendy, luxury
As the name implies, the Uptown neighborhood sits directly above Downtown.
This is one of those Dallas neighborhoods where we can leave the car behind for a while. That already makes it feel a little different from the rest of the city. The streets around McKinney Avenue are lined with restaurants, bars, shops and apartment buildings. It is very much a residential area, but with enough going on to keep visitors busy too.
The area has an interesting past. Uptown is more than 130 years old, but much of what we see today is the result of a huge redevelopment push that started in the late 1980s. The State-Thomas Historic District is a nice reminder of what came before, with some of Dallas’ best-preserved Victorian homes.
For us, the Katy Trail is one of the best parts of staying here. The 3.5-mile trail cuts through the neighborhood and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. Griggs Park is another good escape when the skyscrapers start to feel a little too close.
Then there is the McKinney Avenue Trolley. It is free, historic and surprisingly useful for getting around. We can hop on and head towards downtown without worrying about parking.
For breakfast, we would make a stop at Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery on McKinney Avenue. It is a local classic for a relaxed start to the day. For coffee, White Rhino Coffee is another easy pick.
Best place to stay in Uptown Dallas
Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek. Address: 2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75219, United States of America.
Bishop Arts District
Best area for: hipster, nightlife, culture
The hub of nightlife in Dallas is the Bishop Arts District in South Dallas. From hopping nightclubs to live music, the streets are full of interesting opportunities to let loose and have fun.
The area started as a busy trolley stop back in the 1930s. It eventually fell quiet for decades until artists and local business owners moved in to revive it.
Now it operates as a tight-knit residential hub that doubles as a massive magnet for visitors. The colorful brick streets keep a small-town vibe right in the middle of the big city. You will not find big corporate chain stores here.
Instead, the blocks feature over sixty independent boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Street murals cover the walls, and live jazz often pours out of the local bars.
Best place to stay in Bishop Arts District
Canvas Hotel. Address: 1325 South Lamar, Dallas, TX 75215, United States of America. Please note, this hotel isn’t in Bishop Arts District but the coolest hotel closeby.
Highland Park
Best area for: families, luxury, parks
Highland Park feels a world away from the busy streets of downtown Dallas, even though it is only a few miles north. This is one of the city’s most polished residential areas. Big homes, quiet streets, leafy gardens and plenty of green space give it a distinctly suburban feel. Tourists do come here, but mostly for shopping, food and a peek at one of Dallas’ wealthiest neighborhoods.
The area has an interesting past. Highland Park started taking shape in the early 1900s, with planners including landscape architect Wilbur David Cook and George Kessler, who also worked on Fair Park and parts of downtown Dallas. Around 20 percent of the original land was set aside for parks.
The main attraction is Highland Park Village. It opened in 1931 and is widely regarded as America’s first shopping center. Today, the Mediterranean-style complex is packed with luxury names such as Chanel, Dior and Hermès. Even if designer shopping isn’t your thing, the architecture makes it worth a look.
We also like the quieter side of Highland Park. Turtle Creek runs through the area, with parks and landscaped spaces that make the neighborhood pleasant to explore on foot. Southern Methodist University and the Meadows Museum are just beyond its residential streets too.
For breakfast, we’d head to Sadelle’s Dallas in Highland Park Village. It is an easy place to start the day before browsing the shops. For coffee, Church Coffee nearby is another good pick.
Best place to stay in Highland Park
The Lumen Hotel. Address: 6101 Hillcrest Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205, United States of America.
Deep Ellum
Best area for: nightlife, music, culture
We hang out in Deep Ellum whenever we crave great food, live music, and colorful street art.
This historic neighborhood started back in the late 1800s as an industrial area for cotton gin plants. Over the decades, it evolved into a famous hotspot for legendary blues and jazz musicians. Today, it acts as a massive entertainment playground rather than a quiet residential neighborhood. You will encounter far more concertgoers and diners here than long-term residents.
Huge brick buildings house intimate music clubs like Trees and the iconic Bomb Factory. Vibrant, massive art murals cover almost every alley wall. When the weekend hits, the streets close down to traffic. Local crowds pack the sidewalks to hop between craft breweries, rooftop patio bars, and concert halls.
When we need food before a long night out, we grab a table at Pecan Lodge. Their smoked brisket and pulled pork are legendary across Texas. We love tearing through a massive barbecue platter served on butcher paper. It is messy, smoky, and absolutely worth the line.
Best place to stay in Deep Ellum
Kimpton Pittman Hotel. Address: 2551 Elm Street, Deep Ellum, Dallas, 75226, United States of America.
Where travel critics stay in Dallas
Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Dallas? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Dallas.
Budget
“It would be hard for this ultramodern concrete re-imagining of what was originally a 1960s motel, across from SMU, to live up to the local hype. But you have to love the parade of poodles and shih tzus through the lobby, the video library and the strong coffee in the morning.” — Lonely Planet.
Address: 6101 Hillcrest Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205, United States of America.
Mid-range
“Some hotels fill common areas with high-priced art in an attempt to impress well-heeled clientele. But few hoteliers have the vision to pick pieces that stop you dead in your tracks. That’s one of the things that makes Zsa Zsa as glamorous as the Gabor I like to imagine this hotel is named for.” — Frommer’s.
Address: 2332 Leonard Street, Uptown Dallas, Dallas, TX 75201, United States of America.
Luxury
“Uptown was the logical choice for Dallas’s latest luxury hotel, surrounded by high-dollar high-rise condos and other elite lodging options, dozens of fine restaurants, and upscale shopping. The hotel opened in mid-2007 and has sleek yet comfortable furnishings and awesome views of Downtown.” — Fodor’s.
Address: 2121 McKinney Avenue, Uptown Dallas, Dallas, TX 75201, United States of America.
FAQ: Dallas hotel recommendations
If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Dallas, or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Dallas.
What is the best budget hotel in Dallas?
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Dallas, then book Hampton Inn and Suites in Dallas East. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Make sure you check our shortlist of the best cheap hotels in Dallas.
What is the best boutique hotel in Dallas?
You like some luxury but don’t like the famous chain hotels. If you’re looking for the best boutique hotel in Dallas, you should check out The Adolphus. It’s a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts. Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Dallas, it’s a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
What is the best luxury hotel in Dallas?
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Dallas, then go for Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Make sure you check our shortlist of the best luxury hotels in Dallas, it’s a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
How much does it cost to stay in a Dallas hotel?
The average prices for a 3-star hotel in Dallas are $120 per night. For a 4-star hotel you can expect to pay around $185 per night and if you’re looking for a luxury 5-star hotel in Dallas, then you probably have to pay around $350 per night.
What is the best Dallas hotel for couples?
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway and have some money to spend, then go to Hotel The Ritz-Carlton. The hotel has some excellent customer reviews from couples.
Which Dallas hotel offers great views?
If you want a room with a view over Dallas then try Hotel The Ritz-Carlton. Customers have given excellent reviews for views from the hotel.
Best time to visit Dallas
The best time to visit Dallas is from March to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the days are sunny. The average temperature during this period is around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The city also hosts several festivals and events during this time, such as the State Fair of Texas and the Dallas International Film Festival.
The hot summer months of June to August can be a bit too much for many visitors, as temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter months can also be cold, with temperatures dropping to even below freezing on some nights. During the autumn months, the temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s.
The climate is perfect for outdoor activities such as exploring the city’s many parks, as well as visiting attractions such as the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Additionally, the city is home to a variety of art and cultural festivals during this period.
Best things to do in Dallas
There are plenty of things to do in Dallas and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Dallas:
JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House
See the site where the infamous shooting occurred on this special historical tour to Grassy Knoll and the Kennedy Memorial; separate the facts from the theories with the help of your guide, who will walk you through that day and its aftermath. Price: $77. More info.
Welcome to Dallas 3-Hour Small Group Tour by Van
Get a complete overview of Dallas on this 3-hour small-group tour by air-conditioned van. Visit the famous landmarks of this renowned city. Your local guide will provide you with insider knowledge about the city’s top historic sites and monuments. Price: $55. More info.
2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour
Explore Dallas in style on a 2-hour Segway tour that takes in historic landmarks and other important sites throughout the downtown. Price: $59. More info.
Deciding where to stay in Dallas
In conclusion, this travel guide has covered the best areas and hotels in Dallas and how to get around. Now it is up to you to decide which area suits your needs the most.
Top 5 areas to stay in Dallas
- Downtown
- Uptown
- Deep Ellum
- Bishop Arts District
- Highland Park
As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Dallas is important. Whether you stay in Downtown, Uptown, Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts District or Highland Park, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.
The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Dallas.
Dallas overview
| 🏨 Hotel prices: | High |
| 🛏 Budget hotel: | $100 |
| 💑 Boutique hotel: | $170 |
| ⭐ 5-star hotel: | $320 |
| 🌎 Best area for first visit: | Downtown |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Highland Park |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | Rosewood Mansion Dallas |
| 👫 Best boutique hotel: | The Adolphus |
| 💰 Best cheap hotel: | Sonesta Select Dallas Central Expressway |
More Dallas tips
Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Dallas:
