Things to Do in Dallas: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Dallas is a big, ambitious Texas city with the largest urban arts district in the United States, a deck park built over a freeway, live music in Deep Ellum and serious steak and Tex-Mex. It's also where President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, a history told at Dealey Plaza.
This guide covers the best things to do in Dallas, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Fort Worth, Arlington and the arboretum, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Dallas
Sixth Floor Museum
The story of the Kennedy assassination.
Dallas Arts District
Museums and concert halls.
Klyde Warren Park
Green space with food trucks.
Reunion Tower
Observation deck in a lit globe.
Deep Ellum
Live music and murals.
Bishop Arts District
Boutiques and restaurants.
Dallas Arboretum
Gardens on White Rock Lake.
Fair Park
Art Deco buildings and the State Fair.
Dallas in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Downtown history
Start at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, then walk to the JFK Memorial and the Dallas Pioneer Plaza cattle sculptures. Have lunch downtown. In the afternoon ride up Reunion Tower for views across the city. End with dinner and live music in Deep Ellum.
2Day 2 · Arts District
Visit the Dallas Museum of Art, free to all, and the Nasher Sculpture Center in the Arts District. Have lunch from a food truck at Klyde Warren Park. In the afternoon explore the Crow Museum of Asian Art, then catch a performance at the Meyerson Symphony Center or Winspear Opera House.
3Day 3 · Gardens and neighborhoods
Spend the morning at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on White Rock Lake. Have lunch in the Bishop Arts District. In the afternoon browse its independent shops, then visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Finish with Tex-Mex on Lower Greenville.
Dallas in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Fort Worth
Take a day trip to Fort Worth for the twice-daily cattle drive at the Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum and Sundance Square. Have lunch in the Stockyards and stay for the rodeo on a Friday or Saturday night.
5Day 5 · Arlington
Tour AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, then spend the afternoon at Six Flags Over Texas or a Texas Rangers game. Have lunch in Arlington and return for dinner in Uptown.
Dallas in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Fair Park and White Rock
Visit Fair Park's Art Deco buildings and museums, then cycle the White Rock Lake trail. Have lunch by the lake and enjoy a final steakhouse dinner.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast with migas, shop for western wear and local art, and enjoy a farewell lunch. Dallas Love Field is fifteen minutes from downtown, and DFW International about thirty.
What to do in Dallas on a weekend
For a weekend in Dallas, combine the Sixth Floor Museum, the Arts District, Klyde Warren Park and Deep Ellum.
Add Fort Worth with a third day.
What to do in Dallas in the evening
Evenings mean live music in Deep Ellum, symphony and opera in the Arts District, rooftop bars in Uptown and steakhouses.
The State Fair runs in the fall.
Dallas for couples
Couples will enjoy sunset from Reunion Tower, a concert at the Meyerson and dinner in Bishop Arts.
Dallas with kids
With kids, try the Perot Museum, the Dallas Zoo, Klyde Warren Park and Six Flags.
What to eat in Dallas
Tex-Mex
Frozen margaritas were invented here.
Steak
In classic steakhouses.
Barbecue
Smoked brisket.
Chili
Texas style, no beans.
Fried food
At the State Fair.
Where to stay in Dallas: best areas
Downtown
Near museums.
Uptown
Walkable and lively.
Deep Ellum
For nightlife.
Bishop Arts
Charming and local.
What to do in Dallas when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot Museum, the Sixth Floor Museum or NorthPark Center.
How much does a trip to Dallas cost?
Expect $150–300 per night, $15–30 for lunch and about $25 for the Sixth Floor Museum.
Practical tips for Dallas
Best time to visit
March to May and October to November.
Getting around
DART light rail, the free M-Line streetcar and ride-hailing.
Our practical tips
- Book the Sixth Floor Museum online.
- Use the free M-Line streetcar.
- Visit the State Fair in October.
- Avoid summer afternoons outside.
- Plan Fort Worth for a weekend night.
- Rent a car for Arlington.
Mistakes to avoid
- Driving at rush hour.
- Expecting everything to be walkable.
- Missing the Arts District's free museums.
- Underestimating the heat.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Dallas?
Visit the Sixth Floor Museum, the Arts District and Deep Ellum.
How many days do you need?
Three days, a week with Fort Worth.
Is the Dallas Museum of Art free?
Yes, general admission is free.
How far is Fort Worth?
About forty minutes by car.