The modern Dallas skyline featuring skyscrapers under a slightly clouded sky

Eat See Do: Dallas

It’s hard to pin down exactly what makes Dallas special: it has a big-city vibe, is shaped by a vibrant music and arts scene, and boasts a culinary tradition that ranges from barbecue and Tex-Mex to creative fine dining interpretations. Find out here the best way to discover Dallas with its striking skylines, sprawling parks, and lively neighborhoods

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5 min read
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Eat – Barbecue in the Historic District 

The historic Deep Ellum neighborhood is home to more than 100 bars and restaurants – Pecan Lodge among them. Here, brisket is smoked over wood for hours until it’s tender as butter and develops that signature smoke ring. It’s served with ribs, sausage, or pulled pork – on trays, with mac and cheese, coleslaw, or beans. No frills, just honest Texas barbecue that shows why this cuisine is such a defining part of the region’s identity.

Sliced beef brisket with BBQ sauce and pickles on a wooden cutting board
(© Stocksy; header image © Getty Images)

More Culinary Delights:

  • Tex-Mex at Mi Cocina: Enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas – no matter where you are in Texas, the nearest Tex-Mex spot is never far away, and Dallas is no exception. Here you can enjoy the classics just the way you like them – with meat, cheese, beans, or grilled vegetables. These flavorful dishes taste best with a Mambo Taxi Margarita or a mocktail at one of the restaurants in the Mi Cocina Tex-Mex chain.
  • Dallas Farmers Market: This indoor market hall is open all week, while the outdoor stalls in The Shed pavilion are open only on weekends. Here you’ll find street food and specialties from local producers and small artisanal businesses. In a relaxed atmosphere, visitors can sample fresh salsa, handmade sweets, and more.
  • Fine dining at Fearing’s Restaurant: Traditional Southwestern flavors meet modern cuisine here. The menu features sophisticated takes on Texas classics, seasonal vegetables, and refined meat dishes – proof of just how elegant yet laid-back Dallas dining can be today.

See – View from Reunion Tower

The glowing sphere of the 171-meter-tall (561 feet) observation and restaurant tower is as much a part of Dallas’ skyline as the cowboy cliché is a part of Texas. The GeO Deck, the observation platform at 143 meters (469 feet), offers a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city. From up here, you can see the street grid stretching out below and get a real sense of just how sprawling Dallas actually is. 

Illuminated skyline with a distinctive ball-topped tower at dusk behind trees
(© Getty Images)

Also Worth Seeing:

  • Dallas Museum of Art: Located in the heart of the Arts District, the Dallas Museum of Art presents a wide range of exhibitions, from ancient art to contemporary works. International in scope, clearly curated, and accessible even for visitors who aren’t art experts.
  • Meadows Museum: Located on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU), it houses one of the most significant collections of Spanish art outside Spain, ranging from Velázquez to Picasso. It's more intimate than major national museums, but no less impressive.
  • Klyde Warren Park: This green space built over a freeway has food trucks that serve lunch while yoga classes take place just steps away – a great example of how Dallas is rethinking and reimagining urban space.

Do – Out and About in Deep Ellum

Street art on buildings, small clubs, live music almost every night: Deep Ellum is the creative heart of Dallas. Founded in 1873, the neighborhood was once dominated by commerce and industry. Today, it’s the hub of a vibrant arts and culture scene. In the 1920s, Deep Ellum was the cradle of the city’s blues and jazz culture – a musical legacy that’s still palpable in its many music clubs today. 

Busy street with a burger restaurant, neon sign, and pedestrians in front of brick buildings
(© Getty Images)

More Experiences:

  • Dallas Cowboys game: A trip to see the Dallas Cowboys at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington is a must for football fans. But even those who aren’t passionate followers of the sport will be impressed by the energy. Known as “America’s Team,” the Cowboys play in a stadium equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
  • Basketball with the Dallas Mavericks: Loud, fast-paced, and staged in true American fashion – an evening with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA is pure entertainment. Cheerleaders and the Kiss Cam are just as much a part of the experience as spectacular three-point shots and slam dunks on the court. Even without much basketball knowledge, the atmosphere is electrifying.
  • Exploring the Trinity River Forest: Had enough of the city’s hustle and bustle? Just a ten-minute drive from downtown Dallas, you’ll suddenly find yourself in a completely different environment: hiking trails, diverse birdlife, and wide open nature. The paths through the largest urban hardwood forest in the US will tempt you to embark on long walks and immersive nature excursions.

Ready to discover Dallas?

Book your flight and get ready for your trip. With our tips, it will be unforgettable.