Header image by Marco Becerra
Dallas is a modern, glitzy city, but it still holds firm to its Texan identity.
It’s plenty big enough to pack in something for everyone, from arts to retail therapy, and checking out a Dallas city guide is a great way to make sure you won’t miss the main sites.
Staying in the city center will leave you no more than 30 minutes from attractions in all directions, making Dallas an ideal weekend destination.
The following are things to do in Dallas on a weekend city break.
Things to do on a Weekend Trip to Dallas
Stay: The Magnolia Building
The Magnolia Building, now an upscale hotel, is an iconic Beaux-Arts style 29-story building in downtown Dallas.
Opened in 1922, the building was the tallest in the state for many years. It’s famous for the rotating Pegasus logo on the roof, which was replaced at the turn of the century.
The Magnolia is a stunning building both inside and out, and you can pop in and explore the lobby any time and see the fantastic architecture and decor.
Shop: NorthPark Center
If it’s retail therapy you’re after, then the NorthPark Center is the place to visit. Often listed in the top five shopping destinations in the entire United States, the Center has more than 235 stores to cater to all tastes.
NorthPark also displays an impressive art collection throughout the building, including significant works by Mark di Suvero and Andy Warhol. There is even a 1.4-acre mature garden, if you fancy an escape from the urban surroundings.
NorthPark Center is open every day (except for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day) from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Walk: The Dallas Arts District
Dallas boasts the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States, and since 2009 it has been lovingly cared for by a nonprofit organization. The result is a stunning area, serving both local communities and tourists.
The Dallas Arts District features museums, sculptures, and performing arts spaces, as well as amenities like restaurants and parks. The district is a public space and is open 24/7.
To experience the visual art, try a free tour of the Dallas Museum of Art at 2 p.m. every Saturday, or check out the event schedule for a performing arts experience.
Eat, Drink & Party: Dallas Nightlife
Dallas is a lively city with a vibrant nightlife. With its mix of trendy modern vibes and Texan traditions, there are venues to suit all tastes for an evening out.
If fine dining is your thing, then head to Fearings Restaurant within the Ritz-Carlton hotel. The creative food gives Southern cuisine a new twist, with menu items such as antelope with cactus pear glaze.
The trendy Rattlesnake Bar is at the same location, with drinks specials between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. every evening.
For something more relaxed and traditional, try The Rustic. Homestyle meals, locally produced drinks, and regular live music make this outdoor venue perfect for a laid-back evening of Texan entertainment.
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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
18 Comments
Meg I dig your Dallas essence; old Texas feel with a new, modern presentation. I think of the famous TV show in the 80’s with Larry Hagman. He was an oil man. Texas T. Made serious coin. Old school Texas. Yet it is becoming more glam these days. Neat mix of the 2.
Glad you enjoyed the post Ryan! I’ve heard of Larry Hagman before though I haven’t seen his TV show, I’ll have to look it up, I love old school Texas! :)
I will be travelling to USA from India in January. This will be my first ever US trip and that too in freezing cold weather. The places I would be visiting are Dallas, Minnesota and Chicago.
What kind of winter wears, shoes and other necessary things I should carry with me?
PS: It will be a short trip of 8 days in Dallas and 5 days in Minnesota followed by a 2 days visit to Chicago from where I will return back to India.
Sounds like a fabulous trip Shweta! You’ll have the best weather in Dallas, MN and Chicago will be freezing though. Dallas will probably sit around an average of 10 celcius, so definitely take warm clothes, and waterproof shoes that can help trudge through a bit of snow for when you get up north.
Hope you have an amazing trip!
Thank you, this is very helpful. We are in the Dallas and Austin regions from around 9th September for 2 weeks.
You’re welcome Melissa, I’m glad the article could help :) Have a great trip!
Burger places about in Dallas. I will add in Off Site Kitchen, Grubb, and Pints and Quarts.
Thanks for the tip Jeff … can’t beat a good burger!
We spent a few days in the City earlier this year and did not run out of things to do. Apart from the 6th Floor Repository, there is both the Old Red Museum and the Aquarium nearby. We also also had a great visit going out to the Aviation Museum at Love Field. Then of course, there is Fort Worth and the Stockyards.
Glad you had a fabulous time! There really are so many cool things to do in Dallas :)
Although I am a major fan of the Fort Worth museums, I find Dallas museums to be great places to go- especially the downtown ones including the Perot, Sixth Floor, Old Red Courthouse, Dallas Museum of Art, Crow Collection of Asian Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Holocaust Museum. I have not yet been to the George W. Bush Presidential Center but it is on my radar as is the SMU Meadows Museum. I love the Arboretum and find shopping at Northpark and Mockingbird Station- also great places for movies- lots of fun. Just within the downtown and Uptown, there are so many good bars and restaurants plus the growing music scene, especially in Deep Ellum. The Dallas Observer is an excellent source of information for out of town visitors.
I’ll have to add a heading for museums, thanks for sharing your favorites Dan. I haven’t been to many you’ve recommended, so I’ll have to start planning for another trip! Totally with you on loving the Arboretum :)
Sounds like a nice itinerary to me.
Glad it was helpful Christy – have a great time in Dallas :)
I think FW has more of a unique identity than Dallas.
Definitely a great destination in its own right as well :)
Texas is on our list when we get to the US!
Fab Asher, I hope you have a great time! :)