Where To Stay In Dallas

Home to almost 1.5 million people and covering a vast area, Dallas is one of the USA’s largest cities. The vibrant metropolis is bursting with attractions, and yet it is often overlooked as a tourist destination. From the bustling city centre and artsy urban communities to the swathes of parkland running along the banks of the Trinity River, Dallas is a brilliant city with tons to offer any visitor. So whether you are passing through or staying longer, you will find plenty to keep you busy.

In such a big city, it can be overwhelming to figure out exactly where to stay in Dallas, and this is a guide to the best areas for visitors to consider.
Whether you are planning a budget break or an indulgent retreat, we will narrow down the ideal neighbourhood to spend your time.

Where To Stay In Dallas

Downtown

If staying right in the heart of the action is your preference, then the downtown area is your best bet.

As you would expect from one of America’s largest cities, the city centre is a bustling hub of entertainment, hospitality and culture.

If you are heading to a convention or sports event in the city, it’s likely to be held around here.

The downtown area is the best place to stay for any first-timers visiting Dallas.

It’s where you will find most of the top sights and attractions, from major museums to quirky art features like the Giant Eyeball sculpture on Elm Street.

Surrounding the Dallas Downtown Historic District, this is the oldest area in the city, so it has had plenty of time to amass attractions.

Impressive skyscrapers dominate the skyline of Downtown Dallas and while this can lend it a somewhat claustrophobic vibe, it makes up for it with the views you can enjoy from the rooftops.

For the best view in the city, head over to Reunion Tower.

Soaring 561 feet (171 metres) into the air, Reunion Tower is an iconic part of the Dallas skyline, affectionately known as The Ball for its distinctive shape.

The observation deck sits around 470 feet (143 metres), providing panoramic views across Dallas.

While you’re up there, try to spot all the other attractions you want to visit in the Downtown area.

If you want to take in some culture, there are plenty of museums to pore over and a wide range to pick from the sombre Holocaust Museum to the quirky fun of the Museum of Illusions.

There are, of course, several museums and monuments dedicated to President John F. Kennedy, but the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is the best.

For something a little more light-hearted, head over to Dallas World Aquarium to get a close look at a range of aquatic creatures, from fish to birds to mammals.

The Dallas World Aquarium does important work in conserving endangered species, so your entrance fee goes to a good cause.

If art galleries are more your thing, head over to the Arts District at the north end of the downtown area.

The district is packed with galleries and sculpture gardens to browse. It is also home to several theatres if you prefer the performing arts.

If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs or indulge in a spot of retail therapy, the Downtown area has you covered.

There are plenty of shopping centres and trendy stores lining the streets.

Head into Dallas Farmer’s Market to enjoy a more local vibe at the heart of the big city.

The sprawling daily market offers a wide range of local produce, street food stalls, and craft goods.

Downtown Dallas stays lively even after dark with a bustling and vibrant nightlife scene.

This is where you will find many of the city’s top clubs and plenty of bars to choose from.

Whether you are looking for an indulgent night at a glitzy club or something a bit more laid-back and casual, Downtown Dallas has options for everyone.

Pros

• Lots of amenities and attractions
• Great nightlife
• Options to suit all budgets

Cons

• Very busy
• A little too built up for some people

Best Hotels

Budget – SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel

Mid-Range – Holiday Inn Express – Dallas Downtown, an IHG Hotel

High-End – Omni Dallas Hotel

Uptown

Immediately north of the city centre is the swanky Uptown district, one of Dallas’ most fashionable neighbourhoods.

Home to many of the city’s most affluent residents, the area is packed with high-end boutiques, trendy eateries and chic cocktail bars.

A little more removed from the sweeping skyscrapers of Downtown, the abundant coffee shops and parks of Uptown create a more laid-back, suburban feel.

It’s conveniently close to the city centre, but its air of exclusivity helps to deter the smothering crowds.

This all makes an ideal choice for families with children looking for a relatively quieter neighbourhood that’s still within easy reach of Downtown.

The leafy William Dean Park runs along Turtle Creek north of Uptown.

Covering 10 acres and walking trails running along the creek, it’s perfect for a quick escape from the urban jungle.

The walking trails are all neatly paved, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, so it’s ideal for getting the whole family out in the fresh air.

Uptown is also home to one of Dallas’ quirkiest attractions, the M-Line.

An old tramline that runs right through the neighbourhood, gliding past the upscale boutiques and fancy stores of McKinney Avenue and looping around the Arts District.

The streetcars running along the route are authentic, vintage trolleys, offering a fun and convenient way of experiencing Dallas’ history.

If you choose to stay at the north end of Uptown, the trolley is a great link straight through to Downtown. The best part is that it is completely free to ride.

Pros

• Easy access to Downtown while staying in a quieter location
• Offers a more residential feel
• Great for families

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Less attractions in the immediate vicinity

Best Hotels

Budget – Quality Inn & Suites Dallas-Cityplace
Mid-Range – Canopy By Hilton Dallas Uptown
High-End – Marriott Dallas Uptown

Design District

The Design District, just west of Downtown, is another ultra-fashionable neighbourhood but with a bit more bite and a chic yet edgy vibe that suits the eclectic selection of antique stores and designer home furnishing studios.

If you like browsing contemporary fine art galleries, you’ll have no trouble filling your time here.

This is a neighbourhood for those who prefer to appreciate the more polished side of the arts.

The Dallas Contemporary gallery in particular, celebrates the cutting edge of Dallas’ creative community.

In contrast to the industrial aesthetic of its developed area, the Design District also offers easy access to one of Dallas’ best green spaces.

The Trinity River runs along the west of the neighbourhood, surrounded by Trammell Crow Park.

The park boasts miles of walking trails leading through the park and along the riverside. It’s perfect when you need a quick break from all the concrete.

Looking along the river to the south, you’ll get a great view of the iconic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.

The towering arch of the cable-stayed bridge has been an icon of the Dallas skyline since it was erected in 2012.

Pros

• Great for art lovers
• Quick access to Downtown
• Great outdoor areas

Cons

• It can feel a bit too “upmarket” for some

Best Hotels

Budget – Motel 6 Dallas TX Downtown
Mid-Range – Hilton Garden Inn Dallas
High-End – Virgin Hotels Dallas

Deep Ellum

If you’re working with a smaller budget but still want to stick fairly close to the city centre, then Deep Ellum is ideal for you.

This little neighbourhood is immediately next to the Downtown area, easily walkable, and yet surprisingly affordable.

You will be right on the doorstep of all the top attractions for a much more reasonable price than staying within the city centre.

Deep Ellum is the best place to stay outside the Downtown area for a bustling nightlife scene.

You’ll find plenty of cool bars and clubs to keep you entertained after dark, and the bright lights of the city centre are just a short stroll away if you need even more options.

Deep Ellum is particularly well known for its live music scene, with several dedicated venues around the area and various pubs and bars hosting local bands.

If you’re not feeling up to dancing, consider heading to a comedy club instead. There are several in the area to choose from.

No one wants to head out on the town on an empty stomach, so Deep Ellum’s wide array of casual but quality dining options will set you up for a great night out.

Some of them are open until the early morning hours, in case you feel peckish on your journey home.

While you are wandering Deep Ellum’s streets, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for its vibrant street art.

Many walls in the neighbourhood are emblazoned with impressive murals.

You should try to find all the Travelling Man sculptures too.

Three metal robot sculptures have been installed around the Deep Ellum area, each in a different pose, ranging from 4.5 feet (1.4 metres) to 38 feet (12 metres) tall.

Pros

• Affordable
• Great nightlife
• Various artistic attractions
• Close to Downtown

Cons

• Not as many “upper-class” options

Best Hotels

Mid-Range – Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown at Baylor Scott & White
High-End – Kimpton – Pittman Hotel

South Dallas

South Dallas is the largest district on this list.

The southern reaches of the district are mainly residential, but the northern portion, closer to the city centre, has plenty to offer visitors.

The two best regions of South Dallas to focus on are the Fair Park and Cedars neighbourhoods.

Cedars is a trendy entertainment district immediately south of Downtown known for its broad music scene, grassroots arts community and top-notch street-food hubs.

It’s particularly popular with the younger crowd, but anyone who appreciates the artsier things in life will find themselves at home here.

In between taking in Dallas’ up-and-coming artists and musicians, take in some of the city’s history at Old City Park.

This open-air museum features preserved and restored buildings from the Dallas founding era.

It’s a great way to peer back at the humble beginnings of this now sprawling city.

Fair Park is immediately to the east, neighbouring Deep Ellum.

The neighbourhood is named for the eponymous park, which hosts the annual Texas State Fair.

Fair Park is ideal for families, with plenty of family-friendly attractions and fairly removed from the worst of the inner-city crowds.

Around the park, you can find the Dallas Children’s Aquarium and a discovery garden complete with a butterfly house.

You can also ride up the Top O’ Texas Tower for stunning night-time views across Dallas.

This is also where you’ll find Cotton Bowl stadium, which hosts American Football and a variety of other sports, from soccer to ice hockey.

On rare occasions, it even sets the stage for concerts, only hosting big names like the Rolling Stones and, most recently, Coldplay.

Fair Park also boasts the most museums of any neighbourhood on this list other than Downtown, so if wandering around various exhibits is your thing, this might be the area for you.

The African American Museum of Dallas and the Women’s Museum are both on the grounds of Fair Park itself. The Dallas Firefighter’s Museum is just across the street. They’re all just a couple of minutes walk from one another, so you can squeeze the lot into a single afternoon if you’re short on time.

Pros

• Very family friendly
• Lots of attractions in close proximity
• Plenty of wide open spaces

Cons

• Slightly more removed from the city centre

Best Hotels

Budget – Welcome Inn
Mid-Range – Canvas Hotel Dallas
High-End – Lorenzo Hotel