Dallas is the third largest city in the state of Texas, in the south-central United States. Blending bold modernity with Texan heritage, it captivates as much through its gleaming skyscrapers as through its thriving western spirit. Discover everything you need to know about this destination in this guide.

Dallas, an essential Texas destination

Dallas is well worth a visit when exploring Texas. A trip to Dallas means encountering an appealing city that offers comfort and shopping without abandoning its equestrian tradition dating back to the cowboy era. While gleaming skyscrapers in the business district announce bold modernism, authentic Dallas still very much exists. There are no marked routes to tour the attractions. At the Sixth Floor Museum, hear the story of John Kennedy's life, the key dates of his presidential term and his assassination. Visit George Bush's presidential library and museum and take a seat in the president's chair. Ascend the Geo-Deck at Reunion Tower for a 360-degree view of the city.

Beyond these must-see points of interest, Dallas can be discovered in multiple ways: festive in the nightclubs of Oak Lawn, musical in Dallas's arts district, and mouthwatering at Trinity Groves, a hub of Texan and Mexican gastronomy. The federal tourism office has aptly described it as "a marriage between Southern hospitality and Texan spirit". Head to Dallas and discover an authentic Texan city!

History of Dallas

The date of November 1841 marks the birth of Dallas, founded by a businessman named John Neely Bryan. Previously, the site had been controlled by Spanish conquistadors who had driven out the Caddo Indians with varying degrees of success.

The urbanization process of the city took time. Until the end of the Civil War, Dallas was merely a backwater town of little consequence lost in a remote corner of Texas. The arrival of the railways accelerated economic takeoff, marked by the transition from a purely agricultural and pastoral economy to an industrial one.

November 22, 1963 is a significant date in the city's annals: as the presidential motorcade crossed Elm Street, John F. Kennedy received a fatal bullet. The bullet passed through the upper back and exited through the throat. Over 220 political figures attended the president's funeral.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Dallas achieved stable economic growth by developing its oil, natural gas, grain, fruit and cotton crops. Its textile production ranks it third nationally, while the remarkable concentration of banks and insurance companies makes it the leading financial hub of the Far West.

It also earned the nickname "Texas Silicon Valley" due to the flourishing of financial engineering and high-tech companies that invested in Telecom Corridor and Las Colinas during the 1990s. Despite this technological development, Dallas has remained, in many respects, a cheerful and good-natured city.

Today, tourism in full boom

According to the 2020 census, Dallas is home to nearly 1.3 million residents. It is the seat of the county of the same name. A sought-after tourist destination, the city receives between 25 and 27 million tourists each year.

What to see and do in Dallas?

1. Museum of Art

It's Dallas's art museum, located in the downtown area. More than 24,000 pieces, spanning from Greco-Roman antiquity to the present day, await discovery here. Jazz concerts are held every Thursday evening.

2. Nasher Sculpture Center

This institution houses some of the finest modern and contemporary sculptures in the world. Just a stone's throw from the Dallas Museum of Art.

3. The Sixth Floor Museum

If you wish to learn more about the infamous political conspiracy that led to the assassination of American president John Kennedy, don't hesitate to step through the doors of this museum. The choice of location is no coincidence. The museum is housed in the building from which the president was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald, based on the findings of government investigations.

4. Dealey Plaza

Designated a historical landmark, this site marks where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Stroll around the memorial, absorb the historical context and observe the vantage points from which the tragic events of 1963 forever marked America.

5. Crow Collection of Asian Art

Not far from the Sixth Floor Museum stands the Crow Collection of Asian Art. The exhibition celebrates Asia's cultural and artistic heritage. The collection's pieces come mainly from China, Japan, Thailand, India, Korea, Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines. Cultural immersion guaranteed!

6. George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Opened to the public in 2009, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum are also among Dallas's finest tourist sites. It sheds light on the world of the presidency in the United States and invites visitors to explore George Bush's political journey. Voice recordings and personal effects of the former American head of state comprise the collection.

7. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Impossible to miss this major Dallas tourist attraction, even if you're not traveling with teenagers. Its highlights? A vast selection of precious stones and fossils of ancient animals, including two enormous dinosaurs—a Tyrannosaurus and an Alamosaur—standing proudly in the museum's main hall.

8. Dallas Zoo

Don't deprive your children of the privilege of spending time with the greatest stars of the animal kingdom. Set aside a stop during your Dallas trip to visit the municipal zoo. Young visitors will jump with joy observing the elegance of giraffes, the graceful gait of kangaroos, the agility of lemurs leaping from branch to branch, or the ballet of North American pink flamingos.

9. The Dallas World Aquarium

Much more than an aquarium, this magical place brings together marine fauna and exotic animals in a tropical jungle setting. Penguins, jaguars, colorful frogs and giant rays captivate visitors of all ages in an immersive and exotic atmosphere.

10. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Set along White Rock Lake, this 26-hectare botanical garden offers a peaceful setting to rejuvenate. Stroll among fountains, seasonal flowers and century-old trees. A haven of nature in the heart of the city.

11. Reunion Tower

This emblematic Dallas tower, visible for miles around, rises to 171 meters. Ascend to the Geo-Deck for a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Whether by night or day, the spectacle is breathtaking.

12. Pioneer Plaza

Pioneer Plaza pays homage to cowboys with an impressive sculpture of 49 longhorn cattle led by three herders. This downtown green space attracts photographers and strollers, evoking Texas's pastoral past with striking realism.

13. Farmers Market

This covered market in the Downtown district is one of the oldest in Texas. You'll find fresh fruit, artisanal products and local specialties. It's an excellent place to wander, snack or take home a tasty souvenir of Dallas.

14. Fair Park

Fair Park, a vast cultural and events complex, hosts the Texas State Fair every year. It includes museums, gardens, sculptures and historic pavilions.

Festive and gastronomic travel in Dallas

Beyond being a city of art and history, Dallas is also a culinary destination sure to awaken your appetite. Head to Trinity Groves and settle in at a chic restaurant or casual eatery. Many food enthusiasts stop at this shopping center, sharing observations over a plate of tapas, sushi, hamburgers, lobster salads or grilled chicken. For craft beers and margaritas, the Deep Ellum neighborhood is The Place to Be. The cuisine blends Texan and Mexican influences.

Practical information

When to visit Dallas?

The best time to visit Dallas is between September and November. Mild autumn temperatures and lighter tourist traffic make this period ideal. Otherwise, March through May also offer favorable weather conditions. Be sure to check the football schedule. Game season drives up hotel and airfare prices.

Dallas is 35 minutes by air from Austin, the capital of Texas. Count on about 45 minutes for the trip, accounting for airport queues. If you prefer not to fly, you can drive, take the train, subway or public bus to reach the magical city. About twenty kilometers separate Dallas-Fort Worth Airport from downtown Dallas.

The Dallas City Pass is a great way to explore Dallas's tourist attractions. Purchasing this pass entitles you to a 49% discount on four major sites: the Sixth Floor Museum, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Geo-Deck at Reunion Tower.