Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Dallas?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Dallas?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Dallas, Texas? Most people spend two to four days in Dallas during their visit. After all, the active city will let you tour the famous sights and museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, enjoy an evening out, and go shopping.
Dallas is a sprawling city in north Texas. It's known for its business sector and is said to have a bit of a posh personality. There are many museums and cultural opportunities around town as well as great Texas food and countless shopping opportunities.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Dallas? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Dallas?
For many visitors, three days in Dallas would be just the right amount of time for this city. In fact, lots of tourists spend two to four days in the active city to check out the amazing museums and landmarks and terrific food. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.
How to spend 3 days in Dallas
Don't miss the Sixth Floor Museum during your trip to Dallas, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option ($99)
The public transit in Dallas is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Dallas, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.
A few tour suggestions include:
- JFK Assassination Tour with JFK Museum and Oswald's Rooming House ($77)
- JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House ($77)
- Dallas and JFK Full-Day Tour with Sixth Floor Museum and Oswald Rooming House ($133)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas ($55)
Shopping in Dallas is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from Dallas to Tanger Outlets Fort Worth ($158)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Dallas.
Is 4 days enough time in Dallas?
Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Dallas, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Tour the famous sights and museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, enjoy an evening out, and go shopping. You could also use Dallas as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
Dallas, Texas
How to spend 4 days in Dallas
Having 4 days in Dallas will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Dallas is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's a large city with a lot going on during the day. It's a city where people live and go about their lives, giving it an authentic feel.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hop On Hop Off Dallas Tour ($32)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Dallas?
Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Dallas at your own pace to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, the nightlife, and the quaint shops. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend 5 days in Dallas
With 5 days in Dallas, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Dallas, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Dallas.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Dallas, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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