Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in El Paso?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in El Paso?

Many visitors spend one to two days in El Paso during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to spend time at the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, enjoy an evening out, and find the best deals at the shops.

El Paso is the largest city in West Texas by population. It's located on the left bank of the Rio Grande and it is surrounded by desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. There are several good museums around town, as well as great Mexican food and friendly people.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit El Paso? 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 El Paso?

Three days is more than enough time to see everything that El Paso has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the famous sights and museums, the food, the nightlife scene, and the quaint shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 3 days in El Paso

This city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Shopping in El Paso 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. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

After you've explored most of El Paso, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 4 days enough time in El Paso?

Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in El Paso, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Spend time at the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, enjoy an evening out, and find the best deals at the shops. You could also use El Paso as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

How to spend 4 days in El Paso

If you have more than 4 days in El Paso, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around El Paso. Plenty of amazing options are available.

Is 5 days enough time in El Paso?

Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of El Paso at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, the food, the nightlife scene, 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 El Paso

With 5 days in El Paso, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time perusing the musuems, dining at local restaurants, hopping around the bars and clubs, and browsing the shops. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.


A few trip suggestions:

  • UTV Adventure Tour / Rental ($249)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about El Paso, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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