Should You Visit El Paso?

Are you thinking about visiting El Paso, Texas? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is El Paso worth visiting?

This city is a good place to visit for one to two days. 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.

El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

Reasons to Visit El Paso

Museums
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.

Food
Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Nightlife
There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Shopping
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.

Authenticity
El Paso has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.




Things to Consider Before Visiting El Paso

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, El Paso might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for El Paso here or see if El Paso is expensive here.

Related

What is El Paso most famous for?

El Paso is most famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as laid-back, low-key, and undiscovered.

What is the most famous sight in El Paso?

The most popular sight in El Paso is the El Paso Zoo. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in El Paso on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the El Paso Zoo and other attractions here.

How touristy is El Paso? Is it a popular city to visit?

El Paso is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • UTV Adventure Tour / Rental: $249
  • Sun City Ghosts Haunted Cowboys and Outlaws Tour: $30
  • Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Jeep Tour: $115
  • Sun City Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $120
  • Jeep Tour - Pikes Peak or Bust: $175

How long should I spend in El Paso?

The ideal length of time for a trip to El Paso is one to two days. Since El Paso has activities such as dining, nightlife, and shopping, most people visit for up to two days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in El Paso? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in El Paso?.