Where to Stay in Dallas

Starting from the bustling Downtown Historic District to the stylish quarters of Deep Ellum to the idyllic suburbs, the city of Dallas has a range of vacation-worthy prospects waiting to be explored.

And all off that without even mentioning the city's burgeoning gastronomy and its long-standing association with both visual and performing arts.

The Texan city, located in the northern part of the state in short, has a little something for everyone and all it takes a short weekend trip to find out for yourself.

Such efficient public transport systems as the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and an intracity streetcar network ensures that commuting is hassle free and you can freely choose your idea neighborhood to stay in.

But with such a long list of options - all of which offer a unique experience altogether, choosing the right one can be a tough ask.

And that's why we have come up with a comprehensive guide for it.

Here, we have listed some of the best neighborhoods of Dallas and what they might have in store for you traveler!

Downtown

The go-to choice for many first time travelers flying into Dallas, Downtown is the true beating heart of Dallas.

You can start your city tours from the Thanks-Giving Square - home to several great open air art exhibits - that geographic centre of sorts for the expansive neighborhood.

Major landmarks in Downtown include the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, a popular concert and live events venue.

The Dallas Farmers Market, your one-shop-stop for all the fresh produce and street vendors serving takeout; and the Majestic Theatre, a Broadway venue in a 1920s-built baroque style building.

And much like most major city centres, Downtown Dallas also has a range of modern entertainment options at its disposal.

Massive shopping venues and an eclectic mix of eateries dot most major thoroughfares, with the one surrounding Main Street and Commerce Street being some of the most frequented stops for residents and travelers alike.

Downtown West is one of the best neighborhoods in terms of accessibility as well as hotels by virtue of being the city's central business district.

Hotels are in plenty and among some of the finest that the city has to offer; many of the top accommodation options are concentrated around central thoroughfares.

Arts District

While technically still a part of Downtown Dallas, the Arts Districts warrant a separate mention of its own.

Dallas has had a long-standing association with arts - both visual and performing - and this compact neighborhood located a little northwest of the city centre is where it all comes together.

Home to some of the biggest museums and art galleries, this is definitely the place to be for the artistically inclined.

The Dallas Museum of Art, which has over 24000 pieces on display; the Crow Museum of Asian Art, showcasing art exhibits from the region; and the Nasher Sculpture Center, known for its rotating exhibits and lush gardens are some of the highlights.

And for all the time away from exploring the halls of the aforementioned venues, Arts Districts also offers you some for the city's biggest cultural institutions.

You can catch the Dallas Opera at Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House - part of the bigger AT&T Performing Arts Center - or catch live music comic acts at others including Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre and Dallas Chamber Symphony.

Arts District also has a few great mixed used spaces that aren't too far off, in case you want to spend your days walking around the city.

The West End Square and the accompanying parks and take out joints as well as the Stone Street Gardens that has a slew of cafes and bistros line along a lush pedestrian street.

Arts District is fairly close to the other Downtown subdistricts so accessibility is a non-issue; the St. Paul and Pearl stations of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) are fairly close to all neighborhood landmarks.

Big names of the hospitality business have set up shop in Arts Districts, making it an ideal choice for a luxury stay.

Reunion District

Situated at the western end of Downtown, Reunion District is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Start your tours with a trip to the Delay Plaza, the historic site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

The site comprises the Grassy Knoll, which is the exact spot of the assisantion as well as an accompanying memorial plaza.

Others including the Sixth Floor Museum, with exhibits highlighting the Kennedy presidency; the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum; and the Museum of Illusions all ensure that you never run out of things to do.

And there are fewer better ways to end a long day of sightseeing or restaurant-hopping than a trip to the Reunion Tower.

The 561 feet-tall structure with the spherical top is a bit of a city landmark and has an observation deck at the top, one that offers unparalleled views of the city.

Visit the plaza in the evening, as the tower is lit up during the time and stands tall amidst the skyscraper-heavy skyline in itself.

The Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station is the central transportation hub and provides easy access to all other parts of the city.

Hotels and accommodation, much like its predecessor Arts District, can be a little expensive.

But you can find more affordable options in the southern part of the neighbourhood.

Deep Ellum

The hip neighbourhood of Deep Ellum - which lies just outside of the traditional Downtown bounds - is the best place to experience the city's 24*7 lifestyle.

Younger crowds throng the neighborhood's several bars and nightclubs! most of these establishments stay open till late into the wee hours, lending Deep Ellum it's alternative appeal.

But that's not to say that there's nothing to do in the neighborhood other than exploring it's nightlife options.

Even during the day, Deep Ellum is a bustling centre that has an arts scene (more on that later) and a burgeoning gastronomy worth exploring.

Restaurants, casual eateries and pubs offer big-plate lunches, barbeques, fusion cuisine, live music, comics and so much more. Quite simply put, you wouldn't want to be anywhere else on a Friday evening!

Amongst some of the names that you wouldn't want to miss out on are the Deep Ellum Brewing Company, which offers guided tours and an array of live events week in and week out.

The Free Man Cajun Cafe & Lounge, known for its Cajun specialties and hosting jazz performances; and the Revolver Taco Lounge, in case you want to challenge yourself to an eight course meal.

Deep Ellum also brings out the artsy side of Dallas just as well.

You simply cannot miss out on a walking tour of the neighborhood for the sheer brilliance of its street art, which stands out in the face of the largely urbane brick and mortar cityscape.

Art galleries and studios showcasing the work of local talent are just one of the many added bonuses!

As mentioned up top, Deep Ellum is located just outside of Downtown and access is fairly straightforward.

The neighborhood has DART stations at the namesake Deep Ellum and at Baylor University Medical Center.

Deep Ellum is the gateway of sorts to the old-world East Dallas, so if you're looking to explore what the city looked back in the 20th century, this might be the right place for you after all!

South Dallas

Next on the list is the outdoorsy South Dallas. Centred around the expansive Fair Park, this is the neighbourhood where you’d want to head for live concerts, open-for-all soccer fields, spaces that are the perfect spots for your family picnics or just spending lazy afternoons all.

Fair Park and William Blair Jr. Park are the neighbourhood’s two major green spaces.

While the is home to the Cotton Bowl Stadium, concert venues and a small lagoon, the latter is better known for its quaint walking trails and sporting ground; you can visit the one that better suits your plans or pick your days visiting both!

Also in Fair Park is the Texas Star Ferris Wheel, a giant ferris wheel offering sweeping views of South Dallas.

The views are especially stunning after sundown, with the attraction and Fair Park’s own evening lights adding value to the experience.

The Cedars and Hatchers Stations of the DART Light Rail is the major transportation hub and offers connectivity to other parts of the city.

While in South Dallas, you might want to try and look for a home stay or bed and breakfast to best experience the everyday mores of the neighborhood.

Uptown

And for the last neighborhood on the list, we bring to you the eclectic Uptown. Located a little northwest of Downtown, this compact neighborhood brings together the best elements of Deep Ellum and South Dallas.

So if you're looking to enjoy the suburban charm without ever being too far away from the lively city vibe, this is definitely the place for you!

Largely modern in its construction, Uptown citiscape is characterised by apartment complexes, lofts and mixed-use spaces that draw in big crowds. Such avenues as McKinney Ave are known hotspots for Gen Z crowds to their vast range of take-out joints, casual eateries and coffee shops.

There are also a few great shopping options around Uptown. Chic galleries and boutiques run out warehouse establishments.

Rummage through the wide array of stores on one of the lazy days and you'll find to keep you occupied all afternoons long.

The Turtle Creek meanders along the northern border of Uptown and offers a quick change of scenery.

Tranquil walking and bike trails run along the river and draw in travellers and residents alike.

The Turtle Creek Park in itself has a lot to explore, starting from the iconic bronze statue of Robert E Lee to lush gardens to beautiful fountains to leafy picnic spots!

Uptown is serviceable through the CityPlace/Uptown Station on DART.

For travel within the neighborhood, the bear option has to keep the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority network that operates charming old-world streetcars on short routes.

Accommodation wise, you are likely to find some of the more affordable hotels.

And that's our complete list from Dallas. Take a look and have a great time planning your next vacation; a Texan gem awaits!