Victoria Lupascu 
Howdy everyone, hope you’re ready for a fun Texan adventure! But first you have to check out this guide on where to stay in Dallas!
If you read this post you’ll discover 5 of the most appealing areas to stay in for tourists. I also have included different accommodation options, from budget hostels to Airbnb apartments and luxury Dallas hotels with a pool.
I did all the work manually to make sure you get the best of the best rated options and made sure to include a couple of places for each price range.
In short, Downtown is the best area to stay in Dallas for first-time visitors as it’s home to many iconic attractions and fabulous hotels.
Before we start, I should remind you to book your hotels in advance! Dallas is super popular and the hotels here sell out months in advance.
NOTE: While Dallas, Fort Worth, and their surrounding areas are often thought of as the same city, this post will only cover Dallas. Fort Worth is actually a city in its own right and has its own unique history.
If you are in a hurry
Below you can find some interesting and comfortable hotel options for your next trip to Dallas, all of them located in Downtown Dallas:
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Dallas Downtown – where to stay for first time travelers
- 2. Deep Ellum – where to stay in Dallas for live music lovers
- 3. Bishop Arts District – the most trendy place to stay
- 4. Uptown – where to stay in dallas for families
- 5. Knox-Henderson – a cool neighborhood for nightlife
- FAQs about where to stay in Dallas
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here is a map to help you see where all the different areas I will be talking about are located in Dallas:
- Dallas Downtown: for first-timers
- DEEP ELLUM: for live music
- BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT: for hipsters
- Uptown: for families
- Knox-Henderson: for nightlife
1. Dallas Downtown – where to stay for first time travelers
Downtown Dallas is the best place to stay if you want to be within walking distance to the city’s main attractions and is a convenient 20-minute drive from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
As the oldest area of the city, Downtown Dallas’s historic buildings stand in great contrast to the modern-day skyscrapers.
Most of the city’s major tourist attractions are found in or very close to the Downtown area, such as the site of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and The Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza Reunion Tower (where there’s a cool observation deck), the Dallas Holocaust Museum, the Meyerson Symphony Centre and the Dallas World Aquarium.
You can actually see the street where the former President was shot. There’s a red X marked on it and it’s called Elm Street.
Downtown Dallas is not all about history though, it really has something for everyone! In its own Arts District (different from the Bishop Arts District I will be talking about later), you will find a cultural hub that’s home to the Dallas Museum of Art and to the Winspear Opera House.
If you are looking to shop or searching for some fine restaurants and bars, you can find them all in the Main Street District entertainment area of Dallas Downtown.
But if you’re a fan of street food I also recommend checking out the Dallas Farmers Market (map) where there are so many fab stalls serving delicious food!
Now let’s check out the top hotels where to stay in Dallas Downtown:
This elegant hotel has really thought of everything to make your stay in Dallas the best it can be. Relax in the rooftop outdoor pool and pool bar, plus, forget about walking with the hotel’s private car service available within a 3-mile radius. Enjoy the french details and dark colors in every aspect of this grand hotel. The ballroom, bar, and lounge are sure to make you feel like you’re on a movie set!
Other accommodation options in Dallas Downtown
Such a cool hotel that offers an outdoor swimming pool, 2 on-site restaurants and a bar
Sova Micro-Room & Social Hotel
A great hotel that comes with air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi and a bar
This super spacious condo comes with a kitchen and it offers access to a shared pool
Things to do in Downtown Dallas
- Climb the Reunion Tower for the best city views
- Experience Dallas history in the West End District
- Explore museums and performing arts venues in The Arts District
- Don’t miss the Dallas Museum of Art
- Snap a pic of the Margaret Hunt Bridge
- See the Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza and the site of John F. Kennedy’s assassination
- Hop on a carriage ride around the town
- Visit Dallas World Aquarium, home to exotic birds, mammals, and fish
2. Deep Ellum – where to stay in Dallas for live music lovers
Located a 5 minute drive East of Downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum has been the home of blues and jazz music since the 1920s!
Nowadays, this lively and vibrant neighborhood is still a hub for entertainment and live music of all varieties, making it a perfect getaway for music lovers who are looking to rock out all night long.
Definitely head to the Factory in Deep Ellum where they hold many live events!
Deep Ellum is also known for its intricate street art and quirky galleries. It’s also one of the best areas to stay in Dallas without a car, as it’s close to everything!
Housing various festivals every year, in Deep Ellum, you can truly feel the sense of creativity throughout the area. Experience the art scene for yourself at Kettle Art.
Fashion and lifestyle photographers particularly love using Deep Ellum as a backdrop. So why not step in and take the chance to capture some artistic pics yourself?
Deep Ellum is also your first destination if you are looking for affordable places to stay in Dallas. The neighborhood houses the best hostels in the city and generally gets you the most for your money.
Among the best hotels Dallas offers in Deep Ellum, this luxurious hotel offers beautiful and spacious rooms and suites. The location of the hotel is excellent and not far from the center, with plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance. The 24-hour reception desk will help with your every need, and the in-house restaurant is also a strong point. The hotel offers delicious food, and a daily buffet breakfast is available at the hotel.
Other accommodation options in Deep Ellum
A pet-friendly hotel with a small-town family feeling and an in-house swimming pool
This modern accommodation offers a kitchen, a private pool and free parking
A well-equipped apartment that comes with 2 rooms, a kitchen and access to a shared pool
Things to do in Deep Ellum
- Start your breakfast at All Goods Cafe
- Check out some of the best graffiti art on Commerce Street
- Visit The Deep Ellum Outdoor Market
- Party under the best live music at The Bomb Factory
- Have a picnic in Central Square Park
- Get your art fix at the Kettle Art Gallery
3. Bishop Arts District – the most trendy place to stay
This small neighborhood is located just 10 minutes drive south of Downtown Dallas and is known for its diverse nightlife, chic fashion stores, and colorful mural art.
Although the neighborhood represents just a small fraction of the city, it is a great destination with lots of entertaining options, perfect for travelers who love a vibrant social life and lively cultural scenes.
Bishop Arts District is also one of the most unique places to stay in Dallas! It has even been mentioned in various publications for its trendy atmosphere! And honestly I’m not surprised since it has such a cute hidden-gem appeal and small-town feel, that we all love!
Dining services vary from Texas-style barbeque to Vietnamese pho, while cocktail bars with a laid-back style will serve you some of the best cocktails in town, but definitely try the house-brewed cider, it’s so yummy!
Bar Eden Lounge at Paradiso is a great place to start the night, their cocktails are super yummy!
The neighborhood houses several areas for performing arts and creative culture. Think speakeasies, old-style movie theaters, and thrift stores galore.
Bishop Arts District would definitely be the coolest neighborhood to stay in Dallas, and I cannot think of anything you wouldn’t like here.
Feel at home in this gorgeous house that comes with so much space! Boasting a gorgeous decor, the accommodation has a cozy lounge area, a kitchen and a small backyard with a seating space where you can enjoy your morning coffee!
Other accommodation options in Bishop Arts District
Boutique hotel with an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms provide a fantastic city view and have free Wi-Fi
Entire apartments located in the center of the neighborhood – perfect budget rooms
Spacious suites like this are not easy to find in the area. Offers free parking
Things to do in Bishop Arts District
- Shop for items you love along Bishop Avenue
- Buy rougher antiques at M’Antiques
- Read a book while having an evening drink at The Wild Detectives
- Have a picnic in Lake Cliff Park
- Snap a picture with your partner at the Love Equation
- Have a big slice of Grandma’s like pies at Emporium Pies
- Grab a drink at The Texas Theater – a movie theater with a stylish Prohibition-style bar
4. Uptown – where to stay in dallas for families
Uptown Dallas is a very old neighborhood and one of the safest areas to stay in Dallas, just 5 minutes drive North of the city center and right near Victory Park.
It boasts tree-lined streets, stylish Victorian mansions, and shopping and entertaining centers for the upper classes.
If you are searching for a calm area to stay in Dallas, Uptown easily matches your expectations. Uptown is among the quietest areas in the city and one of the best places to stay in Dallas for families!
But the area is pretty big and while some parts of it are pretty chill there are also parts where you can enjoy a fun nightlife.
Especially on McKinney Avenue, the central street in Uptown, which is packed with restaurants, bars, and boutiques selling high-end fashion wear! You will see lots of young professionals dominating the daily scene here.
For travelers who do not want to drive while in Dallas, a trolley car connects Uptown with the center of Dallas, making it easy (and fun) to get around.
Hotels here are on a more luxurious side of the scale, but you can also find a few cheaper boutique hotels like the ones below.
One of the top boutique hotels and best places to stay in Dallas for couples! Housed in a restored historic mansion, this gorgeous accommodation comes with elegant rooms that have stylish furnishings, an outdoor swimming pool and a spa center.
Other accommodation options in Uptown Dallas
Unique hotel with Mediterranean decor with fine dining, pool, and fitness center on-site
You’re going to love this place which comes with family rooms, a restaurant and a swimming pool
Feel at home in this super spacious house that has space for 6 people, a kitchen and a TV
Things to do in Uptown Dallas
- Start the day with a family breakfast at Ascension
- Take a ride on the M-Line and tour Uptown
- Walk back in time around the State Thomas Historic District
- Take the kids to Klyde Warren Park
- Jump on the free trolley and shop at West Village
- Enjoy people-watching on McKinney Avenue
- Check out the art at the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
- Jogg and cycle along The Katy Trail
5. Knox-Henderson – a cool neighborhood for nightlife
Dubbed as the city’s most vibrant area, Know-Henderson is one of the best areas where to stay in Dallas for nightlife as it’s full of Tex-Mex restaurants, pubs, and late-night cafes.
The neighborhood is located just north of Uptown and around a 10-minute drive from Downtown and it is named after the two main roads, Knox Street and North Henderson Avenue.
Despite being close to the city center and is packed with bars, eateries, and shops in all directions.
Head over to Truck Yard after a day of exploring the area and enjoy some tricks and some yummy food!
The biggest attraction yet of this part of the city is the pedestrian-friendly character of the area.
Knox-Henderson has been considered the closest to a European street that Dallas City offers the visitors who choose to stay in this area.
Along Knox-Henderson’s west runs The Katy Trail, a former railroad turned into a jogging and cycling route, very popular among the ones who like spending time outdoors. This part of the city doesn’t contain many hotels but is a great place to find modern and spacious apartments on Airbnb. If you think that a private condo might be more your style, check out my post on the best Airbnbs in Dallas for more options in other neighborhoods.
You’re going to love the beautiful modern rooms that feature funky geometric murals and sleek furniture! This hotel also has a pool that you can use and a restaurant where you can enjoy a yummy meal before your day out!
Other accommodation options in Knox-Henderson
The perfect place for a family or group of friends that has a living rooms, a super nice decor and a kitchen
This one-bedroom apartment comes with an equipped kitchen and private parking
This is a lovely apartment and a perfect stay for 1-2 people. People who travel for work especially love this place
Things to do in Knox-Henderson
- Escape to The White Rock Lake Park which is close by
- Enjoy an upscale dining experience at Up On Knox
- Drink delicious beer and housemade cocktails at The Old Monk
- Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center
- Have a picnic in Abbotts Park
- Check out the Meadows Museum
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$240 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | US$130 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$80 |
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown Dallas |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Adolphus |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Lorenzo Hotel Dallas |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Sova Micro-Room & Social Hotel |
FAQs about where to stay in Dallas
🌇 What is the best area to stay in Dallas?
Downtown is a great location to choose for those who will travel to Dallas for the first time as it’s in the center of all the attractions and has a wide range of great hotels like The Adolphus.
👎 What is the bad side of Dallas?
allas is considered one of the safest cities in the United States, so there aren’t necessarily any “bad sides.” Southern Dallas has slightly higher crime rates than the center but nothing to be overly concerned about.
📸 Where should I go in Downtown Dallas?
Go shopping at The Dallas Farmers Market, see the Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza and the site of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, check out the West End District, and head to Reunion Tower for the best city views.
📅 What is the best area to stay in Dallas for a weekend getaway?
Downtown Dallas or Uptown are some of the best areas to stay in Dallas for a weekend getaway as they offer lots of attractions, restaurants and bars!
❌ What are some areas to avoid in Dallas?
It’s advisable to steer clear of South Dallas and certain parts of Oak Cliff.
🤔 Is it better to stay in Downtown or Uptown Dallas?
It depends, both are great but I’d recommend Downtown if you’re a first-time visitor and Uptown Dallas if you’re traveling with your family.
🚶♀️Is Dallas a walkable city?
Yes, especially Downtown Dallas and the areas around it. If you want to explore the whole city you can easily use public transport, it’s super reliable.
🔝 Is it better to stay in Dallas or Fort Worth?
Dallas is a more modern city while Forth Worth feels like an authentic country town in Texas, so it really depends on your preferences.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed reading my post on where to stay in Dallas, Texas.
I made sure to add the most amazing areas, hotels and also some things to do in Dallas so that you can get an idea of what you want to visit or not.
If you still need help making a decision, here are my top Uptown and Downtown Dallas hotels:
- The Adolphus – an elegant hotel with a rooftop pool and bar and private car service available within a 3-mile radius
- Bishop Arts Hotel – this amazing hotel comes with an outdoor swimming pool and free parking
If you are traveling to Dallas, I would suggest planning ahead and booking at least 6-months in advance as these places are quite popular and sell out fast.
While you’re at it, I highly recommend you explore some more of Texas and the United States and maybe even stay in one of these magical Texas Treehouses!
If you have any thoughts, tips, or questions about traveling to Dallas or a particular hotel, feel free to leave them in the comments, and I will gladly respond.
Have a great trip,
Victoria
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