Travel Guide Dallas
In the heart of Texas, Dallas emerges not only as a witness to America's tumultuous past, but also as a forward-looking metropolis at the crossroads of innovation in a variety of industrial sectors. Above all, Dallas is recognized as a major hub for oil industry technologies. The oil wells that dot the Texas landscape have made this city the cradle of numerous technological advances in the energy sector. But beyond oil, Dallas has also made its mark in telecommunications, IT and finance. The glittering skyscrapers of the downtown area are home to some of the country's most influential bank headquarters, a testament to the economic power of this metropolis. Among them, the Reunion Tower offers an unrivalled panoramic view of Dallas. The city's ever-evolving transportation network facilitates mobility, linking Dallas to other economic hubs, making it a strategic point for national and international business.
However, Dallas' modern prosperity is tinged by the shadow of a tragic event: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. On Elm Street, in the heart of the city, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza pays tribute to that dark day. The museum offers a poignant retrospective on the life and death of the thirty-fifth President of the United States, as well as a panoramic view of the plaza where the tragedy unfolded. Nearby, visit the historic West End. With its red brick buildings and cobblestone streets, this is the historic heart of Dallas.
Dubbed the Big D, Dallas deftly blends its rich heritage with an insatiable thirst for modernity. Our Dallas Travel Guide offers you the most beautiful sites to visit and the best hotels to stay in. Dallas is also a paradise for art lovers. The Dallas Museum of Art, located in the Arts District, boasts an impressive collection of works spanning over five thousand years of history, not to mention the Nasher Sculpture Center, dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary sculpture.
For a unique shopping experience, head for the Deep Ellum district, known for its trendy boutiques and walls covered in street art. Then recharge your batteries in the immense Klyde Warren Park, an urban oasis in the heart of the city. Taste authentic Texan cuisine in the best restaurants. On the menu: barbecue and Tex-Mex tacos. Don't forget to visit the famous Dallas Farmers Market! Finally, if you want to soak up some local history, a detour to the Bishop Arts District is a must. Its art galleries, theaters and eclectic restaurants offer a glimpse of cultural and artistic Dallas.
What to visit Dallas?
Suggested addresses Dallas
When to go to Dallas?
When is the best time tovisit Dallas?
Thebest time to visit Dallas is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the city blooms with pleasant temperatures and generally clear skies.
In April, Dallas is decked out in color with the Dallas Arts Festival, offering a wonderful combination of visual arts, live performances and local gastronomy. If you choose to visit Dallas in May, you can attend the Wildflower Arts & Music Festival, one of Texas' biggest music events.
Summer, though hot and humid, remains a popular season for many tourists. It's high season, hotel rates are at their peak, but it's also a time when the city is alive with festivals, concerts and sporting events. Let's not forget the traditional Texas State Fair in September, a Dallas institution that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Winter is mild by North American standards, but it's low season in terms of tourism. It's ideal for more affordable accommodation rates and a less crowded city. If you like a festive atmosphere, December transforms the city into an illuminated paradise with Christmas markets and festive events.
Sowhen should you go to Dallas? Whenever's best for you, because Dallas is sure to win you over in every season!
Weather at the moment
Dallas has a humid subtropical climate, marked by hot summers and mild winters. If you're looking for mild weather, the best time to visit Dallas is between October and April. During this off-season, temperatures in Dallas are mild, allowing you to roam the streets without the sweltering heat.
Summer is high season in Dallas, with thermometers easily climbing above 35°C. Add to this the sometimes oppressive humidity, and the weather in Dallas from May to September calls for good preparation, especially in terms of sun protection.
The temperature in Dallas varies with the seasons: in winter, the mercury can drop as low as 2°C, and in summer, it can soar to over 35°C. Frequent thunderstorms in summer cool the atmosphere. For total immersion, spring and autumn are the best times of year, when the climate is most pleasant and cultural events abound.
Dallas, one of Texas' major metropolises, has a variable cost of living, depending on your choice of stay. The currency used is the U.S. dollar, whose value can fluctuate on world markets. Credit cards are accepted in Dallas, and ATMs are ubiquitous. However, it is advisable to carry some cash at all times. Tipping is almost mandatory in Dallas, as in the rest of the United States. It's customary to leave between 15% and 20% of the bill in restaurants.
If you're on a tight budget in Dallas , expect simple meals and accommodation in motels or hostels. For an average level of comfort, chain hotels offer good services, while the luxury segment opens the doors to sumptuous hotels and gourmet restaurants.
To visit Dallas, one of Texas' leading cities, foreign nationals often have to meet certain administrative requirements. Most travelers, especially those from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), can visit Dallas for tourism or business without a visa, for stays of 90 days or less. However, they must obtain prior authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
If you are not from a VWP country, or if your stay is longer or for other reasons, a visa for Dallas is required. Please check the requirements specific to your nationality and the nature of your trip. Before you leave, check the website of the nearestU.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on visa formalities and requirements for Dallas.
Dallas is a modern destination with a state-of-the-art health infrastructure. No specific vaccinations are required for Dallas. However, make sure you're up to date with common vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. If you're traveling from high-risk areas, other vaccinations are recommended. Consult your doctor for more information.
Drinking water in Dallas is generally of good quality and can be taken directly from the tap. Finally, the health care system in Dallas is excellent, but medical care can be costly. It is therefore advisable to take out travel insurance that covers medical expenses to avoid unforeseen expenses. Stay safe, respect health regulations and enjoy all that Dallas has to offer with complete peace of mind.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Dallas? Our advice & tips
Going on an organized trip to Dallas simplifies your experience and lets you enjoy the destination without having to pilot the logistical details.
Start by looking for travel agencies specialized in the United States or specifically in Dallas that offer packages including flights, accommodations, and excursions.
Do you want a trip focused on culture, shopping, history, or a combination of all these? Some agencies offer themed tours focusing on topics such as the JFK assassination, sports (like the Dallas cowboys), or Texas culture.
If you're traveling from abroad, you'll need a visa to enter the United States. Some agencies can help you with this process.
Make your reservation and check the cancellation policy, including and excluding fees.
Once in Dallas, follow the itinerary proposed by the agency. Feel free to explore on your own in your free time. And make sure you follow all the recommendations and instructions given by your guide.
Going solo in Dallas is an exciting adventure that lets you explore the city at your own pace:
book your flight to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Love Field Airport (for domestic flights);
choose a hotel or hostel to suit your budget;
choose DART, Dallas' mass transit system;
if you're planning excursions outside the city center, consider renting a car- you'll find this service at the airport;
Dallas is generally a safe city, but avoid the less-frequented neighborhoods after dark;
try shopping at NorthPark Center, a huge mall, and at the Bishop Arts District, for local boutiques and unique souvenirs;
buy a local SIM card to avoid high roaming charges. AT&T and T-Mobile have good coverage in Dallas.
Going it alone in Dallas gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet local residents and discover the city in your own way.
Gettingaround Dallas is relatively simple, thanks to a variety of transportation options:
dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) offers extensive coverage, ideal for reaching destinations not served by rail, with the light rail network spanning several lines - red, blue, green and orange - serving most of the metropolitan area, and buses with hundreds of routes;
car rental;
bike rental via sharing services such as Lime or Uber's Jump;
self-service electric scooters, such as those from Bird and Lime, have become popular;
ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Dallas;
cabs in tourist areas, train stations and airports. You can also book one over the phone;
the Free Trolley (McKinney Avenue Trolley) is Dallas' historic free tramway. It runs along McKinney Avenue, connecting Uptown to Downtown. Not only is it convenient, it's also a fun way to see part of the city;
if you opt for a car, note that parking in the downtown area may be subject to a charge. However, many hotels and shopping centers offer free or valet parking.
Whichever you choose, plan ahead, taking peak times into account to avoid traffic jams, especially if you're driving.
