Dallas's neighborhoods

They don’t call it ‘the Big D’ for nothing. Dallas, Texas is one of the busiest, most exciting and famous cities in the Lone Star State, and indeed across the world. When you think of the American Dream, you can’t help but think of Dallas and all the culture, opportunity and grandeur that comes with it.

Explore a city that has so much to offer visitors, from the glitz and glamor of America’s Team, the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, to a bustling nightlife. There’s much to see and do here, and plenty to explore across its many distinct areas.

There are more than 30 neighborhoods to explore in Dallas, each with its own fabulous food, interesting arts scene or historical buildings to discover. To see the very best of the city, it can be rewarding to branch out and explore as many of these areas as you can. It’s the only way to get a real taste for the entire city. In this guide, we’ll shine a spotlight on the very best of Dallas’s neighbourhoods.

Downtown

Downtown Dallas is where everything ticks. It’s the central business district of the city, but there’s far more to it than just towering skyscrapers – though you have to admit they make for a fantastically picturesque backdrop.

History runs deep here, with tales from the meandering past of the city woven into the roads and sidewalks of every street throughout Downtown.

Of course, Dallas is famous for some of the biggest events in history, and is forever connected to the assassination of President John F Kennedy in 1963. A visit to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza will tell you all you need to know about that fateful day and how it has shaped American politics ever since.

On a lighter note, the Frontiers of Flight Museum is a huge, 100,000 square-foot space dedicated to aircraft and spacecraft that shows how Texas has been linked to man’s voyages into the unknown through the ages.

Alternatively, Downtown is also home to the Dallas Art Museum for culture vultures. Or if you want to see something totally off the wall, there’s also a 30-foot-tall eyeball model in Downtown, perfect for snapping an Insta-worthy pic with a bit of a difference.

Downtown is also home to many great places to eat, but if you want a taste of the real Dallas and all the sights, sounds and smells that go with it, visit Dallas Farmers’ Market. Since 1941, this market has featured seasonal produce, free-range meats and arts and crafts aplenty.

Deep Ellum

If you’re looking for places to go as the sun sets, Deep Ellum is the place to be for soaking up some truly great nightlife. And that’s not just a recent occurrence. In fact, the musical history of this neighborhood goes way back to the Jazz Age of the 1920s, when legendary blues singers such as Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lead Belly were regulars in Deep Ellum.

The construction of freeways took its toll on the music scene over the years, but it's since seen a huge recovery and the magic has since returned to the area. In the 90s, Deep Ellum began to thrive once more as the home to an alternative scene. Venues such as Trees and The Factory are among the best nights out in the area if you want to experience the very best in local music and culture.

If all that music has made you hungry, you’re very fortunate to be in what is one of the best neighborhoods for some of Dallas’s best food too. Fancy some sushi? Deep Sushi has served fresh sushi and sashimi since 1996 – a real city staple. Or for Tex Mex fare, try Pepe’s & Mito’s Mexican Café & Cantina, which rustles up tacos, nachos and more in a traditional cantina setting.

Oak Cliff

Oak Cliff is a large Dallas neighborhood consisting of lots of mini areas. Another must-see region for those keen to throw themselves into history and take a step back in time to explore the city’s past, this neighborhood is home to the Texas Theater on Jefferson Boulevard. It was outside this building that Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the assassination of JFK in 1963.

On the way there you’ll come across many unbelievably good Mexican restaurants, as well as The Island Spot – a family run Jamaican eatery, featuring tasty jerk chicken dishes. The neighborhood’s other historic theater, Kessler, is another must-visit, staging live music, performing arts and films throughout the year.

There’s lots of green space here, too, if you want to experience a bit of rural delight among the urban sprawl. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve offers 121 acres of woodland, close to Downtown, which makes it easy for hikers and cyclists to get to. And Lake Cliff Park is a lovely area for unwinding with the family, featuring a serene lake, a rose garden and tennis courts where you can test your skills.

Uptown

All roads lead to Uptown. Located in the heart of the city, Uptown is an eclectic area with a modern-day hipster vibe, perfect for young professionals who love the mix of boutique hotels, juice bars and large green spaces. Reverchon Park is 46 acres along the Katy Trail, featuring a playground and recreation areas, while Griggs Park is a cute 7.4 acre space with areas for picnics.

The Katy Trail is an iconic route running through central Dallas, perfect for a walk, run or cycle. But keep an eye out for places to escape the heat when you can. And if you fancy shopping till you drop, there’s a whole heap of opportunities along Knox Street and in the West Village, from designer brands to traditional favorites.

Sports fans will not want to miss this part of the city either. Between Uptown and Downtown, you’ll find some of the best action around at the American Airlines Center, which plays host to basketball from the Dallas Mavericks and ice hockey with the Dallas Stars.

Is there anywhere that sounds more fun than Fair Park? Probably not, and with good reason. This Dallas neighborhood is actually named after the national landmark that hosts the iconic annual State Fair of Texas. Every year since 1886, the longest-running fair in the US has promoted agriculture and the community through music, livestock, exhibitions and rides galore. If your visit to Dallas coincides with the last Friday of September, a visit here is essential to soak up one of the best atmospheres you’ll find anywhere.

It’s not all about the State Fair in Fair Park, though. There’s also 277 acres of Art Deco buildings, fascinating exhibition sites like The African American Museum, and entertainment venues such as Broadway Dallas and the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium to explore and discover.

It’s a great neighborhood for families, too, with highlights including the butterfly house at Texas Discovery Gardens and the Children’s Aquarium, which lets little ones gain a wonderful insight into the natural world.

As you can see, there’s so much to do in the Big D, it’s going to be hard to find enough time to visit all the excellent Dallas neighborhoods. But if you rent with Hertz, you can drive around one of the world’s greatest cities in style and comfort.

Want to learn more about Dallas?

If you’re getting ready for a trip to Dallas, check out our in-depth guides to the Big D.

• Best restaurants in Dallas
• Dallas driving guide
• Best things to do in Dallas