The lifestyle in Dallas runs on big energy – a city steeped in live music, homegrown art and seriously good Southern cooking. There’s no beach and no mountain backdrop, but there’s always a new restaurant to try, a party worth dressing up for, or a festival spilling out onto the streets.
The ninth-largest city in the US – and part of the fourth-largest metro area – Dallas is known for its shopping, scorching summers and warm Southern hospitality. It is a car-dependent city, so newcomers will want to get behind the wheel early.
Shopping in Dallas
Shopping in Dallas caters to those who enjoy both high-end department stores and quirky independent boutiques. New arrivals in search of unique finds should head straight for the Bishop Arts District. Here, newcomers can browse antique shops, record shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques, with good eateries to boot.
Malls such as NorthPark Center and the Galleria Dallas are extremely popular. Here, shoppers will find exclusive designer stores. Outlet malls are located nearby in Allen and Grand Prairie, where shoppers can pick up big brand names at discounted prices.
Entertainment and eating out in Dallas
Dallas has arrived as a serious food city. The Michelin Guide expanded into Texas in 2024, and Dallas now counts its own starred restaurants alongside a strong showing of Bib Gourmand and recommended spots. From white-tablecloth dining to no-frills taco joints, there’s a cuisine and an atmosphere to match any mood.
Dallas also takes its brunch seriously. On weekends, many restaurants offer a delicious brunch menu with specials on mimosas or Bloody Marys.
When the sun goes down, Uptown Dallas is the place to see and be seen, with wall-to-wall bars and a polished club scene at weekends. Deep Ellum draws the live-music crowd with a grittier edge, while Lower Greenville offers a more laid-back evening on its stretch of patios and neighbourhood bars. Those looking for a relaxed atmosphere will find a few dive bars in the city where people play pool and watch live sports over a beer.
Arts and culture in Dallas
Arts and culture in Dallas go well beyond the expected. The city’s Arts District – the largest contiguous urban arts district in the US, spanning 19 blocks – houses major museums, performance venues, and galleries. Smaller pockets of creativity are scattered across neighbourhoods like Deep Ellum and the Design District.
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a favourite among locals and expats alike for its striking architecture and hands-on exhibits.
The Nasher Sculpture Center is worth a visit for its outdoor collection alone, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden hosts open-air concerts through the summer months.
Outdoor activities and sports in Dallas
For outdoor activities and sports in Dallas, White Rock Lake is hard to beat. A nine-mile (14.5km) loop trail circles the lake, popular with runners and cyclists, and the water is open to kayaks and canoes.
Dallas has no shortage of well-kept green spaces. Klyde Warren Park, Main Street Garden Park, and Lakeside Park are a few of the city’s most popular.
Sports fans are spoilt for choice. The Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and Texas Rangers (MLB) both play in nearby Arlington, about a 30-minute drive from downtown. Closer to home, the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) and Dallas Stars (NHL) play at the American Airlines Center in the Victory Park district.
See and do in Dallas
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, this 66-acre garden puts on an ever-changing show of floral displays throughout the year. The unique Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, designed to help the little ones connect with nature, is a highlight.
Dallas Museum of Art
Since 1903, this has been a prominent arts venue in Dallas and is home to more than 24,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of history. Many of the 19th and 20th centuries’ most renowned artists have works in the museum, including Degas, Gauguin and Monet.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
This museum occupies the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository, from which Lee Harvey Oswald fired on the presidential motorcade. The exhibit chronicles the life, times, assassination, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
Meeting people and making friends in Dallas
Meeting people and making friends in Dallas is easier than you might expect. The DFW metroplex is full of transplants – people who’ve moved from other states or countries – so many residents are in the same boat and open to meeting new people.
Recreational sports leagues are one of the fastest ways in. The Dallas Sport & Social Club runs year-round leagues in everything from kickball to beach volleyball, where the post-game social is half the point. Meetup is also well used here, with groups for hiking, happy hours, language exchange and more.
For professionals with a global outlook, the British American Business Council of Texas (BABC Texas) hosts regular networking events across DFW, and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth runs programmes for internationally minded young professionals. Philanthropy plays a big part in Dallas social life, too – volunteering with a local charity is a well-worn route to a ready-made circle of friends.