10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Dallas

City centre Dallas bustles with history and culture. Start your visit at West End, where you’ll find the iconic JFK Memorial Plaza. The area also has a number of charming shops and eateries converted from old railway stations and warehouses. At the Arts District, feast your eyes on some world-class art collections and installations.

If you’re visiting with family, you have plenty of options, such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Museum of Illusions, and the Dallas Aquarium. Take a breather at one of the many picturesque green spaces that dot the area, such as Klyde Warren Park or Main Street Garden Park. Head to the Dallas Farmers’ Market for fresh produce before you finish your day with sweeping views of the city from Reunion Tower.

Located north of City centre Dallas, Uptown features an eclectic mix of eateries, bars, shops, and parks. Immerse yourself in art and culture at spots like Bivins Gallery, Kalita Humphreys Theatre, or Theatre Three. For some scenic skyline views, head to Griggs Park.

Food lovers can choose from a range of cuisines, from Southern comfort food to high-end Japanese. Uptown is also a great choice for shoppers – you’ll find over 100 retail stores at West Village, which features everything from casual fashion brands to high-end fragrances. Watch out for the outdoor murals and art installations around this area.

The Bishop Arts District, situated just south of City centre, is home to dozens of small, independent boutique stores, art galleries, and cafes. Stroll the pedestrian-friendly streets to discover vibrant outdoor murals. Stop by hole-in-the-wall shops that offer everything from antiques and artisanal items to vinyls and jewellery.

You can also opt to unwind at one of the neighborhood's quaint coffee shops or sample some wine at one of the local wine walk events. You’ll find a plethora of food options, including Latin cuisine, grilled cheese, and pies.

Music and art take centre stage at Deep Ellum. Once a warehouse district, this area eventually became a hub for blues and jazz, so you’ll find plenty of live music venues and trendy bars. Music lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the iconic Adair’s Saloon, known for its great live shows, burgers, and beers.

Deep Ellum also has a rich arts community. The area brims with urban artwork created by both locals and nationally renowned artists.

The Design District is the go-to destination for upscale art galleries, antique shops, and breweries. Peruse the impressive contemporary art collections of galleries such as Dallas Contemporary, SITE131, and Laura Rathe Fine Art. The Dallas Market Centre, an enormous wholesale marketplace featuring home decor, apparel, and accessories, is not to be missed.

This artsy enclave is also known for its breweries and tasting tours are the best way to experience them. Head to Community Beer Company or Peticolas Brewing Company to explore the premises and sample their beer selection.

Home to a huge LGBTQ+ community, Oak Lawn is all about celebrating diversity. The area is best known for its vibrant bars and clubs – including Texas’ oldest lesbian bar – but it also offers a great selection of cafes, restaurants, and green spaces.

Oak Lawns also hosts a number of fun events throughout the year. The annual Dallas Pride parade takes place on Cedar Springs Road in June. In October, crowds flock to the Halloween Block Party, which includes a costume promenade, music, food, and drinks. Purple Party Weekend, a multi-day dance festival, is another event to look out for.

Greenville is divided into Upper and Lower Greenville, and each zone has a distinctive atmosphere. Upper Greenville is known for its chic upscale shops and restaurants while its southern counterpart has a bohemian vibe and a bustling nightlife scene.

Bargain hunters will rejoice as this area is packed with vintage stores and souvenir shops where you can pick up all kinds of quirky knickknacks. A visit to Greenville is incomplete without a trip to the iconic Granada Theatre, an art deco-style cinema that has become one of the area’s most popular live music venues.

Just across the highway from City centre is Cedars/Southside, a burgeoning district dotted with breweries, bars, art galleries, and live music venues. Visitors are charmed by its unique industrial warehouse vibe.

Admire 19th-century pioneer and Victorian architecture at the tree-lined grounds of Old City Park, an open-air museum. Alternatively, spend the day exploring art galleries before you kick back with live music. Food options are aplenty – choose from gourmet barbecue, top-class pizza, or authentic Vietnamese.

East Dallas offers a distinct blend of urban entertainment, historic architecture, and nature spots. Spend the day soaking in the Texas sun at White Rock Lake, where you’ll find wooded trails and scenic picnic areas. At the lake, visitors can choose from an array of activities, such as kayaking, fishing, or sailing. Sitting on its eastern shore is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden where you can admire an impressive array of flora.

Take the chance to admire the stunning historical buildings that line the streets – you’ll find a variety of styles including Prairie, Neoclassical, or Colonial Revival. For a plethora of dining and shopping options, head to the Lakewood Shopping Centre or Mockingbird Station.

Oak Cliff is located just across the Trinity River and is known for its scenic views and historical landmarks. Catch a film at the iconic Texas Theatre or enjoy a musical performance at Kessler Theatre. There are plenty of places to refuel – you’ll find options such as ramen, Latin cuisine, and barbecue.

Families will enjoy a visit to the Dallas Zoo, the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. You can observe over 2,000 animals on its expansive grounds. There are also plenty of charming boutiques where you can pick up handcrafted items, apparel, and jewellery.