Like many Australians, I’d always thought of Dallas–Fort Worth as somewhere you simply passed through. It was the airport where you stretched your legs, grabbed a coffee and waited for your connecting flight to New York, Los Angeles or Europe.
But ahead of Australia’s FIFA World Cup, I discovered just how wrong that assumption is. With almost four million football fans expected to descend on North Texas during the tournament, Dallas–Fort Worth is preparing to become one of the biggest sporting destinations on the planet. And after spending time exploring both cities, I’d argue it’s worth building an entire holiday around.
Two cities, one unforgettable trip
One of the things that surprised me most was just how different Dallas and Fort Worth feel. Separated by only a short drive, they couldn’t be more distinct.
Dallas is polished and cosmopolitan, with rooftop bars, luxury hotels, world-class restaurants and a thriving arts scene. Fort Worth proudly embraces its cowboy heritage, where boots, hats and rodeos remain very much part of everyday life. The contrast makes visiting both feel like travelling between two completely different destinations.
Start in Dallas
If you’re looking for somewhere stylish to stay, Uptown is hard to beat.
The boutique Hotel ZaZa makes an ideal base, placing you within walking distance of some of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife.
Naturally, my first stop was a margarita. Dallas’ famous Margarita Mile celebrates Texas’ deep Mexican influences, and it’s almost impossible to visit without sampling at least one frozen margarita before dinner.
Food lovers are equally spoiled. Michelin-starred restaurants such as Mamani showcase Dallas’ sophisticated dining scene, while barbecue institution Pecan Lodge serves towering trays of smoky brisket, pork ribs and burnt ends that perfectly capture Texas’ “everything’s bigger” philosophy. No one leaves hungry.
A city shaped by history
Between meals, Dallas offers some of America’s most significant historical sites. The Sixth Floor Museum provides a moving look at the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, housed inside the former Texas School Book Depository overlooking Dealey Plaza.
Walking through the exhibits is both sobering and fascinating, offering important insight into a moment that forever changed American history.
The World Cup’s biggest stage
Football fans will inevitably find themselves drawn towards Arlington, home to the spectacular AT&T Stadium.
Already one of the world’s largest sporting venues, the stadium is being transformed for the FIFA World Cup and will host some of the tournament’s biggest fixtures, including one semi-final.
Standing inside the vast arena, it’s easy to appreciate why the Dallas region was selected to host more World Cup matches than any other city. Even outside tournament time, the stadium tour is worth every minute.
Then embrace cowboy country
If Dallas represents modern Texas, Fort Worth proudly celebrates its past. Known as “Cowtown”, the city still honours its ranching heritage with twice-daily cattle drives through the historic Stockyards, where genuine longhorn cattle amble through the streets accompanied by authentic cowhands.
Watching the herd pass beneath the famous Stockyards sign feels less like a tourist attraction and more like stepping back in time.
The area’s Western charm continues after sunset. The Stockyards Championship Rodeo brings the city’s frontier heritage to life every Friday and Saturday evening before live country music spills into the surrounding bars long into the night.
Dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s is almost a rite of passage, where generous Tex-Mex feasts and famously oversized margaritas prepare visitors for an unforgettable evening.
Escape to ranch life
For those wanting a slower pace after the excitement of Dallas and Fort Worth, Wildcatter Ranch offers an entirely different Texas experience.
Set among rolling hills overlooking the Brazos River, the working ranch invites guests to saddle up for sunset horseback rides before unwinding over wine, local steak and panoramic views.
It was one of the most unexpectedly peaceful moments of my trip.
Why now is the perfect time to visit
With Qantas now operating daily direct services from both Sydney and Melbourne into Dallas–Fort Worth, getting there has never been easier.
Many Australians will pass through the airport on their way to next year’s FIFA World Cup. My advice? Don’t rush to your connecting gate. Whether you’re travelling for Australia’s matches or simply transiting through Texas, Dallas–Fort Worth has quietly become one of America’s most rewarding destinations.
From Michelin-starred restaurants and world-famous sporting venues to rodeos, ranches and cowboy culture, it’s proof that sometimes the places we nearly skip become the ones we remember most.
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