Dallas holidays

It’s easy to find a budget souvenir to take home in Dallas. This place is in barbecue country, and locally made spicy or sweet sauces make great, easy‑to‑pack gifts. Downtown, you can also get your hands on keyrings, t-shirts, fridge magnets and ornaments, all featuring longhorn cattle, which is one of Texas’ most famous state symbols.

Nothing says, “I’ve been on holiday to Texas” like buying a real-life cowboy hat. And you’ll find no end of shops in Dallas where you can buy one. A proper Stetson can set you back anywhere between $150 and over $400 – it depends where they’re made and from what material, whether it’s leather, felt, straw or wool.

Dallas Cowboys merch often comes with the biggest price tag when it comes to Dallas-specific souvenirs. The official NFL‑licensed gear can cost you a pretty penny, but going home with a hoodie, a sweatshirt or a jersey gives you major bragging rights. Check out the NFL shop sales or any seasonal discounts for the lowest prices.

Mellow cocktail haunts, craft beer-centric bars, rooftop patios and hotel wine lounges all make for a chilled evening out. Dinner and drinks with a view of the city skyline also eliminate the chaos of a clubbing night out. Then there’s Dallas’ strong late‑night foodie scene – it’s perfect if your idea of nightlife is grabbing a bite after a show or a walk.

For a fun night out, go full-Texas and put on a Stetson, then make your way to a country night at a Dallas dance hall like the Longhorn Ballroom. Attracting locals and tourists in equal measure, a country night ticks off two-stepping and line dancing to a live band in a casual jeans-and-boots atmosphere.

Fun fact – the frozen marg cocktail was invented in Dallas, by high-school dropout Mariano Martinez. He opened his own hacienda-style restaurant, then invented the perfect recipe for the chilly take on the classic margarita. You can raise a frosted glass of tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and slushy ice in many bars in Dallas, including the original Mariano's bar.

The influence of Tex-Mex – a blend of Mexican foodie traditions and Texas ingredients – is deeply woven into the fabric of Dallas’ food culture. Iconic dishes like sizzling fajitas, hearty enchiladas, and hard-shell tacos appear across the menus of many Tex-Mex restaurants in the city. Yellow cheddar cheese, cumin seasoning, and ground beef are the staples of this fusion of cultural tastes.

Barbecue is classed as one of Dallas’s main food groups, and it’s famous for slow‑smoked brisket, ribs and sausages. Steak is also an-easy-to-find meat here, and you’ll come across it in both high-end and more affordable restaurants across the city.

Dallas flaunts a booming craft beer hub, with dozens of breweries producing a wide range of styles and flavours. Beer geeks will love a visit to a brewer like the Craft and Growler – one of Dallas’ first craft beer bars – and the Pegasus City Brewery, which has authentic Texan taproom vibes.

For a real taste of traditional Dallas, you’ll want to time your visit to coincide with the State Fair of Texas in September or October. Here, you’ll find a food van with Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs painted on the side – and boy, do these corndogs pack a punch with flavour. What you’ll get is a deep-fried hotdog on a stick, made from a recipe that’s barely been altered since 1942. The Veggie Dog and The Cheezy Pup are other options on the food van’s menu.