Dallas is big, brash and bold, just like Texas. A modern metropolis in north Texas, Dallas is the commercial and cultural epicenter of the region. When we think of Dallas, we think of big oil, football, cook outs, beef, the Bush family, and big business. And not necessarily in that order!
The “Big D” is a wealthy city promising great weather, a first-class dining scene and plentiful cultural attractions if you have some down-time on your trip.
Getting from the airport to the city centre
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the primary international airport serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area and the largest hub for American Airlines. DFW offers a number of airport transportation options, from limos and town cars, rentals and more. Check out the options here.
Expect a taxi to cost you approximately $50. one way, plus tip; a further breakdown here of fares to different areas of the business core. DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) includes, trains, trolleys and buses. More information: DFW Public Transportation. DWF Town Cars gives you a luxury ride from the airport, or anywhere else your trip to Dallas takes you.
Getting Around Dallas
Hands down, to be amongst the best amenities and central to the action, the best area to stay in Dallas is in the downtown area. This has all you could wish for in terms of top class restaurants and steakhouses and you’ll be within easy walking distance of shopping areas like the Dallas Farmer’s Market.
Getting around this area is easy thanks to the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) which includes, trains, trolleys and buses. While taxis are easy enough to find, the city offers so many inexpensive, if not free transportation options, why take a cab?
The M-Line trolley's air-conditioned and heated restored vintage trolleys run 365 days a year, providing safe, clean, reliable and convenient public transportation free of charge in Uptown and the Dallas Arts District.
D-Link is a special service from DART that lets you explore the Downtown districts and historic Oak Cliff for free. Discover eclectic neighborhoods such as South Side, The Cedars, and the Bishop Arts.
The Art Cart provides transport from venue to venue. During the weekday lunch rush, the Art Cart will take you from the offices downtown to the restaurants in One Arts Plaza, while after work, it provides an easy and convenient way to get from dinner to your performance and back.
For more Dallas transportation options, including Tre Rail, pedicabs and e-frogs, visit here.
Uber and Lyft are car services operated by Dallas locals. You generally need to download the app first, so if you are interested in ride sharing, check out their web sites: Uber and Lyft.
Local Eateries and Bar Hotspots
Dallas used to be known for Tex-Mex and steakhouses, but in recent years, the culinary scene has vastly expanded its repertoire. Business visitors will discover a truly impressive roster of eateries for both after work and to entertain clients, whether it's cocktails and appetizers, or a five-course dinner.
Built in a glorious old residence, The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is an American icon, long renowned for its world-class ambience and French cuisine served in an elegant dining room or outdoor patio. Reservations are essential; this menu is for those looking to make a serious statement.
Descending to Dakota's Steakhouse in a glass elevator is the first indication you are entering a unique establishment. The menu features premiere steak and seafood in addition to Scottish Salmon and tender Colorado Lamb. Set 18-feet below street level, French doors reveal natural light; art-deco accents punctuate the luxe ambience. A recessed patio, cascading waterfalls and an outdoor fire pit ensure this is the place to bring your most treasured client, or to celebrate that recently signed contract.
The Place at Perry's is an award winning local treasure, recognized nationally for both its food and service by guides like Zagat's. This establishment attracts a business clientele with its ideal setting for intimate dinners and a private dining room available for special events. It also has a popular weekday happy hour from 2pm-7pm serving highly regarded wines at half prices as well as complimentary appetizers.
Evening Entertainment
For the perfect blend of art, music and food, visit one of Dallas's three House of Blues for live rock and blues, po' boys & jambalaya.
The evening entertainment options this city offers are incredible; consult this Dallas Entertainment Guide to review all the shows this glorious city has to offer and book tickets.
Downtown Dallas has undergone huge redevelopment to become the main business district, perfect for daily rental of office space for client meetings. It also is home to restaurants and bars to decompress with clients after the business is done. Check it out here.
For the Health and Fitness Conscious
Take a walk, jog, rollerblade, or bike along the Katy Trail, the iconic picturesque pedestrian trail that runs through the heart of Dallas. After your trek, cool off at the Katy Trail Ice House with a cold Texas beer on the patio.
If you want to run off some of those nachos, mapmyrun.com offers hundreds of running routes with maps, elevations and distances, so you can plan, track, analyze and share your journey. Download the free app today because it covers just about anywhere your trainers will take you!
Retail Therapy
Dallas and shopping are to Texas, rather like nachos and cheese are to salsa. They just go together! Dallas offers some truly breathtaking retail shopping opportunities. A great place to start your shopping adventure is the epitome of upscale shopping: the Galleria Dallas. Iconic for shopping, it also offers entertainment - such as a skating rink - hotels, and incredible dining.
If you'd like to combine a little culture and history with your shopping, the downtown Neiman Marcus store is the flagship; a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and the last of the original department stores still serving downtown Dallas.
Outlet shopping is treated seriously by Texans and with good reason: It's amazing! Located 20 minutes southwest of downtown Dallas, Grand Prairie Outlet Stores features 97 outlet stores. Headed in the other direction? 25 miles northwest of downtown Dallas, Grapevine Mills hosts 84 outlet stores for your shopping pleasure.
For a little vintage magic, visit Ahab Bowen, a house that's been registered as a historical landmark, there are plenty of funky offerings here, including a fantastic collection of vintage shoes, handbags, jewelry, and sunglasses.
Dolly Python is known as a madcap vintage store, but don't let that dissuade you. Home to 16 dealers ("brocanteurs") who restock their wares daily, the store stretches 2,600-square-feet house and is pure business. This is the place to find that pair of secondhand vintage cowboy boots you so desperately need!
Fancy Something a Bit Different?
Besides clubs and bars, Dallas also offers a host of country/western dance halls that can be entirely appropriate for business clientele, depending on your clientele! To try your foot at line dancing, check out one of Dallas' best-known country-western venues, Cowboys Red River. Novices should drop in Thursday or Friday evening for some free two-step instruction. There are also five full bars, pool tables and dart games to ensure your whole entourage is entertained.
After your business is done, why not take your inner cowboy/girl for some line dancing?
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