Downtown Dallas: Top Restaurants and Things To Do

A continuously evolving area brimming with magnificent green spaces, museums, fine dining, and luxurious shopping opportunities, Downtown Dallas boasts it all to keep visitors engaged. The nightlife and the entertainment it provides to every age group are all extraordinary. We have compiled a guide for you, including the best Dallas Downtown attractions and more. So, head out today and find your new favorites.

Things To Do in Dallas Downtown

Plenty of glamorous spots await your presence in Downtown Dallas. Fancy the local shops at West End or catch sight of sea life at Dallas World Aquarium, here’s everything!

West End

Step back in time with the history of Dallas in the West End. Head to the Old Red Museum where you will come across the visitor center located beside the JFK Memorial Plaza. Make your way to the Market and Record Streets walking strip, peppered with a dozen restaurants and shops. The old warehouses and stations that have been conserved and well-maintained perfectly, have now transformed into amazing restaurants along with shadowy sidewalk patios and retail shops that can only be found in Dallas.

Klyde Warren Park

Amid the bustling scenes of downtown, there’s a central green space introduced to the public in 2012 by Klyde Warren Park. This park is known to be the main green space in the hub of Dallas downtown. Spanning over 5.2 acres of land the park is home to many recreational activities and offers food trucks, a children’s center, live music, a dog park, and fitness classes.

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is a permanent and new home in a one-of-a-kind building of 55,000 square feet, located in the West End District. Its goal is to make people acknowledge the histories of prejudice, indifference, and hatred across the world. The museum showcases human rights, other previous genocides, and America's journey of civil rights.

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza displays a documentary about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. There are photos and artifacts that take you back in time when Kennedy was president. The museum is home to approximately 45,000 items ranging from video footage to artifacts and documentaries. One of the important things to explore is the Plexiglas bounded area where it is believed that Lee Harvey Oswald shot him. To experience a real image, head to the webcam of the museum offering a live feed with its real-time view from the spot of the sniper.

Dallas World Aquarium

One of the best things to do in Downtown Dallas is to explore the Dallas World Aquarium. Located beside a huge warehouse in Dallas's Downtown historic district, this aquatic place houses a great collection of marine species from all over the world. There are stingrays, electric eels, piranhas, Orinoco crocodiles, and poison dart frogs. The Aquarium has a 40-foot-long tunnel which is made of glass and the aquarium has over 20000 gallons of water filled in the tunnel. Visitors can also have a tour of the three-floor South American recreated rainforest. Here you can witness species like three-toed sloths Giant river otters, penguins, and many more.

Museum of Illusion

Situated near the Downtown's west end this entertaining museum displays a brilliant collection of optical illusions. The museum is designed in a way so that the explorers can witness the things brains cannot explain. It's a good place for social influencers to visit. It has a total of 60 displays showcasing everything from installations to holograms. There are indulging illusion rooms. Visitors can be greatly entertained in a vortex tunnel, an infinity room, and a tilted room. There is a smart playroom as well made for genius people. Tourists here can play with puzzles, solve mathematical problems, or have brain teasers. This place caters to diverse preferences of all ages.

Dallas Farmer Market

Dallas Farmer Market was established in 1941 and stands out as one of the largest markets. You can explore many food stalls here. There are a total of 150 vendors selling seasonal fruits and vegetables. There are many things available here like cheese, eggs, meat from raised livestock, and honey. All the stores are set up in a huge air pavilion and there is a huge indoor hall as well. Apart from shopping and eating, you can also explore some of the recreational activities this place offers. The farmers market hosts regular activities, from physical exercise classes with cooking activities to lively music performances and events, plus, it is a great place to buy souvenirs from.

Restaurants To Visit in Dallas Downtown

If you are an extreme food lover, here are the best three restaurants you must try! 

Ellen's Southern Kitchen

Ellen’s Southern Kitchen is one of the Dallas Downtown Restaurants that supply all-day breakfast with classical comforts for dinner and lunch. This stylish southern diner serves delectable brunch, from a quick meal to a quick snack to grab.  Plus, do not miss out on their originals that you can’t find anywhere such as Grit’s Benedict.

Dakota's Steakhouse

Dakota’s Steakhouse is a fine-dining American steakhouse located in the center of Downtown Dallas. This subterranean steakhouse and seafood give out everything you could wish for, from classical, specialty, and signature cocktails to Hors D'oeuvres, On Ice, appetizers, soups, and salads to desserts, ice cream, and sorbets. Plus, this extraordinary steakhouse also grants you an eye-catching garden waterfall panorama and deluxe ambiance in New Orleans style.

Toussaint Downtown Brasserie

It's the perfect spot for brunch in downtown Dallas. It offers French and Asian food options on its menu and serves food with authentic taste. Its steak frites and bibimbap is a local favorite. Make sure to try out their smash burger with loads of bacon and caramelized onions.