Say you’ve found a great deal on a last-minute flight to Dallas/Fort Worth thanks to your handy-dandy GoLastMinute fare alerts, and you decide to take advantage of it with an impromptu weekend vacation. Well then, the obvious question is where do you stay, Dallas or Fort Worth? While both cities are often spoken of as if they are one, they actually each have their own distinct culture and offerings. It’s important to know what each city offers before deciding where to stay. To help you decide which one is right for you, we’ve got a breakdown on what makes both Dallas and Fort Worth worthy of a visit!
General Vibes
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While the two cities are closely connected, they do have very distinct vibes in terms of culture and general vibes. Fort Worth is generally more what you would expect from a major city in Texas, more deeply rooted in stereotypically Western traditions and cowboy charm. Dallas on the other hand is more contemporary and modern. It is more crowded, less laid back, and more expensive. If you enjoy big city energy, then Dallas is for you. But if you want a more traditionally Texan experience, then Fort Worth should be your choice.
Nightlife
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Both cities have plenty of nightlife for you to enjoy, from dance clubs and bars, to theaters and other venues. Dallas, with its big city energy, will have more trendy bars and clubs than Fort Worth. Here you can expect more cultural diversity and LGBTQ+ establishments, but also less of the Texas charm and hospitality. Over in Fort Worth, you will find more honkey-tonk joints with country music and line dancing. Once again, it is a battle between the laid back cowboys of the country and the uptown hustle and bustle of the big city.
Culinary Scene
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The culinary scene of Dallas is similar to what you would find in a big city like New York or Chicago. It is culturally diverse, more expensive, and generally more upscale. Whereas in Fort Worth, you will find more authentic Texas staples like BBQ and Tex-Mex. This is the more traditional Southern food that uses many of the same ingredients as authentic Mexican food, but with some additions and variations. This usually includes the use of a lot more cheese, because Americans can’t get enough cheese!
Sports and Events
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If you are a sports fan, then DFW offers a lot for you to enjoy. They’ve got the Dallas Cowboys who play football at the AT&T stadium, which actually sits between Dallas and Fort Worth. The basketball team, the Mavericks, play at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Whereas Fort Worth has on its north side the Texas Motor Speedway for racing fans, as well as the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo to the west. So if you watch more major league sports, you’ll probably want to stay in Dallas. Otherwise, pick Fort Worth for some traditionally Texan excitement!
Transportation and Accessibility
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This is a big one for budget travelers, as utilizing public transit is a great way to save a buck. Renting a car is a big financial burden, and that is one of the biggest selling points for Dallas. As a big urban city, the public transit is very effective, with buses and trains abound. Unfortunately, getting around Fort Worth by public transit isn’t a great option. They have some bus routes that will help you out, and trains that connect to Dallas or the airport, but that’s about it. That is the trade off you get for a more laid back and less crowded city!
Shopping
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Every good vacation should come with a bit of shopping, and here again the vibe between the two cities is noticeable. In Dallas, you can expect more mainstream brands and high-end retail. Check out NorthPark Center or Galleria Dallas for a good day of shopping. But Fort Worth kind of takes the cake on this one, with more small-town boutiques with locally made crafts and goods. While the big shopping malls of Dallas are great, they aren’t that different from shopping centers in other major cities. To get a souvenir that reflects the culture of Texas, Fort Worth is the place to go!
