How to Spend the Perfect Long Weekend in Dallas Between World Cup Matches

Photos: Anthony Marcusa

The Dallas-Fort Worth region has a year-round sports culture that extends well beyond the Cowboys. Between its major professional teams and large event venues, there’s almost always a game, tournament, or fan-facing attraction going on. Sports are an easy way into the area’s identity.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington, affectionately called “Jerry’s World” after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, is the most clear entry point to the region’s sports culture. Opened in 2009, the stadium is best known as the home of the Dallas Cowboys, but it also functions as one of the region’s biggest event venues, hosting everything from concerts to major sporting events. Fittingly, it’ll play a central role in the 2026 World Cup, with nine matches, including a semifinal. On a recent visit, preparations tied to the tournament were already visible. Even travelers without tickets can get a sense of the place through a stadium tour that includes public areas as well as behind-the-scenes spaces.

For travelers arriving before or after the tournament, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science has a special exhibition called Soccer: More Than a Game that runs through September 7 and uses interactive stations and large-scale displays to explain the sport’s reach and culture. A digital wristband tracks each visitor’s progress through the exhibit, adding a personal scoreboard to the experience.

Back in Dallas proper, American Airlines Center anchors another part of the city’s sports landscape. The arena is home to the Mavericks and Stars. Whether or not you make it in for a game, the surrounding walkable arena is packed with lively bars and restaurants.

Indulge in art, culture, and creativity

Photo: Anthony Marcusa

For travelers who want a break from the sports calendar, Dallas is also home to plenty of museums and attractions. In the Arts District, the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Crow Museum of Asian Art sit within a short walk of one another, making it possible to spend a few hours moving between collections without much planning. Outside of the Perot Museum’s timely soccer exhibit, the museum features some stunning curated areas that focus on birds, weather and climate, gemstones and minerals, and prehistoric animals. Just be mindful of the time as they all close at 5 PM.

A short drive south of downtown, Balloon Museum offers a very different kind of art stop. The exhibition centers on large-scale inflatable installations that are immersive, a little surreal, and designed to be interactive and highly photographable — capped by a giant ball pit at the end.

Photo: Anthony Marcusa

There are also two bars worth highlighting for those who want creativity and energy along with their beverages. The Midnight Rambler, a speakeasy in the basement of the Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas, offers a cozy, lively ambiance with exquisite handcrafted cocktails. Each cocktail comes with its own picture and backstory that riff on Pokemon characters. When you order a drink, you’ll get the matching card. I was told by at least one bartender that if you can catch ’em all in one night, you may just get a free shot.

Also downtown is The Rodeo Bar, a cowboy-themed joint with neon signs, sports on TVs, and personalized dollar bills enshrined on the walls. It’s well-suited to a lively night of revelry or a chill evening of people watching.

Where to unwind outside and indulge in a great meal

Photos: Anthony Marcusa

There is plenty in Dallas for those seeking a slower pace and perhaps a bit of indulgence. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is an expansive, stunning escape from the city. I found it to be instantly calming and inviting, a retreat where you could literally stop and smell the roses (or tulips). There are many areas to explore, including rustic homes decorated for tours. Try to experience it early in the morning. March and September are among the best times to catch the gardens in transition.

Back downtown, La Stella Cucina and Miriam Cocina offer two different ways to slow the pace. La Stella Cocina leans more formal, with polished service, Italian dishes, and a dining room ambiance aided by live piano. Miriam Cocina stands out is lighter and more casual, for its Mexican food, with sizable, flavorful portions, including options for vegetarians. I recommend any of the various margarita options to sip in the beautiful, plant-adorned space.

Just across the street, stop by Klyde Warren Park before or after dining. It’s an urban park, with major roads on either side of it, but it feels more like a city escape than some kind of greenspace consolation. It’s one of many parks sprinkled throughout the downtown core that make for great walking and resting.

Dallas neighborhoods designed to shop, dine, and explore

Photo: Anthony Marcusa

When there’s time to spend outside the sports scene, a few Dallas neighborhoods worth spending some time exploring, whether you want to shop, browse, eat, drink, or simply take in the sights. Deep Ellum has a lively mix of shops, bars, galleries, and casual food stops packed into a walkable stretch. On my visit, it felt like the kind of place where one stop easily turned into several, whether that meant ducking into a bookstore, browsing a plant shop, or popping into a K-pop store between meals. I found a relaxing lunch at Palma, a large space with indoor and outdoor seating that offers a blend of Mexican and Asian cuisine. Try the curry fries, midori maki, and some very tasty chips and guac.

Another area that’s worth checking out is the Bishop Arts District. This strip caters a bit more to tourists and leans heavier on shopping, but there are spots to stop and grab a drink or dessert while you stroll around. You can find both general and specialized retailers, including a record shop, bookstore, board-game outlet, and cigar shop. Mosaic Makers Collective is a clear standout, both for its size and for its focus on clothes, housewares, and creative trinkets from more than 150 women-owned brands. It’s one of the shops you can easily get lost in for extended periods.

Closer to downtown and a short walk south of the Arts District proper, Dallas Farmers Market is also worth a stop. The mix of vendors, food counters, and indoor seating makes it an easy option when you want good food but a setting less formal than a restaurant.

Photo: Visit Dallas

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a major national and international hub, and is one of the largest airports in the United States. It’s just under 20 miles outside downtown Dallas.

Dallas attractions are pretty spread out, so while you can walk around in certain neighborhoods, you’re likely going to need to travel by car at some point. Opt for a rideshare instead of driving, but be mindful of peak traffic delays and surge pricing when you’re trying to get from one spot to another.