A travel guide on how to visit Dallas-Fort Worth on a budget

Welcome to Dallas-Fort Worth:

You need a travel guide on how to visit Dallas-Fort Worth on a budget. This region, commonly called the Metroplex, offers many easy ways to pay top dollar for things that won’t really enhance your experience.

When to visit:

Many visitors are here on business, which means they have little choice about the timing of their stays. If you have a choice, avoid the summer months, when temperatures sometimes climb into the triple digits. Winters tend to be mild by continental standards, but you can sometimes encounter snow or ice, as well as drivers who are not used to handling such conditions. Spring and fall are generally great times for a visit.

Where to eat:

This is a great place to eat Mexican food, and in many places it is very affordable. Texas barbecue is also widely known around the world and is worth a try at reasonable prices. A recent search on GuideLive.com reveals addresses and even hyperlinks to hundreds of area restaurants with entrees priced under $ 20. For example, Who’s Who Burgers in Highland Park offers Kobe beef burgers for under $ 10 at a simple environment.

Where to stay:

There are several Dallas hotels in great locations, including some accommodations on the perimeter of the sprawling DFW Airport. These places are in various states of renewal and often appear in Priceline searches. Priceline includes a long list of zones in the Metroplex, and some of the rooms you could land on will be too far from your desired location. You can identify your selections in a basic hotel search in DFW. Four-Star Hotel Under $ 150 / Night: The Sheraton Suites Market Center on Stemmons Freeway sometimes has attractive rates.

Move:

The local light rail system is known as DART and provides 45 miles of service. It’s not the most extensive service you’ve ever seen in a big city, but if it meets your transportation needs, here’s the good news: a day pass costs just $ 5. In addition to light rail, there’s a commuter train from Monday through Saturday called Trinity Rail Express that operates between Dallas and Fort Worth. Choosing any of the trains to the city center costs $ 2.50 / passenger; taxi rides downtown can cost $ 40 or more.

Consider using the Super Shuttle service, which is generally less expensive than a taxi. If you are staying at a hotel near DFW, look for a hotel / airport transfer service.

Dallas-Fort Worth Scholar:

As in any major city, cultural events can be very expensive if tickets are available. Why not take advantage of the offers from colleges and universities? Southern Methodist University in Highland Park (near Dallas) and Texas Christian University in Fort Worth offer a wide range of quality concerts, plays and other events. Look for cheap meals in your cafeterias or nearby restaurants that cater to student budgets.

Sports of all kinds:

Dallas and Fort Worth are known for their love of sports. All four major league sports can be found here, as well as a lively selection of college sports. Ameriquest Field in Arlington is home to the Texas Rangers and considered one of the best parks in Major League Baseball. AT&T Stadium in Arlington, sometimes called “Jerry World” in honor of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, is a state-of-the-art NFL stadium that also hosts the Cotton Bowl. The high school football here is a spectacle, and fall visitors can catch a Friday night game for just a few bucks.

More tips from DFW:

• Dealey Plaza, the grassy knoll and the death of JFK.

November 22, 1963 was the most infamous day in Dallas history, and there are many theories to explain the “how” and “why” of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The 6th Floor Museum shows you where and how it happened, and even retells some of the theories. Admission for adults is $ 16 USD. Go to 411 Elm Street at Dealey Plaza.

• Fort Worth offers great visitor experiences.

There are three entertainment districts: Stockyards National Historic District north of downtown, Sundance Square, and Cultural District. The cattle pens (once a working cattle market) are now a tourist attraction, while the other two are names given to wide areas with shops, restaurants, museums, and other attractions. Check local listings for events and special offers.

• Watch free movies at the Frog Theater Cafe.

This is an old theater that has been turned into a cafeteria, more or less. The screen remains and there are free movies and cartoons shown during operating hours. It is located next to the Texas Christian campus at 3055 University Blvd.

• Take a free “art walk.”

On the first Saturday of each month, teachers will lead you on a free, one-hour guided tour of the Dallas Arts District. Starts at the Crow Collection of Asian Art at 10:30 am Reservations: 214-953-1977.

• See the best of the Texas rodeo.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo, in the city of the same name, offers one of the best competitions you will see anywhere. Admission fees are reasonable, with discounts for seniors and tweens. The season generally runs from the beginning of April to the end of September.

• Discounts for Six Flags Over Texas

Print park passes or tickets before you leave home and save money.

• Take a look at the DFW Observation Station.

You may not think of an airport as a tourist destination, but DFW is no ordinary airport. So why not visit the viewing area known as Founders Plaza? You’ll see some of the 2,300 daily take-offs and landings that make this one of the busiest airports in the world. It is open daily from 7 am to midnight and is located at 2829 30th Street.

Step-by-step tips for visiting any big city on a budget