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[title]When people picture the US, they usually think about New York. But there’s far more to America than the Big Apple, especially for travelers who want to see a different side of the country. That’s where Dallas comes in. As the bold, bustling heart of North Texas, Dallas offers a different lens on American culture: shimmering skyscrapers meet storied neighborhoods, world-class music venues sit comfortably beside legendary barbecue joints and sports fandom doesn’t stop at passion – it roars.
And now? Getting here is easier than ever. Cathay Pacific brings Hongkongers straight into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), one of the world’s most connected hubs, with the option to enjoy flexible stopover duration before your next flight. It’s the perfect excuse to linger in Dallas before jetting off to another US city. Bonus: for a limited time, special fares apply to journeys from Hong Kong to US cities via DFW. So whether your final destination is Austin, Denver, St. Louis or somewhere beyond, put Dallas at the top of your itinerary. Think of it as your introduction to American culture, served Texas-style.
Only-in-Dallas experiences
From its sprawling arts district to its legendary sports culture, Dallas offers moments you won’t find anywhere else. It’s also home to the new Netflix House, an immersive attraction where visitors can step into fan-favourite shows through themed sets, interactive arcade games and food that has shaped iconic scenes. And if you’re craving even more Texas flavour, Fort Worth is just a short drive away – close enough to make it an easy add-on. There, travelers can experience cowboy culture, historic stockyards and a completely different side of North Texas, all within reach of their Dallas stay.
Arts and culture
Begin your trip by soaking in a bird’s-eye view of the city. Reunion Tower Geo-Deck is one of the most iconic silhouettes in the Dallas skyline, and once you’re 470 feet up inside its glowing dome, you’ll understand why. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic sweep of the city: the sleek skyscrapers of Downtown, the artsy pockets of Deep Ellum and the sprawling Metroplex beyond.
Back at street level, you’ll spot another Dallas landmark that’s looking back at you. The Giant Eyeball, a 30-foot-tall fiberglass, resin and steel sculpture by artist Tony Tasset, is a surreal, slightly cheeky installation that has become a social-media favourite. It’s weird. It’s unexpected. It’s Dallas.
Then, head to Deep Ellum, widely considered the birthplace of Texas blues. The neighbourhood churned out musical legends in the early 1920s, and today it remains one of the city’s cultural anchors. Wander past vivid murals, sip craft cocktails in stylish bars and let the sound of live guitar riffs spilling from open doors pull you inside. Deep Ellum doesn’t do quiet nights.
For a different kind of creative energy, wander through the Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States. Architectural icons line these streets, including the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, designed by world-renowned Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei. The building’s geometric precision and soaring acoustics make it a must-see (and yes, you can take a free tour).
A short stroll away is the Dallas Museum of Art, home to more than 25,000 works spanning 5,000 years. Stroll through galleries featuring Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollock and Yayoi Kusama, and then dip into rotating exhibitions that highlight everything from surrealist paintings to contemporary installations. The museum is free to enter, which means you can take your time, and truly, you’ll want to.
Sports
Football might as well be a second language in Texas, and Dallas is fluent. At AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, even non-sports fans will be swept up by the sheer spectacle. The retractable roof, the massive high-definition video screen (one of the largest in the world) and the energy of 80,000 fans chanting in unison. It’s a cultural experience every bit as thrilling as the game itself.
And if you’re visiting for more than football, Dallas has you covered. Catch the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center during hockey season or cheer on the Dallas Mavericks as they light up the court. Both are easy, high-energy options for travellers looking to plug into the local sports scene.
Where to eat and drink in Dallas
Dallas’s dining scene is deeply rooted in Texan heritage, but its culinary reach extends far beyond state lines. For something unmistakably Texan, head to Pecan Lodge, a barbecue institution where people happily queue under the sun for a taste of brisket, pork ribs and sausage smoked to perfection. Yes, it’s messy, but it’s the kind of meal that wipes out every memory of barbecue that came before it.
If steak is more your speed (this is Texas, after all), book a table at Stillwell’s, a Michelin-recommended spot known for its premium cuts, including in-house Akaushi beef. The restaurant brings Texas ranching tradition into an ultra-luxe environment. Be sure to save room for dessert; its chocolate cake is some of the best in the city.
Wrap up your night at Adair’s Saloon, a honky-tonk dive bar that embraces its own grit. The walls are layered with graffiti and stickers, the beer is cold and cheap and the country music plays seven days a week. Bring a Sharpie and leave your mark on the walls – just like everyone else. After all, it’s a tradition that goes back years.
Explore more US destinations from DFW
One of the joys of flying into Dallas is how quickly you can hop to other must-see American cities. Austin offers a creative pulse fueled by live music, food trucks and local art; Denver serves as a gateway to the Rockies, perfect for hiking, skiing or diving into its booming craft-beer scene; and St. Louis invites travelers to experience the iconic Gateway Arch, a resurgent arts district and its beloved toasted ravioli.
Why stop in Dallas?
Whether Dallas is your layover stop or a brief stopover on the way to your final destination, Cathay Pacific’s special fare* and flexible stopover options make it the perfect place to jumpstart your US adventure. With this limited-time offer valid through February 28, 2026, travellers on select routes – like Austin, Philadelphia and Miami – can take advantage of exclusive fares through DFW from HK$7,563. Visit now until November 30, 2026 for the most comfortable weather, and give yourself enough time to explore not just Dallas but the broader DFW Metroplex.
Book now: https://bit.ly/3YIqUA8
*Special fare applies when you travel with Cathay Pacific through DFW to Phoenix, Austin, Cleveland, Orlando, Miami, Denver, Houston, Philadelphia, Washington, Tucson, Salt Lake City, Charlotte, St Louis, and more from now until November 30, 2026 (blackout period applies).
