Dallas has been our home for years, and we have never seen it more exciting than it is right now. With new Michelin stars, a wave of glamorous hotel openings and some of the best cocktail bars in the country, Big D has officially become a luxury travel destination in its own right. Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a holiday trip or a staycation, here is our insider guide to the most fabulous places to stay, dine and drink in our city.

Where to Stay

Hôtel Swexan

Our current obsession. This boutique hotel in the Harwood District blends European glamour with Texas charm, and every corner is designed to be photographed. The 20th-floor rooftop pool and Pomelo bar are reserved for hotel guests, which makes it feel like a private club in the sky. Read our full review in our Hôtel Swexan hotel spotlight.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

The most iconic hotel in Dallas is a 1920s Italian Renaissance-style mansion on leafy Turtle Creek. It’s timeless, romantic and impeccably run, and the patio feels like a little slice of Europe in the middle of the city.

The Knox, Auberge Collection

The most anticipated hotel opening in Dallas in years. Designed by Martin Brudnizki and set on the Katy Trail in the Knox Street neighborhood, The Knox is now taking reservations for its debut on January 29. Book now to be among the very first guests.

Where to Eat

Mamani

One of only two Dallas restaurants to earn a Michelin star in the first Texas guide, Mamani in Uptown serves refined French cuisine in an elegant, intimate dining room. It’s our pick for a milestone celebration.

Lucia

This tiny, beloved Italian spot in the Bishop Arts District is famous for its house-cured salumi and handmade pastas. It’s one of the hardest reservations in the city, so plan ahead.

Georgie

Chef Bruno Davaillon’s Michelin-recommended restaurant in Knox-Henderson is polished, French-leaning and always lively. It’s perfect for a sophisticated dinner before drinks nearby.

The Mansion Restaurant

The dining room at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has defined luxury dining in Dallas for decades. Go for a special occasion, and don’t skip a drink at the bar beforehand.

The French Room at The Adolphus

With its frescoed ceilings and gilded details, The French Room is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Texas. It’s old-school glamour at its finest.

Delilah

Our favorite new night out. The celebrity-loved Los Angeles supper club opened in the Design District this year, bringing Roaring ’20s glamour, pink velvet booths, a live band and dancers. Dress up, plan to stay late and leave your phone in your purse (they have a no-photos policy). Note that it’s closed on Mondays.

Mister Charles

A gorgeous room on Knox Street with a menu to match. This is where we go when we want a polished dinner with plenty of buzz.

Where to Grab Drinks

• Midnight Rambler at The Joule: Tucked into the basement of The Joule hotel downtown, this sultry cocktail den has been one of the most sophisticated bars in Dallas for over a decade.
• Apothecary: An avant-garde cocktail bar on Lower Greenville with inventive drinks and a fun, swanky vibe.
• Parliament: An Uptown favorite that feels like an early-1900s barroom, with an excellent happy hour.
• Babou’s at Hôtel Swexan: A moody, two-story library lounge named after Salvador Dalí’s pet ocelot. Perfect for a post-dinner cocktail.
• The Mansion Bar: Classic, clubby and always elegant. Our go-to for a martini before dinner at The Mansion Restaurant.
• Black Swan Saloon: A cult-favorite cocktail bar that reopened in East Dallas, beloved by in-the-know locals.

Where to Shop

• Highland Park Village: The most beautiful shopping center in Dallas, home to Chanel, Hermès, Dior and more in a Spanish Colonial setting.
• Knox Street: The city’s chicest emerging neighborhood, with Aesop, Hart and more boutiques arriving all the time (and Sant Ambroeus on the way).
• NorthPark Center: A Dallas institution with every luxury brand you can think of, plus an incredible art collection.

Our Dallas Tip Sheet

• Getting there: Dallas Love Field is closer to Uptown and the Park Cities, while DFW International has more nonstop flights. For a luxe upgrade, look into semi-private carriers.
• Getting around: Dallas is a driving city. Plan on valet or rideshares, and give yourself extra time at rush hour.
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall have the best patio weather. December brings gorgeous holiday decorations at Highland Park Village and NorthPark.
• Book ahead: Reserve dinner at Mamani, Lucia and Delilah well in advance, especially on weekends.
• Dress code: Dallas loves to dress up! Pack your best heels and a statement outfit for dinner.

Want more? Read our ultimate girls’ weekend staycation and our original Dallas City Guide. Y’all come back now!