United States · April 2026
Overview
Arlington is the entertainment district of North Texas. In one area you have the Dallas Cowboys' giant stadium, the Texas Rangers' ballpark, a theme park, a water park and a big sports bar complex. It is not a classic sightseeing city, but on a game day or concert night the energy is huge.
Arlington was founded in 1876 as a railroad town between Dallas and Fort Worth and was named after Robert E. Lee's home in Virginia. It stayed small until the 1960s, when Six Flags Over Texas opened (1961) and the Washington Senators baseball team moved here in 1972 to become the Texas Rangers. The Cowboys' AT&T Stadium opened in 2009, Globe Life Field in 2020, and the National Medal of Honor Museum in March 2025. In 2026 AT&T Stadium hosts nine FIFA World Cup matches, including a semi-final.
How long to stay: 1 to 2 days, depending on games and parks.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
Between Dallas (30 km east) and Fort Worth (20 km west). The stadiums, Six Flags and Texas Live! are all in the Entertainment District off Interstate 30.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | $70–100 | $140–230 | $300+ (Loews Arlington) |
| Food | $30–45 | $60–90 | $120+ |
| Activities | $40–80 (Six Flags or a tour) | $80–200 (game tickets) | $300+ |
| Daily total | $140–225 | $280–520 | $720+ |
Hotel prices jump on game days, concerts and during the World Cup.
Things to Do
Home of the Dallas Cowboys since 2009, with about 80,000 seats (expandable to over 100,000) and one of the largest single-span roofs in the world. The huge video board hangs over the field from 20-yard line to 20-yard line. Tours take you to the locker rooms, the field and the press box.
Price: self-guided tours from about $30–40; guided and VIP tours more · Time needed: 1.5 hours · Tip: look for the art collection around the stadium; there are big contemporary works in the concourses.
Opened on 25 March 2025, this museum tells the stories of the more than 3,500 Americans who received the Medal of Honor, the country's highest military award for bravery. The building, designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, sits raised on five columns, which represent the five branches of the armed forces. Inside are interactive exhibits, personal objects, and a VR helicopter experience.
Price: about $20–25 for adults; children 6 and under free · Hours: daily 10:00–17:00 · Time needed: about 1.5 hours.
The Texas Rangers' ballpark (2020) has a retractable roof that keeps fans cool in summer. The Rangers won their first World Series in 2023.
Price: tours about $20–30; game tickets from about $20 · Season: late March to September.
The first Six Flags park, opened in 1961, named after the six flags that have flown over Texas (Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and the US). It has more than ten roller coasters, including the wooden Texas Giant. Texas Live! A sports bar and entertainment complex between the stadiums with giant screens, live music and restaurants.
Price: about $40–80 depending on the date if bought online · Tip: prices are cheaper online; parking is extra. Hurricane Harbor water park is across the highway. · Price: free to enter; events extra.
A green escape along the Trinity River with 16 km of trails and a nature centre.
Price: free.
Transit Tips
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From DFW Airport: Uber or Lyft in about 20 minutes ($30–50).
From Dallas or Fort Worth: about 25 minutes by car; on game days traffic can double that.
Keep in mind that Arlington has no buses or trains. Use a car, Uber, Lyft, or the city's Via on-demand shared rides (a few dollars per ride inside the city).
Entertainment District: the stadiums, Texas Live! and the museum are within walking distance of each other.
On game days parking near AT&T Stadium can cost $50+ and rideshare pickup zones get very busy after the game. Wait 30 to 45 minutes at Texas Live! for the crowds to clear.
Helpful Words
A few basics in English can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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