Fort Worth is a city of contrasts. It’s a big modern city (in fact, it’s the fifth largest in Texas), and yet it determinedly holds on to its cowboy past.
It’s home to modern buildings, green, open spaces, cars, and cows. Fort Worth doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of bigger cities like Dallas, but it does have a laid-back charm and Wild West spirit that keeps travellers coming back. Time and time again.
Fort Worth lures in travels with its fascinating cowboy culture. Head to the Stockyards district to see it first-hand. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a Wild West movie! With stores selling belt buckles and cow hides, loads of bars and restaurants and surprise, surprise – COWBOYS!
If you want to experience authentic Texan culture, Fort Worth is your spot. However, you may be heading to Fort Worth for its other incredible qualities… like its food, its museums or its architecture and design.
Whatever you’re travel desires are in Fort Worth, you’ll want to choose to stay in an area that matches. Deciding where to stay in Fort Worth can be a tricky task if you’ve never been to the city before.
But never fear! That’s where I come in. I’ve compiled the best areas to stay and categorised them by interest. I’ve even included the best places to stay in each and the top activities to do.
After reading through these words of wisdom, you too will soon be an expert on the areas of Fort Worth and be ready to book your trip to Fort Worth.
Yee-haw! Let’s get into it.
- Where to Stay in Fort Worth
- Fort Worth Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Fort Worth
- Fort Worth’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Fort Worth
- What To Pack For Fort Worth
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Fort Worth
- Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Fort Worth
Ready to choose your hotel or hostel in Fort Worth? Check out our top picks.
Cozy Bungalow | Best Luxury Airbnb in Fort Worth
With enough space for up to five guests, this bungalow is filled with all the comforts of home like a full kitchen, lots of books, and an inside and outside dining space. This makes it one of the best places in Fort Worth to stay if you’re traveling with your family.
Hampton Inn & Suites | Best Hotel in Fort Worth
This hotel in Fort Worth sits right in the heart of Downtown and is very budget-friendly. It has a fitness center, swimming pool, bar, and parking on-site as well as rooms in a variety of sizes to suit every travel group.
Backyard Bungalow | Best Airbnb in Fort Worth
This guesthouse is just minutes from West 7th and the Downtown area, putting it close to the city’s best nightlife. It sleeps 2 guests and has bright, modern furnishings, a full kitchen, and a workspace.
Downtown
Fort Worth’s Downtown is an exciting neighborhood, with lots of entertainment options and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s all based around the famous Sundance Square, where the people-watching is amazing and there’s plenty of cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by.
North Side
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Fort Worth on a budget, you want a more local neighborhood. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in North Side. Close to the famous Stockyards National Historic District, this neighborhood is filled with shops and restaurants that will keep you busy for days.
West 7th
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Fort Worth for families, you want to be close to lots of attractions and restaurants. And that’s exactly where West 7th is. This neighborhood bridges the city’s Downtown and Cultural District, so it offers a lot to do for every kind of traveler.
Fort Worth is often overlooked as a destination, but there’s plenty to see and do. Alongside the classic Texan feel, the city is home to top museums, great food, and an endless array of awesome bars.
If you’re visiting Fort Worth for the first time, check out the Downtown area. It offers the best combination of shops, restaurants, and accommodation to suit every price point. It also has the best transport connections to other areas of the city.
The city’s North Side is a more local neighborhood. This is where you can indulge in activities that the locals love, like visits to the famous Stockyards National Historic District. Restaurants and accommodation are a little more wallet-friendly, making it the best place to stay if you’re traveling on a budget.
The final area on this list is the West 7th neighborhood. This walkable area is close to Downtown and offers great food, as well as loads of things to see and do. This makes it our top pick for families staying in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, let’s take a look at the best areas in Fort Worth in more detail. We’ve included our top accommodation and activity picks in each, so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Downtown – Where to Stay in Fort Worth for your First Visit
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Downtown – Have a cocktail in the famous and terminally hip Thompson’s Bookstore.
- BEST Place to Visit in Downtown – Sundance Square for dining, cafes, and people watching.
Fort Worth’s Downtown is an exciting neighborhood, with lots of entertainment options and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s all based around the famous Sundance Square, where the people-watching is amazing and there’s plenty of cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by.
This part of the city also offers the best transports to further afield, so you can easily explore other destinations like Dallas. This makes it the best place to stay if you’re discovering Fort Worth for the first time.
Secret Bungalow Hideout | Best Airbnb in Downtown
This bungalow sleeps 2 guests and is right in the heart of Downtown. it has a private patio area, full kitchen, and workspace. It’s also in a great facility, so you’ll have access to the gym, secured parking garage, and pool during your visit, too.
Texas Themed Luxury Loft | Best Luxury Airbnb in Downtown
If you like a little extra luxury, then check out this charming loft. It boasts industrial-style decor and enough space for up to 4 guests. It’s got large windows which allow in plenty of natural light, as well as all the amenities you’ll need for a great stay.
Aloft Fort Worth Downtown | Best Hotel in Downtown
Things to See and Do in Downtown Fort Worth:
- Wander through the pools and fountains of the Fort Worth Water Gardens.
- See the JFK Tribute in General Worth Square.
- Have a meal at the Red Goose Saloon or Salsa Limón.
- Wander the streets and check out the turn-of-the-century buildings like the Tarrant County Courthouse and the Saint Patrick Cathedral.
- Check out what’s on at one of the local live theaters like the Jubilee Theater or Circle Theater.
- Have a drink with the locals at Malone’s Pub or Houston Street Bar & Patio.
- Take Molly the Trolley through the city.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. North Side – Where to Stay in Fort Worth on a Budget
- COOLEST Thing to Do in North Side – Pick up your own pair of cowboy boots at Maverick Fine Western Wear.
- BEST Place to Visit in North Side – The Stockyards National Historic District for cows and lots of shopping, live music, and saloons.
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, it’s usually best to stay in a more local neighborhood. These areas tend to offer lower prices on food and accommodation due to lower levels of tourism. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in North Side. Close to the famous Stockyards National Historic District, this neighborhood is filled with shops and restaurants that will keep you busy for days.
This is also one of the best areas to stay in Forth Worth for nightlife. There are lots of saloons and live music venues in this part of the city. So, pull on your cowboy boots and enjoy some authentic Texan cheer!
Entire Casita near all the best in Fort Worth | Best Airbnb in North Side
Perfect for a romantic getaway, this one-bedroom casita is in the heart of the North Side. The decor is modern Texan and the property has a fenced shared backyard, free parking, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Stockyard Station | Best Luxury Airbnb in North Side
This home can sleep up to 8 guests, making it a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Fort Worth with families. It’s just half a mile from the famous Stockyard area and has a fully stocked kitchen and a private backyard where you can have your own Texas grill!
Hyatt Place Fort Worth Stockyard | Best Hotel in North Side
This hotel is a great choice for anyone traveling with kids as it has a pool and spacious family rooms. It’s also close to the Stockyard area, so you can enjoy all of its attractions, and has a bar on-site for a late-night drink.
Things to See and Do in North Side:
- Check out the history at the Stockyards Museum.
- Grab a meal at the Biscuit Bar or Joe T. Garcia’s.
- See a show at the Rose Marine Theater.
- Settle in for a drink at Filthy McNasty’s Saloon and enjoy the live music.
- Delve into the past at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
- Learn the two-step at the honky-tonk known as Billy Bob’s Texas.
- Make sure you see the Fort Worth Herd, a twice-daily cattle drive through town.
3. West 7th – Best Neighborhood in Fort Worth for Families
- COOLEST Thing to Do in West 7th – Have French toast for brunch at Mash’d.
- BEST Place to Visit in West 7th – The Cultural District, for the best museums in the city.
When you’re finding somewhere to stay with family, you want to be close to lots of attractions and restaurants. And that’s exactly what West 7th has to offer. This neighborhood bridges the city’s Downtown and Cultural District, so it offers a lot to do for every kind of traveler.
West 7th contains some of the city’s hottest restaurants and it’s very walkable, so you’ll be able to enjoy the city at a slower, more relaxed pace, perfect for people with young children.
Residence In Fort Worth | Best Hotel in West 7th
This hotel is one of the best places to stay in Fort Worth if you want to be close to all the famous museums. It’s just a few steps from West 7th and offers studio rooms with a fully-equipped kitchen. The hotel has free shuttle services within an 8km radius and there’s a gym, BBQ facilities, and an outdoor pool and hot tub on-site.
Upscale 1 BR | Best Airbnb in West 7th
Located right in the center of the city’s entertainment district, this apartment offers enough space for up to 4 guests. It has a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities and is reasonably priced, making it a great budget-friendly choice.
Fort Worth Hot Location | Best Luxury Airbnb in West 7th
Located in the best area in Fort Worth to stay in if you want to be close to restaurants and museums, this home has 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, suitable for up to 6 guests. It’s within walking distance of shops and restaurants and has a full kitchen, patio, laundry facilities, and free parking.
Things to See and Do in West 7th:
- Make sure to visit some of the local museums like the Amon Carter Museum of American Art and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
- Take the kids to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
- Have a meal at the Austin City Taco Co or Eddie V’s Prime Seafood.
- Enjoy a picnic and feed the ducks at Trinity Park and pay your respects at the Fort Worth Police & Firefighters Memorial.
- Check out the lush Fort Worth Botanic Garden with its famously Japanese flair.
- See some live music at Magnolia Motor Lounge or Lola’s Trailer Park.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Fort Worth
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Fort Worth and where to stay.
What To Pack For Fort Worth
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Fort Worth
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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Fort Worth
There’s more to do and to see in Fort Worth than you might expect. This city is filled with culture that has an unmistakably Wild West feel. And with this Fort Worth neighborhood guide, you’ll be able to enjoy this unique atmosphere while staying close to the best shops, attractions, and restaurants in the city.
If you’re still not sure where to stay in Fort Worth, we recommend the downtown area. With so much to do, it’s the best place to get a feel for this awesome destination. It’s also conveniently connected to other neighborhoods, making a great base from which to explore the rest of Texas.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
