Where to Go in Italy: City-by-City Breakdown

Whether you’re visiting Italy for the first time or returning for the umpteenth time, you’ll see and experience (and probably taste) something new.

Something unforgettable, too.

That being said, I’ve found that the more popular the destination, the tougher it is to ‘sift through the noise’. In the case of Italy, that noise is an array of historic and cultural cities that draw tens of millions of tourists from around the world every month.

It’s not just a bucket list destination; it’s a pile of bucket list destinations.

And if you’re heading to Italy on the standard week-long (or even two-week-long) trip, then you’re going to have to make a lot of tough choices deciding where to go.

Looking for a little shortcut that will give you a quick introduction to each city? Welcome to the Spark Notes take on Italian destinations, from Rome to the Amalfi Coast to Trieste.

Where to go in Italy: Top 5 cities

Rome

It’s known as the Eternal City for a reason. This ancient city lets you delve deep into the West’s most impactful cultural and philosophical legacies while also enjoying delicious eats and getting lost on scenic side streets. Just prepare for the lines.

Great for: History, museums, a long (almost unending) list of landmarks, and great eats

Milan

You’ll find plenty of heavy-hitting historical sites in Milan—but it’s a contemporary, powerhouse as well, home to Italy’s most important business, finance, fashion, and design brands. You can find a great blend of the past with the present, in other words.

Great for: Shopping, sightseeing, museums, and architecture

Naples

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, which you shouldn’t miss out on. But it also offers a balance of rich history and exciting nightlife. Similar to Milan, you’ll find a blend of history and modern tastes in Naples. Plus, next-level eats, including margarita pizza.

Great for: History, architecture, vibrant nightlife, seaside views, and great eats

Venice

This city of canals needs no introduction. You’ve probably heard of the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal, but did you know that aside from its canals, Venice also offers a unique take on cuisine? Plus, it’s most beloved cultural treasure: Carnaval.

Great for: World-renowned architecture, history, great eats, and unique culture

Florence

As the headquarters of the Renaissance and its most impactful thinkers and artists, Florence is chock-full of distinguished cultural sites and landmarks. It’s also home to a number of high-fashion houses—even if Milan is normally dubbed Italy’s fashion capital.

Great for: History (especially art history), architecture, and museums full of works by the Renaissance masters—plus a bit of modern fashion

Where to go in Italy: smaller gems you can’t miss

Amalfi coast

Known for its breathtaking coastal views and dramatic cliff faces, the Amalfi Coast is a masterclass in colorful cultural heritage. Along with its architectural beauty, you can enjoy stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and world-class restaurants.

Great for: Scenic drives and views, architecture, and great eats (plus, world-class limoncello)

Cinque Terre

Lining the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a collection of five villages that line the ocean. Many constructions also overhang the dramatic, rocky coastline, offering gorgeous mountain views and Ligurian Sea vistas. Just watch out for tourists—it’s up there with Rome and Venice in terms of high-season crowds.

Great for: Scenic views, architecture, slow lifestyle, great wine, and great eats

Genoa

Birthplace of Christopher Columbus and pesto, Genoa is one of Italy’s hidden gems. You can find beautiful architecture, particularly in the historic center, which is home to colorful medieval buildings. And don’t forget about its harbor, which has made it an important maritime city.

Great for: Unexpected finds, medieval architecture, great eats, museums, and history

Turin

Equestrian statue dedicated to Duke Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy (Getty)

The architecture and history of Turin stand out because they aren’t quite like the rest of Italy, which was heavily influenced by Rome. There, you can find Baroque, Rococo, and Art Nouveau projects. Similar to Milan, it’s also a popular business hub, home to Fiat and Alfa Romeo, along with major music festivals.

Great for: Architecture, museums, culture, and great eats (especially sweets)

Trieste

Located on the border between Italy and Slovenia, Trieste is Italy’s most Germanic city thanks to its historic status as part of the Habsburg Austrian Empire. From its architecture to its eats to its history, that makes it not quite like other Italian hubs. Plus, it’s got a few canals like Venice, making it a solid alternative if you want to avoid crowds.

Great for: Architecture, culture, great eats, and unexpected finds

Bologna

Dubbed ‘la grassa’ or the fat for its extensive culinary impact, you’re going to eat well and eat often in Bologna. It’s also home to the world’s oldest university, giving you plenty of history and culture to bite into (pun intended) during your trip.

Great for: Great eats, history, culture, and architecture

Lucca

Lucca has quietly become one of the best alternatives to other Tuscan hotspots like Pisa and Florence. It’s got a stunning and well-preserved historic district, and is surrounded by some of Tuscany’s most lovely hills. Here, you can disappear into the slow pace of Italian life.

Great for: Slow living, great eats, architecture, and history

Olbia (Sardinia)

Boats in rocky cove, Maddalena Archipelago, Provincia di Olbia-Tempio, Italy (Getty)

Olbia is a popular spot for domestic Italian tourists, which should clue you into the beautiful beaches that can be found around the city. Similar to Palermo (below), you can also find historical callbacks to ancient Phoenician and Roman settlements. But the most famous sites are from its Romanesque architects, who built churches and basilicas.

Great for: Unexpected finds, beaches, architecture, and history

Palermo (Sicily)

On the right, San Cataldo Church, 12th century . On the left, Santa Maria dell Ammiraglio or La Martorana Church. Piazza Bellini Square. (Getty)

Though I usually prefer Sicily’s southern coast, there’s no doubt that I’d rather spend a day in Palermo compared to Catania. Both cities excel in terms of ancient history and delicious eats, but Palermo has more landmarks of historical significance thanks to the fact that it was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy for around seven hundred years. Best of all, Palermo puts you close to some of Italy’s quietest and prettiest beaches.

Great for: Ancient history, architecture, culture, museums, beaches, and great eats

The World’s Most Popular & Dangerous Tourist Experiences

Fear and travel pair together a lot—but I’m not just talking about a moment of turbulence on an international flight or realizing you’re suddenly missing a $20 bill.

I’m talking about travelers who purposefully seek out fear.

Maybe you’re into learning about the darker sides of history at landmarks and museums associated with humanity’s toughest hours. Maybe you’re willing to drive on a risky, scary road to reach your destination. Maybe you’re coming face-to-face with a never-before-seen cultural creature like Krampus.

Or maybe you’re actively looking for the scariest, adrenaline-pumping experiences in the world, from bungee jumping in New Zealand to Nile River rafting in Uganda. In reality, these types of adrenaline-pumping adventures aren’t new; remember when people used to throw themselves off Niagara Falls in wooden barrels?

Clearly, humans are wooed by many dangerous activities.

But what about international and far-flung destinations that bring in travelers solely for the promise of a dangerous, unforgettable, and rewarding survival experience? Where are they found, and what makes them so lethal?

Below are the most popular spots on earth where daredevil travelers like to tempt fate. I’m starting off with two of the most well-known adrenaline-inducing destinations and the types of dangerous tourist experiences they offer.

Most popular and dangerous tourist experiences for daredevils

Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls

You’ve likely heard of and seen pictures of this natural pool that abuts the edge of Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is the world’s most powerful waterfall, which makes it a much grander (and more terrifying) experience than visiting Niagara Falls, for example.

Devil’s Pool is only open from August to January, when the Zambezi River water levels are just right. It’s considered safe to visit so long as you’re with an experienced local guide. Reports on the total number of deaths at Devil’s Pool are unclear.

However, it’s likely that the rock lip that protects swimmers from going over the ledge will eventually erode, making Devil’s Pool something more like Devil’s Dropoff.

Diving with great white sharks in South Africa & Australia

Diving with great white sharks is a popular pastime around the world. I have an insane update for anyone who has dreamed of swimming with great white sharks off the coast of Cape Town in Gansbaai.

Apparently, the orcas have developed a taste for great white shark liver and are hunting them out of the area, so you might not actually find a great white willing to nibble at your underwater cage.

Instead, you might want to head to Australia’s southern coast, another area rich in great white activity. Neptune Islands in South Australia are one of the most reliable places where you can put yourself in biting range of a great white. Some companies even let children go shark diving, in case you want to bring your little one.

Visiting Pripyat, the blast site of Chernobyl

Dityatki, Ukraine – November 11, 2018: Unidentified people are near tourist information center and souvenir shop in front of checkpoint Dityatki in Chernobyl NPP alienation zone, Ukraine, Getty

Why visit the world’s most radioactive site? I can’t even guess at a motivation aside from hearing the call of dark tourism. Since 2011, travelers have been able to visit the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a safe area that rims the main disaster site.

Given that radioactive isotopes should have reached their half-life by 2011, the visit should be fine. Still, visitors aren’t encouraged to stay for long periods of time, and scientists have no proof that short periods of exposure won’t adversely affect your health.

Ultramarathons in places like the Sahara

Competitors take part in stage 3 of the 37th edition of the Marathon des Sables between Jebel El Otfal and Oued Tijekht in the Moroccan Sahara desert, near Tafraoute central Morocco, on April 25, 2023.(Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK / AFP) (Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK/AFP via Getty Images)

I can’t fathom what would motivate me to run even a half-marathon, nonetheless pack up my gear and travel across the world to run an extreme marathon. But extreme marathons are absolutely a thing, and they take runners to some of the world’s cruelest environments, tasking them with crossing vast distances with limited supplies.

There’s the Badwater 135, which traverses Death Valley on a 135-mile route. There’s the North Pole Marathon, a standard-length marathon that takes place on a floating ice sheet 12,000 feet above sea level.

And my favorites, the Jungle Marathon that takes you through the Amazon for a 143-mile death race, and the Trans Sahara Marathon, a 93-mile race that tasks you with surviving the world’s largest desert.

The most dangerous tourist experiences by body count

Summiting Mount Everest

Devil’s Pool and shark diving (in cages) officially don’t have a death count, which makes them terrifying, but not especially dangerous. Summiting Mount Everest, on the other hand, will put you in death’s reach (and heaven’s reach, especially if you make it to the peak).

Since 1977, a total of 340 climbers have perished attempting to summit the mountain. Unfortunately, a whopping 200 out of 340 climbers have never been brought down from the mountain due to dangerous conditions. Officially, that makes Mount Everest the most dangerous tourist destination in the world.

Exploring Death Valley

Looking into Golden Canyon from Zabriskie Point, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Death Valley (Getty)

The United States is home to the world’s second-most dangerous tourist destination, Death Valley. With temperatures that hover over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, many visitors underestimate the toll that heat will take on their vehicles and bodies.

Since 2007 alone, 68 visitors have died in Death Valley National Park. Along with motor vehicle accidents, overheating is the most common cause of death. In 2024, six fatalities occurred in the park.

If you’re wondering how people end up lost and compromised in Death Valley, here’s a great podcast episode from Marooned about a German couple who were catastrophically lost in the park.

Running with the bulls in Pamplona

The Festival of San Fermin (or Sanfermines) in the city of Pamplona where the Running of the Bulls involves thousands of participants, Navarre, Spain.

I’m rounding off this list with the grizzliest activity: running with the bulls in Pamplona. Though most runners are locals, some come in from out of town to take the narrow streets and attempt to outrun massive bulls.

The rules dictate that they must be over the age of 18, not be under the influence of alcohol, not incite the bulls, and run in the same direction as the bulls. Since 1910, 16 runners have died, almost all by being gored by bulls.

Why Does Lisbon Have a Bridge That Looks Just Like the Golden Gate Bridge?

My first trip to Lisbon was full of surprises.

The biggest shock was the San Francisco-style hills that pen in the capital city. The second was realizing that locals would rather speak English with me than Spanish.

Last was when I headed to the waterfront to soak up views of the Tagus… only to be met with a massive suspension bridge that looked suspiciously like the Golden Gate Bridge.

The more my friend and I studied the bridge, from its cables to its orange color, the more we were struck by the similarities.

Comparing bridges across continents might not sound thrilling, but civil and architectural projects from top-notch firms unite the world, such as Zaha Hadid. And it’s one of my greatest travel nerd-outs to spot sister projects. (If you’ve ever spotted a Frank Lloyd Wright house, you get the nerdery that’s at play here.)

Spotting the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon spurred on questions that led me down a rabbit hole.

One that eventually led to some of the US’s grandest construction landmarks.

Ever wondered what Lisbon’s big orange suspension bridge has in common with the Flatiron Building in New York City? Or the Sears Tower in Chicago? Or the Superdome in New Orleans? Let’s dig in.

25 de Abril Bridge, aka Ponte 25 de Abril

The 25 de Abril Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting the city of Lisbon, to the municipality of Almada on the left bank of the Tagus river. (Getty)

Let’s start with the basics. The 25 de Abril Bridge unites Lisbon with Almada across the Tagus River, spanning almost 10,500 feet; for comparison’s sake, the Golden Gate is only 8,980.

Starting in the late 1800s, companies and civil agents began the long and grueling process of submitting plans for a bridge, then waiting for approval. Decades of unsuccessful submissions delayed the project by almost a century.

Then, in 1960, the United States Steel Export Company won the bid to construct the bridge, which would also provide access to the recently constructed Cristo-Rei monument in Almada. The project took off and was completed in only six years.

(If you’ve heard of the American School of Lisbon, it was actually formed during this time to educate children of engineers who headed from the US to Lisbon.)

But American Steel wasn’t the company that was contracted to design the bridge—they were simply constructing it.

So, why does the 25 de Abril Bridge look so much like the Golden Gate Bridge, even down to the very same International Orange color?

Both were designed by the American Bridge Company, founded in 1900 and still active today. Part of the reason the company won the bid was that both Lisbon and San Francisco are prone to seismic activity.

Uniquely, there’s a third sister bridge in Edinburgh, the Forth Road Bridge. (I think that makes them triplet bridges?)

The American Bridge Company

This shot of the bridge at sunrise was made from the vessel on 01st of July 2022, New York, USA (Getty)

The fact that San Francisco, Lisbon, and Edinburgh have almost identical bridges is intriguing enough… but what if I told you that the Golden Gate Bridge is far from the coolest project that the American Bridge Company has designed?

Close your eyes and imagine some of the most striking bridges in the United States—which ones come to mind?

The Brooklyn Bridge is probably one of the first; unfortunately, the American Bridge Company didn’t design this iconic landmark. However, it’s behind New York City’s second-best bridge, the Verrazzano.

And that’s just the start. These are a few other American Bridge Company projects in chronological order:

Eads Bridge, Saint Louis (1874; at this time, the American Bridge Company was Keystone Bridge Company)
Mackinac Bridge (1957)
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (1964)
New River Gorge Bridge (1977)
Sunshine Skyway Bridge (1986)

The list keeps going…

That’s a pretty impressive list of bridge-building accomplishments, but don’t let the company’s name deceive you; the American Bridge Company has designed a lot more than just bridges.

Not only were its engineers adept at designing grand bridges that are both full of character and prepared to survive earthquakes, but they also helped design some of the United States’ greatest skyscrapers and arenas.

Buckle up—when you’re admiring the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon, you’re looking at a project that was designed by engineers who also worked on:

Flatiron Building (1902)
Woolworth Building (1913)
Chrysler Building (1930)
Empire State Building (1931)
Houston Astrodome (1964)
US Steel Tower (1971)
Sears Tower (1974)
Louisiana Superdome (1974)

Bay Saint Louis: 5 Reasons Not to Miss Out on This Coastal Mississippi Gem

When you think of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, cities like Biloxi and Gulfport are top of mind.

Not only do they offer scenic beaches and plenty of ways to get out on the water, but they’re also home to some of the state’s top entertainment venues. Biloxi is all about large casino-resorts, which dot its waterfront. Gulfport, on the other hand, has more family-friendly amenities, from its grand aquarium to its large marina.

Together, Biloxi and Gulfport make up the Riviera of the South. Like many other Gulf beach towns, they’re known for their slow pace of life and delightful coastlines.

But they aren’t the end-all of must-visit Mississippi beach towns.

Only a short drive away waits Bay Saint Louis.

It’s accessible as a short day trip from Biloxi and Gulfport, in case you want to really dig into the Gulf Coast, Alternatively, you can also stay in Bay Saint Louis if you want to truly soak up that slow pace.

Regardless, here’s what you can’t miss in Bay Saint Louis.

Things to do in Bay Saint Louis

Take to the water

Bay Saint Louis has a beach; unfortunately, it’s not the best stretch of sand for sunbathing and swimming. Instead, Bay Saint Louis’s beaches are perfect for long strolls (with Fido, if you want, as they’re also dog-friendly). Uniquely, there are also ‘blueways’ that you can enjoy.

Blueways or water trails are routes you can take on kayaks or paddleboards, which are available for rent around town. Bodega Adventures is one of the easiest to find, as it’s located in Old Town Bay Saint Louis. (More on Old Town below.)

Additionally, Bay Saint Louis is ideal for fishing and boating. You can fish directly in Bay Saint Louis, or head to a popular bayou like Johnson Bayou or Mallini Bayou. But keep in mind that this area was affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2019, which means some areas might still be off-limits for fishing.

If you’re interested in boating, I suggest referencing Waterway Guide. They have a pretty solid introduction on where to anchor around Bay Saint Louis.

Explore Old Town Bay Saint Louis (OTBSL) by day and/or night

Fantastic water adventures aside, one thing Bay Saint Louis has that nearby locations don’t is a charming old town district that you’ll want to spend hours exploring, similar to small cities like Bardstown, Kentucky.

Old Town has a long list of interesting shops, restaurants, bars, and more to get lost in. From vintage and second-hand stories to children’s boutiques to French bookstores, the shops alone could take up an entire afternoon. In terms of dining, you can go high-end, mom-and-pop, social-and-loud, and just about any other way you prefer for a night out.

My favorite group in Old Town Bay Saint Louis is probably the Mystic Krewe of the Seahorse, a historical and vibrant non-profit that regularly throws charity events and fetes that locals and visitors to join. Keep a lookout for the Pirate Day in the Bay event!

Stop by the local museums & historic sites

If you’ve been paying attention so far, you might be picking up on the fact that Bay Saint Louis has a slight edge—a funky one, too. That being said, this area is home to historical sites and unique museums that will capture your attention.

I suggest checking out the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, which is located inside another acclaimed museum, the L & N Train Depot. The L & N Train Depot is another must-see; there’s even a Mardi Gras museum located inside the defunct train station.

In terms of history, don’t miss out on Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church; this area remains heavily influenced by its Cajun history, including Catholicism. Additionally, check out 100 Men Hall, a historic Blues venue that was part of the Blues’ Chitlin’ Circuit from the heyday of the genre.

Soak up the culture with Art Walks on the Second Saturday of the month

If you’ll be in the area for the second Saturday of the month, make sure you visit Old Town. Every second Saturday, the main drag comes alive (even more than usual) with unique community events, special pop-ups, and much more.

Here’s a quick rundown of the lineup for summer. In June, you can enjoy a Caftans & Cocktails Second Saturday; in July, a celebration of Frida Kahlo’s achievements; in September, it’s tailing season!

I also want to point out that Cruisin’ the Coast stops off in Gulfport near Bay Saint Louis (though it’s not on a second Saturday). If you’re into car swaps, it doesn’t get any better than Cruisin’ the Coast (seriously, it’s billed as America’s Largest Block Party.)

(Tiki) cruise into the sunset—literally

Who passes up a chance to join a tiki cruise? When you stop in Bay Saint Louis, you have one can’t-miss chance to enjoy the coast: Cruisin’ Tikis. It’s not like other cruises thanks to one amazing amenity: a fully stacked tiki bar.

This company offers four ways for you to get onto their floating tiki bars. Most are 1.5-hour bay tours with plenty of drinks. There’s a simple bay cruise, a bay and island cruise, a sunset cruise, and a morning ‘Bloody Mary’ cruise. Choose wisely, my tiki-friends.

Travel Tips for Nordic & Scandinavian Countries: Culture, Currency, & More

Scandinavia is one of Europe’s most alluring regions.

While fans of beaches and endless sunshine are usually wooed by the Mediterranean, the opposite pulls people toward the Nordic countries of Northern Europe.

From spying on the northern lights to speeding through the powdery snow on a dog sled to sampling delicious treats with never-before-tasted berries, Scandinavia offers charm and thrills in equal measures. It’s not hard to see how some nations end up on the list of the world’s happiest countries year after year.

That being said, Scandinavia is more diverse than many think. Each country is home to its own idiosyncrasies, traditions, must-see destinations, and cultural practices.

Aside from more intangible characteristics, they’re also different when it comes to currencies, language, and other important topics.

In other words, before you plan your trip across Scandinavia and Northern Europe, you might want a little breakdown of each country in the region. First up, let’s cover the difference between terms like Scandinavia and Nordic, then we’ll dive into country-by-country fact sheets.

Nordic vs. Scandinavian countries

Let me start off by saying the terms Scandinavia and Nordic are a hot topic for Northern Europeans—just take a look at this Reddit thread for proof. I’ve personally heard many different takes on what is and isn’t Scandinavian and Nordic, and I’m sure the same will be true for you when you head to these countries.

As always, locals are the authority on who they are and aren’t, and I’m not Scandinavian or Nordic—but let me humbly attempt an introduction here.

Scandinavia is a geopolitical term that describes the countries of Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, which are also part of a shared language group. Finland isn’t technically considered a Scandinavian country because it’s not part of the Scandinavian peninsula or the language group.

That being said, these five nations share the same Nordic cross on their flags, which makes them easy to identify. Greenland and the Faroe Islands are Danish territories, so they’re sometimes included as part of Scandinavia—but that’s not always the case, as with Iceland and Finland.

The term Nordic, by contrast, describes the shared culture in this region. Nordic is often used when discussing history and religion, as well. Norse mythology, for example, was widespread around Scandinavia—but also bled into areas like Scotland and Northern England, which is why we use the term Nordic instead of Scandinavian. (Scandinavia is geography, making it ‘fixed’.)

Nordic peoples originated in mainland Europe before crossing the Baltic Sea into Northern Europe. Originally, the far north regions were occupied by the Sámi people.

Sami people still live throughout Scandinavia and Finland (and in Russia), but are not Nordic. Instead, they’re the region’s indigenous peoples—and Europe’s only official indigenous group.

Other important information for Scandinavian countries: sockets, currencies, & the EU

Culturally, it’s easy to get turned around when talking about Scandinavian countries, Nordic countries, and Northern Europe. Again, a trip to any of these countries will give you hands-on experience on how to differentiate the region based on a variety of factors.

For now, let’s zero in on what’s going to impact your trip the most: knowing which currencies and electrical sockets these countries use, along with whether they’re part of the European Union.

Here’s the good news: in terms of electrical sockets, all Nordic countries use the F Socket, which is standard throughout most of Europe. You can also use the C Socket in many places.

Here’s the bad news: all Nordic countries have a different currency, which I’ve listed below. They’re easy to change as you move between countries, but still a bit of a pain.

On top of that, not all countries are part of the EU, meaning you might need to go through customs. That’s probably not the case because the Nordic countries share a Nordic Passport Union and all Nordic countries are part of the Schengen Zone, meaning the borders are kept open.

At-a-glance breakdown

Denmark (including overseas territories of Faroe Islands and Greenland)

Capital city: Copenhagen
Currency: Danish krone (DKK) but some businesses in urban areas also accept the euro
Member of European Union: Yes

Finland

Capital city: Helsinki
Currency: Euro
Member of European Union: Yes

Iceland

Capital city: Reykjavik
Currency: Icelandic krona (ISK)
Member of European Union: No

Norway

Capital city: Oslo
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Member of European Union: No

Sweden

Capital city: Stockholm
Currency: Swedish krone (SEK)
Member of European Union: Yes

Sink Your Teeth into These Acclaimed Dallas Steakhouses

When I travel, I have two approaches to mealtime.

The first: try something new to dig into local culture. The second: keep it simple and fill my stomach with a no-frills steak.

The humble steak has done me right on every continent I’ve visited, giving me energy and iron when I need it most. One of my most troublesome travel symptoms is a lack of appetite, which can lead to fatigue and poor sleep. (If you’re in a similar boat, I highly recommend sticking to high-protein foods until your appetite returns.)

In honor of the humble, reliable steak and all it’s done for me over the years, I’m heading to one of the US’s meccas of red meat: Dallas, Texas.

Though Texas isn’t short on meat-loving cities, from Austin to San Antonio to Amarillo, Dallas steakhouses regularly appear on foodie lists around the country.

If you’re going to stop by and if you’ve got a taste for red meat, don’t miss out on these eateries. They’re some of the best Dallas steakhouses, having won over the public and critics alike for years running. In some cases, even decades.

Acclaimed Dallas steakhouses for the carnivore in you

Bob’s Steak & Chop House (est. 1993)

The original Bob’s Steak & Chop House on Lemmon Avenue should be top of your list if you’re on the hunt for delicious steaks.

Though ownership has changed hands multiple times since its opening day, the 90s-style ambiance remains the same. Most importantly, so does its dedication to its tried-and-true menu. Go for the prime steaks, which are always cooked to perfection and served with a single carrot.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (est. 1981)

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse comes from one of the founders of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, which was formerly Bob and Del’s before Bob got hit with a felony charge and had to (re)start anew. (Very Wild West of him.)

That means you can expect all the experience and taste of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, but from a slightly different perspective.

For example, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse picked up an award from Zagat for being one of the Sexiest Restaurants in the US. That win is a callback to the lush décor and dress code more than the food—but they wouldn’t hand out the award to a subpar steakhouse.

Del Frisco’s has also nabbed culinary awards from Wine Spectator, Business Insider, the New York Times, and more.

Dakota’s Steakhouse (est. 1984)

With an extensive wine list and a list of prime steaks that have been painstakingly perfected over the course of forty years, it’s hard to go wrong with Dakota’s Steakhouse. The proof here is Dakota’s near five-star rating on OpenTable.

As a writer who once manned an OpenTable line back in the day, I can assure you that OpenTable users don’t pull their punches when it comes to reviews. At the time of writing this article, Dakota’s Steakhouse has a 4.8 rating based on over 5,000 reviews.

In case that hasn’t sold you yet, buckle up for a fine dining experience that takes you 15 feet underground to the restaurant’s stylish and moody main floor.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (est. 1976)

As a perennial favorite for local publications like D Magazine, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is a Dallas staple. It’s polished, reliably delicious, and the staff are highly acclaimed for their professionalism.

Consider it a golden standard among Dallas steakhouses—one that set the pace for the city’s future steakhouses, which are listed above. For almost half a century, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has steered Dallas’s taste for great steak.

Al Biernat’s Steakhouse (est. 1998)

Aside from a funky interior, there aren’t any big frills at Al Biernat’s. The Italian-style setup is juxtaposed with the austere, Old World menu, including dishes like artichoke ravioli.

But don’t forget to indulge in its steak offerings, from aged strips to light filet mignon to the latest buys from the local farmers’ market.

Knife (est. 2014)

If you’re looking for a relatively new steakhouse, head to Knife. This Dallas steakhouse took the red meat world by storm when its doors opened, thanks to its hardcore take on dry-aging its steaks.

The menu is also imaginative, taking risks like a Michelin-star restaurant would thanks to its simple-but-thought-out dishes. Just be sure to check the menu before you book a table; it’s seasonal and constantly evolving.