The city that gave us 7-Elevens, frozen margaritas, German chocolate cake, and the country’s first shopping mall; Dallas is a place we have a lot to be thankful for. If you’re headed to Dallas on a vacation, city break, couples retreat or work trip, you’re probably going to want to see some sights. But where to begin? Without shelling out hundreds of dollars on sightseeing tours that may be a waste of time, try one of these free Dallas and Fort Worth tours, showcasing iconic landmarks, museums, factories and art in true larger-than-life Texas style – without the huge price tag!

Free Tour of the Crow Museum in Dallas 

Explore magnificent pieces of Asian art and fascinating cultural exhibitions at the Crow Museum on Flora Street, in Dallas’ Arts District. With breath-taking past exhibitions including Japanese ceramics, sculptures by Sopheap Pich, The Divine Feminine from Tibetan artists, and much more, this is a Dallas museum not to be missed. Self-guided tours last one hour and can be reserved on weekday and weekend dates throughout the year, free of charge.

Free Trolley Rides in Downtown Fort Worth 

Hands-down the best way to see downtown Fort Worth without spending a cent is a ride on Molly the Trolley. The vintage style bus runs regularly throughout the day, seven days a week, and takes passengers between the Fort Worth Convention Center next to the Water Gardens to Sundance Square, stopping at some of the most popular downtown hotels, restaurants, and shops on the way. The Molly is convenient, comfortable, and most importantly, free!

Free Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour in Grapevine TX 

Amazon is so easy to use that it’s fast becoming essential to everyday life, with many consumers choosing convenient next-day delivery over braving the shopping malls. But just how does Amazon manage such a huge operation? The Amazon Fulfillment Center in Grapevine, 23 miles outside of Dallas, offers free public tours in their enormous warehouse, taking guests on a journey from item picking, packaging, and labelling to mailing and shipping. You really do have to see it to believe it, so make sure to reserve your place on your next Dallas trip!

Guacamologist™ Experience at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas 

This may not be a tour as such, but the Guacamologist™ Experience at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel on McKinney Avenue, Dallas, is too cool to not be included. At 6pm every day one of the hotel’s chefs prepares fresh guacamole using their signature recipe, served with tortilla chips and mini margaritas for anyone to try, completely free of charge. The experience is open to guests and non-guests, so stop by at the end of a day of sightseeing and taste some of the best guacamole in the city!

Free Tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing might not sound like the most exciting place on earth, but did you know over half of the country’s currency is printed in this one building? Walk the suspended gangway above the production floor and witness the mind-boggling scale of money printing, followed by a theater film and interactive displays that outline the history of US currency. Self-guided tours are free and do not require a reservation, available Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Self-Guided Walking Tours of Dallas

If you’re short on time or are only in Dallas on a particular day, following one of these self-guided tours allows you the freedom to plan your own experience and see the best of Dallas on a schedule that suits you. GPS My City is a great app that has several pre-programmed Fort Worth walking tours, including Museums and Galleries, Places of Worship, and Culture, but also allows users to create their own self-guided tour for free.

Ginnie, the author of lifestyle blog Hello Little Home has created her own walking tour that you can follow, showcasing the most popular destinations in Dallas plus useful tips for getting around, what to wear, and where to eat – a fun way to see Dallas through the eyes of a local!
If street art is your thing, The Dallas Morning News have plotted every mural in the Deep Ellum neighborhood on a map, so you can wander the city at your own pace and admire the incredible wall paintings whilst reading about their artists.

Finally, take in the famous Dallas skyline with a “standing tour” hosted by the Architecture and Design Foundation, available in both Main Street Garden and Klyde Warren Park. Spot iconic buildings, hear about the architects that designed them, and learn about the history of the city, all without moving a muscle, and all completely free!

… that concludes our roundup of free tours in Dallas. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, we hope you’ve found a fun way to explore the city from our list above. If you’re still looking for great things to do in Dallas, browse our full range of Dallas experience gifts here.

Have your own tips for exploring Dallas on a budget? Leave a comment, we’d love to hear from you!