If Dallas is a sophisticated city of finance and fashion, Fort Worth is where cowboys, cattle, and the original Western culture of Texas come to life.

I initially thought of it as just a "small town next to Dallas," but after visiting, I realized that Fort Worth has a charm that is in a completely different league.

Fort Worth has a population of about 920,000, making it one of the top five cities in Texas. When considering the entire DFW metropolitan area, it ranks as the fourth largest metropolitan area in the U.S. with approximately 8.47 million residents by 2025. Fort Worth is located in Tarrant County, which is separate from Dallas County.

Between the two cities lies DFW International Airport, which essentially serves as a 'shared gateway' for both. The airport code DFW comes from this connection. You can reach downtown Fort Worth from the airport in under 30 minutes by taking I-30.

If I had to highlight a tourist point, I would definitely mention the Stockyards National Historic District as the first. Located about three miles north of downtown, this area preserves the historic center of cattle trading from the late 19th century. Every day at 11:30 AM and 4 PM, the 'world's only twice-daily cattle drive parade (The Fort Worth Herd)' features longhorn cattle walking down Exchange Avenue.

It's quite impressive at first sight. Between the old brick buildings, you'll find Western boot shops, saloons, and barbecue restaurants, and the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas, is also in this area. It boasts a massive 100,000 square feet with 32 bars.

The Cultural District has a completely different vibe from the Stockyards. The Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and Amon Carter Museum are all located close together, allowing you to visit all three museums in one day on foot. The Kimbell, designed by architect Louis Kahn, is a masterpiece in itself, while the Modern Art Museum showcases the concrete aesthetics of Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Even if you're not well-versed in art, just exploring the buildings is worth it. Since its opening in October 1972, the Kimbell has housed world-renowned masterpieces.

Downtown Sundance Square is a collection of restaurants, bars, and performance venues spanning 35 blocks. The name is interesting as it is actually related to the 'Sundance Kid' from the movies. It derives from the history of outlaws frequently passing through this area in the 19th century. Today, it features world-class venues like Bass Performance Hall and upscale steakhouses. The Fort Worth Zoo and Botanic Garden are also must-visit attractions. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is one of the oldest in Texas and includes a Japanese garden area. If you've never been to Fort Worth, honestly, just visiting Dallas is only half of a DFW trip.