Fort Worth is the "Cowtown" of Texas: cattle-drive history, honky-tonks and rodeos in the Stockyards, paired with a world-class museum district, a polished downtown at Sundance Square and a friendly, less hurried feel than neighboring Dallas.

Come for the Western heritage, the museums and the barbecue, and plan around the car. It's easy to combine with Dallas, but it deserves its own days.

Spring (March to May) is warm and green, with patios and festivals. Severe storms and hail are possible.

Summer (June to August) is hot, often over 100°F. Plan around the heat with museums and evening outings.

Fall (September to November) is warm and comfortable. Often the best time for the Stockyards and outdoor events.

Winter (December to February) is mild with occasional cold snaps. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo draws big crowds in late January and February.

Check the events calendar. The Stock Show, big concerts at Billy Bob's, TCU football and holiday weekends fill hotels.

2 days covers the Stockyards, a museum and Sundance Square.

3 days (recommended) adds the Cultural District, the Botanic Garden and Trinity Trails.

4 days adds a trip to Dallas or Arlington.

Day 1, the Stockyards: morning at the Stockyards National Historic District, with the twice-daily cattle drive (check times), shops and the Livestock Exchange. Afternoon at the Cowtown Coliseum or a stop at Stockyards Station. Evening at Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk, or a rodeo.

Day 2, the Cultural District: morning at the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Afternoon at the Amon Carter Museum (free) and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Evening dinner on West 7th Street.

Day 3, downtown and outdoors: morning at Sundance Square and the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Afternoon on the Trinity Trails or at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden or Zoo. Evening dinner on Magnolia Avenue or a TCU game.

Downtown and Sundance Square suit first-timers: walkable restaurants, bars and the performance venues.

The Stockyards suits Western atmosphere, with a few historic hotels and a lively night scene.

The Cultural District suits museum lovers and a quieter feel.

Near Southside (Magnolia Avenue) suits local restaurants and bars.

Near DFW Airport suits early flights and the TEXRail.

Fort Worth is car-friendly, with easy parking. Downtown is walkable, and Sundance Square is pedestrian-friendly. Trinity Metro runs buses, and the TEXRail connects DFW Airport and downtown. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) links Fort Worth and Dallas. Check current fares and schedules.

Rideshare is common. A free trolley has served downtown routes in the past; check current service. The Stockyards and Cultural District are best reached by car or rideshare.

Stockyards: the cattle drive happens twice daily at set times, so check the schedule and arrive early for a good view.

Billy Bob's: concerts sell out; check the calendar and book tickets.

Rodeo season: the Stock Show and weekend rodeos can make hotels scarce and pricey.

Food: steakhouses, barbecue, chicken-fried steak, Tex-Mex and breakfast tacos.

Last call is 2 a.m. Tipping 18 to 20% is standard.

Fort Worth is generally friendly and easy for visitors. The Stockyards and Sundance Square are busy and well patrolled, but nights can be rowdy; watch your belongings and use rideshare late.

Car break-ins happen, so keep valuables out of sight. Severe weather (hail, tornadoes, extreme heat) is the larger hazard; follow forecasts and alerts.

Emergencies: dial 911. Fort Worth has major hospital systems and many urgent-care clinics and pharmacies. If you take prescription medications, bring a buffer supply.

Comfortable walking shoes (boots if you're going Western), sunscreen, a hat, light breathable clothing, a jacket for winter evenings and a compact umbrella.