Downtown El Paso
Why visit El Paso
Long considered a sleepy western backwater, El Paso used to just mosey along, keeping its head low while its notorious Mexican neighbour Ciudad Juárez grabbed the headlines. But no more; El Paso has been making its own headlines. Successive runs for the US Senate and Presidency by former local Congressman Beto O’Rourke, and repeated visits by President Trump promoting his border policies, have brought national attention. A construction boom – and we don't just mean the Wall – has given downtown El Paso a facelift, and it can now boast a fist-full of new high-rise hotels, a restored streetcar line, the Chihuahuas baseball team and even its very own crop of microbreweries.
Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider
Dreaming of El Paso? Protect your trip
Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.
We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.
bookable trip
From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days
10 days / 9 nights
highlights
- 1 Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
- 2 Hiking Monterey Bay’s sprawling coastal trails for dramatic waterfront views
- 3 Touring an organic farm with a local farmer specializing in sustainable, small-scale agriculture
from $4,940
per person
Explore more trips
Explore more trips

10 days / 9 nights
Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden
FROM $3,795
per person
Top places to visit in El Paso
Discover the best attractions in El Paso from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.
Travel Guides
El Paso travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Best Things to Do
The westernmost city in Texas has a variety of things to see, eat, do and shop for (think boots). Here’s our roundup of the top things to do in El Paso.
Read full article
Best Time to Visit
With year-round sunshine and mild temperatures, even in winter, there is no bad time of year to visit El Paso. Here's what to expect whenever you come.
Read full article
Things to Know
El Paso day trips will immerse you in a land loaded with mystery. Here are seven of our favorites.
Read full article
Best Neighborhoods
El Paso's vibrant cultural scene is strongly influenced by its proximity to the border. These top neighborhoods show off the city's Texas-meets-Mexico soul.
Read full article
Day Trips
El Paso day trips will immerse you in a land loaded with mystery. Here are seven of our favorites.
Read full article
Best Road Trips
El Paso day trips will immerse you in a land loaded with mystery. Here are seven of our favorites.
Read full article
5 Shops
The westernmost city in Texas has a variety of things to see, eat, do and shop for (think boots). Here’s our roundup of the top things to do in El Paso.
Read full article
in partnership with getyourguide




