Unique Things To Do In Tulsa: Into The Land Of Art Deco Architecture

Nov 14, 2024

Last Updated on: Nov 20, 2024

Travel Guides

Once known as the Oil Capital of the World, Tulsa today is known for its concentration of art deco architecture, and a cosmopolitan vibe. 

On the Arkansas River, the city of Oklahoma is also the quintessence of the famous “Southern Hospitality” of the nation. Further, Tulsa offers the best fine dining experience, making it an ideal destination for culinary tourism in Oklahoma or the entire USA. 

In fact, forums like Secret Food Tours are now conducting food tours in the city. This is the ultimate food adventure where you peep into famous restaurants’ kitchens.

Nevertheless, beyond food tourism, the entire travel landscape in Tulsa looks promising. In fact, the Tulsa Regional Chamber has decided that Tulsa Regional Tourism will market the city as a center for tourism, sports, and culture. 

Do you also want to explore this beautiful city of Oklahoma? Here is a brief guide for you.

Unique Things To Do In Tulsa: Explore Food And More 

Unique Things To Do In Tulsa

The Tulsa Regional Chamber portrayed a happy picture of Tourism in Tulsa in 2022-2023. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the hotels in Tulsa created a market impact of $317.2 million. 

The numbers being so promising have encouraged the Tulsa Regional Chamber to start the Improve Our Tulsa program. This is an improvement package with a capital of $ 814 million to improve the Cox Business Convention Center, Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, etc. 

All these market figures and initiatives show Tulsa’s rise as a tourism destination in the USA. However, to explore the unique things to do in Tulsa, you will have to get your itinerary right first. 

1. Visiting the Cave House

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq0vYy7purr/?img_index=1

Built in Tulsa in 1924, the Cave House is now one of the city’s most important landmarks. It was a chicken restaurant earlier, and today, it is a great place for family adventure with amusing stories. 

The entry fee to the Cave House is $15, and kids under 13 can get entry to the Cave House at $7.50.

2. Exploring the Gilcrease Museum

Operating Hours: 6 AM to 11 PM

Entry Fee: $5-8

Do you want to visit the best artwork of the American West? Gilcrease Museum should be your go-to destination. 

Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell, and Frank Tenney Johnson are some noted artists to feature in this museum. 

The Pioneer Garden, Rock Garden, and Pre-Colombian Garden are part of its 23-acre outdoor theme garden. 

3. Visiting the Philbrook Museum of Art 

Visiting the Philbrook Museum of Art 

Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (Except Friday) – 9 AM to 5 PM

Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM

Monday And Tuesday – Closed 

Entry Fee: Free for Children below 2, $18 for Adults and $8 for Youth

Amidst expansive gardens stands the Philbrook Museum of Art, one of the oldest art museums in the country. It has a whopping collection of more than 200000 objects to tell unique stories of human history.

Along with the other collectibles, the Philbrook Museum of Art has now announced the launch of a new exhibit. It has artwork from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts or PAF.

This exhibit will be on display from 25th September to 29th December 2024. 

4. Visiting Tulsa Zoo

 Visiting Tulsa Zoo

Operation Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: Free for children below 3 Years, $10 for children from 3-11, $12 for 18-64 years old, and $12 for 65 years and above

Located in the Mohawak Park of Tulsa, Tulsa Zoo has state-of-the-art exhibits. It is also a place to encounter animals from all over the world.

In this zoo, You will meet animals like the Malayan Tiger, Komodo dragon, snow leopard, Chinese alligators, etc.

Further, the zoo is a great place for birders with species like the “fawn-breasted bowerbird,” blue-crowned hanging parrot, and more. 

Did You Know?

Tulsa Zoo was recently in the news for welcoming five Malayan tiger cubs. These tigers belong to critically endangered species, and the birth of the five cubs has increased the number of Malayan cubs in North America by 10%.

The survival of these five cubs is a major milestone for the critically endangered Malayan tiger population. Each day, we weighed the cubs and completed health checks and supplemental feedings. The opportunity to visually inspect the cubs, monitor their progress, and intervene if necessary is paramount.

Jordan Piha, Curator of Mammals, Tulsa Zoo

Fine Dining: Experience One Of The Best Things To Do In Tulsa 

Trying the local delicacies at fine dining restaurants is one of the best things to do in Tulsa. These restaurants have their staples and daily specials for the gastronomic delight of the visitors. 

Here is a list of some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Tulsa.

1. Kilkenny’s Irish Pub

Phone Number: +1 918-582-8282

Tour and Travel Rating: 4.5

With a quaint charm, Kilkenny’s Irish Pub serves the best corned beef in Tulsa. Also, you can never have enough of the Irish stew at Kilkenny’s Irish Pub.

Further, Kilkenny’s Irish Pub is an excellent eatery to try seafood like oysters and lobsters. Moreover, the bartender service here is friendly. So, you will feel like coming back. 

2. SMOKE On Cherry Street

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-li45JoaAM/

Phone Number: +1 918-949-4440

Tour and Travel Rating: 4.4

It’s bliss to try smoked trout salad and grilled oysters at SMOKE. The restaurant does every bit of justice to its name. Further, the chicken pasta here is delicious.

The menu of SMOKE is “Inspired American.” So, the food served here is the quintessence of American delicacies served in the southern part of the country. 

Moreover, celebrated chef Erik Reynolds and other chefs here use locally produced veggies and steaks. In addition, you will find vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and vegetarian options in the restaurant.  

3. Sisserou’s

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb0Q1EROJBm/?img_index=1

Phone Number: +1 918-576-6800

Tour and Travel Rating: 4.4

Do you want to try the Caribbean or Jamaican food in Tulsa? Sisserou’s is the go-to destination. 

It’s a sin not to try the rum cakes or the crab appetizers here. Further, the waffles here are quite good, and the presentation is even better with syrup and bananas.

You can even try the fried jerk chicken at Sisserou’s. Moreover, the service here is good and quick. 

4. Mahogany Prime Steakhouse

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeBvV5QM8tk/

Phone Number: +1 918-494-4043

Tour and Travel Rating: 4.3

We had the best steak in Tulsa at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse. You will also find the sauteed mushroom and  New York Strips here yummy. 

One more thing I am in absolute love with at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse is the crab cake. Of course, you will love the American staple, mac n cheese, here. 

Exploring The Art Deco Architecture Of Tulsa 

You will find the Deco District in Downtown Tulsa. Here, the most prominent buildings of the city have made a compact guild. Further, the Tulsa Preservation Commission has preserved and maintained the following art deco buildings in the city.

  • Boulder on the Park
  • Christ the King Church
  • City Veterinary Hospital
  • Davis Residence
  • Webster High School, etc.

The people of Tulsa have been in love with the Art Deco style since the oil money boosted the economy of Tulsa Downtown. Making its debut in a Paris exposition in 1925, the Art Deco style came to Tulsa a few years later. 

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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Jaffna Sri Lanka Travel Guide: Is Visiting Jaffna In Sri Lanka Worth It? 

BY  Sibashree Oct 24, 2025

You know what’s so special about visiting quaint and offbeat places? These are the places to make quirky and personal connections.  Jaffna has not been an exception. Let me share a story! It was exploring the Jaffna Public Market. An old lady jokingly refused to sell a tourist a kilo of dried fish. She said, “You don’t look like someone who appreciates the smell of sun-dried fish!” By the end, she laughed and gave him a small bundle for free. The whole thing was so warm. An old lady, who is probably talking to a person for the first time, is very cordial in her behavior. You will not get this shopping experience in any shopping mall or supermarket. Another highlight was when a priest offered me some sweets at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. There were hundreds of visitors, and I don’t know why he came up to me and offered the sweets. He said, “For you, even if you are a stranger, my blessings are for you!” I had tears in my eyes. 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Thus, the place got its name as Yalpanam or Yalpanapattinam, meaning the Port of the Iyre.  Furthermore, the historical evidence suggests that Tamil Presence here dates back to at least 300 B.C. Archaeological sites such as Pomparippu are a telltale of the Tamilian presence.  Jaffna was the capital of the Jaffna Kingdom in the medieval days before European colonization happened here.  Moreover, thanks to the Tamilian culture in Jaffna, in recent times, it has become a favorite destination of Indian travelers. A Tour and Travel World report suggests a 325% increase in the searches among Indian travelers.  Direct accessibility to Jaffna from various parts of South India via flights is another reason why Jaffna is so popular among Indian tourists.  You will get flights to Jaffna from cities such as Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, and Chennai.  Top 10 Unknown Cultural Things About Jaffna, Sri Lanka 1. Traditional Tamil musical performances during temple festivals.2. Unique Jaffna-style architecture in homes and temples.3. Palmyrah palm-based crafts and products.4. Indigenous Tamil martial arts demonstrations.5. Local storytelling traditions passed down orally.6. Community-led cultural tours and workshops.7. Traditional Tamil wedding customs.8. Seasonal harvest festivals like Thai Pongal.9. Local folklore and legends tied to historical sites.10. Ancient Tamil inscriptions found in temple ruins. Food Culture And Culinary Tours In Jaffna, Sri Lanka  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kandy Bites by Chef Ceylon (@kandy_bites_) Jaffna cuisine is known for its spicy flavors and unique Tamil dishes. Popular items include Jaffna crab curry, Kool (seafood soup), Odiyal Kool, and Palmyrah jaggery sweets.  Food tours in Jaffna offer cooking classes, market visits, and traditional meal experiences with local families. However, the traditional delicacies of Jaffna tell the stories of the tradition, history, and resilience of Northern Sri Lanka. 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Overall, getting familiar with the local food is one of the top cultural things to do in Jaffna Sri Lanka.  A 3-Day Culinary Tourism Itinerary In Jaffna View this post on Instagram A post shared by ALIYAA (@aliyaa_kl) It’s time to experience the eclectic nature of Jaffna food, where Tamilian, Muslim, and European influences have merged. Here is a 3-day culinary tourism itinerary in Jaffna.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrival in Jaffna and checking in• Having Jaffna-style idiyappam with coconut sambol and mutton gravy• Exploring the Jaffna Market, a gold mine of dried fish and palmyrah jaggery, tamarind, and spices unique to the region.• Trying palm treacle sweets, vadai, and murukkuDay 2• Having Jaffna crab curry or nandu kool (crab soup) with red rice• Pairing the food with poriyal and rasamDay 3• Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and try nelli juice or Indian gooseberry drink• Booking an Airbnb or a local guide experience and learning to cook pittu, prawn curry, and other local delicacies If you want to extend your culinary tour in Jaffna, you can plan a day trip to Delft Island, where you will find the best coconut toddy and island-style seafood delicacies. Also, you can attend a palmyrah tapping demonstration or explore the northernmost markets in Point Pedro.  A 5-Day History-Focused Itinerary In Jaffna View this post on Instagram A post shared by VIEW LANKA TOURS (@viewlankatour) Mentioned in the ancient Tamil scripture as Naga Nadu, or the land of the Nagas, Jaffna has been ruled by the Pandya, Chola, and Rajarata kingdoms. Later, it also became a colony of the Portuguese and British.  Here are the historical places in Jaffna to see within a 5-day travel itinerary.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrive in Jaffna from Colombo by car or train• Checking into the hotel• Breakfast with traditional Tamil food• Visiting the Jaffna Fort (1618)• Lunch• Visiting the Jaffna Public Library• Walking along the Jaffna Lagoon waterfront near the Dutch Fort AreaDay 2• Breakfast and a visit to Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil• Visiting the Minister’s House or Manthiri Manai• Lunch• A drive to Keerimalai Springs and Naguleswaram Temple• Return to Jaffna TownDay 3• Travel north to Dambakolapatuna Temple, at a distance of 35 km• Lunch and exploring Kankesanthurai• Visiting the 2000-year-old site of Kandarodai (Kadurugoda) Buddhist Monastery• Visiting the St. Mary’s CathedralDay 4• Taking an early ferry to Delft Island (Neduntheevu) from Kurikadduwan Jetty.• Visiting the Delft Fort (Portuguese-Dutch) ruins, Queen’s Tower lighthouse, and Baobab Tree• Spotting the wild ponies• Having local seafood for lunch• A ferry ride to Nainativu Island and spotting places like the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil and Nagadeepa Viharaya• Return to JaffnaDay 5• Breakfast and visiting the Chunnakam Market• Visiting the Jaffna Archaeological Museum• Visiting Point Pedro and attractions such as the Old lighthouse• Farewell dinner A 5-Day Cultural Itinerary In Jaffna Attending the Palmyrah workshop was a memorable event in my Jaffna tour. Also, Point Pedro, the northernmost part, offered the most culturally vivid experience. DaysActivitiesDay 1• Arrival in Jaffna• Exploring the Jaffna Public Library after breakfast• Walking through the Old Park• Exploring Jaffna Fort• Visiting Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in the eveningDay 2• Visiting Point Pedro Market• Driving to the Palmyrah Handicraft Centre• Having a home-style Tamil Meal• Visiting Manthiri Manai (Minister’s Palace) and Sangilean Thoppu, believed to be the remains of the ancient Jaffna Kingdom’s royal complex.• Attending a Bharatanatyam or Naddu Koothu performanceDay 3• A ferry ride from Kurikadduwan Jetty to Nainativu Island (Nagadeepa)• Visiting Nagapooshani Amman Kovil (Hindu temple) and Nagadeepa Viharaya (Buddhist temple)• Trip to Delft Island (Neduntheevu)• Exploring colonial ruins: the Delft Fort, Queen’s Tower, and Baobab Tree• Ferry ride to JaffnaDay 4• Having kothu roti and Sombol for breakfast• Visiting St. Mary’s Cathedral and Ariyalai Hindu Temple• A visit to the Jaffna Archaeological Museum• Exploring the Chavakachcheri Heritage Houses• Taking part in a home-cooking demonstration with a local familyDay 5• Attending a Palmyrah workshop• Visiting the Kandarodai (Kadurugoda) Buddhist Monastery• Exploring Keerimalai Springs and Naguleswaram Temple• Seafood meal• Shopping in the afternoon Cultural Etiquettes For Foreign Tourists Tourists should dress modestly, especially when visiting the temples in Jaffna.  Shoes must be removed before entering religious sites.  Photography should be respectful, and permission should be sought when capturing images of locals or ceremonies. Must Visit Destinations In Jaffna, Sri Lanka If you want the best cultural and historical experience in Jaffna, don’t miss a visit to the following places.  1. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is the cultural and spiritual epicenter of Jaffna. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, it shows a unique Dravidian-style architecture. Also, the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple festival in July-August attracts a lot of visitors.  2. Jaffna Fort Built by the Portuguese in 1618, the fort is an example of quintessential European military architecture, and it was later occupied by the Dutch.  It overlooks the Jaffna Lagoon, and it is a favorite of photo enthusiasts.  3. Delft Island View this post on Instagram A post shared by Audrey Potvin (@audreypotvin) A popular day-trip destination, Delft Island in the Jaffna Peninsula is known for its Dutch remnants, and it is a great place for spotting ponies.  4. Casuarina Beach As the person in charge of our hostel said, I visited the Casuarina Beach after 5 PM. He said, “The quiet at the beach just before sunset is something unbelievable.” I experienced the magic.  The birds were coming home, and the soft white sand, like a blank canvas, was changing colors every second.  5. Keerimalai Springs Located by the sea, the Keerimalai Springs and Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple are a unique combination of spirituality and scenic beauty.  The water of these springs has healing properties.  6. Point Pedro View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meerza Iqbal (@meerzaiqbal) Point Pedro has a historic lighthouse, and it is the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it has the most vibrant markets for buying fresh seafood produce.  Here, you can also meet the fishermen and have an understanding of their unique ways of living in Point Pedro, as it has the most beautiful beaches in Jaffna.  7. Jaffna Library Tragically destroyed in 1981, the newly built Jaffna Library stands as the symbol of resilience. It is one of the most revered libraries in Asia, and it was first built by the Jaffna Town Development Board on 1st January 1935.  It has a collection of 844 books, 30 magazines, and newspapers.  8. Nagadeepa Vihara View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thambu Illam~Hotel in Jaffna🌴 (@thambu_illam) Nagadeepa Vihara is the place where Lord Buddha visited for the second time. He also ended the dispute between two Naga Kings fighting over the ownership of an ornate throne.  Mahodara and Chulodara, these two Naga kings, became devoted followers of Lord Buddha.  9. Manthiri Manai View this post on Instagram A post shared by FOX Resorts (@foxresorts) Manthiri Manai, or the Minister’s Mansion, stands out thanks to its unique Indo-Islamic and European architecture. Located at a distance of just 1 km from Point Pedro, Manthiri Manai is an archaeologically protected site, and it is said to be the residence of the minister of the medieval Jaffna Kingdom.  How To Reach Jaffna, Sri Lanka? Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo is the gateway for Jaffna to the rest of the world. From there, you can take a flight to the Jaffna International Airport. Buses and trains are also available from Colombo to Jaffna.  I took the Jaffna train from Colombo Fort. The journey is scenic. However, I remember the 7-8-hour journey for the social experience. People are talking about cricket, sharing coconuts, or humming local tunes.  However, buses departing every 3-4 hours from Colombo to Jaffna are the cheapest option. The ticket price starts at around 1,348.26 Sri Lankan Rupee.  Top Hotels, Resorts, And Stays In Jaffna, Sri Lanka  1. Jetwing Jaffna – Centrally located with modern amenities and rooftop dining.2. North Gate by Jetwing – Offers luxury accommodations near the railway station.3. Subhas Hotel – Historic hotel with spacious rooms and traditional cuisine.4. Thambu Illam – Boutique guesthouse with cultural ambiance.5. Green Grass Hotel & Restaurant – Budget-friendly with local food options. 10 Sustainable And Ethical Travel Tips For Jaffna Sri Lanka 1. Support local businesses and artisans.2. Use refillable water bottles.3. Avoid single-use plastics.4. Respect cultural norms and dress modestly.5. Participate in community-led tours.6. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations.7. Minimize energy and water usage.8. Avoid disturbing wildlife.9. Learn basic Tamil phrases.10. Share positive travel experiences to promote responsible tourism. Jaffna Nightlife And Evening Activities The nightlife in Jaffna is about rejuvenation and introspection. This is the best time of the day to attend temple rituals, enjoy local dining experiences, and attend cultural performances.  Furthermore, Evening walks along the beach and exploring the markets are some delightful experiences in the evening. Best Seasons To Visit Jaffna, Sri Lanka The best time to visit Jaffna is from December to March. You must avoid the monsoon season from October to November due to heavy rains.  Festivals like Thai Pongal in January offer cultural immersion opportunities. Also, July-August is the month of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple festival.  Budget And Affordability For A 7 Day Travel Vacation in Jaffna, Sri Lanka Jaffna is a budget-friendly destination. You will get diverse food, transportation, and accommodation options. The entry fees to the museums and cultural places are also quite reasonable.  Furthermore, the travel expenses will depend on the type of traveler. Here is a quick breakdown. Types of TravelerExpenses (Approximately)Solo Traveler$300–$400Couple$600–$800Family of 4$1000–$1200 Crime Rates And Safety Tips For Tourists Jaffna is a safe place to travel. The crime rate in different aspects is low to moderate, and here are some essential data (Source: Numbeo) related to crime in Jaffna.  Crime Index46.64Safety Index53.36Level of Crime50:00Armed Robbery35.71Things from Car Stolen46.43 Is Visiting An Off-Beat Location Like Jaffna Worth It? Yes, Jaffna is a must-visit destination to experience the rawness and cultural richness of Northern Sri Lanka. It is a budget-friendly destination with a Tamil origin and a colonial past.  Furthermore, food here is an extension of who the people are. Simple and soulful! Also, the Jaffna tells the story of human resilience and how it has survived a war-torn past! Jaffna Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna travel guide. 1. How Many Days Are Enough In Jaffna? Three to four days are enough if you want to explore the major cultural and historical sites. However, if you want to explore the local markets and have a deep cultural connection with the local people, you will need at least 5 to 7 days.  2. Which Part Of Sri Lanka Is Most Beautiful? I cannot pick any particular part of Sri Lanka as the most beautiful, as it has the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other hand, Kandy, a significant religious hub, is a popular tourist destination.However, Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka stands out with its spiritual vibe, history, and cultural richness. It is a coastal destination with a diverse tourism profile. 3. What Language Is Spoken In Jaffna?  Tamil is spoken in Jaffna. However, it is a little different from the Tamil language spoken in India. The Tamil language here is heavily impacted by the Jaffna dialect.  Read Also: Luang Prabang Travel Guide: Why I Loved It? 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