Top things to do in Dubai
Attractions, tours, and activities in Dubai
Recommended museums in Dubai
Where to find art and culture in Dubai
Dubai: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Dubai
-
Bur Dubai
3.3 miles from downtown
Bur Dubai is an important legislative center. You’ll find the Al Fahidi Historical District and the Dubai Museum nearby – a rich collection that chronicles the city’s development. Visit the Grand Mosque with its enormous minarets, or the traditional textile souks, restaurants and shisha cafés lining Dubai Creek.
Places to stay from $14 a night
-
Deira
5.7 miles from downtown
This area in "old Dubai" is a remarkable contrast to Downtown’s shiny newness. Be prepared to haggle in the traditional souks offering spices, textiles and gold jewelry. Wander along the port to watch fishermen transporting their catch on traditional dhows. Deira City Centre Mall has dining and entertainment for the masses.
Places to stay from $13 a night
-
Umm Suqeim
5.8 miles from downtown
Umm Suqeim is a quiet community located along Jumeriah Beach. Wild Wadi Waterpark offers family fun in the form of slides and simulated surfing, and Jumeriah Beach is perfect for getting some sun. Madinat Jumeirah Souk is an Arabian market that’s great for antiques, oils, art, and more. The 7-star Burj Al Arab hotel is also in this area.
Places to stay from $104 a night
-
Jumeirah
1.9 miles from downtown
Jumeirah is primarily a residential area, but it's also home to the lively Madinat Souk (a traditional Arabian market). The area is filled with low-rise villas. It’s fun to rent a bike and ride along Jumeirah Beach, with its 30 miles of pristine (and private) coastline – head to Jumeirah Beach Park for a publicly accessible area.
Places to stay from $109 a night
-
Oud Metha
4 miles from downtown
Oud Metha is a large residential area only 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The designers of Wafi City and Raffles Hotel took some inspiration from ancient Egypt when designing the buildings at this shopping, dining and entertainment complex, which are shaped like pyramids. Recover from retail therapy with a day wandering in Wonderland Theme and Water Park.
Places to stay from $27 a night
-
Al Karama
3.7 miles from downtown
Ay caramba! Al Karama does a roaring trade in replica goods. Burrow through its bustling backstreets and “secret rooms” to peruse endless arrays of “Prada” handbags, “Rolex” watches and “Gucci” shoes. When it comes to food, the neighbourhood is 100% genuine. Pop into Pakistani restaurant Ravi to savour spicy Biryani chicken and sweet lassi yoghurt.
Places to stay from $36 a night
-
Dubai Marina
11.5 miles from downtown
Dubai Marina is on track to become the world’s largest man-made marina, with construction to be completed in the next few years. It’s a luxury waterfront destination with high-end commercial and residential buildings, including Cayan Tower, the world’s tallest high-rise building with the famous 90-degree twist, and Marina Mall.
Places to stay from $20 a night
About Dubai
Including tips for the best time to visit Dubai
Home to Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, Dubai is synonymous with soaring skyscrapers that rise beautifully above sunny beaches and desert panoramas. The hallmark of this city is its diversity of attractions coupled with an abundance of opportunities to experience Arabian hospitality.
You can expect to have a packed schedule of things to do when visiting this modern Arabian city, from theme parks to desert safaris. One of the standout city landmarks is the Burj Al Arab, a sail-shaped structure set against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. A short drive away is Downtown Dubai, home to Dubai Fountain – a visually exciting spectacle of illuminated water jets dancing to music. Thrill seekers can even experience adrenaline-pumping action at Skydive Dubai, Deep Dive Dubai and Dubai Parks and Resorts.
No trip to Dubai is complete without a shopping spree at its glitzy malls and traditional souks, or marketplaces. The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, an open-air promenade, comes alive during the winter months while Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall offer year-round opportunities to shop for luxury goods. For local souvenirs, hop over to Spice Souk, Perfume Souk or Gold Souk.
Dubai's sun-drenched coastline – stretching from Jebel Ali to Al Mamzar – is dotted with numerous public beaches, offering everything from energising water sports to tranquil swimming spots. Kite surfers and paddleboarding enthusiasts can head to Kite Beach, while sunbathers can relax at Sunset Beach.
Dubai is served by two airports, Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, the former being one of the busiest airports in the world.
Tonight
From $19 per night
Next weekend
From $19 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | AED 10 = $2.72 |
| Language | Arabic |
| Average weekend price | $14 per night |
| Average weekday price | $13 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Dubai
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Dubai
-
Burj Al Arab Tower
6.6 miles from downtown
-
Burj Khalifa
0.2 miles from downtown
-
Dubai Mall
0.4 miles from downtown
-
The Walk at JBR
11.9 miles from downtown
-
Burjuman Mall
4.5 miles from downtown
-
Mall of the Emirates
7 miles from downtown
-
Dubai Marina Mall
11.6 miles from downtown
-
Ibn Battuta Mall
14.1 miles from downtown
-
Deira City Center
5.4 miles from downtown
-
Madinat Jumeirah
7 miles from downtown
Latest articles featuring Dubai
Inspiration and insider tips for things to do in Dubai
Where to stay near Dubai Mall
4 luxurious apartments within walking distance of the world’s largest shopping mall.
Where to stay near Dubai's Burj Khalifa
5 deluxe apartments within walking distance of the world’s tallest building.
Where to stay near Ski Dubai
6 apartments near the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort.
Where to stay near Dubai Marina
5 lavish apartments in Dubai’s cutting-edge canal quarter.
Tales of a tub: breathtaking bathtubs with a view
Ultra-luxurious bathtubs around the world that will elevate any bath time ritual.
Dubai reviews
What other travelers say about Dubai
Dubai was amazing!
June 2, 2023
Dubai was amazing! I really enjoyed all the activities and attractions. The metro system was very easy to use and very efficient in getting you around. Taxis are readily available and walking felt extremely safe. The food is fresh and right portions and the fresh squeezed juices and mock tails were the best I ever had. When booking excursions, be aware of online scammers not giving you what you pay for. The people there are honest but it’s the original online contact you have to worry about. Dubai is one of the cleanest places I have visited and all the stuff you see online about regulations are not true. Yes, you should respect their religion and follow guidelines but it is not strictly enforced in the tourist areas except for the mosques and prayer areas. Alcohol is only serve in the hotels ! I had a fantastic time and I will visit again!
Very nice place to visit for sure!
May 31, 2023
Very nice place to visit for sure! If I have chance for sure I will back again in the same place. Everything what you need you can get there. The staff were very helpful and smiling all the time! Highly recommended!
Dubai is fabulous!
May 31, 2023
Dubai is fabulous! Spotlessly clean, extremely safe travelling on local transport too, hard working courteous staff everywhere. So much to see and do and shops all open until 1am! MMI are the off licenses that you can purchase alcohol for your room and dotted around outside malls near car parks. The vast array of Sports bars, rooftop bars and restaurants to visit for sunset are incredible. All hotels in Palm area have various walk in facilities on offer too if not staying there and they are amazing. The water parks and Nemo jet skis are good value and extremely safely and well managed with so many staff. Beaches are wonderful and most have showers and changing areas. Book tours online to save queues. Uber cabs and taxis are readily available within a minute! Incredible place you'll be amazed and wish you were staying longer!
Luxury vacation, the city has everything and many of the...
May 31, 2023
Luxury vacation, the city has everything and many of the best restaurants in the world, the mall of the emirates is amazing and has really every store you can possibly look for. I recently taking regular metered taxis to get around the city in order to avoid expensive trips in private cars. I recommend going to the top of the Burj Khalifa, and eating at Gal dubai, Cipriani, Ling Ling and Gaia. Nikki beach resort and Spa is amazing option to stay at, giving you the feeling of an outstanding resort experience with beautiful beach that is also close to the city and main attractions and also has great food! Their service is spectacular.
Dubai is impressive for first timers, but 3 to 4 days is...
May 31, 2023
Dubai is impressive for first timers, but 3 to 4 days is enough if you are just doing sightseeing. If you want to do activities (dessert safari, quad riding, jet ski, speed boat etc) you could spend a week here (just make sure you have deep pockets). Best period, October - April. May was already 40 Celsius.......
Must visit city, but one should consider the winter season...
May 29, 2023
Must visit city, but one should consider the winter season for traveling. Too expensive, may not suit for tourists on budget. Would not travel there again because there are a lot of cheaper and better places to see.
Popular places to stay in Dubai
Stay in some of the best accommodations Dubai has to offer
-
One Bedroom Apartment Dubai Fountain & Old Town View by Auberge Downtown Dubai, Dubai
From $143 per night
-
Address Dubai Marina Dubai Marina, Dubai
From $173 per night
-
Address Boulevard Downtown Dubai, Dubai
From $326 per night
-
Address Dubai Mall Downtown Dubai, Dubai
From $408 per night
-
Lusso Hometels J One Business Bay Business Bay, Dubai
From $143 per night
-
Other accommodations in Dubai
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Dubai
-
Apartments
From $13 per night
-
Resorts
From $107 per night
-
Villas
From $109 per night
-
Cottages
From $99 per night
-
Glamping
From $759 per night
-
Serviced Apartments
From $27 per night
-
Vacation Homes
From $99 per night
-
Guest houses
From $49 per night
-
Hostels
From $12 per night
-
B&Bs
From $186 per night
-
Homestays
From $32 per night
-
Boats
From per night
-
Luxury Tents
From $759 per night
-
Self-catering Accommodations
From $14 per night
