Are you visiting Dubai and want to get the most out of your vacation? See our guide to the best areas and most popular sites in this unique part of the world.
With everything from impressive architecture and luxury hotels to white beaches and high-end shopping, it is no coincidence that Dubai is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. But what part of the city is the best to choose for a vacation? Here we help you find the best option, no matter who you are traveling with and how long you are staying.
When visiting Dubai, there are a number of areas to choose from depending on what you want to experience and how much money you want to pay. Here you can learn a little more about some of the most popular options.
Downtown: Being one of the most obvious choices, Downtown Dubai has some of the tallest skyscrapers and the most famous tourist destinations. This part of town is filled with luxurious shopping and great restaurants.
Dubai Marina: The Marina is a very walkable part of Dubai and also the place for some of the best dining and nightlife options.
Palm Jumeirah: The iconic, artificial island of Palm Jumeirah has become a landmark for Dubai and holds some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts.
Bur Dubai: Bur Dubai is found in the Old City and is a good choice if you are visiting Dubai on a budget. Here you find a lot of traditional architecture and authentic markets.
Deira: Deira is located right by Dubai Airport and is another good option if you want to find a hotel in Dubai that is a little cheaper. This might not be the most “touristy” part of Dubai, but thanks to the metro you can easily get to other parts of town.
Dubai is a popular destination for both couples, friend groups and families. Overall the majority of the destination is pretty kid-friendly and you find activities and attractions for all ages spread out in the city. The most popular areas to choose if you are on vacation with your family are probably Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah. Downtown you find some of the most appreciated tourist sites while Palm Jumeirah is the place to go if you want the best resort experience.
Are you visiting Dubai for the first time and need help in finding the best place to stay? The optimal location depends on a number of things, for example who you are traveling with, how long you are staying and what you want to experience on your vacation.
In general, if you want the typical Dubai experience we recommend that you look for a hotel in Downtown Dubai. The Marina is also a popular choice, and if you don’t mind spending a little extra money you should definitely have a look at the famous Palm Jumeirah with its luxury resorts.
When speaking of Dubai, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t exactly a low budget. This is a luxurious destination in many ways, with a price tag to match. With that being said, there are some parts of town that are a little cheaper. As previously mentioned, both Bur Dubai and Deira can offer hotels at a lower cost. To avoid the most popular areas is always a good idea to keep the cost down, no matter which part of the world that you are visiting.
Dubai is filled with shopping, iconic buildings and sightseeing for all flavors. Listed below we have gathered some of the most popular tourist attractions that the city has to offer.
Burj Khalifa: One of the most famous attractions in Dubai is probably Burj Khalifa – the tallest structure in the world. The record-breaking skyscraper is a must-see if you are visiting Dubai.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark: In Palm Jumeirah you find the largest waterpark in the world, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. The waterpark offers fun for all ages and will for sure keep you entertained all day.
Dubai Mall: If you are looking for luxurious shopping, Dubai Mall is a definite visit. Here you find shops from all famous designer brands together with for example an aquarium and an ice rink.
Burj Al Arab: This unique hotel is an iconic part of the skyline in Dubai and one of the tallest hotels in the world. The hotel stands on an artificial island and resembles the sail of a ship.
The Dubai Fountain: The Dubai Fountain offers an impressive choreographed fountain system, and like many other things in Dubai this is the largest of its kind in the world.
Mall of the Emirates: Mall of the Emirates is the second largest mall in Dubai, and has both shops, restaurants and hotels.
Dubai Aquarium: Located at the Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium has a diverse collection of aquatic life together with an underwater zoo.
Ski Dubai: Skiing might not be the first thing to come to mind when visiting a city like Dubai, but thanks to indoor ski slope Ski Dubai this is possible. The ski slope is located in Mall of the Emirates.
Dubai International Airport is actually one of the busiest airports in the world when it comes to international passenger traffic. The airport has direct connections to hundreds of airports around the world and is located about five kilometers from the city center. Getting from the airport to the central parts of Dubai takes about 20-25 minutes if you choose to go by metro or car, which are the two best options available.
