© imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsThe world’s tallest skyscraper towers over downtown Dubai and offers spectacular views from its observation decks. Book in advance, especially for sunset time slots.
Cover photo: Dubai · imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsAsia / United Arab Emirates · TRAVEL GUIDE
DubaiEmirate of Dubai · United Arab Emirates
DISCOVER · PLAN · GO
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.
Dubai brings together the charm of souks and historic neighborhoods with the futuristic architecture of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. From panoramic views to beaches, international cuisine and desert adventures, it offers experiences for every kind of traveler.
5 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map
THE PLACES THAT TELL DUBAI
Worth seeing, worth remembering.
© imran shahabuddin · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
© Diligent · Public domain · Wikimedia CommonsDubai Mall
A vast shopping mall with stores, restaurants and indoor attractions, right next to the . Dubai Aquarium and the fountain show are also nearby.
© JGHowes · Attribution · Wikimedia CommonsAl Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
With its narrow lanes, wind towers and traditional courtyards, this neighborhood tells the story of Dubai before its modern expansion. Visit the galleries and stop at a café to soak up its more relaxed atmosphere.
© Александр Сигачёв · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsMuseum of the Future
The ring-shaped building adorned with Arabic calligraphy is one of the city’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. Its immersive exhibits imagine how technology, the environment and everyday life might evolve.
© giggel · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsPalm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm
The famous palm-shaped artificial island is ideal for admiring resorts, beaches and views of the Gulf. Atlantis The Palm is home to restaurants and attractions, including Aquaventure Waterpark.
CHOOSE YOUR PACE
How much time
do you have to get lost?
From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.
Focus on the modern city center, go up the Burj Khalifa and end the day among the fountains and restaurants.
- 1Burj Khalifa
- 2Dubai Mall
- 3Dubai Fountain
Alternate between the souks and traditional neighborhoods along the Creek with the major landmarks of Downtown, plus a day between Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. The Museum of the Future remains an alternative, not included in the itinerary.
- 1Al Fahidi historic district
- 2Dubai Creek
- 3Gold Souk
- 4Dubai Mall
- 5Burj Khalifa
- 6Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina
Explore the city at a relaxed pace, spend a day at the beach and set aside an evening for the desert dunes.
- 1Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
- 2Dubai Creek
- 3Museum of the Future
- 4Burj Khalifa
- 5Dubai Mall
- 6Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm
- 7Dubai Marina
- 8Jumeirah Beach
- 9Desert safari
- 10Souk Madinat Jumeirah
GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE
The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.
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BEFORE YOU GO
A well-planned trip.
Getting around
The metro is a convenient way to reach many central areas and attractions along the Red and Green Lines; you’ll need a Nol Card, available at stations. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available and convenient, especially for destinations not directly served by the metro. To cross the Creek in the historic district, traditional abra boats are a distinctive and affordable option.
When to go
The most pleasant time to visit is generally from November to March, when temperatures are better suited to exploring the city and spending time outdoors. From June to September, the heat can be intense: plan outdoor activities for the morning or after sunset, and make the most of indoor attractions. During Ramadan, opening hours and customs may change, so check in advance whether restaurants and attractions are open.
Where to eat
To sample Emirati cuisine, look for dishes such as machboos, luqaimat and khameer bread at traditional restaurants and eateries in the historic neighborhoods. Al Fahidi and Deira offer more casual experiences, while Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah are home to international restaurants and upscale dining. Souks and markets are great places to find snacks and regional flavors; always check opening hours, especially during Ramadan.
Quick tips
- 01Wear lightweight but respectful clothing: in places of worship and some public spaces, it’s best to cover your shoulders and knees.
- 02Book the Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future and most popular activities in advance, especially during the peak season.
- 03Protect yourself from the sun with water, sunscreen and a hat; for desert excursions, choose a reputable operator and confirm in advance what the tour includes.
BEYOND THE GUIDE
Live something worth telling.
Demo examples: not bookable experiences, nor real prices or availability.
Example · not bookable
Dubai: Tour a piedi del centro storico
Example · not bookable
Dubai: Tour gastronomico street food
Example · not bookable
Dubai: Crociera / battello panoramico
YOUR STARTING POINT
Wake up in the right place.
Where to stay · Dubai
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ibis Styles Dubai Airport Hotel
61B street, Dubai
7.6
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Paramount Hotel Dubai
Business Bay, Dubai
8.5
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Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai
Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai
8.7
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Mövenpick Dubai Creek
Baniyas Road, Dubai
9.3
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Leva Hotel and Suites, Opposite Downtown
Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
8.9
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Grand Hyatt Dubai Resort & Waterpark
Riyadh Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai
8.8
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Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai
Kuwait Street Mankhool Area, Dubai
7.1
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Grand Mercure Dubai City
61B Street, Garhoud, Dubai
8.1
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Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart
Al Awir Road, International City, Dubai
8.1
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The Creekside Hotel, Dubai - an Accor Hotel
Road Al Garhoud Deira, Dubai
8.8
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Park Regis Business Bay
Park Lane Tower,Business Bay., Dubai
8.9
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Sofitel Dubai Downtown
Sheihk Zayed Road, Dubai
8.9
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Al Khoory Executive Hotel, Al Wasl
Al Wasl Area, Dubai
8.7
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InterContinental Dubai Festival City by IHG
Crescent Drive, Dubai
8.8
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City Avenue Hotel
Al Mateena St, Dubai
7.7
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Jannah Dubai Creek Hotel - formerly Edge Creekside Hotel
Rigga Al Buteen Street, Dubai
9
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Gateway Hotel
Al Souqe Al Kabeer, Khalid Bin Al Waleed, Dubai
8.3
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Al Jaddaf Rotana Dubai
Al Jaddaf Street, Dubai
9.2
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Royal Continental Hotel
Opposite Deira City Center, Dubai
8.9
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Pullman Dubai Downtown
Al Abraj Street with Marasi Drive, Dubai
8.4
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Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park by IHG
Al Wasl District, Dubai
8.3
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TIME Grand Plaza Hotel, Dubai Airport
Damascus Road Al Qusais, Dubai
8.3
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Staybridge Suites Dubai Financial Centre by IHG
SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD, Dubai
8.6
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Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre
Al khan Area, Sharjah
8.4
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