Dubai is a big, spread-out city, and the area you pick shapes your whole trip. Stay Downtown for the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, by the beach at JBR or on the Palm for a resort holiday, or around the Creek for souks and old Dubai.
This guide explains the best areas to stay in Dubai for first-timers, families, beach lovers, luxury and good value, with hotel picks and links to compare prices in each area.
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The best areas to stay in Dubai at a glance
| If you want… | Stay in | Why | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-timers & sightseeing | Downtown Dubai | Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains | See hotels |
| Beach & families | JBR | Sandy beach and The Walk's cafés and shops | See hotels |
| Luxury resorts | Palm Jumeirah | Beach resorts and the Aquaventure waterpark | See hotels |
| Nightlife & dining | Dubai Marina | Waterfront restaurants, bars and boat trips | See hotels |
| Classic beach views | Jumeirah | Public beaches with views of the Burj Al Arab | See hotels |
| Value near Downtown | Business Bay | Canal-side hotels close to the Burj Khalifa | See hotels |
| Culture & old Dubai | Bur Dubai | Al Fahidi historic district and the Creek | See hotels |
| Budget & souks | Deira | Gold and spice souks, close to the airport | See hotels |
Which part of Dubai?
Dubai runs along the coast for many miles. Old Dubai, around the Creek in Deira and Bur Dubai, is closest to the airport and the most traditional. Inland from the coast, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay sit around the Burj Khalifa in the middle of the city, while the beach areas of Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and JBR stretch south-west along the coast. The Dubai Metro's Red Line links the airport, Downtown and the Marina, so it's easy to get between areas.
Where to stay in Downtown Dubai and Business Bay
Downtown Dubai
The heart of modern Dubai, home to the Burj Khalifa, the huge Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain shows. Ideal for a first visit, with easy Metro links to the rest of the city.
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Business Bay
A district of towers along the Dubai Water Canal, right next to Downtown. Hotels are often better value than in Downtown itself, with the Burj Khalifa just a short taxi ride away.
Compare pricesWhere to stay by the beach
Dubai Marina
Skyscrapers around a long man-made marina, with a waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and bars, yacht trips and the beach close by.
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JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence)
A wide sandy beach next to Dubai Marina, backed by The Walk, a pedestrian strip of cafés, shops and restaurants. A great all-round base for a beach holiday.
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Palm Jumeirah
The palm-shaped island is home to many of Dubai's grandest beach resorts, including Atlantis The Palm with its Aquaventure waterpark. Best for a resort-style stay.
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Jumeirah
The established coastal neighbourhood between Downtown and the Marina, with public beaches and views of the Burj Al Arab.
Compare pricesWhere to stay in old Dubai
Bur Dubai
The historic side of the Creek, with the Al Fahidi district's wind-tower houses, the Textile Souk and the restored Al Seef waterfront. Good value and full of character.
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Deira
Across the Creek from Bur Dubai, Deira is home to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk and is the closest area to the airport. Cross the Creek by abra, the traditional wooden water taxi.
Compare pricesHotels in Dubai worth a look
Atlantis The Palm
The famous resort at the tip of Palm Jumeirah, home to the Aquaventure waterpark and the Lost Chambers aquarium, with its own stretch of beach.
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Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Dubai's iconic sail-shaped hotel, on its own island just off Jumeirah Beach. An all-suite hotel for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
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Address Downtown
A five-star hotel next to the Dubai Mall with views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain from many of its rooms.
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Rove Downtown
A stylish, good-value hotel just outside Downtown Dubai, a short hop from the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. A smart choice if you'd rather spend on experiences.
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JA Ocean View Hotel
A beachfront hotel at JBR, with the beach and The Walk on the doorstep and Dubai Marina a short stroll away.
Check pricesAl Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton
A characterful hotel in traditional-style buildings on the Al Seef waterfront along Dubai Creek, close to the Al Fahidi historic district.
Check pricesDubai holiday packages
Booking your flight and hotel together can work out cheaper, especially in the school holidays, and flight-inclusive package holidays from UK travel companies are ATOL protected.
Arriving in Dubai and getting around
Direct flights from London to Dubai International airport (DXB) take around seven hours. The airport is close to the city: roughly 15 minutes from Deira, around 20 to 25 minutes from Downtown Dubai and around 30 to 40 minutes from Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah, depending on traffic.
The Dubai Metro's Red Line runs from the airport through Downtown to Dubai Marina, and taxis are plentiful and metered. In old Dubai, hop on an abra, a traditional wooden boat, to cross the Creek.
Car hire in Dubai
When to visit Dubai
November to March is the most comfortable time to visit, with warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings. From June to September daytime temperatures regularly top 40°C, so most visitors stay close to the pool and air conditioning, although hotel prices are at their lowest. For a season-by-season guide, see Winter sun within 6 hours of the UK.
Things to do in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa: head up to the observation decks on levels 124 and 125.
- Desert safari: dune bashing, a camel ride, sandboarding and a BBQ dinner.
- Dubai Marina yacht tour: cruise past the Marina skyline and the Palm.
- Aquaventure waterpark: a day of slides and pools at Atlantis The Palm.
- Old Dubai tour: the Creek, street food and the souks with a guide.
- Abu Dhabi day trip: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and more on a day out from Dubai.
Travel insurance for Dubai
Book your cover as soon as you've paid for your trip, so you're protected if you need to cancel. The GHIC doesn't cover you in the UAE and medical treatment there can be very expensive, so make sure your policy includes good medical cover.
Dubai FAQs
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