Dubai Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Image courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
In less than 25 years, Dubai has skyrocketed. It has developed from an unknown fishing village into one of the most dynamic and exciting cities on earth. The city has grown at a dizzying pace: 40 years ago, there were no high-rises. Today, there are gigantic man-made islands in the shape of palm trees that are visible from space you'll even find the first seven-star hotel and the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. Discover this great Arab metropolis, where one lives according to the motto "if you can dream it, we can build it."

Dubai is one of the seven United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is controlled by an ambitious royal dynasty. Dubai owes its phenomenal growth to the vision of this family. With the discovery of oil reserves in the 1960’s, this simple fishing village soon become a powerful financial centre and a major transportation hub in the region. When the oil began to flow less freely, the city focused on tourism and banking.

Dubai is now a paradise for shoppers. Look for bargains in the dazzling glare of the Gold Souk, or shop till you drop in the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world. Here you will find more than 1,000 stores, an aquarium and an indoor theme park.

Dubai offers attractions that stand in stark contrast to the arid environment. Admire the world's largest dancing fountain or grab your skis and hit the slopes on real snow at Ski Dubai.

Of course, Dubai has more to offer than just luxury created by man. Relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the nature of the wetlands and discover the magical desert environment in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Due to the fantastic climate throughout the year Dubai is a great destination. If you don’t like temperatures above 40 degrees, it is best to visit Dubai during the winter and spring months.

Dubai has excellent public transport with more than 50 bus routes, water taxis and a metro system. For those who prefer to drive, the car rental companies have a generous offer. Book a trip to Dubai with Expedia today!

Where to stay in Dubai

Aquaventure showing rides and a water park

Palm Jumeirah

4.5/5(427 area reviews)

Travellers love Palm Jumeirah for its stunning beaches, and you can see more of Dubai by jumping on the metro at Nakheel Mall Station or The Pointe Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nakheel Mall and Aquaventure.

Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Mall which includes shopping and interior views

Downtown Dubai

4.5/5(168 area reviews)

Dubai Mall and KidZania are top sights in Downtown Dubai, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Dubai Trolley Station 1 Tram Station or Dubai Trolley Station 2 Tram Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Dubai
Dubai Marina featuring a marina, a city and skyline

Dubai Marina

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Dubai Marina. Check out top attractions like Marina Beach and Dubai Marina Mall, and jump on the metro at Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 Tram Stop or Jumeirah Beach Residence 2 Tram Station to see more of the city.

Dubai Marina
Default Image

Jumeirah Beach Residence

4.5/5(551 area reviews)

A bustling marina amazing beaches and top sights from Marina Beach to The Walk – discover Jumeirah Beach Residence, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Jumeirah Beach Residence
Gold Souk which includes cbd, signage and a city

Deira

4/5(330 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Deira. Check out top attractions like Gold Souk and Palm Islands, and jump on the metro at Abu Baker Al Siddique Station or Salah Al Din Station to see more of the city.

Deira
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Business Bay

If you're spending time in Business Bay, you might enjoy attractions like Dubai Water Canal and Godolphin's Al Quoz Stables. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Business Bay Station to see more of the city.

Business Bay
Premier Inn Dubai International Airport
Premier Inn Dubai International Airport
3 out of 5
Opposite Terminal 3, via Street 52b, Dubai International Airport, Dubai
The price is £38 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
£38
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,033 reviews)
Perfect Hotel
"Great hotel near the airport. Clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Premier Inn Dubai International Airport
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
5 out of 5
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai
The price is £164 per night from 30 May to 31 May
£164
per night
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 12 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"My husband and I had a wonderful stay at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. The room was exceptional and the staff was great. Many restaurants in hotel to choose from. I highly recommend. Can’t wait for our next trip back."

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2024

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis, The Palm
5 out of 5
Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai
The price is £279 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
£279
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews)
"IWOLL GO AGAIN"

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Atlantis, The Palm
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Blue Beach Tower
Blue Beach Tower
5 out of 5
The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, Dubai
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and breakfast. Popular attractions Dubai Marina Mall and Marina Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,233 reviews)
"Amazing view"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2024

Blue Beach Tower
Avani + Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites
Avani + Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites
5 out of 5
P.O. Box 502624, Dubai Media City, TECOM, Dubai
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (268 reviews)
"My family and I absolutely enjoyed our time at the Avani Palm View hotel. everything is very clean and breakfast was great."

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Avani + Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites
Westminster Dubai Mall
Westminster Dubai Mall
The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dubai
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Dubai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are located ...
7/10 Good! (38 reviews)
"I like this place. I had a good time here. The view is gorgeous! Will be back."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

Westminster Dubai Mall
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Dubai

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1514
" "5 - Excellent 66.78429642699604%
4 - Good
624
" "4 - Good 27.52536391707102%
3 - Okay
111
" "3 - Okay 4.896338773709749%
2 - Disappointing
14
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6175562417291575%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.17644464049404499%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
30 Mar 2020

Food is incredible and so is the customer service. Walking around is not the average mode of transport, so expect to take taxis or rent a car. Everything is very spread out but there is a lot to see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Mar 2020

Amazing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Mar 2020

Dubai is my favourite place to go to. It offers everything from cosmopolitan city to a relaxing day by the pool.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Mar 2020

one of my favourite destinations, cant wait to come back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Mar 2020

An interesting city with some impressive sights which are well managed. Our stay was a few days in transit but managed to see some main sights. Ideal for a short break.

5/5 - Excellent

Dee
15 Mar 2020

Amazing place, it’s safe and clean with a lot to do

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Dubai

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