Dubai Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dubai
Photo provided by Image courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Photo provided by Image courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Photo provided by Image courtesy of the Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
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 Fish Roundabout, 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
Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
5 out of 5
Casablanca Road, Al Garhoud, Dubai
The price is £56 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
£56
21 Jun - 22 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
stopover
"Close to airport, good overnight stay"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
Millennium Place Marina
Millennium Place Marina
4 out of 5
Al Marsa Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai
The price is £56 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
£56
23 Jun - 24 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,070 reviews)
"The Millennium Place Marina Hotel is conveniently located near public transportation, many shops and restaurants. The hotel has on premises 2 restaurants with bars. One advise would be to keep the pool open later into the evening. Currently the pool closes too early not giving guest an opportunity ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Millennium Place Marina
Atlantis, The Palm
Atlantis, The Palm
5 out of 5
Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai
The price is £320 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
£320
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,441 reviews)
"Nice place to stay, we enjoyed the water park and breakfast buffet very much."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

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.
Emirates Grand Hotel
Emirates Grand Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centr, Dubai
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Dubai Mall and Dubai Cruise ...
6/10 (519 reviews)
"I enjoyed my stay at the hotel despite a few room for improvements. I can see that the management has really tried to make the service better. Lift was okay, not that long wait. Reception are quick and made me feel welcomed. Naif and Bejay? has also helped me regarding my room request. Till next ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Emirates Grand Hotel
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy JBR The Walk Apartments
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy JBR The Walk Apartments
0 The Walk, Dubai
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Dubai. Enjoy free parking, 9 restaurants and a beach locale. Popular attractions Marina Beach and Mall of the Emirates are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (210 reviews)
"Great for a family. Appreciate everyone had their own bathrooms. 4.5 baths!"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy JBR The Walk Apartments
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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,420 reviews)
"Great location. Apartment was spacious but a bit tired. Pool was shut for one of the days which was disappointing. Fabulous location with loads of places to eat in walking distance. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Blue Beach Tower
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 67%
4 - Good
624
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
111
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Amazing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

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

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