Top reasons to visit Dubai
- Iconic Landmarks: Visit the breathtaking Burj Khalifa and the stunning Dubai Fountain, showcasing the city's modern architectural marvels.
- Vibrant Shopping Experience: Dubai offers an array of shopping malls and markets, perfect for indulging in retail therapy.
- Cultural Richness: Explore the historic Dubai Creek and the informative Dubai Museum, offering insights into the city's heritage.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Enjoy thrilling theme parks and serene urban parks, ensuring fun for all ages.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Experience a diverse range of hotels, from lavish resorts to business-friendly options, catering to every traveller's needs.
Find great hotels in Dubai
Explore a diverse range of hotel accommodations in Dubai, from luxurious resorts to business-friendly hotels. This vibrant city offers exceptional services and facilities tailored for families, spa enthusiasts, and corporate travellers alike. Whether you seek a lavish experience or a comfortable stay, Dubai's hotels cater to all preferences, ensuring a memorable visit to this dazzling emirate.
- Atlantis, The Palm: A stunning 5-star resort located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, The Palm is renowned for its underwater-themed attractions and luxurious accommodations. The hotel boasts direct beach access, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a fun-filled vacation. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including an on-site water park, an aquarium, and various dining options. Families will appreciate the dedicated services for children, such as an arcade game room and a children’s club, ensuring that younger guests have a memorable experience while parents relax.
- Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa: Nestled on the beachfront of Palm Jumeirah, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa combines tropical elegance with French sophistication. This 5-star resort features spacious rooms and suites with stunning sea views, perfect for families looking for a luxurious getaway. The resort offers a plethora of amenities, including a shared playground for children, babysitting services, and a dedicated kids’ area. Guests can also indulge in the world-class spa and multiple dining venues, making it a tranquil escape for those seeking both relaxation and family-friendly activities.
- Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai: This eco-certified 5-star hotel is situated in the heart of Dubai, catering to both business and leisure travellers. The Sheraton Grand Hotel combines luxury with sustainability, offering modern accommodations and a range of amenities. Guests can enjoy the rooftop infinity pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and elegant dining options. With its focus on eco-friendly practices, this hotel appeals to travellers who value environmental responsibility while seeking a blend of comfort and convenience in a bustling urban setting.
Where to stay in Dubai
Dubai offers an extraordinary blend of modernity and tradition, making it a prime destination for families and business travellers alike. From stunning views of the Burj Khalifa to the enchanting Dubai Desert, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere filled with friendly people and cultural experiences. Explore the bustling neighbourhoods and enjoy luxurious accommodations that cater to every need, ensuring a memorable stay in this remarkable emirate.
- Palm Jumeirah: An iconic man-made island, Palm Jumeirah is renowned for its luxurious resorts and stunning beachfront. This neighbourhood offers a unique blend of city life and relaxation, making it perfect for families, business travellers, and those seeking a vibrant city-themed experience. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shopping centres and malls, while the breathtaking architecture and skyscrapers provide a captivating backdrop. The peak travel seasons are December to February, where the warm climate and festive atmosphere enhance the experience. Whether lounging on the beach or exploring the local attractions, Palm Jumeirah promises a memorable getaway.
- Downtown Dubai: The bustling heart of Dubai, Downtown Dubai is synonymous with luxury and modernity. Home to the iconic Burj Khalifa and the expansive Dubai Mall, this neighbourhood thrives on its dynamic city-themed atmosphere. With a plethora of shopping options and exquisite dining experiences, it caters to families and business visitors alike. Peak travel periods occur in March and December to January, drawing crowds eager to explore its significant architecture and vibrant street life. Enjoy the stunning views of the Dubai Fountain and immerse yourself in the lively ambiance of this cosmopolitan district.
- Dubai Marina: A picturesque waterfront community, Dubai Marina is celebrated for its stunning skyline and lively atmosphere. This vibrant neighbourhood is ideal for those looking for a city-themed adventure, with family-friendly beaches and an array of shopping centres. The peak visitor season runs from January to March, making it a prime time for sun-seekers and socialites. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the marina promenade, savour diverse culinary offerings, and take in the breathtaking views of the skyscrapers lining the water. Dubai Marina seamlessly blends leisure and luxury, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
Things to do in Dubai
Shopping
In Dubai, visit The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centres globally, featuring a mix of luxury brands and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, head to Mall of the Emirates, located 21km away, known for its indoor ski slope and diverse retail offerings.
Recreation
In Dubai, the Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah offers a serene oasis with a range of rejuvenating treatments amidst stunning Arabian architecture. The One&Only Spa provides a tranquil retreat, featuring luxurious therapies inspired by traditional rituals and modern techniques, creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere.
Adventure
Experience the adrenaline rush at Dubai Autodrome, where you can enjoy high-speed motor racing in a thrilling environment. Alternatively, visit Meydan Racecourse for an exciting day of horse racing, surrounded by an electrifying atmosphere and the excitement of the sport.
Nightlife
In Dubai, the White Dubai boasts an electric atmosphere with stunning views and international DJs. Soho Garden offers a vibrant mix of dining and entertainment, while the Dubai Marina area is alive with energetic bars and lounges, perfect for enjoying the city's cosmopolitan nightlife.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dubai
When visiting Dubai on a budget, take advantage of the city's free attractions like the Dubai Fountain, Kite Beach, and City Walk. For transport, the metro is an economical choice, while taxis can add up. The best time for cheaper accommodation is from July to September, with Sundays being the least expensive days to stay. Consider booking hotels about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia. You can also save by bundling flights, hotels, and activities in a package for better rates.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Dubai are July to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Dubai about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Dubai is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Dubai is Friday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservations in Dubai with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Dubai
Dubai offers a vibrant mix of attractions suitable for city-themed, family, and business vacations. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, thrilling theme parks, and serene urban parks. Key points of interest include the iconic Atlantis Dubai, the cultural richness of Dubai Opera, the historic Dubai Creek, and the informative Dubai Museum, making it an ideal destination for those seeking culture, family time, and outdoor experiences.
- Burj Khalifa: Ascend to the observation deck of the world’s tallest building for breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline and desert landscape. The architectural marvel stands at 828 metres, embodying modern luxury and innovation.
- Marina Beach: Enjoy the soft sands and azure waters at Marina Beach, a vibrant spot perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely strolls. The beach is lined with cafes and restaurants, offering a lively atmosphere to unwind.
- Dubai Creek: Experience the charm of old Dubai along the picturesque Dubai Creek, where traditional dhows sail. The area is ideal for leisurely walks, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline and a glimpse into its rich history.
Best time to go to Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Dubai
Flying into Dubai is convenient with two major airports available. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is located 6km from the city, with notable hotels nearby such as the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, merely 483m away, and the Grand Hyatt Dubai, situated 3km from the airport. Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), positioned 114km away, also has excellent hotel options like the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, 6km from the airport. For those considering Ras al Khaimah International Airport (RKT), it is 76km from Dubai, with the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah located 19km away, providing various transportation services to the airport.