Where to stay in Dubai: the best areas for your trip

1. 1Illustration

   Downtown & central

   1. Downtown Dubai

   The landmarks, the fountain and the biggest mall within walking distance, on the Red Line.

   Metro

   Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall

   Beach

   —

   • Walk to Dubai Mall, the Boulevard and Dubai Opera
   • Red Line station inside the district

   Watch out: Tourist crowds and event traffic around the Fountain and Boulevard

   The city's main sightseeing base: Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, the Fountain and a dense cluster of Address, Armani and Sofitel hotels.

   Downtown Dubai guide→Find a stay→
2. 2Illustration

   New Dubai coast

   2. Dubai Marina

   Promenade, boats, nightlife and the beach next door, with the metro and tram.

   Metro

   DMCC, Sobha Realty

   Beach

   Yes

   • Walkable promenade with restaurants, cafés and marinas on the doorstep
   • Two Red Line stations plus the Dubai Tram inside the district

   Watch out: Rush-hour congestion at the tram crossings and Sheikh Zayed Road exits

   Busy with visitors thanks to hotels, holiday lets, boat tours and the promenade dining scene.

   Dubai Marina guide→Find a stay→
3. 3Illustration

   New Dubai coast

   3. Jumeirah Beach Residence

   Straight onto the sand, with The Walk’s restaurants behind you.

   Metro

   DMCC, Sobha Realty

   Beach

   Yes

   • Direct access to a free public beach
   • Restaurants, shops and events along The Walk and The Beach

   Watch out: Tourist crowds and weekend noise along the promenade

   One of the city's main beach-and-promenade areas, with several beach hotels and heavy visitor traffic.

   Jumeirah Beach Residence guide→Find a stay→
4. 4Illustration

   New Dubai coast

   4. Palm Jumeirah

   Resort hotels with private beaches, best if you plan to stay put.

   Metro

   No

   Beach

   Yes

   • Private beach access in many buildings and all frond villas
   • Resort hotels, beach clubs and restaurants on the island

   Watch out: No metro station on the island; car needed for most trips

   A major visitor destination with dozens of hotels, Atlantis, beach clubs and the monorail.

   Palm Jumeirah guide→Find a stay→
5. 5Illustration

   Old Dubai

   5. Bur Dubai

   Heritage lanes, the creek and abra boats, with good-value hotels on the metro.

   Metro

   BurJuman, Sharaf DG

   Beach

   —

   • Walkable heritage quarter with Creek views and abra crossings
   • BurJuman interchange plus several Green and Red Line stations

   Watch out: Crowded streets and tight parking around the souks

   Al Fahidi, Al Seef, the Textile Souk and abra rides make Bur Dubai the main heritage stop, with many hotels around BurJuman and Al Mankhool.

   Bur Dubai guide→Find a stay→
6. 6Illustration

   Old Dubai

   6. Deira

   The souks, the dhows and the city’s oldest streets, the lowest prices, close to DXB.

   Metro

   Union, Al Rigga

   Beach

   Yes

   • Studio asking rents around AED 43,000 a year
   • Red and Green metro lines plus abras across the Creek

   Watch out: Congested roads and hard-to-find parking in the older blocks

   The souks, abra rides across the Creek and heritage houses make Deira a core stop for visitors, with a wide spread of budget and mid-range hotels.

   Deira guide→Find a stay→
7. 7Illustration

   Downtown & central

   7. Business Bay

   Canal-side hotels a walk or short ride from Downtown, often cheaper.

   Metro

   Business Bay

   Beach

   —

   • Central location next to Downtown and Sheikh Zayed Road
   • Canal promenade for walking, running and cycling

   Watch out: Heavy rush-hour traffic on Al Khail and the internal roads

   Plenty of hotels within a short ride of Burj Khalifa, plus canal-side dining and the La Perle show.

   Business Bay guide→Find a stay→
8. 8Illustration

   New Dubai coast

   8. Al Barsha

   Value hotels near Mall of the Emirates and the metro, between Downtown and the Marina.

   Metro

   Mall of the Emirates, InsuranceMarket.ae

   Beach

   —

   • Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai on the doorstep
   • Two Red Line stations serve Al Barsha 1

   Watch out: Busy streets and traffic around the mall

   Visitors come mainly for Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai and mid-range hotels.

   Al Barsha guide→Find a stay→
9. 9Illustration

   Downtown & central

   9. Jumeirah (Jumeirah 1-3)

   Calm public beaches and boutique stays along Jumeirah Beach Road.

   Metro

   No

   Beach

   Yes

   • Public beaches and La Mer within minutes
   • Spacious villas with gardens on quiet streets

   Watch out: No metro; daily life depends on a car or taxis

   Beach days at La Mer and the public beaches, a visit to Jumeirah Mosque and cafés along Jumeirah Beach Road.

   Jumeirah (Jumeirah 1-3) guide→Find a stay→

At a glance