Top reasons to visit Dubai
- Stunning Skyline: Experience Dubai's iconic skyline, featuring remarkable architecture and breathtaking views.
- Luxurious Shopping: Indulge in the Dubai Shopping Festival and explore extravagant shopping centres and souks.
- Desert Adventures: Discover the enchanting Dubai Desert with exhilarating dune bashing and camel rides.
- Vibrant Culture: Explore cultural hotspots like Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek, showcasing the city's rich heritage.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Enjoy a variety of theme parks, serene parks, and activities suitable for all ages.
Find great hotels in Dubai
Dubai offers an impressive selection of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to serene resorts, catering to both business travellers and families alike. Whether you seek a vibrant city experience or a relaxing spa retreat, the best Dubai hotels provide exceptional amenities and services to enhance your stay. Explore the diverse lodging options available, ensuring a memorable holiday in this dynamic emirate.
- Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai: The Sheraton Grand Hotel encapsulates luxury with its business-friendly atmosphere and eco-conscious facilities. This 5-star property boasts a remarkable guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, making it a popular choice for discerning travellers. Guests can indulge in a comprehensive spa experience, featuring treatments such as deep-tissue massages and access to an outdoor pool. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability makes it an ideal retreat for eco-aware visitors, ensuring a relaxing getaway without compromising environmental values.
- Dukes The Palm Dubai Hotel: Dukes The Palm Dubai Hotel is a family-oriented haven located adjacent to the beach, earning a commendable guest rating of 8.8 out of 10. This 5-star lodging offers a wealth of amenities tailored for children, including a complimentary kids' club and childcare services, making it perfect for families. The direct beach access invites guests to enjoy sun-soaked days by the sea, while the hotel’s family-friendly facilities enhance the overall experience, ensuring memorable moments for both adults and children.
- Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai: With a strong focus on family and shopping, the Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road presents a welcoming atmosphere with a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. This eco-certified 4-star hotel caters to environmentally-conscious families, offering amenities such as free cribs and a children's pool. Its prime location in the bustling shopping district allows guests to easily explore local attractions, making it a convenient base for families looking to balance leisure and retail therapy.
Where to stay in Dubai
Your vacation in Dubai promises an unforgettable experience, blending modernity with rich culture. Explore the stunning Dubai Desert, where vast dunes await your adventure. Discover the city's iconic skyline, offering breathtaking views and luxurious accommodations. Venture beyond the city to nearby charming neighbourhoods, infused with warmth and hospitality. Whether seeking family-friendly activities or romantic escapes, Dubai and its surroundings offer a diverse atmosphere that caters to every traveller's desires.
- Jadaf: Nestled along the banks of the Dubai Creek, Jadaf is a vibrant neighbourhood that offers a mix of cultural and modern experiences. With family-friendly attractions and business facilities, it caters to a diverse range of travellers. Visitors can enjoy shopping in local centres and explore the nearby river and towering skyscrapers. The area’s convention centre also hosts various events, making it a hub for business travellers. Peak visitor seasons are from December to February, providing a lively atmosphere for exploring this dynamic neighbourhood.
- Za'abeel: Situated in the heart of Dubai, Za'abeel is known for its striking architecture and business-friendly environment. It boasts impressive skyscrapers and is home to a number of luxury hotels and shopping centres, making it a prime location for both leisure and corporate visitors. The area is particularly lively from December to February, when traveller numbers swell, offering a bustling city experience. Whether you’re enjoying the local shopping scene or attending events at the convention centre, Za'abeel embodies the essence of urban Dubai.
- Al Sufouh: Renowned for its stunning beaches and modern architecture, Al Sufouh is a beautiful neighbourhood that attracts families and business travellers alike. The area features a plethora of shopping options and is conveniently located near iconic landmarks and the stunning coastline. Peak travel months include January, February, and September, making it a perfect getaway for beach enthusiasts. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you explore the local attractions, which seamlessly blend leisure and culture in this exquisite part of Dubai.
Things to do in Dubai
Shopping
In Dubai, visit the iconic Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping centres, featuring luxury brands, dining, and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore Mall of the Emirates, located about 20.9km away, known for its indoor ski slope and diverse shopping options.
Recreation
At the Talise Spa in Madinat Jumeirah, unwind with luxurious treatments inspired by Arabian traditions. Enjoy the calming atmosphere, skilled therapists, and stunning views of the waterways. Alternatively, dive into wellness at the Anantara Spa, where holistic therapies and serene gardens create an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Adventure
At Meydan Racecourse, immerse yourself in the thrilling world of motor racing amidst a vibrant atmosphere. Meanwhile, Dubai Autodrome offers an exhilarating experience for motorsport enthusiasts, featuring a state-of-the-art track that caters to speed and adventure lovers alike.
Nightlife
In Dubai, the bustling atmosphere comes alive at White Dubai, renowned for its vibrant outdoor terrace and electrifying DJ sets. Soho Garden offers a chic blend of dining and dancing, while the iconic Burj Al Arab provides a luxurious backdrop for unforgettable nights out.
*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 free attractions like the Dubai Fountain, City Walk, and Kite Beach. For public transport, the metro is an economical option. Consider travelling during the off-peak months of July to September for lower accommodation rates and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, combine travel packages, and filter for eco-friendly hotels to maximise savings.
- 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 various other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- 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 is an ideal destination for city-themed, family, and business vacations, offering a plethora of attractions such as stunning beaches, vibrant theme parks, and serene urban parks. Visitors can explore cultural hotspots like Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek, and the iconic Dubai Mall, along with luxurious resorts that cater to various needs. Whether seeking family fun or outdoor experiences, Dubai promises an unforgettable adventure.
- Burj Khalifa: Standing at a staggering height, Burj Khalifa offers breathtaking views of the cityscape from its observation decks. Experience the architectural marvel and learn about its unique design, which reflects the culture and heritage of Dubai.
- LEGOLAND® Dubai: This vibrant theme park is designed for families, featuring interactive rides, play areas, and attractions based on the beloved LEGO brand. It's a fantastic place for children to unleash their creativity in a fun-filled environment.
- Global Village: A unique outdoor cultural and entertainment destination, Global Village showcases diverse international pavilions, offering a variety of food, crafts, and performances. The lively atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for families to explore and enjoy.
Best time to go to Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Dubai falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Dubai falls in January, 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 via its major airport, Dubai International Airport (DXB), situated 6.4km from the city centre. Excellent hotel options nearby include the 5-star Sheraton Grand Hotel, which offers transfers to the airport, and the Dubai International Terminal Hotel, located a mere 161m away, accessible directly from the terminal. For those considering alternative airports, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is 114.3km away, with nearby hotels such as Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), located 22.5km from Dubai, offers accommodations like Ajman Saray, which provides a 24-hour shuttle service.