When you arrive in the United Arab Emirates, you're probably wondering where to stay in Dubai !
Dubai offers a unique range of vacation accommodation.
In fact, there are many establishments to choose from if you want to spend a few days in this city in the United Arab Emirates.
Today, I'm talking about the 5 neighborhoods in which to sleep in Dubai.
Where to sleep in Dubai: article summary
Dubai Downtown: where to stay in Dubai for the first time
Vacations in Dubai start best in downtown Dubai, where traditional Arab architecture meets futuristic buildings and the party lasts from sunrise to sunset.
Considered a modern metropolis, many might be surprised that downtown Dubai was once a small fishing village. Today, the area is one of the most famous areas in the world.
Things to do in Dubai Downtown
As a central gathering point for tourists, the city center has no shortage of things to do. To start your visit, you can visit the Burj Khalifa. This building is the world's tallest, with 163 floors and a height of over 1,800 feet.
Visitors can buy tickets and head straight to the observation platform at the summit to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.
Return to dry land with a visit to the Dubai Mall the world's largest shopping mall. With over 1,000 outlets and luxury retailers, you can spend a whole day browsing the shopping aisles here.
The Dubai Fountain is also Dubai Downtown. This incredible sound and light show is located on Lake Burj.
Finally, stop off at the Dubai Opera House, one of the most recent additions to the city center. This architectural feat is a celebration of art, music and design, and regularly hosts Broadway shows, plays and operas.
Enjoy magnificent evenings in this part of the city
In terms of nightlife, downtown Dubai lives up to its name as a party place. There are several high-end nightclubs here as well as smaller venues where you can get a view of the waterfront. The party usually lasts from dusk to dawn.
Where to stay in Dubai Downtown?
Downtown is an incredible place to visit, but if you're looking to stay in this part of Dubai for the duration of your trip, be prepared for pay a little more than in other neighborhoods. There are tons of hotels to choose from.
Closer to the water and around Burj Park, you'll find the most luxurious resorts with incredible facilities. You can also choose budget hotels in the heart of Dubai.
If you would like to live in this area, I suggest you turn to Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park. This one offers very affordable prices and total comfort to make sure your stay goes smoothly.
Bur Dubai, history and tradition meet the modern world
Located just west of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai is often referred to as the "Old City". As one of Dubai's most emblematic historic districts, a visit to Bur Dubai gives you a sense of travel in Arab Antiquity.
In addition to having tons of things to do, Bur Dubai is a great and relatively inexpensive place to stay in Dubai. Less hectic than downtown, but always dynamic and livelyBur Dubai is a must-see.
What to see in Bur Dubai
History buffs will love the historic district of Al Fahidi, formerly known as the district name of Bastakiya. Here, let yourself be enveloped in a peaceful oasis, quite different from the chaos of downtown Dubai.
This area was once a commercial district, but has now been restored as a historic heritage center. As you stroll around, you'll see quaint craft stores, markets and cafés that still celebrate the culture of old Dubai.
Another great historical monument is the Dubai Museuma one-stop-shop for everything to do with the history of Dubai. The museum describes how the city has gone from a desert to a world-renowned metropolis.
If you're an art lover, the Majlis gallery in the Al Fahidi district is the perfect cultural getaway. Numerous artists, photographers and sculptors have organized exhibitions.
If you'd like to buy a few traditional souvenirs, the old Souk sells brightly-colored textiles and fabrics, as well as shoes, clothes and other knick-knacks.
Bur Dubai is perfect for everything leisure, shopping, business and tourism. If you want to explore Dubai's history, this is also the place to be.
Where to stay in Bur Dubai?
Among the many hotels in this area, I recommend you stay at the Rove Healthcare City-Bur Dubai. The place is clean and offers rooms at modest rates. So you can save a lot of money on your trip.
Palm Jumeirah, an artificial tropical oasis with incredible luxury hotels
Considered one of the world's most unique places, Palm Jumeirah is a unique artificial district in Dubai. Shaped like a palm tree floating on the water, the Palm Jumeirah is a luxurious artificial island.
What to do in Palm Jumeirah
For thrills and spills, Aquaventure home to Dolphin Baywhere visitors can swim and play with dolphins and spend time with sea lions.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium, also on Atlantis, is an activity not to be missed. You'll have the opportunity to explore the lost city of Atlantis, admiring over 65,000 diverse marine and plant species, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, piranhas and thousands of fish.
For more water sports activities, Palm Jumeirah offers several tourism companies who will accompany you safely on the calm waters of Dubai
Where to stay in Palm Jumeirah?
Palm Jumeirah is a relatively expensive district. This island is not only a place to stay, but also a travel experience. Expect high prices if you wish to stay directly on the island.
Personally, I recommend the Aloft Palm Jumeirah. It's a little less expensive than other hotels in the area. A good way to enjoy the luxury of the place while making some savings.
Dubai Marina, the perfect nightlife district in Dubai
The Dubai Marina is both tranquil and luxurious. Home to some of Dubai's wealthiest residents, Dubai Marina is a city of man-made canals along the Persian Gulf coastline.
Its pristine sands and clean atmosphere give this region a unique aura. Visitors from all walks of life are welcome. Take a stroll along the palm-shaded promenade, you'll probably spot gleaming yachts and towering skyscrapers in the distance, and maybe even a celebrity or two.
What to do in Dubai Marina
Start by strolling along Dubai Marina and visiting the upscale restaurants and cafés as well as the ephemeral artisan markets. This walk stretches for 7 km and is lined with palm trees and well-maintained landscapes.
You'll also catch a glimpse of the fountain on Dubai Marina Promenade, a unique sight in the neighborhood. For a spot of shopping, head to the Dubai Marina Mall.
This place offers an incredible old-fashioned cinema, luxury stores, retail outlets, incredible restaurants, international food chains and regular festivals and events throughout the year.
If you're looking for an incredible place to dine, rendez-vous at Pier 7 for a refined dining experience. With seven different restaurants on each floor, Pier 7 offers an incredible ambience and an incredible view of the waterfront.
Where to stay in Dubai Marina?
To take full advantage of the site, you can visit the Marina Hotel Apartments. This hotel is a little expensive, but offers clean accommodation close to all the activities you can do at the marina. If you're visiting Dubai as a family, this is the place I'd recommend for you and your loved ones to enjoy luxury accommodation at an affordable price.
Al Barsha, budget accommodation for families
Al Barsha is not only quiet and residential, but also dynamic and perfect for visitors.
Although it does not reflect the same lifestyle as downtown DubaiAl Barsha has undergone a real transformation in recent years as a result of developments in the area.
Despite the various improvements to the site, the housing market has remained relatively affordable, thus maintaining low prices. This area is particularly popular with families.
What can you do in Al Barsha?
Al Barsha is perhaps best known for the Mall of Emiratesa large shopping complex that completely transformed the area after its construction in 2005.
Boasting several levels and unique Arab and Mediterranean stores, the mall currently houses more than 630 retailers, over 100 restaurants and 80 luxury stores.
On site, you'll find the Ski Dubai. This attraction is probably the most famous in the whole of Dubai. Here, you'll find yourself in a 22,500-square-meter indoor ski resort. The resort features an 85-metre-high indoor mountain with 5 lanes.
Children will be absolutely thrilled by the range of activities inside the resort. The 3,000-square-meter Snow Park offers toboggan runs, ice caves to explore and slides to play on.
The shopping center also home to Magic PlanetDubai's largest activity center. Here, you and your family can enjoy the rides, play video arcade games or go bowling.
After your long day at the mall, you can visit Al Barsha Pond ParkA tranquil spot in the heart of the neighborhood. This park is a true oasis in the Al Barsha community.
Where to sleep in Al Barsha?
In this area, you'll find a number of luxury hotels, but as the area is mainly residential, you'll have to make do, there are also more economical housing options.
There are also several spacious villas available for rent, as well as smaller studios if you're planning to stay in Dubai for an extended period.
For shorter stays, I suggest you go to Rose Park Al Barsha hotel. It's well-maintained, affordable and close to the area's main attractions.
What to do in Dubai in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Dubai guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Dubai guide!
Leave a Reply