Places / Asia / United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Visited in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2022
At a glance
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Region
- Emirate of Dubai
- Population
- 3.9 million
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- Dubai International (DXB)
- Coordinates
- 25.25°N, 55.36°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Dubai grew from a small trading port on a creek into a city of record-breaking skyscrapers in a few decades. It's built for visitors: luxury hotels, giant malls and beaches, with the old souks and the desert never far away.
It's also one of the world's great stopover cities, with easy connections from its huge airport.
Things to see
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Photo: stepnout, CC BY 2.0 Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building. Book a sunset slot for the observation decks on levels 124 to 125 or higher.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: GinaD, CC BY-SA 4.0 Dubai Fountain
A free show set to music in front of the Burj Khalifa, every evening.
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Photo: Delta.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0 Al Fahidi Historical District
Restored wind-tower houses, galleries and the Dubai Museum area in old Dubai.
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Photo: Lyonerov, CC BY-SA 4.0 Museum of the Future
A striking torus-shaped building with exhibitions imagining life in 2071.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Eduard Marmet, CC BY-SA 2.0 Dubai Frame
A giant picture frame with a glass-floored bridge between old and new Dubai.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: iMahesh, CC BY-SA 4.0 Desert safari
Dune bashing, camel rides and dinner under the stars in the desert outside the city.
Find tours -
Photo: Jpbowen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Abra across the Creek
Cross the creek on a traditional wooden water taxi to the Gold and Spice Souks.
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Photo: Wikiemirati, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, around 90 minutes away.
Find tours -
Photo: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0 Beach and pool day
Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach or a day pass at a resort pool.
Where to stay
Downtown Dubai
Next to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, with Metro access.
Hotels in Downtown DubaiDubai Marina
Waterfront towers, restaurants and the beach at JBR.
Hotels in Dubai MarinaDeira
Old Dubai near the souks and the creek, with good-value hotels.
Hotels in DeiraPalm Jumeirah
Resort hotels with private beaches.
Hotels in Palm Jumeirah
Getting around
The driverless Metro is clean, cheap and covers the main areas, with a Nol card for fares. Taxis and ride-hailing apps fill the gaps. The city is spread out and hot, so it's not great for walking in summer.
Dubai International is close to the city and on the Metro red line, about 20 to 30 minutes to Downtown.
When to go
November to March is warm and sunny, ideal for beaches and the desert. Summer (June to September) is extremely hot. Check the dates of Ramadan, when some daytime dining changes.
Plan your trip to Dubai
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.