9.9Exceptional2,501 reviews
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- Breakfast included
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United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Dubai is at its best between November and March, when the weather is flawless and the city's outdoor life — beach clubs, terraces, desert nights — actually works.
Stays from €138 a night
The place
What Dubai is actually like
Dubai's appeal is unapologetically about comfort and scale. The hotel stock is among the best in the world at every price point, the beaches are groomed and warm through winter, and the logistics simply work — the airport, the metro, the taxis are all fast and cheap.
The city divides roughly into old and new. Deira and Bur Dubai, either side of the Creek, hold the gold and spice souks, the abra crossings and the Al Fahidi historic quarter. Downtown, Marina and Jumeirah are the modern city of towers, malls and beachfront.
The desert is closer than people expect — forty minutes from Downtown puts you in dunes. An overnight in a desert camp, or simply dinner under the stars in the Al Marmoom reserve, is the strongest counterweight to a trip that can otherwise be entirely air-conditioned.
Timing
When to visit
Honest seasonality — including the months we would not recommend.
- Busiest
Nov – Mar
Peak winter sun
Low to mid twenties, perfect beach weather. Christmas and New Year rates are extreme.
- Balanced
Apr – May
Warming up
Hot but manageable, and rates fall sharply from mid-April.
- Quietest
Jun – Sep
Extremely hot
Over 45°C with high humidity. Indoor city only, but hotel rates are at their lowest of the year.
- Balanced
Oct
Shoulder
The heat breaks late in the month. Good value just before peak season begins.
Neighbourhoods
Where to stay in Dubai
Each area suits a different trip. Pick the one that matches yours.
Jumeirah Beach Residence
Beachfront, walkable promenade, and the best family logistics
- Families
- Beach
- Dining
Downtown
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the fountains on your doorstep
- First visits
- Shopping
- Views
Dubai Marina
Towers, yachts and a dense strip of restaurants and bars
- Nightlife
- Couples
- Value
Palm Jumeirah
Resort island — the biggest, most self-contained hotels in the city
- Luxury
- Resorts
- Privacy
Stays
Popular hotels in Dubai
Live prices from our accommodation partners for a sample three-night stay.
Things to do
What to do in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa at sunset — book the 124th floor slot weeks ahead
- Desert safari with dune driving, or a quieter conservation-reserve dinner
- Abra across the Creek for one dirham, then the gold and spice souks
- Al Fahidi historic district and the Coffee Museum
- A beach club day at Jumeirah or on the Palm
- Dubai Frame, for the old-versus-new view in one shot
Eating and drinking
- Emirati food at Al Fanar or Aseelah — surprisingly hard to find, worth seeking out
- The Lebanese and Iranian restaurants in Deira, which locals rate above anything in the towers
- Friday brunch, a Dubai institution that runs for four hours
- Karak chai from a roadside cafeteria for one dirham
Book ahead
Tours, tickets and day trips
Practicalities
Things worth knowing
The metro is excellent and almost free
Red and Green lines cover most of what visitors need. A Nol card costs a few dirhams and taxis are cheap for the gaps.
Alcohol is licensed, not banned
Served in hotel restaurants and licensed venues throughout the city. Public drinking and drink-driving are treated very seriously.
Dress modestly away from the beach
Beachwear is fine at the beach and pool. In malls, souks and older districts, shoulders and knees covered is the norm.
Ramadan changes everything
Daytime eating and drinking in public is restricted, but evenings are extraordinary and hotel rates drop. Check the dates before booking.
Orientation
Dubai at a glance
Questions
Dubai FAQ
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to March. Daytime temperatures sit in the low to mid twenties, which is what makes the beaches, terraces and desert usable.
Is Dubai expensive?
It can be, but it does not have to be. Hotels swing enormously by season — a Palm resort in August can cost a third of its January rate. Transport, taxis and street-level food are genuinely cheap year round.
Do I need a visa for Dubai?
Many nationalities including UK and EU citizens receive a visa on arrival. Requirements change; check the official UAE government guidance for your passport before travelling.
How long is the stopover worth doing?
Two nights is enough for Downtown, the old Creek district and one desert evening. Emirates and flydubai both offer stopover packages that make this cheap to add.
Elsewhere
