The Top 4 Areas to Vacation in Dubai
Introduction
This blog post is all about helping you find the perfect place to stay in Dubai for your upcoming trip! I’ll break down the top 4 areas to stay for your next adventure, along with tips for each.
As a New Yorker growing up, we’d head to Florida a few times a year to escape the gloomy, cold winters. I like to joke that Dubai is now my Florida as an adult! We’ve been there 5 times in our 7 years of marriage—it’s our absolute favorite city to vacation in, especially during the cold New York winters… and aside from the flights (which we usually book with miles and points), we find it to be more affordable than Florida too!
Dubai is a city of contrasts, where ultra-modern architecture meets traditional Arabian culture. Each area offers its own unique experience, from beachfront boardwalks to downtown skylines to cultural immersion. This guide will help you choose the best location for your stay and make the most of your Dubai visit based on our experience.
Top 4 Areas to Stay in Dubai for Your First Trip
1. Dubai Marina/JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residences)
Best for: Beach lovers and nightlife enthusiasts
Cost Range: $$-$$$
Airport Transfer: 30-40 minutes by taxi (100-120 AED)
Atmosphere: Modern, vibrant waterfront living
What to Expect:
- Beautiful beach access with temperature-controlled water
- Extensive restaurant options, from casual to fine dining
- Lively nightlife and beach clubs
- Family-friendly entertainment options, small carnival games throughout and ride on cars for kids
- Regular street performances and markets on JBR Walk
- Views of the largest ferris wheel in the world
Top Restaurant Picks:
- Bosporus Turkish Cuisine – The Beach (indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views)
- Bombay Bungalow – Indian cuisine with amazing outdoor seating
- Eataly – Incredible Italian food with ocean views
- Operation Falafel – Cheap and fast Arab cuisine (there are several locations, but JBR is our favorite)
Logistics: Book restaurants 2-3 days in advance during peak season.
Our experience: During our second trip to Dubai, we stayed at the Marriott in JBR for the Expo 2020 (which extended to 2022). I absolutely adored the area. JBR/Dubai Marina has been a constant through all our visits—visiting Dubai Marina Mall, walking through JBR along the water, and now the Bluewaters district where the Dubai Eye (Ain Dubai) is located.
2. Business Bay in Downtown Dubai
Best for: Luxury seekers and first-time visitors
Cost Range: $$$-$$$$
Airport Transfer: 15-20 minutes by taxi (60-80 AED)
Atmosphere: Upscale, business-oriented with tourist attractions
What to Expect:
- Prime views of Burj Khalifa
- Walking distance to Dubai Mall
- High-end dining and shopping
- Connected to Dubai Metro
- Business district with tourist amenities
Local Tips:
- Book Burj Khalifa tickets 2-3 weeks in advance for prime sunset slots (though we got tickets the next day)
- Use air-conditioned walkways during summer months
- Consider staying in a serviced apartment for more space and value
Our experience: On our first trip to Dubai in 2017, we split our stay between the JW Marriott Marquis in Business Bay and Bab Al Shams in the desert. The JW Marriott Marquis is still the tallest hotel in the world, which is pretty cool! It felt luxurious without being pretentious and had beautiful views, a pool, great restaurants, and was in proximity to quintessential Dubai.
On our fifth trip to Dubai, we returned to Business Bay and stayed at The Taj. I’m biased, since our Amex Platinum card benefits upgraded us to a presidential suite, but this is one of my top 2 hotel stays in my life. The service was unparalleled, the design was contemporary yet classic, and the breakfast was the best Indian breakfast we’ve had outside of India.
3. Al Seef/Al Fahidi – The Old District of Dubai
Best for: Culture enthusiasts and authentic experiences
Cost Range: $-$$
Airport Transfer: 15-20 minutes by taxi (50-70 AED)
Atmosphere: Traditional Arabian architecture with modern amenities
What to Expect:
- Traditional souks and markets
- Authentic Emirati restaurants
- Dubai Creek dhow and abra rides
- Historical museums and architecture
- Local street food and cafes
Cultural Considerations:
- Best explored early morning or evening
- Haggling is expected in souks
- Rich photography opportunities
Our experience: It’s slightly embarrassing to admit, but we’ve stayed in Al Seef three times during our five trips to Dubai. We stayed at the Al Seef Heritage Hotel by Hilton’s Curio Collection all three times. The hotel, which is spread along a strip of the Dubai Canal, is designed to resemble the old port towns that once existed in the area. It’s much more laid-back than other areas of Dubai, less crowded, and more authentic. I highly recommend spending at least one night here!
4. The Palm Jumeirah
Best for: Luxury resort experience and exclusivity
Cost Range: $$$$
Airport Transfer: 35-45 minutes by taxi (120-150 AED)
Atmosphere: Exclusive island resort living
What to Expect:
- Private beaches with Arabian Gulf views
- World-class resort facilities
- Celebrity chef restaurants
- Unique attractions like Atlantis Aquaventure
- Spectacular Dubai skyline views
Top Experiences:
- Atlantis The Royal: Visit the world’s most ultra-luxury resort
- The View at The Palm: 360-degree observation deck
- Aquaventure Waterpark: The largest waterpark in the world
- The Pointe: Waterfront dining with fountain shows
Restaurant Highlights:
- Nobu: Japanese fusion with celebrity appeal
- LEÑA Dubai: Michelin star steakhouse known for its smoke room
- Sushisamba: Panoramic views and fusion cuisine
Our experience: Though we’ve never stayed on The Palm itself, we’ve visited a few times and would love to stay there on our next trip. We visited a friend who was living on The Palm during our first trip, and during our second, we went for lunch at Sushi Samba. I highly recommend it—especially for vegetarians!
Conclusion
No matter which area you choose, Dubai offers a range of experiences that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re seeking luxury, culture, adventure, or relaxation, you’ll find a perfect spot for your stay. Happy travels, and enjoy your time in this vibrant city!
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