Which area of Dubai is the best place to stay and why? We list the pros and cons and give advice. For each area - a selection of the best and most inexpensive hotels.
Deira
Deira - historic district, it is a chaotic mix of Egypt, Morocco and modern Dubai. There are oriental markets, narrow alleys between traditional houses, and skyscrapers. The area caused us conflicting feelings: sticky barkers, signs in Russian, the glitter of diamonds, gold and Rolex annoying. On the other hand, where else in Dubai can you see such a strange mixture of old and new? But all this is only in the area where the markets are concentrated - Al Ras. If you go further along Dubai Creek, there will be a completely clean and modern area with high-rise and not-so-high buildings, business centers, shopping centers, cafes, etc.
Minuses:
- only one public beach (Al Mamzar, there are free and paid parts - entrance 5 AED);
- there are no hotels with their own beach (sometimes with a free transfer to the beach);
- mostly Indians and Pakistanis live - some do not like this neighborhood;
- there are few attractions and entertainment;
- the area is far from the center - it will take a long time to get to the center by metro or taxi.
pros:
- shopping (many markets, 4 large shopping centers);
- there are inexpensive hotels, good value for money;
- inexpensive food;
- color;
- close to the airport.
Deira hotels
Bur Dubai
The area is similar to Deira: too historicalbut less colorful. Also Hindu-Pakistani. The Old Town and administrative buildings are located here. We lived in the Old Town at Orient Guest House - a wonderful place. We walked alone in the evening along the dark streets, lit only by the moon, and imagined ourselves in a fairy tale about Ali Baba. Probably, this is the only quiet place in Bur Dubai - as soon as you go outside the Old City, noise falls.
pros:
- many inexpensive hotels;
- inexpensive food;
- many attractions and entertainment;
- several metro stations - it is convenient to get to the center;
- close to the airport.
Minuses:
- no beaches;
- noisy.
Jumeirah
Jumeirah is prestigious district... Luxury hotels, artsy villas, a giant water park, nice beaches. Everything is expensive and rich, so we didn't like it. There are 4 beaches in the area: Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirach Beach Park, Palm Beach Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Residents. Some men are not allowed on certain days. Water parks in Dubai →
The area stretches for about 21 km along the sea between Bur Dubai and Dubai Marina - and this is its disadvantage. A metro line runs parallel to the bank. However, it is inconvenient and long to walk to the stations, as there are not everywhere sidewalks and almost nowhere there are pedestrian crossings. Tourists catch a taxi or take a bus.
pros:
- comfortable hotels (Burj al-Arab, Atlantis and others);
- close to attractions (about 20 minutes by metro to Burj Khalifa);
- there are metro and buses;
- developed infrastructure;
- beaches.
Minuses:
- everything is very expensive;
- from many hotels you need to take a taxi or a bus to the metro.
Hotels in Jumeirah
Look for excursions on the Tripster website - there are collected unique author's tours that will show the city from a new perspective.
Dubai Marina
Impressive area - an artificial bay for yachts with sparkling skyscrapers and access to the sea. A sort of Dubai Manhattan - it's expensive and prestigious here. The Marina Walk is very popular with tourists. We liked the area, it is beautiful and photogenic.
Pros:
- transport accessibility;
- beach;
- good restaurants and cafes;
- shopping.
Hotels in Dubai Marina
Downtown Dubai
It's tiny (by Dubai standards) but ultra-modern area... It is here that the Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa and the singing fountains are located. Hotels in this area are very expensive, there are no beach hotels.
Pros:
- good shopping;
- near the metro;
- entertainment and attractions.
Minuses:
- expensive;
- no beaches.
Hotels in Downtown
