T R A V E L / C I T Y G U I D E S
DUBAI
Discover our favourite hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do in Dubai right now.
This insider's city guide has been a long time in the making. We've eaten in countless Dubai restaurants, dined in the coolest alfresco eateries and visited the latest local hotspots. We've also asked the most discerning Dubai locals we know to share their favourite hangouts – whether brand new or classic institutions. We bring you our hand-picked selection of our favourite places in Dubai right now.
HOTELS
| DUBAI |
Whether you're looking for the ultimate beachfront resort, an ultra-cool modern hotel or a charming boutique gem, here is our pick of the best places to stay in Dubai.
1. Wow Factor! ...
PARK HYATT DUBAI
This 5-star haven of understated contemporary design offers a world-class spa and fitness centre, stylish dining and lounge bar venues, a glamorous pool and an upscale setting next to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. €€€
Dubai Creek Club Street, Dubai
dubai.park.hyatt.com | +971 4 602 1234
2. Luxurious Residence ...
ONE&ONLY RESIDENCE & SPA
Recall the splendour of old Arabia at the opulent One&Only Royal Mirage, a breathtaking composite of several resorts nestled on the sparkling Jumeirah Beach waterfront. The One&Only Residence & Spa hotel is considered to be one of the most stylish and glamorous hotels in Dubai – spread over sixty acres, the resort pays tribute to Arabian architecture and its rooms, suites and villas enjoy dazzling ocean views, its spa is one of the most sumptuous in Dubai, and its located opposite the prestigious Emirates Golf Club. $$$
Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
oneandonlyresorts.com | +971 4 399 9999
3. Fashionable ...
ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI
This 5-star hotel brings acclaimed Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani’s signature sense of understated luxury to Downtown Dubai in the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. €€€
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
dubai.armanihotels.com | + 971 4 888 3888
4. Classic Opulence ...
RAFFLES DUBAI
Boasting a monumental glass-tipped pyramid, opulent suites and sweeping panoramic views of the city at every turn, the Raffles Dubai sets the benchmark for classic luxury hospitality, meaning you'll want for nothing during your stay. €€€
13th Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, Waficity, Dubai
raffles.com/dubai | +9714 324 8888
5. Top Service ...
THE OBEROI
This contemporary luxury hotel embodies height, light and space and overlooks the iconic Burj Khalifa. Located only minutes from Dubai Mall and Dubai International Financial Centre, The Oberoi puts you in the heart of the action in Downtown Dubai. €€
The Oberoi Centre, Al A'amal Street, Business Bay, Dubai
oberoihotels.com | +971 4 444 1444
6. Chic Local Hotel Group ...
THE ADDRESS DUBAI
With five modern luxury hotel addresses spread throughout the city, Dubai's The Address is known for its sleek and comfortable living spaces. We love the stylish The Address Dubai Marina for its prime waterfront location overlooking Dubai Creek. €€
The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai
theaddress.com | +971 4 4367777
7. Boutique Chic ...
PER AQUUM DESERT PALM
As one of the city's rare boutique hotels, the Desert Palm resort is an intimate and affordable design hotel in Dubai set within a private polo estate. You'll find modern suites, stylish dining and lounge bar spaces overlooking perfectly manicured polo fields. €€
PO Box 119171, Al Ain Road, Dubai
desertpalm.peraquum.com | +971 4 323 8888
8. Budget-Chic ...
XVA ART HOTEL
With a rustic sense of old-world charm, the XVA Gallery Hotel is nestled away in Dubai’s historic Bastakiya district. You'll discover an intimate boutique guest house, an eclectic art gallery, and a cosy vegetarian café all housed within a century-old villa. €
Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai
xvahotel.com | 971 4 353 5383
9. Desert Escape ...
AL MAHA DESERT RESORT
Set amidst the remote, sweeping sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Reserve, the Al Maha Desert Resort is styled as a luxurious Bedouin encampment and fuses the spirit of an exotic desert safari lodge with the elegance of a 5-star luxury hotel. €€€€
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai
al-maha.com | +971 4 832 9900
Average Price of a Double Room: € = Around €100 or less; €€ = Around €200; €€€ = > €300
RESTAURANTS
| DUBAI |
Whether you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, a fashionable restaurant, or a casual local cafe, here is our pick of the best places to eat in Dubai right now.
1. Fashionable...
ZUMA DUBAI
This sophisticated, award-winning restaurant is known for its fabulous modern Japanese cuisine which gives a contemporary twist to the traditional Japanese Izakaya dining experience. We also love Zuma's ultra-stylish bar which serves expertly-crafted cocktails. €€€
Gate Village 6, Podium Level, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
zumarestaurant.com | +971 4 425 5660
2. Romantic ...
PIERCHIC
Surrounded by the gently lapping turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf, Pierchic is one of Dubai’s most romantic upscale seafood restaurants nestled at the end of a candle-lit pier on the Jumeirah beachfront. €€€
Al Sufouh Road, Dubai
jumeirah.com | +971 4 432 3232
3. Stylish …
LA PETITE MAISON
Transporting the signature Mediterranean flavours of La Petite Maison's famous restaurant in Nice to Dubai, this restaurant delivers market-fresh lobster, and heavenly homemade pasta delights. €€€
Gate Village No, 8, Dubai IFC, 312th Road, Dubai
lpmdubai.ae | +971 4 439 0505
4. Hip Cafe…
TOM & SERG
Set within a soaring, open warehouse space in Dubai's edgy Al Quoz art district, this funky Australian-style cafe boasts modern interiors and a fresh, light and delicious menu. Don't miss their superb coffee. €€
15A Street, Al-Joud Center, Al Qouz, Dubai
tomandserg.com | +971 56 474 6812
5. Arabic Cuisine ...
YASMEEN AL SHAM
This popular Arabic dining spot serves soul-satisfying Levantine cuisine, fusing ancient Arab, Persian and Turkish Ottoman Empire influences. Opt for their poultry prepared with authentic herbs and spices €€
Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai
yasmeenalsham.com | +971 4 369 9969
6. Charming Cafe...
LIME TREE CAFE
This award-winning casual cafe offers a welcome break from the rich, heavy and spicy food that can dominate Dubai’s dining scene. Come here for a fresh salad, fresh salads, filling wraps, quiches and homemade cakes. €
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
thelimetreecafe.com | +971 4 325 6325
7. Shisha Cafe ...
ALMAZ BY MOMO
When it’s time to rest your feet after shopping in the Emirates Shopping Mall, head to the stylish Almaz by Momo restaurant and lounge for light and delicious Moroccan cuisine, fresh mint tea and shisha. €
Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
momoresto.com | +971 4 409 8877
Average Price of a Main Meal: € = Less than €10; €€ = Around €20; €€€ = More than €30
NIGHTLIFE
| DUBAI |
Whether you're looking for a stylish rooftop bar, a cosy cocktail bar, or the city's coolest late-night club, here is our pick of the best places to party in Dubai right now.
1. Wow Factor!
40 KONG
This award-winning rooftop bar in Dubai delivers stunning views and expertly-crafted drinks in equal measure. Settle into the cosy lounges and sip a refreshing cocktail or a glass of champagne while soaking in the spectacular panorama of the city below. Closed during the summer months. $$
H Hotel, 1 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
40kong.com | +971 4 355 8896
2. Lounge Bar ...
IRIS LOUNGE
One of Dubai's most popular nightlife spots, Iris Lounge boasts a soaring location perched high above the city of the 27th floor of the opulent The Oberoi Dubai hotel. Soak in the stunning views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and the city's modern skyline while listening to the cool sounds of live musicians and DJs. $$$
The Oberoi, Al A'amal Street, Business Bay, Dubai
irisdubai.com | +971 56 951 1442
3. Live Music ...
THE MUSICHALL
Described as "the place where the heart of world fusion music beats”, this smash-hit theatre and live music club offers a highly enjoyable and entertaining evening in Dubai. Guests can enjoy more than 10 live music acts ranging from Rock to Latino, Gypsy, Middle Eastern and Jazz accompanied by a gourmet dinner. $$
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
themusichall.com | +971 56 270 8670
4. Panoramic Views ...
AT.MOSPHERE
You'll feel on top of the world at this panoramic lounge bar perched on the 123rd floor of the world’s tallest building, Dubai’s record-breaking Burj Khalifa tower. It's touristy and pricey yet worth a visit for the breathtaking views. €€€
122nd floor, Burj Khalifa, Dubai
atmosphereburjkhalifa.com | +971 4 888 3828
5. Party Scene ...
PROVOCATEUR
A favourite of Dubai's fashionable party crowd, Provocateur delivers ultra-chic interiors, cutting-edge DJs sounds and potent cocktails thrown into the mix. Transporting its winning concept from New York to Dubai, this private nightlife and entertainment venue is the first dedicated electronic music venue in the city. $$$
Four Seasons Resort, Jumeira Road, Dubai
provocateurdubai.com | +971 55 211 8222
6. Late-Night Club ...
WHITE
Meydan Racecourse Grandstand Rooftop, Dubai
whitedubai.com | +971 50 443 0933
Average Price of a Drink: € = Less than €10; €€ = Around €20; €€€ = More than €30
CULTURE
| DUBAI |
Don't miss these incredible Dubai museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks.
Best Aerial Views ...
Dubai is home to the tallest building in the world, the record-breaking Burj Khalifa, along with the iconic Burj Al Arab which strikes a dramatic silhouette on Jumeirah Beach. Ascend to the top floor of either building and enjoy prime aerial views of Dubai. Skip the queues at the Burj Khalifa Observation Deck by having a drink at the panoramic cocktail lounge, At.Mosphere.
Desert Safari ...
An exotic desert safari adventure with Arabian Adventures makes for an unforgettable Dubai experience. The exploit begins with the hair-raising thrills of a 4x4 wheel drive across the rugged desert sand dunes, followed by a peaceful sunset camel ride to a remote private dining area created just for you. Enjoy a moonlit dinner with your own private chef, then sleep under the stars in a bedouin tent for the evening.
Best Golf ...
The prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates is a world-class championship golf course. Split into two courses entitled “Earth” and “Fire”, the course was designed by champion golfer, Greg Norman, and is guaranteed to challenge even the most experienced golfers.
"Old" Dubai ...
To the west of Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai is the city’s historic district and home to Dubai’s tallest minaret tower. Start your visit at the beautiful Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum's House, the former residence of the Maktoum family. Then head to Bastakiya, the city's former commercial center which has recently been restored, and the Souk al Kabeer which lies along the Creek. The historic Al Fahidi fort is home to the Dubai Museum, which retraces the development of the city over the years.
Camel Racing ...
No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the exciting national sport of camel racing. Head 15km out of the city into the desert at the Nad Al Sheiba Camel Race Track held every Friday morning from 7am. The racing season runs from November to March.
Shopping at the Souks ...
Located in East Dubai’s Deira district, spend an afternoon wandering amidst the narrow lanes of the fragrant Spice Souk followed by the Gold Souk, home to over 300 stalls dedicated almost exclusively to selling spices, jewellery and handcrafted wares.
Best Shopping Malls ...
Whether you’re looking for designer luxury fashion or local handmade products such as silk rugs and handmade jewelry, you’ll find it at the simply enormous Mall of the Emirates. There’s also an in-house cinema complex, restaurants (we love Almaz by Momo for Moroccan cuisine and shish) and even an indoor skiing slope for a truly entertaining experience in Dubai. Another iconic super mall is the Dubai Mall, located next to the towering Burj Khalifa with over 1,000 shops, a children’s theme park, KidZania, SEGA Republic games arcade, and even a singing fountain.
Best Spas ...
Dubai boasts some of the most opulent spas in the world. The Amara Day Spa at the Park Hyatt is one of Dubai’s most luxurious spa centres, offering indulgent Givenchy beauty treatments, heavenly massages and a divine Oriental hammam experience.
Best Beaches ...
Umm Suqeim Beach is one of Dubai’s most picturesque beaches. Arrive early in the day to escape the crowds, and expect beautiful views at sunset overlooking the Burj al Arab Hotel.
O U R O T H E R C I T Y G U I D E S . . .
