Dubai stretches along the Persian Gulf coast around a creek that splits the city into two historic halves, Deira and Bur Dubai. Beyond the creek, the city runs out to the coast in a long ribbon of beachfront, with the financial centre and the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, rising inland.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between the historic creek districts, the beachfront, and the areas around the financial centre. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the city's layout and transport affect where you should book.
Best areas to stay in Dubai
1. Deira
Deira sits on the northern side of the creek and is the city's historic trading quarter, home to the souks. It is the most practical base for budget travellers and for small-scale business visitors, and it is where the cheapest places to stay are concentrated, largely near the souks.
It suits travellers who want to be close to the creek, the markets and the older parts of the city rather than the beach. The metro is reliable and taxis are cheap, so you can reach the rest of Dubai from here without much difficulty.
2. Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai lies on the southern side of the creek, opposite Deira, and is the other half of the city's historic core. Like Deira, it offers ample choice for city dwellers who prefer an urban base over a beach resort.
It suits visitors who want a central, less resort-oriented stay with easy access to the creek and the older districts. The two creek-side areas are close to each other, so the choice between them is largely a matter of which side you prefer to wake up on.
3. Jumeirah
Jumeirah is the beachfront area where tourists tend to stay, with beach hotels along the coast. It suits visitors who want to be on the sand and are happy to travel into the city for the souks, the creek and the financial district.
Because Dubai is a stretch along the coastline and taxis are cheap and the metro reliable, staying out on the beach does not cut you off from the rest of the city. The main hassles anywhere in Dubai are the ever-new construction sites and the rush hour.
4. Jebel Ali
Jebel Ali is the other beach-hotel area where tourists tend to stay, further along the coast. It suits visitors who want a beach-based trip and do not mind being at a greater distance from the historic centre.
As with Jumeirah, the coastline layout means you can still reach the rest of Dubai by taxi or metro, but you should expect longer journeys to the creek districts and the financial centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: The cheapest places, mainly catering to small-scale businessmen, are found near the souks of Deira. There is a youth hostel and several backpacker hostels in Dubai. Note that on booking sites, dorms in Dubai are often listed as private rooms such as "entire holiday home", "entire apartment" or "room with shared bathroom", so check carefully if you want a genuinely private room.
- Mid-range: City dwellers have ample choice in Deira or Bur Dubai, and beach hotels in Jumeirah or Jebel Ali cover the tourist-oriented end of the market. During the summer heat, a hotel with access to a mall or shopping complex is beneficial, giving you a greater area for air-conditioned walking.
- Splurge: The luxury end is concentrated in the beach hotels of Jumeirah and Jebel Ali, and in desert glamping resorts far from the city, where reservations need to be made more than a month in advance, even in summer.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Deira or Bur Dubai, the two historic creek districts. They put you in the older, walkable heart of the city near the souks, and they give you the widest choice of accommodation across budget and mid-range. The metro is reliable and taxis are cheap, so you can reach the beachfront and the rest of Dubai from either without difficulty.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most tourists stay in Dubai?
Tourists tend to stay at the beach hotels in Jumeirah or Jebel Ali, while those who prefer a city base have ample choice in Deira or Bur Dubai.
Do hotel prices in Dubai rise at particular times?
Due to a substantial increase in hotel rooms, prices rise substantially only during Islamic holidays.
Is it worth staying outside the centre if I want to see the sights?
Dubai is a stretch along the coastline, and taxis are cheap and the metro reliable, so there are always alternative options wherever you base yourself. The only hassles are ever-new construction sites and the rush hour.
What should I check when booking a cheap room in Dubai?
On booking sites, all dorms in Dubai are named as private rooms, such as "entire holiday home", "entire apartment" or "room with shared bathroom", apparently due to local laws. Check twice if you want a private room so you do not end up with a dorm.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.