The Thorough Guide to Dubai: The best hotels, bars and restaurants

A complete guide to the best hotels, bars and restaurants in Dubai, UAE.

Time needed: 4-10 days.

When to go: September-April for sunny weather but to avoid the scorching temperatures.

Weather: Averages of 14°C-23°C in the Winter and 38°C-42°C in the Summer.

Language: Arabic.

Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham.

The Burj Khalifa

The world’s tallest building, at over 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and with 163 floors, Burj Khalifa offers the world’s first Armani hotel Dubai. Occupying the concourse level through to level 8 and levels 38 and 39, this designer hotel offers luxury accommodation with incredible views of Dubai’s skyline. Featuring an outdoor terrace with city views and a luxe spa, gym and an indoor pool, there’s plenty to do without even leaving the building.

There are also 8 restaurants to choose from!

Armani doesn’t have the only spa in the tallest building in the world. Visit The Burj Club, a high-end fitness and wellness retreat. Set over five levels (one level being exclusively for ladies), the Club includes a gym, sauna, steam room and experience showers, as well as a rooftop pool, lounge and indoor lap pool.

If you’re looking for world-record breaking experiences, why not dine in the world’s highest located restaurant? At.mosphere, located on the 122nd floor, sits 442m above ground level and offers award-winning fine dining.

The Burj Al Arab

The pinnacle of luxury, Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. This sail-shaped building is a one of a kind 7-star hotel. Located on a manmade island that is linked to the mainland by a private bridge, this luxury hotel possesses the world’s largest fleet of Rolls Royces, butler service, 24 karat gold iPods, and a rooftop helipad.

Experience the hotel as a guest – choose from 202 opulent suites, all with incredible views of the Dubai skyline and ranging from AED 25400 to 127000 (£5000-25,000) a night.

Rooms include Egyptian linens, designer toiletries, whirlpool baths and butler service. Upgraded suites include snooker tables, libraries, cinemas and private lifts.

Relax in the 150m high Talise Spa. Take a dip in the sky-high infinity pool or work out in the world-class fitness centre. Spa packages and signature treatments are available.

Hours: Spa facilities: 06:00-22:00, daily; Spa treatments: 11:00-20:00, daily

For exquisite dining, choose between six award-winning signature restaurants and two incredible cocktail bars.

Pro tip: If you’re not staying at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, get there an hour early and ask your taxi to drop you off at the main gate rather than the lobby. Ask the security guard if you can wander the grounds of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel before your slot.

We did this and got to explore the hotel grounds before we entered the Burj Al Arab. The grounds are large with plenty of great views back to the Burj Al Arab. The private beach and marina can offer great photo spots.

We’d also recommend booking in an hour before sunset, as this allows to soak up the evening sunshine, but also experience Dubai lit up at night. All the upper floors of the hotel offer incredible views over the city and a witnessing a Dubai sunset is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Don’t worry if everything seems a little out of your price range. Dubai may be one of the most luxurious places in the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it on a budget!

Read next: Dubai on a budget – is it possible?

Atlantis, The Palm

Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel is a 1548-room ocean-themed 5-star resort. With pink soaring turrets and a distinctive Arabian archway, this hotel offers other-worldly luxury, combining incredible views with thrilling activities, including free access to an underwater aquarium and a waterpark.

The upgraded suites are set in the water tank of an aquarium, and have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the marine life inside. Access to Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium are included in your stay. Rooms range from AED 1500-100,000 (£300-20,000).

If you’re visiting but not staying:

Check out The lost Chambers Aquarium, where 65,000 marine animals swim in the Ambassador Lagoon.

Hours: 10:00-21:00 daily

Prices: Aquarium: From AED 110; Fish Tales Tour: AED 45

Pro-tip: If you wander around the Atlantis you can actually view a few of the tanks for free!

Or get wet at Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark, with 79 slides.

Hours: 10:00-18:30 daily, closed Sundays

Prices: Day Pass: From AED 269; Super Pass: AED 289

What to eat and drink

Foods to try

As a major international hub, the United Arab Emirates today has a multicultural and variety of cuisines from different parts of the world. We recommend you try:

• Shawarma – Sliced chicken, lamb or beef in a soft flatbread, filled with fresh vegetables, onions and various sauces
• Manakish – A very popular Lebanese snack, flatbread filled with cheese, cooked in a huge oven. You can add any vegetable, meats or oils and spices on the top.
• Al Harees – Usually served during weddings and other religious festivals, especially during the month of Ramadan, this is a porridge-like dish containing meat, wheat, water and salt and then cooked for a long time in a pot.
• Al Machboos – The main ingredients in Al Machboos include red meat, fish or shrimp and rice, seasoned with spices and Loomy (dried lemon).
• Fattoush – Fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, mint leaves, onion, garlic, lemon and olive oil, served with Levantine bread.
• Falafel – Deep-fried chickpea balls, wrapped in a roll with fresh vegetables and various dressings.
• Arabic Coffee – The traditional Gahwa is spiced with cardamom, cumin, cloves and saffron and often served alongside fresh dates.
• Anything from a camel – Try a camel steak, camel burger, or camel milk which comes in a variety of flavours including chocolate, date and saffron.

Alcohol

One of the main questions from Western tourists is can you drink alcohol in Dubai?. Well here’s the answer: it is not illegal for tourists to drink alcohol however it can only be consumed privately or in licensed public places. Please read the what to know before you go section below to ensure you respect local laws and customs.

The first thing you need to know is, Dubai can be expensive! Don’t be surprised to pay for:

A pint of beer: AED 50 (£10.50/$13.50/ €12)
A small glass of wine: AED 40 (£8.40/$10.8/ €9.8)

If you’re after a drink-drink, almost every large hotel will have a bar attached and there are plenty of rooftop restaurants to choose from. Bare in mind that, the better the view the higher the price.

Restaurants and bars

At.Mosphere

Located on the 122nd floor of the world-renowned Burj Khlaifa, this upscale restaurant and bar offers a fine dining experience like no other. With stunning views of Dubai city and the dancing fountain, At.Mosphere offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in the restaurant or high tea in the Lounge. The culinary team use only the freshest ingredients sourced from around the world, along with some that have been exclusively grown for the bespoke menu.

Hours: 7:00–12:30, 13:00–17:00, 17:30–01:30 daily

Price: £££££

Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant

For more stunning views, check out this revolving hotel restaurant. Al Dawaar’s brunch offers an international buffet in elegant setting. Lunch and Dinner specials include Catch of the day, Fine de Claire (French oysters), Singaporean Black Pepper Shrimp & Arabic Sweets.

Hours: 18:30-23:30 daily, except Fridays: 12:30-16:00, 18:30-23:30

Price: £££££

Al Mallah

If you’re on a budget, this one’s for you! Featuring Arabic & Lebanese favourites, this street-side restaurant has something from everyone. Served in a simple venue with outdoor tables, get your fill of shawarma, falafel, mixed grill, houmous and more!

Hours: 18:00—2:30 daily

Price: £

Calicut Paragon

This South Indian restaurant in Karama offers casual dining with a focus on seafood and with a wide vegetarian choice. Dishes here are wildly affordable, but also offer tremendous quality.

Hours: 08:00-00:00 daily

Price: ££

The Penthouse

Possibly the best rooftop al fresco bar in all of Dubai, The Penthouse is located on The Palm Jumeirah. With the Dubai Marina skyline on one side and the Jumeirah coast on the other, this restaurant offers award iwnning Japanese cuisine, creative concoctions and exclusive access to the best of international artists in the nightclub.

Hours: 16:00-03:00 Saturday-Wednesday, 16:00-04:00 Thursday-Friday

Price: £££

Luna

This gorgeous sky bar is one of the most romantic spots in Dubai. If you’re after an open-air drink amid the skyscrapers as the sun goes down, this is the place for you! Offering signature cocktails and a pan-Asian menu, Luna offers delicious dining with a view. Take advantage of Happy Hour, 17:00-20:00 every weekday, where drinks are AED 45!

Hours: 17:00-03:00

Price: ££££

Treehouse

Amidst the twinkling fairy lights, with views of the Burj Khalifa and foliage as far as the eye can see, Treehouse is a unique spot. Featuring fancy cocktails & Mediterranean cuisine, this swanky terrace lounge offers city views & DJ tunes.

Hours: 18:00-03:00 Thursday, 13:00-03:00 Friday, 18:00-02:00 Saturday-Wednesday

Price: ££££

Experiences

Al Wasl Dhow Dinner Cruise

Take in views of the stunning Dubai Marina Lagoon, including JBR, Dubai Marina, Blue Waters, and Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye), as you dine on a traditional wooden Dhow. Be greeted with welcome Drinks (Arabic Coffee) & Dates, before indulging in an International Buffet Dinner (veggie available!) and enjoy English, Arabic & Indian music and a live Arabic Tanoura Dance Performance. Choose between upper deck with open-air seating or lower deck with air-conditioning.

Hours: 20:30

Price: ££££

Al Hadheerah

Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Arabia at an authentic venue amidst the rolling dunes. Feast under the stars, and enjoy the night with live cooking stations overlooking the desert. Enjoy real Emirati food in this stunning desert setting at the Bab Al Shams hotel.

Hours: 19:00-00:00 daily

Price: £££

Dubai Accommodation

This section is split by region, listing the pros and cons of staying in each area of Dubai. Within these sections we’ve ordered each accommodation by price:

1. Cheap
2. Budget
3. Mid-range
4. Luxurious
5. Opulent

The Marina & Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

For where it’s all happening

+ As the most Westernised area in the city, Dubai Marina and JBR offers a stunning beach, plenty of restaurants and bars and views of the canal and towering skyscrapers. This is the only properly walkable part of new Dubai and is well connected to the rest of the city through public transport. It’s also the best place in Dubai for great nightlife.

– Dubai Marina and JBR is further from the shops and main attractions than other parts of the city, so if you want to be in the thick of it, this might not be the place for you.

1) Backpacker Tina – Budget hostels are slowly being opened all across the city and like most buildings in the Marina, everything is brand-new. The rooms come with a mini-bar, private safe, a bay window, a walk-in shower, dressing gowns and slippers and facilities include a gym and a pool! If you are a backpacker or on a budget, this is a great option.

Price: £

2) Pearl Marina Hotel – These hotel-apartments offers stunning views of the canal and a terrific breakfast, even though apartments are equipped with a kitchen, so you can self-cater. Although only a 10-15 minutes walk from the beach, the hotel offers an outdoor pool and sun terrace.

Price: ££

3) Jannah Marina Bay Suites – This upscale all-suite hotel overlooking the Dubai Marina is a 5-minute walk from restaurants and 3 km from Marina Beach. There are 6 restaurants, including French and Asian eateries, a rooftop terrace with a pool, a sauna and a hot tub. All rooms have kitchenettes, as well as sitting areas, balconies and whirlpool tubs. A bonus for families is that children aged 11 and under stay free with an adult.

Price: £££

4) Hilton Dubai, The Walk – If you’re looking for the luxury of a beach-side 5-star hotel without the price tag, this one’s for you. Situated behind, and with all the benefits of, the pricier Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Hilton Dubai The Walk offers stunning views of Ain Dubai (the Dubai Wheel) and has access to the private beach. Unlock cheaper rates by signing up to become a Hilton honours member, for free.

Price: ££££

Bonus hotel: JA Ocean View Hotel – A great value for money 5-star hotel, Ocean View is next to the beach and has a few amazing restaurants and a superb breakfast. A mall shuttle is free and facilities include a poolside café, an intimate shisha lounge and 3 restaurants, including a British-style pub with live entertainment. There’s also a spa and a salon, plus an outdoor pool and a gym available.

Price: ££££

5) The Address – Overlooking the world’s largest man-made marina & waterfront development, Address Dubai Marina lies at the heart of new Dubai. The Address Hotel is uber-luxurious and where the coolest bars are. The hotel is directly linked to the Dubai Marina Mall, and the beach is nearby. There is an infinity pool, children’s pool, outdoor dining area and poolside bar with views of the Dubai Marina and beyond.

Price: £££££

Downtown

For a taste of classic Dubai

+ Downtown is classic Dubai – tall skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa, luxurious shops, fancy boulevards and glamorous clubs and fine-dining restaurants. If you want to be in the thick of it, out and about and maybe catch the dancing fountain show after dinner, this is the area for you.

– This area is extremely popular and not at all cheap. Whilst great for a lavish city-break, Downtown is not near the beach or any of the more authentic neighbourhoods.

1) Citymax Hotel Business Bay – Located 5km from Burj Khalifa, rooms in this hotel feature floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, as well as sofa beds, minifridges, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. A beach shuttle is free and other amenities include a restaurant serving Asian cuisine, a casual all-day eatery, a gym, a bar, a coffee shop, a rooftop pool and a poolside bar.

Price: £

2) Millennium Central Dubai Downtown – Conveniently located in Dubai Business Bay, this hotel is great for leisure and business alike, with easy access to the city’s commercial areas such as Business Bay District, Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai World Trade Centre. It is a short walk from Dubai Mall, and close to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. The hotel also offers a luxury Spa, 2 nightclubs, LIVE Dubai & So Lounge and Lighthouse Terrace Bar & Lounge and a pool bar.

Price: £££

3) Movenpick Hotel Apartments – A hotel-apartment branch property that belongs to the well-known Movenpick chain, these hotel apartments offer a restaurant, pool lounge, swimming pool, gym and sauna. Located approximately 50m from Dubai Mall Fountain Views extension entrance, you’re a stone’s-throw away form all the major attractions Dubai has to offer.

Price: £££

4) Rove Downtown – Conveniently located an 11-minute walk from Burj Khalifa and 14 minutes’ walk from The Dubai Mall, this high-rise hotel is famous for their modern Western design, something not seen that often in Dubai as most hotels try to preserve the traditional Arabic design. Features include a cinema, international bar and restaurant offering open-air dining on a terrace, an outdoor pool and a 24-hour gym.

Price: ££££

5) Armani – Is there anything more luxurious than a designer hotel, located in the world’s tallest building? Probably not.

Price: £££££

The Palm Jumeirah

For the tourist’s holiday

+ One of Dubai’s most remarkable landmarks, The Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island which is attached to Dubai’s mainland. It is served by a 5.4-kilometre-long monorail, the first in the Middle East. At the end you’ll find the Atlantis Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in the city and a replica of the same hotel in The Bahamas.

– Unfortunately there are no budget options on the Palm and there is not much to do besides the beach and your hotel. It is far away from everything and not very well-connected to the rest of the city.

1) There are no cheap options.

2) There are no budget options.

3 Aloft Palm Jumeirah – Part of the Marriott chain, this hotel’s rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars and sitting areas with views of the Gulf. Located a 7-minute walk from 2 beaches, this is the perfect place for a Palm-based holiday that won’t break the bank. Children aged 12 and under stay for no extra charge with a parent and parking and an area shuttle are complimentary. Other amenities include 2 restaurants (1 rooftop), 2 bars (1 poolside) and a shisha lounge, plus an outdoor plunge pool, a gym and a 24-hour convenience store.

Price: £££

4) Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah – This 5-star hotel offers a private beach, six distinct restaurants and lounges, including an acclaimed Italian restaurant, a Vietnamese eatery and a lounge serving afternoon tea, and elegant sea-facing guest rooms and suites. There’s also a Venetian-style bar, a poolside bar, 2 outdoor pools and a spa, plus a kids’ club, tennis court, a gym and water sports – you could never get bored!

Price: £££££

5) Atlantis – One of the most famous landmarks in Dubai, Atlantis is THE place to stay and offers pure luxury. There are 23 restaurants, a spa, gym and a water park, so there’s something for all the family. Other amenities include an aquarium and a dolphin pool, along with a kids’ club and a nightclub.

Price: £££££

Al Fahidi / Bur Duabi

For authenticity and history

+ Two of the most authentic neighbourhoods in Dubai, this area gives a real taste of old Dubai. Representing the mid-nineteenth century, Al Fahidi is a restore heritage area that was once known as the Bastakiya Quarter. Bur Dubai is the heart of the Old City of Dubai and composed of narrow alleys, real bazaars, and traditional architecture. Get lost wandering through narrow alleyways, which contains traditional sand coloured buildings, museums, local craft shops, art galleries, and more.

– Although charming, this area doesn’t have a lot going on. It is not near most of the main attractions and not very well connected to the rest of the city. There’s also not a huge range of accommodation.

1) Hostel for boys – Sorry ladies, this one’s not for you. Set within 0.6 miles of the Grand Mosque, the Hostel for Boys offers rooms with air conditioning, a shared bathroom and also has a hot tub.

Price: £

2) Ambassador Hotel – Simple but comfortable, this hotel features a traditional pub with big-screen sports, live entertainment and British cuisine, as well as a relaxed Indian restaurant and an outdoor pool. The location is great – an 8-minute walk from the nearest metro station, a 10-minute walk from the Dubai Museum, housed in an 18th-century fort, and a 13-minute walk from the Spice Souk.

Price: ££

3) Jacob’s Garden Hotel – Located 5 km from the lively Dubai Gold Souk, Jacob’s Garden Hotel features a restaurant, fitness centre, hot tub and sauna. Price: £££Bonus hotel: Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai – Citymax Hotel is one of the most-booked hotels in Bur Dubai. Modern facilities and great comfort combine in this hotel, which offers a rooftop pool, sports bar and café, along with Indian and Asian restaurants, a gym and a prayer room.

Price: £££

4) Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel – This 5-star premium hotel offers a rooftop pool with views of Dubai’s skyline, 2 restaurants serving international cuisine, a sports bar, a nightclub, a gym, a hot tub, a sauna and a steam room. It is located across from Burjuman Shopping Centre and also features a hair salon and conference centre.

Price: £££

5) Four Points By Sheraton Downtown Dubai – Another Marriott owned hotel, the 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai features a rooftop swimming pool and 3 restaurants, including an Italian, a pub with big-screen sports and a coffee shop. There’s also a business centre and gym, plus a hot tub, sauna and an outdoor pool with a sun deck.

Price: £££

Deira

For the budgeter

+ The other side of Dubai Creek to the two previous neighbourhoods, Deira is also great for people on a budget. It may have the largest traditional souk in the city, but was actually the first business area to be set up in Dubai. It is conveniently close to the airport and easy to take a water taxi to visit Bur Dubai and Al Fahidi.

– This area can be very busy due to the popularity of the local sights. It is also quite far away from the rest of the City’s main attractions.

1) Al Jawhara Metro Hotel – Simple but comfortable, this hotel aims to be recognised as the most favoured budget hotel amongst residents and visitors to Dubai. Strategically located near the airport, this is an affordable location for a trip to Dubai. Children aged 5 and under stay at no charge with an adult.

Price: £

2) Lavender Hotel Deira – Set in the business district, this casual hotel is 4 km from both the Spice Souk and the airport. It offers 2 informal alcohol-free restaurants, an outdoor pool and a gym, plus meeting and event spaces.

Price: ££

3) Rove City Centre – Another Rove, this time in Deira. The same as in Downtown but nearly half the price, this hotel is located a 5-minute walk from City Centre Deira shopping mall. Offering a laid-back international restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace seating, this doesn’t feel like a budget hotel. There’s also an outdoor pool, gym, convenience store and coin-operated laundry facilities, all open 24/7. But note that the breakfast buffet is extra.

Price: £££

4) Al Bandar Rotana Dubai Creek – This 5-star hotel has lower prices than any other 5-star hotel in the area. It is built by the river and features 5 dining areas but it’s the continental and buffet breakfast that gets rave reviews. There’s also a pool and Fitness & Wellness Club.

Price: ££££

5) Hyatt Regency Dubai – Corniche – Hyatt Regency Dubai is located in the heritage district, within a 5-minute walk from the popular gold, spice and textile souks. This luxury hotel offers 4 bars and 4 restaurants, including a revolving restaurant. Other features include an outdoor pool, spa, fitness room, tennis courts and a private ice skating rink.

Price: ££££

Nara Desert Escape

For the experience

A 40-minute drive from the city in and located in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this opulent desert-camping experience is like no other. Dine on a specially created menu by Chef Franck Sanna, which could include anything from Japanese fusion to an Arabian barbecue, or try your hand at yoga, enjoy a fire show or simply gaze at the stars with an astronomer. There are plenty of games for the kids too. Choose between two types of nomadic-style tents for up to 4 guests.

Price: £££-££££

Hatta Dome Park and Sedr Trailers Resort

Hatta Dome features 15 gleaming white tents with soft brown curtains and wooden flooring, for a traditional desert glamping experience. These luxury domes provide a tranquil setting within nature and come equipped with private BBQ and fire pits and a large terrace space. If camping’s not really your thing, don’t worry, choose a chrome Airstream trailer on the banks of the Hatta Dam. All of which feature mod-cons like air-conditioning, a TV, Wi-Fi, a bathroom and a spacious terrace with comfy seating.

Price: ££££-£££££

The Starlight Camp

This pop-up desert camp boasts dome-shaped tents that allow guests to fall asleep with views of the starlit open skies. Featuring a queen-sized bed, a wooden camp-style shower and toilet, as well as child-friendly camp mattresses and a telescope for late-night desert sky-gazing session, this is the perfect desert destination.

Only 45-minutes from the city, enjoy nature walks, treasure hunts and sundowners atop the dunes. At nightfall a bonfire is lit allowing you to snuggle up with soft blankets and to enjoy little extras like a small fridge, board games, a Bluetooth speaker as well as a barbecue and all its accoutrements. There are even dog beds and a special day tent to provide your four-legged friend his or her own spot of shade.

Price: £££££

It is against the law to share the same hotel room with someone of the opposite sex to whom you aren’t married or closely related. Homosexuality is illegal and same-sex marriages are not recognised. Make sure you read What You Need to Know Before You Go and consult your country’s travel guidance before booking.

Interactive Dubai Map

Read next:

The 56 best things to do in Dubai

The 15 best day trips From Dubai

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Dubai + Public Transport Map

Dubai on a Budget – is it possible?

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