It’s hard to believe when confronting the sheer scale of Dubai, but most of the city was built in just the last 50 years. It makes the world’s biggest shopping mall, tallest skyscraper, and a host of ultra-luxurious hotels all the more bewildering. Still, amid all the glamor and superlatives, there are vestiges of a pre-skyscraper Dubai, in its winding souks and the vast empty desert that surrounds the city. Here’s how to navigate both sides of this always-growing metropolis.
Dubai Travel Guide
Plan Your Dubai Trip
The Small Concept Hangouts Challenging Dubai’s Maximalist Reputation
The city continues to live up to its reputation for excess, but now there are more places than ever to stop and take a breath.
By Alice Holtham, Sarah Khan, and Isabella Sullivan
How to Make the Most of Your Layover in Dubai
You’d be amazed at how much you could squeeze in on a 24-hour layover. From culture to beaches (even spas!), here’s everything you could reasonably fit into one day
Featured
Where to Stay in Dubai Right Now
The global, ever-growing hub of the United Arab Emirates has a high bar for new hotels—and it only seems to be getting higher.
By Christine Ajudua
Inside Dubai's Miracle Gardens, Where Used Cars Become Oversized Flower Pots
What do you do with a used Mercedes in Dubai? Fill it with flowers, of course. That's what the planners of the emirate's latest over-the-top tourist attraction did in creating Miracle Gardens—click through to check out the extravagant blooms.
By Susan Hack
35 Best Hotels in Dubai
We’ve eliminated the guesswork and rounded up 36 of our favorite Dubai hotels, for all budgets, ages, and travel preferences.
By Laura Ratliff and Melinda Healy
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- The Lana, Dorchester Collection: First Guest$$$ | UAE, Dubai, Marasi DriveRead full reviewThe first Dorchester Collection hotel in the Middle East, and a game changer for the UAE.Hot ListPowered By: Booking.com
- Siro One Za'abeel, Dubai$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Zaa'beel StreetRead full reviewEncased within Dubai’s newest landmarkHot ListPowered By: Booking.com
- Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah$$ | Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah - King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud StRead full reviewThis sprawling family resort is designed to resemble traditional Arab summer houses interconnected by canals.Gold ListPowered By: Expedia
- Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Sei Al Salam StreetRead full reviewEscape big-city Dubai with a stay at Bab Al Shams, a low-slung desert resort modeled after an Arabian fort.Hot List Gold ListPowered By: Expedia
- Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Al Mustaqbal StRead full reviewEschewing the more is more ethos of this high-bling city, this cool cat has a mod vibe and a refreshingly intimate feel.Readers Choice Awards
Hot ListPowered By: Expedia - Park Hyatt Dubai$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Dubai Creek Club St.Read full reviewLocated minutes from the airport, the Park Hyatt is a large resort that maintains a cozy atmosphere thanks to a well-trained, attentive staff.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Atlantis the Royal$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Rd, The Palm JumeirahRead full reviewDubai’s newest mega-resort delivers on all the superlatives you’d expect from the city, but also on superb service.Readers Choice Awards
Hot ListPowered By: Skylark - One & Only Royal Mirage$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St - Dubai MarinaRead full reviewYou’ll be in awe of the Royal Mirage from the moment you drive up the long palm-lined road and into the stunning courtyard.Readers Choice Awards
Gold ListPowered By: Expedia - One&Only The Palm$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, West Crescent, Palm JumeirahRead full reviewA palm-covered, serene oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Burj Al Arab Jumeirah$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Rd.Read full reviewDubai's iconic sail-shaped hotel features a fleet of Rolls Royce, Hermès toiletries, and a pillow menu for your king-size bed.Readers Choice Awards
Gold ListPowered By: Skylark - Raffles The Palm Dubai$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, West Cresent Palm - JumeirahRead full reviewAs palatial as it gets, even in Dubai.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Conrad Dubai$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai,Read full reviewThis sleek, business-focused hotel (it is a Hilton, after all) has phenomenal views and bathrooms decked out with rain showers and corner tubs.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Road - Jumeirah - Jumeirah 1Read full reviewBeachfront beauty that stands out for its high-achieving spa and restaurants—and the much-awaited Middle Eastern debut from the hotel group.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah$$ | Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah - King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud StRead full reviewAl Qasr in particular takes the palatial vibes to the next level.Gold ListPowered By: Expedia
The Best Things to Do in Dubai
- 25 Best Things to Do in DubaiThere are many kinds of must-sees in this sprawling desert city.
By Melinda Healy
- 5 Best Day Trips from DubaiQuick desert getaways that are easy to fit in during a visit.
By Laura Ratliff
- 15 Best Desert Safaris in DubaiFrom quad biking over sand dunes to camping under the stars to taking a sunrise hot air balloon tour, here are our favorites.
By Maresa Manara
- Seven Awesome Things to Do with Your Kids in DubaiThose over-the-top theme parks are great for kids, but parents will have a blast, too. Here’s where to go, from waterparks to indoor ski slopes
- 13 Best Outdoor and Extreme Sporting Activities in DubaiFor thrill-seekers, Dubai is an unmissable city.
By Maresa Manara
- The Very Best of the Dubai MallAs the largest mall in the world, The Dubai Mall has plenty to see—including several kid-friendly spots. Here’s what to see
Explore the Inspiring Parts of Dubai with Photographer Rhiannon Taylor
Produced by Condé Nast Traveler with Conrad Hotels & Resorts | Rhiannon Taylor continues her journey at Conrad Dubai where she connects with photographer Katarina Premfors and explores famed Dubai markets followed by a tour of Fossil Rock and a round of Dune Bashing in the desert.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Dubai
- 30 Best Restaurants in DubaiExplore one of the most diverse, vibrant, and delicious destinations on earth.
By Dylan Essertier
- 10 Best Hotel Brunches in DubaiFrom all-you-can-eat party brunches to decadent food-focused affairs, we've got all your needs covered.
By Maresa Manara
- The Best Healthy-ish Restaurants in DubaiWhen you need a break from caviar and Champagne, hit one of Dubai’s fantastic superfood-focused cafes
- The Seven Best Dubai Restaurants to Book with Your FriendsThere’s no shortage of top-rated restaurants in Dubai. Here’s where to go all-out for a decadent group dinner.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Soul Kitchen$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Marasi DrBeirut creative collective Factory People successfully transplants they restaurant to Dubai.Hot List
- The Guild$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Icd Brookfield PlaceA truly enchanting space, one that you’ll no doubt want to return to time and time again.Hot List
- Jun's$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid BlvdComplete with a patio in the shadow of the sparkling spire of the Burj Khalifa.Hot List
- Dinner in the SkyUnited Arab Emirates, Dubai, Al Sufoh, Al Seyahi St.The only restaurant of its kind in the UAE, it will impress a first date, long-time spouse, or best friend.
- The Vintage Brunch at Jumeirah Al QasrUnited Arab Emirates, Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Rd.Three of the Jumeirah al Qasr's resort restaurants combine forces for a brunch so immense, you'll need a map to get back to your table. Seriously.
- Maiden Shanghai$$$ | Dubai,The place to be for celebratory dinners, weekend brunches, and other special occasions, Maiden Shanghai has people watching that’s almost as good as its excellent Chinese cuisine.
- Logma$ | Dubai,A chilled out cafe with a crowd-pleasing menu, Logma’s got something for everyone and a lovely outdoor patio for when the weather’s mild.
- Milas Restaurant$$ | Dubai,Many of Dubai's Emirati restaurants tend to be casual hole-in-the-walls, but Milas sets itself apart with slick decor and top-notch, soul-satisfying food.
- The Lighthouse$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Bldg. No.6A go-to for cool souvenirs, homewares, and art books, this Dubai Design District stalwart also has a lovely all-day cafe with killer pastries.
- Friday Fundamentals Brunch at Saffron, Atlantis, The Palm$$ | Dubai,Saffron’s Friday Fundamentals brunch is known as a party brunch, so expect to see 20 to 30-year old professionals drinking, filling their plates and dancing to the resident DJ (cue nineties hits).
- Share and Social Brunch at Marina Social, InterContinental Dubai Marina$$$ | Dubai,Marina Social is Michelin star maestro Jason Atherton’s baby, whose expert touch makes this brunch experience truly special.
Andrew Zimmern's Back-Alley Tour of Dubai Dining
Some of the city's most surprising and delicious flavors hail from Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and more.
By Paul Brady
More from Dubai
Style & Culture
What to Wear in Dubai, According to Stylist Oumayma Elboumeshouli
What you need in your case for a city where a power suit and bikini go hand-in-hand.
By Natascha Hawke
Food & Drink
The 17 Best Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai's best restaurants are as diverse as the city itself, from elevated Italian fare to omakase concepts.
By Claudia de Brito
Food & Drink
The 11 Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Dubai
These spots promise a soul-warming meal.
By Laura Lai Coughlin
Inspiration
The 12 Best Bars in Dubai, from Moody Speakeasies to Buzzy DJ Spots
The spots serving some seriously impressive drinks (and vibes)
By Sophie Prideaux
Destinations
This Is the Best Time To Visit Dubai
Whether you want to lounge by the beach, take in the sights or spend your time shopping, here's when you should plan your trip to the emirate
By Sophie Prideaux
Air Travel
This Dubai Hotel Launched a Private Party Jet—Here's What It's Like On Board
The jet comes with a king-sized bed, onboard shower, a cinema room, and plenty of party lighting.
By Antonia Windsor
Air Travel
I Tried Emirates' Glamorous Lounge in Dubai—Here's Why It's Worth Paying For
The business class lounge has plenty of amenities to make a visit worthwhile.
By Blane Bachelor
Air Travel
Emirates Is Giving Away Free Hotel Stays in Dubai This Summer
Plus, loads of discounts on sightseeing, dining, and spa treatments.
By Jessica Puckett
Air Travel
This Airline Is Phasing Out Paper Boarding Passes
Charge up your phones: It now takes a mobile boarding pass for most passengers to get onto Emirates' flights in Dubai.
By Rachel Chang
News & Advice
Inside the Unveiling of Dubai's Atlantis The Royal, Including Beyoncé's Live Performance
We attended the exclusive three-day Grand Reveal Weekend of the new ultra-luxury resort—here’s what went down.
By Mercedes Bleth
Inspiration
A Local’s Guide to Dubai, UAE
Designer Latifa Al Gurg on the United Arab Emirates.
By Alice Holtham
News & Advice
Dubai Airport Is World's Busiest for International Travel (Again)
The airport has seen one billion passengers pass through in the past 58 years, and has emerged as a go-to stopover destination.
By Katherine LaGrave
News & Advice
The New Dubai Pass Is an All-Access Ticket to the City's Major Attractions
Basically, you're getting unfettered access to 33 attractions for the price of three.
By Sebastian Modak
News & Advice
Dubai’s Quest to Be the 'Most Active City In the World'
The city is becoming an epicenter for global fitness trends.
By Ashley Mateo
News & Advice
Dubai's Floating 'Queen Elizabeth 2' Hotel to Open This Month
The renovation has been a decade in the making.
By Bridget Hallinan
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- Why You Should Visit Korea NowWe don't think it should take the PyeongChang Winter Olympics to finally give attention to somewhere we've raved about for years. But if that's what it takes, we're all for it. Seoul's long been an 'it' spot for shopping, spas, and worth-the-flight-alone galbi (and so much of it is doable over three days). But what excites us is how much of the country is open and ready for exploration, from the beaches of Gangwon to the pubs of Busan, the soju to the slopes, all so easy to tap into with the new bullet trains connecting in from the capital. Here, we dive deep into what makes South Korea a place we always want to go back to.