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.
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Dubai Travel Guide
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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.
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.
Dubai International Airport Is Getting Resident DJs
Because of course it is.
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.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- $
25hours Hotel One Central
Perhaps the most un-Dubai hotel of all Dubai hotels, of a new sleek vibe that's permeated the city itself.Read full review - $$
Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort
The first resort to open on Dubai’s ambitious World Islands offers a breezy beach getaway within view of the Burj Khalifa.Read full review - $$$
Address Montgomerie
A golf retreat from the same firm that designs top fairway resorts from Scotland to Arizona.Read full review - $$$
Bvlgari Resort Dubai
All 101 rooms have a balcony with sea, marina, or skyline views. If you can afford it, splurge on a villa.Read full review - $
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi's elegant and vast lobby is truly grand with plush furnishings, fresh flowers, and a sunlit atrium.Read full review - $
Fairmont the Palm, Dubai
Set on the trunk of Dubai's famous palm, the Fairmont is popular with beach-vacationing families.Read full review - $
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai
Come to this recently renovated 42-story hotel for the Instagrammable pool, afternoon tea, and beautiful new rooms.Read full review - $$$
Palace Downtown
UAE nationals and European travelers come to the Palace Downtown for a posh atmosphere and above all, the location.Read full review - $$
Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah
Al Qasr in particular takes the palatial vibes to the next level.Read full review - $$$
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
In a city known for opulent hotel rooms, Zabeel Saray takes the cake. In fact, rooms might feel too extreme for someRead full review - $$
Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
A modern and elegant British hotel that's relatively new to the Dubai scene.Read full review - $$$
Armani Hotel Dubai
Inside the world's tallest tower, Giorgio Armani’s first hotel property is as glam as you'd expect from the Italian designer.Read full review - $$$
Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts
The low-slung beaux arts-inspired building is a departure from the standard high-rise Dubai hotel.Read full review - $$
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
Luxury-seeking retirees flock here for signature Ritz-Carlton luxury with touches of Arabian hospitality and decor.Read full review - $
Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection
This tranquil, family-friendly Arabian-style resort is set on a quiet stretch of Jumeirah Beach.Read full review
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The Best Things to Do in Dubai
25 Best Things to Do in Dubai
There are many kinds of must-sees in this sprawling desert city.5 Best Day Trips from Dubai
Quick desert getaways that are easy to fit in during a visit.10 Best Shops in Dubai
Where to get the city's best buys.15 Best Desert Safaris in Dubai
From quad biking over sand dunes to camping under the stars to taking a sunrise hot air balloon tour, here are our favorites.Seven Awesome Things to Do with Your Kids in Dubai
Those 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 slopes13 Best Outdoor and Extreme Sporting Activities in Dubai
For thrill-seekers, Dubai is an unmissable city.The Very Best of the Dubai Mall
As 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 Dubai
Explore one of the most diverse, vibrant, and delicious destinations on earth.20 Best Bars in Dubai
Where to grab a few drinks in the emirate.10 Best Hotel Brunches in Dubai
From all-you-can-eat party brunches to decadent food-focused affairs, we've got all your needs covered.The Best Healthy-ish Restaurants in Dubai
When you need a break from caviar and Champagne, hit one of Dubai’s fantastic superfood-focused cafesThe Seven Best Dubai Restaurants to Book with Your Friends
There’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
- Restaurant
Dinner in the Sky
The only restaurant of its kind in the UAE, it will impress a first date, long-time spouse, or best friend. - Restaurant
The Vintage Brunch at Jumeirah Al Qasr
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. - Restaurant
Maiden Shanghai
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. - Restaurant
Logma
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. - Restaurant
Milas Restaurant
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. - Cafe
The Lighthouse
A go-to for cool souvenirs, homewares, and art books, this Dubai Design District stalwart also has a lovely all-day cafe with killer pastries. - Restaurant
Patiala
When Master Chef India's Kunal Kapur opened this sleek fine dining destination in Souk Al Bahar, the entire city took notice. - Restaurant
Biryani Pot
This Indian chain might not have the most luxe ambiance (think mall setting with plastic cutlery), but it does have hearty and affordable biryanis, curries, tandoori grills, and wraps.
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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.
More from Dubai
Destinations
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.
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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.
News & Advice
Dubai’s Quest to Be the 'Most Active City In the World'
The city is becoming an epicenter for global fitness trends.
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