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
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
- Burj Al Arab Jumeirah$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Rd.Dubai's iconic sail-shaped hotel features a fleet of Rolls Royce, Hermès toiletries, and a pillow menu for your king-size bedRead full review
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
Powered By: Skylark - Park Hyatt Dubai$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Dubai Creek Club St.Located minutes from the airport, the Park Hyatt is a large resort that maintains a cozy atmosphere thanks to a well-trained, attentive staff.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Raffles Dubai$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Sheikh Rashid RdAn architectural landmark, Raffles Dubai channels an Egyptian pyramid both inside and out—the lobby is filled with pillars engraved with hieroglyphs.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Crescent Rd.
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah BeachUnited Arab Emirates, Dubai, 2 Jumeirah StA true beach and city break in one.Read full review
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Gold List
Powered By: Expedia - One&Only The Palm$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, West Crescent, Palm JumeirahA palm-covered, serene oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Conrad Dubai$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed RdThis sleek, business-focused hotel (it is a Hilton, after all) has phenomenal views and bathrooms decked out with rain showers and corner tubs.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Raffles The Palm Dubai$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, West Cresent Palm - JumeirahAs palatial as it gets, even in Dubai.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Siro One Za'abeel, Dubai$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Zaa'beel StreetEncased within Dubai’s newest landmarkRead full review
Hot List
Powered By: Booking.com - The Lana, Dorchester Collection: First Guest$$$ | UAE, Dubai, Marasi DriveThe first Dorchester Collection hotel in the Middle East, and a game changer for the UAE.Read full review
Hot List
Powered By: Booking.com - Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah$$ | Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah - King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud StThis sprawling family resort is designed to resemble traditional Arab summer houses interconnected by canals.Read full review
Gold List
Powered By: Expedia - Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Sei Al Salam StreetEscape big-city Dubai with a stay at Bab Al Shams, a low-slung desert resort modeled after an Arabian fort.Read full review
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Gold List
Powered By: Expedia - One & Only Royal Mirage$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St - Dubai MarinaYou’ll be in awe of the Royal Mirage from the moment you drive up the long palm-lined road and into the stunning courtyard.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
Powered By: Expedia - Atlantis the Royal$$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Rd, The Palm JumeirahDubai’s newest mega-resort delivers on all the superlatives you’d expect from the city, but also on superb service.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
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Powered By: Skylark - Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre$$ | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Al Mustaqbal StEschewing the more is more ethos of this high-bling city, this cool cat has a mod vibe and a refreshingly intimate feel.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
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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
Gold List
Inside Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List Party in Dubai
Anna Wintour made her first trip to the metropolis for the occasion.
By Sophie Prideaux
Destinations
The Best Time to Visit Dubai—and How Long to Stay
Even during high summer in the Emirati desert, Dubai's indoor attractions will be sure to keep you cool.
By Matt Ortile
Air Travel
Emirates Is Training Its Staff to Better Serve Autistic Passengers
Emirates will soon become the world’s first commercial Autism Certified Airline by training staff to support passengers with autism.
By Sophie Prideaux
Air Travel
Where to Eat in Dubai International Airport
The best things to eat in Dubai International Airport, from pre-dawn pastries to midnight burgers and snackable local dishes.
By Scott Campbell
Destinations
Chefs in Dubai Are Putting Regional Flavors Back on the Menu
In Dubai, ambitious chefs are fusing their personal stories with regional influences, forging a new vision for fine dining in their city.
By Samantha Wood
News & Advice
15 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Dubai
How to not look like a tourist when visiting Dubai, according to the editors of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.
By Sophie Prideaux
Wellness & Spas
A Local's Guide to Dubai's Wellness Scene
Dubai-based fashion designer Ayesha Depala shares her personal healing journey and the local places she relies on to find peace.
By Natascha Hawke
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
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
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- Hong Kong Travel GuideThat skyline though...
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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.