What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Learn moreDubai
Dubai
Dubai TourismDubai HotelsDubai Guest HouseDubai Holiday HomesDubai FlightsDubai RestaurantsDubai AttractionsDubai Travel ForumDubai PhotosDubai MapDubai Visitors Guide
HotelsAll Dubai HotelsDubai Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in DubaiBy Hotel Type
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday homesTravel StoriesCruisesCar HireMoreDubai MotelsDubai CampsitesDubai HostelsDubai Green HotelsBusiness Hotels in DubaiLuxury Hotels in DubaiFamily Hotels in DubaiDubai Ski-In / Ski-Out HotelsResorts in DubaiDubai Beach HotelsRomantic Hotels in DubaiSpa Resorts in Dubai
By Hotel ClassBy Hotel BrandRaffles Hotels in DubaiAdagio Hotels in DubaiWyndham Hotels in DubaiIbis Styles Hotels in DubaiGolden Tulip Hotels in DubaiSheraton Hotels in DubaiMgallery Hotels in DubaiCrowne Plaza Hotels in DubaiPullman Hotels in DubaiCitadines Apart Hotels in DubaiElement Hotels in DubaiSwissôtel Hotels & Resorts in DubaiStaybridge Suites in DubaiHoward Johnson Hotels in Dubaiibis Hotels in Dubai
Popular AmenitiesPopular NeighbourhoodsInternational City HotelsAl Sufouh HotelsJumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) HotelsWarisan 2 HotelsTrade Centre HotelsDubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) HotelsUmm Ramool HotelsAl Fahidi Hotels
Popular Dubai CategoriesBudget Hotels in DubaiDubai City Center HotelsHoneymoon Hotels in DubaiApartment Hotels in DubaiDubai All Inclusive HotelsCruise Port Hotels in DubaiDubai Hotels with Game RoomDubai Hotels with LoungeDubai Hotels with Bridal SuiteDubai Hotels with Boats
More Dubai CategoriesDubai Hotels with Valet ParkingDubai Horseback Riding ResortsDubai Hotels with Outdoor PoolDubai Hotels with Steam RoomDubai Hotels with Banquet HallDubai Hotels with Heated PoolDubai Hotels with SaunaDubai Adventure HotelsDubai Shopping HotelsDubai Snorkelling ResortsDubai Hotels with Walk-in ShowerDubai Hotels with EV ChargingDubai Hotels with Rooftop Pool
Near LandmarksHotels near Burj KhalifaHotels near The Dubai FountainHotels near Dubai MetroHotels near Atlantis Aquaventure WaterparkHotels near Dubai Aquarium & Underwater ZooHotels near Burj Al ArabHotels near Ski DubaiHotels near Dubai CreekHotels near Wild Wadi WaterparkHotels near Dubai Miracle Garden
Near Train StationsHotels near Al NahdaHotels near Stadium (Dubai)Hotels near Dubai Airport Free ZoneHotels near Abu HailHotels near Al QiyadahHotels near Palm DeiraHotels near Abu Bakr SeddiqHotels near SalahuddinHotels near UnionHotels near Baniyas Square
Near AirportsHotels near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)Hotels near Dubai Airport (DXB)Hotels near Sharjah Airport (SHJ)
Near CollegesHotels near University of SharjahHotels near Dubai Pharmacy CollegeHotels near Dubai Medical CollegeHotels near American University in the EmiratesHotels near Al Ghurair UniversityHotels near Skyline University College, SharjahHotels near Gulf Medical UniversityHotels near American University in DubaiHotels near Jumeira University
Popular Hotel CategoriesDubai Tourism: Best of Dubai
Dubai — the World’s Best Destination
From luxury hospitality and cutting-edge architecture to world-class shopping, culture and nature, discover what makes Dubai the best of the best
Sponsored by Qatar Tourism
Essential Dubai
Traveller Spotlight
Traditional Trek Around Dubai
Dubai certainly dazzles with its uber-modern design showcased in sights like the Burj Al Arab, and with its over-the-top attractions like the Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah. But it wasn't the glitzy nightclubs and crowd-pleasing brunches that won me over, it was the traditional architecture, Emirati culture, and delicious pistachio dates. So if you're looking for a more traditional slice of life, here are some of my favorite places you should visit in Dubai.
Lara Grant, New York City, NY
Dubai Gold Souk3,607Located in the Deira district, the Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional market with over 350 stores, most of which sell jewelry. Gold, diamonds, and precious stones are all available here, but do your research on the best stores if you're looking to buy!
Deira Old Souk Abra Station311Abras are traditional wooden boats that act as water taxis on Dubai Creek, ferrying travelers between the Deira Old Souk and Bur Dubai Abra Stations. As a bonus, the creek is a busy hub, with lots to do and see nearby.
Cafe Bateel176Bateel is renowned for their gourmet dates packaged in hand-painted wooden boxes, and the cafe expands that upscale approach to all-day dining. Scrumptious bateel date pudding and traditional Arabic coffee are highlights.
Siraj421Dubai is well-known for its fine-dining cuisine and outposts of global restaurants, but for a truly authentic Emirati meal, head to Siraj. Go with friends and share the camel steak, chicken biryani, and green mango salad. Pro tip: snag a table outside for a gorgeous Burj Khalifa fountain show view.
Ripe Market92Skip the fancy restaurants and indoor malls and spend an afternoon strolling the Ripe Market, an outdoor farmers' market showcasing local businesses. I was a big fan of the organic veggies and fruits, cute handicrafts, and chic jewelry.
Jumeirah Mosque2,205Firstly, built in traditional Fatimid style, the Jumeirah Mosque is beautiful. And, it's one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims. It's a unique experience to observe the prayer and learn more about the customs.
XVA Art Hotel837XVA Art Hotel offers a more traditional, simple alternative to the towering, flashy hotels. It’s located in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the oldest community in Dubai, and it occupies the former home of the Seddiqi family – high-end watch retailers. There are just 14 rooms on-site, all individually decorated and with locally inspired furnishings. A cozy café and gallery showcasing Arab artwork add to its charm.
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding1,248Although roughly 80 percent of Dubai's population is foreigners, travelers can still get a peek inside Emirati culture by visiting this center. It's in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood and I love that visitors can take part in activities such as walking tours, authentic dinners, and conversations with local Emiratis.
