Explore Dubai
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
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 AccommodationDubai Bed and BreakfastDubai Holiday RentalsDubai FlightsDubai RestaurantsDubai AttractionsDubai Travel ForumDubai PhotosDubai Map
HotelsAll Dubai HotelsDubai Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in DubaiBy Hotel Type
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental CarsMoreDubai MotelsDubai CampsitesDubai HostelsBusiness Hotels DubaiFamily Hotels DubaiDubai Ski-In / Ski-Out HotelsDubai Beach HotelsRomantic Hotels DubaiDubai Green HotelsLuxury Hotels DubaiDubai ResortsSpa Resorts Dubai
By Hotel ClassBy Hotel BrandOYO Hotels in DubaiPreferred Hotels & Resorts in DubaiDusit Hotels And Resorts in DubaiInterContinental (IHG) Hotels in DubaiSt. Regis Hotels in DubaiFour Points by Sheraton Hotels in DubaiNovotel Hotels in DubaiVida Hotels and Resorts in DubaiRadisson Blu Hotels in DubaiJA Resorts & Hotels in DubaiDoubleTree by Hilton Hotels in DubaiHoliday Inns in DubaiKempinski Hotels in DubaiMercure Hotels in DubaiJumeirah Hotels in Dubai
Popular AmenitiesPopular NeighbourhoodsThe Creek AccommodationAl Qusais 3 AccommodationAl Jaddaf AccommodationZabeel AccommodationJumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) AccommodationAl Karama AccommodationAl Hamriya AccommodationUmm Suqeim Accommodation
Popular Dubai CategoriesBudget Hotels in DubaiDowntown Dubai HotelsHotels with Balconies in DubaiDubai Apartment HotelsHotels with Shuttle in DubaiAll Inclusive Hotels in DubaiCruise Port Hotels in DubaiDubai Cheap Beach HotelsDubai 5 Star ResortsDubai All Inclusive Family Resorts
More Dubai CategoriesNear 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 QiyadahHotels near Abu HailHotels near Abu Bakr SeddiqHotels near Stadium (Dubai)Hotels near Al NahdaHotels near Dubai Airport Free ZoneHotels near Al QusaisHotels near SalahuddinHotels near Palm DeiraHotels near Al Rigga
Near AirportsHotels near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)Hotels near Dubai Airport (DXB)Hotels near Sharjah Airport (SHJ)
Near CollegesHotels near Skyline University College, SharjahHotels near University of SharjahHotels near Dubai Pharmacy CollegeHotels near Dubai Medical CollegeHotels near Al Ghurair UniversityHotels near American University in the EmiratesHotels 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
Dubai Is Great For
Standout markets and malls
Classy cocktails and wild nightlife
Day trips worth the drive
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 Souk3,620Located 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 Bateel178Bateel 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.
Siraj423Dubai 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 Mosque2,229Firstly, 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 Hotel838XVA 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 Understanding1,282Although 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.
