Dubai travel guide

Dubai is the ideal destination for those seeking luxury, shopping and larger-than-life architecture, but also desert excursions just outside the city. It works well both as a short stopover and for longer stays combined with beach resorts.

Best time to visit

November-March is the best period: pleasant temperatures around 25°C. From June to September the heat is extreme, often above 40°C.

What to see and do

Burj Khalifa — the world's tallest skyscraper, with a panoramic observation deck.
Desert safari — a classic sunset excursion, often with a traditional Bedouin dinner.
Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina — shopping and evening walks along the marina.
Traditional souks — historic districts for gold, spices and local crafts.
Palm Jumeirah — the artificial island that symbolises the city, with resorts and private beaches.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly €90-140 per day per person for food, accommodation and local transport, flights excluded — much depends on the hotel category chosen.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

Dubai's metro is modern, clean and efficiently connects the main areas along Sheikh Zayed Road; the Nol Card is the rechargeable pass valid on the metro, buses and tram. Given the extreme heat for much of the year, taxis and ride-sharing apps remain a convenient, affordable option compared with other cities.

Where to stay

Downtown Dubai, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, is central and convenient for shopping and nightlife; Dubai Marina has a more relaxed seaside atmosphere, with restaurants and walks along the marina; Jumeirah and Palm Jumeirah are the choice for high-end resorts and private beaches.