Dubai neighbourhood guide
Staying in Downtown Dubai
Dubai's landmark district around the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall — the most convenient base for first-time visitors focused on sightseeing, shopping and dining.
- Best for
- First visits, landmarks, shopping and dining
- Watch out for
- Busy and touristy, and not on the beach
Downtown Dubai is the city's showpiece district, built around the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain. For a first visit focused on sightseeing, it is hard to find a more convenient base.
What it's like
Expect wide boulevards, high-rise hotels and apartments, and a constant flow of visitors around the mall and fountain. In the evenings the area around the lake fills with people coming for the fountain shows and waterfront restaurants. It feels polished and modern rather than traditional.
Who it suits
- First-time visitors who want the city's best-known sights on their doorstep
- Shoppers and food lovers, thanks to the mall and the many restaurants nearby
- Short city breaks where convenience matters more than the beach
Drawbacks
Downtown is not a beach area, so you will need to travel to the coast for the sea. It can also feel busy and touristy, especially around the mall and fountain in the evenings, and some streets are designed more for cars than for walking.
Consider instead
If the beach matters more than the sights, look at Dubai Marina or JBR. If you want Downtown's convenience with a slightly calmer feel, Business Bay is next door.