Dubai: which area to stay in as a tourist and how to get around
Where to stay in Dubai: Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah. How the metro, the Nol card and taxis work, plus local rules to know.
Dubai stretches along the coast for almost a hundred kilometers, and without an idea of the areas it is easy to choose a hotel from which everything is far away. Luckily the city has a metro, and if your hotel is by a station, getting around is easy. Below are the areas and the transport.
Dubai areas
According to the Wikivoyage description, these zones matter to a tourist:
- Deira. The old business center with traditional markets, including the spice market. One of the cheapest areas to stay in and the most "alive". There are no beaches.
- Bur Dubai. The historic part on the other side of Dubai Creek: abras (boats), markets and a waterfront. Also inexpensive, with metro stations close by.
- Downtown. The area of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Expensive, but everything main is within walking distance. There is no beach nearby.
- Dubai Marina. An area of skyscrapers by a canal with a long promenade, malls and restaurants. It has access to JBR beach.
- Jumeirah. An area with beaches and expensive hotels, the best option for people who come for the sea.
How to choose
- Sea and beach: Jumeirah or the Marina.
- Sights and malls: Downtown.
- Budget and authentic: Deira and Bur Dubai.
- A short stop between flights: a hotel not far from a metro station in Deira.
The metro and the Nol card
- Metro. Two lines run, red and green, with interchanges at Union and Khalid Bin Al Waleed (BurJuman) stations. Trains run every 3-5 minutes from about 5:50 until midnight, and later on Thursdays and Fridays.
- From the airport. Terminals 1 and 3 have their own metro station, and it is about 15-20 minutes to the center.
- The Nol card. The most common choice for a tourist is Nol Silver: it costs 25 dirhams, of which 19 go to the balance. For one-off trips there is the Red Ticket, which is also the only option for a day pass (22 dirhams).
- Taxis. The meter runs 2.19 dirhams per kilometer plus the starting fee. At rush hour taxis stand in traffic.
Check prices and opening hours on the website of the Dubai transport authority (RTA), because they change.
What to keep in mind
In Deira, Bur Dubai and in shopping areas it is better to dress more modestly: shoulders and knees covered. Alcohol is sold only in licensed places, most often in hotels, and drinking in the street is not allowed. Sunbathing topless is not allowed on beaches, including hotel ones. This is mentioned directly in the Wikivoyage guide.
Route and flights
How to plan four days and what to see is in Dubai in 4 days. Look for flights in the HotTrip flight search. If you also want a calmer neighbor, see Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Dubai the first time?
Jumeirah or the Marina if you want a beach, and Downtown if the sights matter.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
By metro: Terminals 1 and 3 have a station, and it is about 15-20 minutes to the center. Or by taxi.
What is cheaper, Deira or the Marina?
Deira is usually more affordable, but without a beach. The Marina is more expensive, but the sea and a promenade are close.
How much does the Nol card cost?
Nol Silver sells for 25 dirhams, of which 19 go to the balance. Check current fares on the RTA website.
When should I go to Dubai?
Better from late September to early May. Summer is very hot and humid.
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