Finding where to stay in Dubai as a first-timer can be overwhelming. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find safe places to stay in Dubai for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safe areas to stay in Dubai for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map and things to avoid. I’ll also share where I stayed in Dubai and recommend some of the best hotels for various budgets.
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), situated on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. It’s known for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant nightlife scene, and dynamic cultural landscape.
The city is famous for landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree!
Dubai is also home to extravagant shopping malls like the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates, as well as cultural attractions such as the Dubai Opera and the Dubai Museum.
In recent years, Dubai has become a major hub for business, finance, tourism, and trade in the Middle East. Its strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and favorable business environment have made it a magnet for international companies and expatriates seeking opportunities in the region.
Is Dubai safe to visit?
Yes, Dubai is generally a safe place to visit. The city has a low violent crime rate, but like many cities, some risks like pickpocketing, drink spiking, sexual assaults, and terrorist can occur, so it is essential to practice normal safety precautions to ensure an enjoyable visit.
Dubai can get extremely hot, especially during the summer months. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and seek shade when necessary.
Dubai has strict laws and cultural norms. You should familiarize yourself with them, especially regarding dress code, public behavior, alcohol consumption, and photography.
Where to stay in Dubai for the first time?
The best and safe areas to stay in Dubai for first-timers and tourists include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina/JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Bur Dubai, and Deira. Regardless of where you stay, it’s always essential to exercise common sense, respect local laws to ensure a pleasant stay in Dubai.
In general, Downtown Dubai is a great choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action and have easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This area is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain.
Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) are bustling areas with easy access to the beach. This area is filled with luxury hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers. You can enjoy boat tours, beach clubs, and waterfront dining options while staying here.
Palm Jumeirah is the man-made island famous for its luxurious resorts, upscale villas, and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. You can enjoy beachfront activities, water sports, and fine dining while staying in one of the island’s exclusive hotels.
Old Dubai (Bur Dubai and Deira) is a great location for budget travelers and those interested in experiencing Dubai’s rich cultural heritage. You can explore historic sites such as the Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort, the Gold Souk, traditional markets, spice shops, and local eateries.
During my trip to Dubai, I stayed at the Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection. It was a good value for money hotel in Downtown Dubai, an easy distance from iconic attractions like the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. Great base for sightseeing and shopping. The room was so cozy and beautiful.The breakfast buffet was excellent.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Dubai for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Dubai, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Dubai have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Best/ Safe areas to stay in Dubai for first-timers and tourists:
1. Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is one of the most popular areas to stay in Dubai for first-timers and tourists. This area is home to some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, including the Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, and Burj Khalifa, where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the observation decks.
Downtown Dubai’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city. It’s well-connected to the Dubai Metro and buses. Additionally, many tour operators offer guided excursions from Downtown Dubai to popular attractions like the Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and desert safari experiences.
Best places to stay in Downtown Dubai for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai, 5-star good value for money hotel in Downtown Dubai, on Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Boulevard, within walking distance to Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain. The hotel has a fitness center, free parking, 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle, and spacious rooms.
Luxury ($$$): Sofitel Dubai Downtown, 5-star hotel centrally located in Downtown Dubai, on Sheikh Zayed Road, an excellent location to reach everything in downtown Dubai. Easy walk to The Dubai Mall and City Walk. It provides a free shuttle bus to Kite Beach. It has beautiful spacious rooms, hairdressers, a pool, a fitness center, and family rooms.
Mid-range ($$): Ramada Downtown Dubai, 4-star hotel in the heart of downtown Dubai, next to Dubai Opera, offering views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. It’s a short distance from Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, and World Trade Centre. You can use the hotel’s free shuttle service to Jumeirah Beach, and the Metro. It features an outdoor pool, gym, very good breakfast, and children’s playgrounds.
Budget ($): Rove Downtown, 3-star good value for money hotel in the downtown area, close to the famous Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. It has an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, a 24/7 supermarket, airport transfer, and a sundeck. The hotel also has a free shuttle to the beaches.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI2. Dubai Marina/JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence)
Dubai Marina and JBR are great locations for first-timers and visitors who enjoy vibrant waterfront areas and easy access to the beach. Dubai Marina is a man-made canal city, while JBR is a beachfront development. Together, they offer stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the iconic Dubai skyline.
You can enjoy leisurely walks along the promenade, take in the breathtaking scenery, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and enjoy beach activities like sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Dubai Marina and JBR boast an extensive selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering diverse cuisines and dining experiences. Additionally, the area is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous lounges, clubs, and beach clubs where you can dance the night away.
This area is home to several shopping destinations, including The Walk at JBR and Marina Mall. Here, You can shop for fashion, accessories, souvenirs, and both international brands and local boutiques.
Best places to stay in Dubai Marina & JBR for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): JW Marriott Hotel Marina, 5-star hotel located in Dubai Marina, easy distance from Marina Beach, JBR Beach, and Pier 7 food court. It has an infinity pool, a children’s pool, a fitness center, and excellent breakfast with loads of varieties.
Mid-range ($$): Sonder at JBR The Walk, 4-star accommodation conveniently located on Jumeirah Beach Residence, easy walk to the beaches. It has apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, so you can make your own meal. Lots of food options are also within short walking distance.
Budget ($): Rove Dubai Marina, popular 3-star great value for money hotel in the vibrant Dubai Marina neighborhood, easy access to a Dubai Marina Mall with many shops and restaurants, as well as the beach and The Palm. Close to Business areas like the Media City, Internet City and Jebel Ali Freezone.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DUBAI MARINA3. Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is a popular choice for first-timers and tourists seeking a luxurious beach getaway with stunning views of the city skyline and access to exclusive amenities. It is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree and features luxurious hotels, beachfront resorts, and upscale villas.
Best places to stay in Dubai in Palm Jumeirah for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Atlantis, The Palm, popular 5-star beachfront hotel with a private beach area in Palm Jumeirah Island. It has an underwater aquarium and free entrance to Aquaventure water park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Great base for couples and families. You can book a 15 mins helicopter ride around Dubai from here.
Luxury ($$$): Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, 5-star hotel located on Crescent Road (east) of Palm Jumeirah Island, featuring an exclusive sandy beach, multiple swimming pools and a wonderful breakfast. The hotel has a variety of onsite restaurants, as well as a cafe, supermarket, and clinic.
Luxury ($$$): Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, 5-star resort located on Crescent (West) of Palm Jumeirah, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It has a private cinema, Kids Club, outdoor pool, and multiple restaurants serving many cuisines.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PALM JUMEIRAH4. Bur Dubai
Bur Dubai is a great option for budget travelers and those who are interested in experiencing the authentic side of Dubai. It is one of the older neighborhoods in Dubai, known for its historic sites, and traditional souks (markets).
You can explore landmarks like the Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, and Bastakiya Quarter, which offer insight into the city’s rich heritage and heritage.
The area is home to BurJuman shopping center, Bur Dubai Souk Market, and Al Seef, where you can shop for fashion, electronics, and souvenirs, as well as dine at a variety of cafes, restaurants, and food courts.
Bur Dubai is situated on the southern side of the Dubai Creek, providing picturesque views of the waterway and the city skyline. You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, or ride traditional wooden dhows (boats) across the creek.
Best places to stay in Bur Dubai for visitors:
Luxury ($$$): Grand Hyatt Dubai, 5-star hotel, located near the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road, featuring 3 pools, and 13 dining and entertainment venues. It is 15 mins walk from Wafi Shopping Mall, and 15 mins drive from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. It has many facilities including an interactive Kids Club and free shuttle bus services.
Mid-range ($$): Grayton Hotel by Blazon Hotels, 4-star good value for money hotel in Bur Dubai, 20 mins walk from Grand Mosque. It has 2 swimming pools, free parking, a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, and good breakfast. Close to BurJuman Mall, supermarket, and restaurants.
Budget ($): Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, 3-star hotel in Al Seef Street, in a quiet neighborhood, just off Dubai Creek, close to the embassies. offering free hot breakfast, free parking, and an outdoor pool. It is also near the Textile Souk, Meena Bazar Bur Dubai, Gold and Spice Souk.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BUR DUBAI5. Deira
Deira, located a bit further from the downtown area, but it offers authentic atmosphere, budget-friendly accommodation, easy access to the traditional markets and the airport.
This area is home to the famous Dubai Spice Souk, Dubai Gold Souk, and Souq Naif, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and gifts. You can also explore modern malls like Deira City Centre and Al Ghurair Centre, which feature international brands, electronics, fashion, and entertainment options.
Deira is well-connected to other parts of Dubai via public transportation, including the Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis. The area is easily accessible from Dubai International Airport, making it convenient for travelers arriving in the city.
Best places to stay in Dubai in Deira for tourists:
Luxury ($$$): Dubai Creek attractions, 5-star good value for money hotel, situated on the busy Dubai Creek, 10 mins taxi ride from Gold market, textile market, and the International Airport. It has a rooftop pool/bar with a stunning view of Dubai skyline like Dubai Frame, Burj Khalifa.
Mid-range ($$): Wyndham Dubai Deira, popular 4-star hotel in the well maintained area of Deira, close to Corniche and all major markets. Easy access to the green line metro station. The location is quite far from important tourist landmarks, but the hotel offers a scheduled free shuttle to Dubai Mall and the beach.
Budget ($): ibis Styles Dubai Deira, 3-star hotel located in Deira district of Dubai, close to the Gold Souq, the heritage area, the airport, and Dubai Creek attractions. 5 mins walk to the metro station. It is in a lively neighborhood, a short walk to numerous good restaurants and cafes, and mini markets.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DEIRAIn conclusion, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina/ JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Bur Dubai, and Deira are the safe and best places to stay in Dubai for first-timers and tourists. Whether you prefer a bustling urban environment, or a beachfront retreat, Dubai has something to offer for every type of traveler.
You can continue reading about Dubai in this article:
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safe neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Dubai. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.