9 Best Dubai Neighborhoods: Where to Stay

1. Downtown Dubai

Best for those who want to be in the heart of the action.

If you’re looking for that quintessential Dubai lifestyle, then you can’t go wrong basing yourself in Downtown Dubai. This is where you'll find all the action and that famous Dubai skyline. Plus, you’ll be able to walk to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain.

Accommodation costs in this coveted part of town do come with a high price tag but if you can swing it, it’s worth it to be surrounded by endless cafes and restaurants, shopping malls and boutiques, and lounges and nightlife venues. Plus, you’ll be well connected with Dubai International Airport and other key Dubai neighborhoods thanks to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station.

Where to Stay in Downtown Dubai

📍Get a feel for this area before signing a lease or buying a property by staying a few nights in a hotel or vacation rental first. I recommend booking your stay at one of these spots:

A little disclaimer on these tiers I have here. Dubai isn't really a budget destination so the budget, mid-tier, and luxury tags are relative based on the location.

• Budget Stay: Rove City Walk: This hotel offers great value for a central location and bonus amenities, like a pool and free shuttle to some hotspots in the area.
• Mid-Tier Stay: The Heritage Hotel: This resort has multiple restaurants, a swimming pool, and all the amenities you could ask for, it just might be hard to leave to explore your new home abroad.
• Luxury Stay: Address Opera Residences: This 2-bedroom apartment offers stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and offers the perfect location for exploring downtown.

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2. Business Bay

Best for those looking for luxury high-rise living.

Business Bay is spread along the beautiful Dubai Canal right next to Downtown Dubai. This is one of the best residential areas for young professionals and families who want to be a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The Dubai Canal also features a lovely promenade and leisure facilities, perfect for getting outside when the weather is nice.

This part of town boasts tons of luxury high-rise apartments, which means you'll get glorious water and city views. You can also take advantage of the abundance of world-class amenities and essential services like supermarkets, retail outlets, dining options, healthcare facilities, and community parks. You'll also have easy access to the Dubai Metro, so you’ll be easily connected to all of the other major Dubai neighborhoods.

Where to Stay in Business Bay

📍Scope out Business Bay before signing a long-term lease by booking your stay at one of these hotels or apartment rentals:

• Budget Stay: Next'Bay Central Host: Enjoy a stay at this sleek hostel, open to both men and women. You'll be hard-pressed to find something more affordable in this area.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Lusso Hometels J One: Choose between a variety of aparthotels right on the waterfront.
• Luxury Stay: The Lana: This is one of the nicer hotels in the area and after looking at a few pictures, you'll quickly see why. There's a large variety of rooms and suites to choose from.

3. Bur Dubai

Best for those looking for culture and history.

Located on the south side of the Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai is where to stay in Dubai for those seeking a more authentic experience. This is Old Dubai, where you’ll find the heritage buildings of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the old-world-style shops and restaurants at the Al Seef Heritage Souk, and historic gems like the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort.

Being based near the bustling Dubai Creek is part of the draw. Here you can take sunset strolls while listening to the call to prayer emanate from the many neighborhood mosques. While you will feel like you’re worlds away from the glitz and glam of Downtown Dubai, this part of town also boasts its own metro station, making getting around the city a breeze.

Where to Stay in Bur Dubai

📍Get a feel for Bur Dubai before signing a long-term lease by booking your stay at one of these hotels or apartment rentals:

• Budget Stay: Arabian Boutique Hotel: This is a relatively small hotel, located at the northern point of Old Dubai on Dubai creek.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Mazmi Casa: Also located on Dubai Creek, I personally love the style of this one and would choose it as my home base for exploring this neighborhood.‍
• Luxury Stay: Tiara Residence: Need more space? This luxurious 3-bedroom apartment is ideal for families looking to move to the area

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4. Deira

Best for those sticking to a budget.

Located just across Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai, Deira is the beating heart of Dubai. Dating back to the mid-1700s, Deira is also part of what is known as Old Dubai. The low-rise buildings and chaotic, jam-packed streets are in stark contrast to what you’ll find in the more polished areas of the city, but that’s exactly what I love about it.

Deira is the perfect part of town to base yourself if you’re looking for a more authentic and cultural Dubai experience. Plus, everything in this part of town comes at a much more affordable price compared to other Dubai neighborhoods.

This area is perhaps best known as being home to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you can haggle for amazing deals. Deira is also a foodie hotspot. This is the place to be to sample some of the best, and most authentic, Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern fare in town.

Where to Stay in Deira

📍See if Diera, or Old Dubai, is a better fit for you by booking a few nights in the area before finding your long-term spot:

• Budget Stay: VIP Residence: This is a women-only hostel that'll put you right in the center of Deira.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Rove City Centre: Staying here will put you right near the Dubai airport, making it a convenient spot if you have limited time to scope out your future home.
• Luxury Stay: Golden Sands Boutique Hotel: Enjoy a really nice stay at a fraction of the price you'd pay just by crossing to the other side of Dubai Creek.

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5. Palm Jumeirah

Best for those looking for luxury villas on the beach.

Dubai’s iconic palm tree-shaped island is another one of the best Dubai neighborhoods if you’re looking for a luxury residential community. What's unique about these artificial islands is that the “palm fronds” are actually gated communities lined with posh beachfront villas with loads of modern amenities. Suffice it to say, this is one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to live in Dubai. 

Palm Jumeirah is also home to some of the best beaches, beach clubs, and beachfront resorts in Dubai, as well as world-class shopping, fine dining establishments and iconic attractions like Atlantis The Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark, and the AURA SKYPOOL, which boasts stunning bird’s-eye views of Palm Jumeirah.

Where to Stay in Palm Jumeirah

📍Want to live in the lap of luxury? Test it out before you commit by booking your stay at:

• Budget Stay: Avani Plus: Technically this highrise isn't on the Palm but it is just right at the highway for it, giving you the access with a slightly lower price tag.
• Mid-Tier Stay: NH Collection Dubai The Palm: Located on Palm Jumeirah, this hotel has it all from basic rooms to apartments, alongside plenty of amenities.
• Luxury Stay: One&Only The Palm Dubai: For those that are moving to Dubai for a luxurious lifestyle, you'll have nothing but the best during your stay here.

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6. Dubai Marina

Best for those looking for nightlife and marina views.

Dubai Marina is where I live, and in my opinion, it's one of the best residential areas in Dubai. This is an incredible place to base yourself if you enjoy getting outside. Dubai Marina boasts a 7-kilometer pedestrian walkway that leads you around the entire waterway, and the views are as iconic as you've seen in the movies! Plus, the beach is an easy 10-minute walk away.

Choose to stay here, and you can spend your days shopping at Marina Mall, wining and dining with marina views at all the international bars and restaurants, chilling out at the beach clubs in Jumeirah Beach Residences, and so much more. Plus, Dubai Marina has multiple metro stations that will easily link you up with other neighborhoods in Dubai.

Where to Stay in Dubai Marina

📍Find out if you agree with me that Dubai marina is the best neighborhood for a residential community by testing it out at:

• Budget Stay: Joyful Journeys: This woman's only hostel is a good starting point to start making friends in a comfortable environment.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Royal Regency Suites Marina: The studio apartments are great for singles or couples that want a kitchen while house hunting.
• Luxury Stay: Stylish 2BR Retreat: Want more space? This two-bedroom apartment is ideal for those moving to Dubai with a family.

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7. Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR)

Best for those looking for action-packed beachside living.

Jumeirah Beach Residences is located right next to Dubai Marina, and it's one of the best communities in Dubai if you want to be steps from the beach. JBR has both a party-centric and family-friendly environment, so there's something for everyone. That being said, it is very touristy here!

When it comes to expat living, you'll find plenty of high-rise buildings, many of which offer stellar ocean views. You'll also find loads of shops, bars, restaurants and kid-friendly carnival games along The Walk at JBR and watersports galore on the beach.

The beach also boasts unreal views of Ain Dubai (the world's largest Ferris wheel) over on Bluewaters Island. You can even stroll across the pedestrian bridge to the island to take in neck-craning Ain Dubai views.

Where to Stay in Jumeirah Beach Residences

📍Craving easy beach access? See if JBR lives up to the hype by testing it out before you commit:

• Budget Stay: Mövenpick Hotel: This family-friendly hotel is right near the beach and offers great amenities for those that have young kids looking to play.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Dubaiashome: Choose from a variety of different apartment sizes and styles to find the ideal place for your stay in Dubai.
• Luxury Stay: Executive Two Bedroom Apartment: Get more space at this 2-bedroom apartment. This one feels more like an actual apartment (rather than a vacation rental), which might be a better test to what real life is like here.

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8. Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

Best for those looking for affordable family-friendly accommodation.

JLT is a super popular residential community located just across Sheikh Zayed Road from the marina. Whether you're looking for a place to live or just somewhere to stay for a short-term visit, JTL offers a convenient location at a lower price than you'll find in both the marina and JBR. Even though you're a bit removed from the action, you can easily walk to the marina and the beach or use the handy tram to get around the area.

JLT is one of the most popular residential areas among expats due to its excellent (and affordable!) restaurant scene, green spaces, recreational facilities, nearby golf course and family-friendly amenities and atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Jumeirah Lake Towers

📍If you're hoping to save on rent, JLT might be the perfect compromise. Get a feel for the area by booking a stay before signing a lease at:

• Budget Stay: Stunning Panoramic View: Since there aren't any hostels here, the apartments and hotels do start at a higher price than the other areas suggested but the views from here might just make up for it.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Urban Oasis: Enjoy a bigger space and floor to ceiling windows at this loft apartment.
• Luxury Stay: Gray Cloud Retreat: While it's slightly smaller than the mid-tier option, you'll have a sleeker design and more luxurious amenities.

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9. Dubai Hills

Best for those looking for luxury villa living.

This area is rapidly becoming one of the most popular communities in Dubai. Base yourself here, and you'll get world-class amenities, including nearby international schools, shops and entertainment at Dubai Hills Mall, lots of green spaces in Dubai Hills Park, and a wide selection of modern apartments and spacious villas.

Those looking for private villas with swimming pools will definitely want to look into Dubai Hills Estate, a prestigious gated community that features its very own golf course.

Where to Stay in Dubai Hills

📍Get in while you still can at Dubai Hills Estate. Even though this is a super popular spot, I recommend scoping the area out first at:

• Budget Stay: Private Room In Acacia: This is just a private room in an apartment so you won't get too much privacy but you will get a great price.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Heart of Dubai Hills: This pet-friendly apartment is one-bedroom but can comfortably sleep 3 people.
• Luxury Stay: 2BR in Private Residence: For more space, this two-bedroom apartment is ideal for 4 people.

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Is Dubai a Good Place to Live Abroad?

Absolutely! Life in Dubai can be as fast-paced or mellow as you'd like it to be. No matter where you choose to live, you're bound to love the tax-free income, multicultural expat community, diverse food scene, bucket list activities, unique culture and everything else that comes with living in Dubai!

But I'm not going to lie, Dubai is brutally hot and humid during the summer months – so be prepared.

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Which Neighborhood Will You Choose?

As you can see, the many Dubai neighborhoods vary wildly.

If you're looking for a luxurious lifestyle, you can't go wrong staying in a villa on Palm Jumeirah or a posh apartment in Downtown Dubai. For culture, I suggest basing yourself in Old Dubai, while beach bums can't go wrong with JBR.

No matter where you decide to base yourself, you're bound to have a blast immersing yourself in this one-of-a-kind city!

All pictures courtesy of depositphotos.com.