Where to stay

Palm Jumeirah is a must-see for first-time visitors and home to a huge number of accommodation choices, including some of the world's most luxurious, all-inclusive hotels. Stay in this neighborhood to be close to exclusive beach clubs, world-class dining and pampering spas. Close by, Jumeirah Beach and Jumeirah Beach Residence are great places to stay for iconic landmarks, a family-friendly water park, acres of beachfront and upscale shopping and dining along The Walk. For the best sightseeing, choose a hotel in Downtown Dubai or along Sheikh Zayed Road, home to Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and the huge Dubai Mall, as well as an opera house, aquarium, zoo, ice rink, markets and more.

Book a hotel in Old Dubai (or Deira), formerly the real heart of Dubai, where today, vibrant neighborhoods line the banks of Dubai Creek. Get a feel for the city's origins as you shop the renowned gold and spice souks, dine at ethnic eateries and take a tour on a traditional dhow boat taxi. Hotels in the Dubai Design District are a perfect choice for art lovers. There are more than 30 public art and design installations in this area (also known as d3). Shop at incredible design stores and stop into contemporary art galleries and pop-up exhibitions. Alternatively, consider accommodations in up-and-coming Al Quoz, a former industrial suburb and emerging cultural hub. Hotels here are near more than 60 art spaces and convenient to the many art and culture events that happen throughout the year. For live music, pick a hotel in Dubai Media City; its amphitheater hosts some of Dubai's most popular music festivals and concerts.

Business Bay is emerging as a dining capital in Dubai, a perfect place to stay for foodies. Celebrity chefs and five-star hotels have opened gourmet eateries in this neighborhood, particularly along Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Canal. Look for accommodations in Dubai International Financial Centre, which at first sight may seem more commercial, yet has some of the city's most trendy and sought-after restaurants. Stay near the Dubai Marina, just a couple of tram stops from Jumeirah Beach Residence and home to al fresco dining with incredible views of the iconic Cayan tower. The neighborhood's pop-up food stalls will delight all palates, while foodies set their sights on the multi-level Pier 7 with its seven distinctive restaurants. Stay in Jumeirah Lakes Towers for family-run establishments, cozy cafés frequented by local residents and hot new dining start-ups.

For haute couture, stay along Al Wasl Road, home to BoxPark, an outdoor shopping and dining destination crafted out of brightly colored shipping containers and hosting top designers and sports brand names. Jumeirah Beach Residence is a favorite place to stay for local boutique shopping, makeup stores and beachwear. Choose a hotel in Al Karama if you're looking for jewelry and locally crafted home goods. You'll find everything from souvenirs and gifts to gorgeously embroidered linens to unique dishes. Hotels in Downtown Dubai are close to the massive Dubai Mall, with more than 1,200 shops, and the Souk Al Bahar, where stores sell local arts and handicrafts.