Compare Dubai city breaks

In a city that likes things supersized, one must-see attraction is the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which has observations decks with vertigo-inducing views. You can also stay in the world’s tallest hotel, Gevora Hotel; stroll around the world’s largest natural flower garden, Dubai Miracle Garden; and indulge in some serious retail therapy in the world’s largest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall.

You’ll find more than 1,300 shops in the enormous Dubai Mall, as well as an ice-rink, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, and restaurants galore. Other shopping options include the Mall of the Emirates, which has an indoor ski-slope with resident penguins, and traditional souks, which sell textiles, spices, perfumes and gold.

You’ll eat well on a Dubai city break too, and can choose between blow-out weekend brunch buffets, high-end fine dining establishments and simpler restaurants serving local specialities. You don’t have to spend a fortune on food in Dubai either – there are plenty of budget dining options in areas such as Deira.

As a consistently hot and sunny destination, you’ll probably want to spend a day or two by a pool or on the beach on a Dubai city break. You can also retreat to the desert on an off-road safari or by quad bike, or experience the thrills of theme parks.

While its luxurious, futuristic sheen may dazzle, Dubai has a cultural side too, whether you’d like to wander around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, cross Dubai Creek in a traditional abra (water taxi), cool down in a museum or spend the night at the opera.

Dubai is hot year-round so is an excellent winter sun destination. November and March are the best months to visit as temperatures hover around the mid-20s – perfect for sunbathing and sightseeing.

In summer, it can feel unbearably hot and humid with temperatures sometimes reaching the early 40s in August, so you’re likely to spend your break hunting down air-conditioned attractions. If you’re looking for a cheap Dubai city break, though, summer is the time when you may find a bargain.

Bear the dates of Ramadan in mind when booking a Dubai holiday too. You won’t be expected to fast but opening hours at restaurants and shops may change and you can’t eat or drink in public between sunrise and sunset. If you enjoy a slower pace of holiday life, you may enjoy visiting at this time.

Bright lights, seven-star hotels and record-breaking attractions will tussle for your attention on Dubai city breaks. You can cool down in a pool or air-conditioned mall, learn more about Dubai’s past in historic areas, ride a high-adrenaline rollercoaster and peer down at the city from a skyscraper.

Burj Khalifa

You’ll find the world’s tallest building in Downtown Dubai at over a staggering 828m (2,716.5ft), almost three times the size of the Eiffel Tower. There are observation decks on levels 124 and 125 and the world’s highest outdoor observation deck is on the 148th floor.

Want to relax in the world’s highest lounge? Head to the 154th floor, 585m above Dubai, and book to have a luxurious buffet breakfast, tea and cake, or a glass of bubbly.

Al Fahidi Historic District

Swap skyscrapers for winding lanes, wind towers and museums in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city.

In the Al Fahidi Historic District, in Bur Dubai, you can visit Dubai Museum whose building dates back to 1787 or the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where you can join a heritage tour of the area and try a traditional Emirati meal – book both experiences in advance. Afterwards, take a traditional abra water taxi across Dubai Creek.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

All of the family can have fun in this theme park – the world’s largest indoor theme park, obviously. There are four themed areas (Marvel, Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure, Cartoon Network and IMG Boulevard) that fill the space of around 28 football pitches.

Younger members of your group will love rides based around their favourite Cartoon Network characters, while older kids will get their kicks in the Haunted Hotel maze attraction in IMG Boulevard – it’s for guests aged 15 and over.

Dubai Marina

The world’s largest man-made marina is a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours or enjoy a glam night out.

Zip over it from up high on the XLine, the world’s longest urban zipline, then kick back at The Beach. Here you’ll find the Splash Pad kids’ water fun area and comfy day beds to rent as well as water sports. You can also sail around the marina on a traditional dhow boat cruise.

Jumeirah Mosque

Large enough to hold up to 1,500 worshippers and made out of beautiful white stone, the Jumeirah Mosque is open for all faiths to visit. Admire the intricate design on its building and book a tour run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to learn more about Emirati traditions, with an Emirati light buffet included.

Wear modest clothing for a visit or hire traditional dress before entering the building.

For families

With plenty of child-friendly attractions, Dubai is a luxurious playground for all ages. Downtown Dubai is a great location for those with little ones as there’s a good range of family-friendly accommodation as well as big attractions such as the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain and the impressive Burj Khalifa.

Or, stay on the coast in Jumeirah, where all of the family can relax on fabulous public beaches, squeal in a waterpark and marvel at the silhouette of Burj Al Arab. Teenagers will enjoy perusing the Mall of the Emirates’ high-end shops, while younger children may prefer the snow park in Ski Dubai.

For travellers on a budget

You can make Dubai city breaks cheaper by being savvy with where you stay. The area of Deira is one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods and you’ll find a range of budget hotel options here as well as excellent value places to eat.

Alternatively, look for hotels in Bur Dubai where budget accommodation feels more atmospheric than chain options elsewhere. You’ll also be close to some of the city’s most exciting sights, such as the Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and the Al Fahidi Historic District.

For food and drink

You’ll be spoilt for choice by the restaurants in Dubai but one area that stands out for its fine dining and Friday brunch options is the Dubai Marina. There’s a range of international menus in the high-quality restaurants here, from indulgent seafood feasts and comforting British classics to interesting fusion food.

For Emirati dishes and simpler, lower-cost venues, stay in Deira, where you’ll find local cafes serving traditional options with tea or juice. Some are on the Creek so you can dine while watching traditional dhows float by. There are also some great food tours of the older parts of the city.

For nightlife

Much of Dubai’s nightlife is in its chic hotels and if you’d like to party with some of the city’s most glamorous residents, stay in Jumeirah. You’ll find Instagrammable bars here as well as slick rooftop cocktail joints and live music venues.

Dubai Marina is another lively area after dark with some of the city’s most glitzy nightclubs and waterfront drinking spots for memorable sundowners. Look out for happy hours and ladies nights to keep your costs down.

For culture

If you’d like to see old Dubai, stay in Bur Dubai. You’ll find the Al Fahidi Historic District here, where museums, craft shops and wind towers occupy its winding lanes. It’s also home to the Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which holds daily activities and Emirati meals.

If you enjoy cultural evenings, Downtown Dubai is home to Dubai Opera, a cultural venue that hosts a range of shows from ballet and musicals to opera. You’ll also be close to the alternative cultural hub of Al Quoz, where there are galleries, a theatre and an independent cinema.