The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Dubai

Dubai | © Ole Bendik Kvisberg / Flickr

8 June 2017

In a city as cool as Dubai, it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of cool neighbourhoods for people to visit. From the artsy and hipster scene to posh restaurants – there’s a trendy place for every taste. With so many styles of neighbourhoods, it’s important that tourists learn about the local scene in order to pick the best places to stay and visit when they come to Dubai.

Dubai Design District (d3)

This neighbourhood popped out of nowhere and went on to become one of the trendiest areas in Dubai. As its name describes, Dubai Design District is all about design, fashion, arts and anything that’s creative and contemporary. It’s an area where pop-up exhibitions happen, as well as fashion shows and concerts. Better known as d3, this place is where anyone who is anyone grabs some coffee, goes to meetings and checks out the latest fashion and design scene.

Dubai Design District, Dubai, UAE

Dubai Design District | Courtesy of d3

Al Quoz

In the past, people knew this industrial area as a place with massive and dirty warehouses and construction trucks driving around – until it became a hipster locale. With the arrival of Alserkal Avenue, as well as stylish cafés such as Tom & Serg and RAW Coffee Company, the previously unappealing neighbourhood became perhaps the coolest in town! It’s also a destination where the music and arts community gets together for concerts, exhibitions and even a Good Vibes market.

Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

The name says it all: Beach Residence. This neighbourhood is better known as JBR and offers apartments by one of Dubai’s most popular public beaches. Incredible graffiti murals and modern art pieces decorate JBR along its famous walk – simply known as The Walk. It is an ideal place to enjoy the outdoor shopping mall, located right next to the beach, and to take some amazing pictures while visiting Dubai. The best part is that JBR has a vast variety of hotels, making it super tourist-friendly.

Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, UAE

Jumeirah Beach Residence | © Guilhem Vellut / Flickr

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Although Dubai International Financial Centre, or DIFC, is better known for its commercial side, full of offices and people in suits walking around, this neighbourhood has more than meets the eye. DIFC is actually the home of several art galleries, promoting the art scene in Dubai. Additionally, this area is home to some of the trendiest restaurants in town, with nearly every building having its own popular food venue. It is a perfect neighbourhood for the more luxurious and fashionable visitors.

Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE

DIFC | © Guilhem Vellut / Flickr

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)

It may be confusing to Dubai’s residents as to why Jumeirah Lake Towers, better known as JLT, would make it onto a list of the coolest neighbourhoods. At first glance, this area is just an agglomerate of skyscrapers and offices. However, upon taking the time to actually walk around JLT, visitors will find dozens of unique food outlets. Being a free zone, JLT is the place in town where most food lovers open up their little restaurants. It’s an ideal locale to eat unique ethnic foods and avoid the big restaurant chains.

Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, UAE

Deira (Dubai Creek)

Deira is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Dubai and dates back to the very roots of the city. It is a fairly massive area; however, the Dubai Creek is a unique part of Deira that needs to get a lot of praise. The Creek is different from anywhere else in the city, perfectly illustrating the days before skyscrapers and glass buildings, and the neighbourhood stays true to the city origins with Abras crossing the stretch of sea and small, rustic housing and outlets. This destination is also home to the Gold and Spice Souks, as well as the Dubai Museum and Bastakiya, bringing history to life every day.

Dubai Creek, Deira, Dubai, UAE

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