Cheap city break Dubai
Dubai is polished extravagance: the Burj Khalifa is the tallest in the world, artificial islands in the shape of a palm, desert safaris at sunset. Flights from Schiphol from €350 return, 5 days from €900 per person.
Updated on 22 August 2026
Dubai is reachable from Amsterdam Schiphol with direct flights by KLM and Emirates in about 7 hours, from around 350 euros return. The best travel time is November to April (22-30 degrees). A budget week in Dubai costs around 700-900 euros per person including flights; stay in the Deira district for the lowest hotel prices and eat local Indian food for 5-7 euros per meal.
When is the best time to go?
November to April is the best travel season for Dubai: temperatures of 22 to 30 degrees, clear skies and virtually no rain. December and January are the most popular months but also the most expensive. February and March are the sweet spot: lower prices, great weather and fewer crowds.
May to October is scorching hot (40 to 48 degrees), but hotels are 30 to 50% cheaper and indoor activities (Dubai Mall, shopping centres) are excellent. Ramadan (date varies by year) is peaceful and respectful; alcohol in restaurants is generally only available in hotel venues.
Best neighbourhoods in Dubai
- Downtown Dubai The epicentre of modern Dubai: Burj Khalifa (828 m), Dubai Mall, the dancing Dubai Fountain and the best restaurants. Expensive but central. Hotel prices 200 to 350 euros per night for mid-range.
- Dubai Marina Luxury waterfront with yacht harbour, floating restaurants and direct beach access. The Walk at JBR is the most popular promenade. Hotel prices 120 to 250 euros per night.
- Deira (Old Dubai) The most authentic neighbourhood: Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Deira Creek and the best street food. Hotels from 30 euros per night. Perfect base for a budget Dubai visit and 20 minutes from Downtown by metro.
- Jumeirah Beach Dubai's public beach: free to visit, relaxed and well accessible by bus. Views of the Burj Al Arab. A bit out of the centre but ideal for a beach day.
- Palm Jumeirah The artificial palm-shaped island with ultra-luxury Atlantis hotels. Impressive to see; staying here is beyond most budgets (300 to 700+ euros per night) but visiting is cheap via the Palm Monorail (about 6 euros return).
Top 5 things to do in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa At the Top Views from floors 124 or 148 across the whole city and the desert. Tickets level 124: AED 149 (about 38 euros) when booked online; AED 379 (about 97 euros) for level 148 (Sky Lounge). Always book online in advance: buying on the spot costs 30 to 50% more. Open daily 09:00-23:00.
- Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain The world's largest shopping mall is free to enter. Dubai Aquarium (AED 100, about 26 euros) and the ice rink (AED 100 including skates) are inside. The Dubai Fountain outside the mall shoots up for free every 30 minutes (18:00-23:00 on weekday evenings, 18:00-24:00 at weekends).
- Desert Safari A half-day safari at sunset including dune bashing, camel riding, BBQ dinner and belly dance show: from AED 150 (about 38 euros) per person via online tours. Choose a small group (max. 6 in a 4x4) for the best experience.
- Gold Souk and Spice Souk (Deira) The gold market palace with the world's largest gold display: completely free to visit, prices are negotiable. The Spice Souk next door gives an old-Arabic atmosphere. Take the Abra water taxi (AED 1 = 0.25 euros) across the Creek.
- Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark The largest waterpark in the Middle East on Palm Jumeirah: AED 345 (about 88 euros) for a day pass. Impressive but pricey; children under 1.20 m pay less. The Lost Chambers Aquarium costs extra (AED 130).
Flights + transport from the Netherlands to Dubai
KLM and Emirates both fly multiple times daily direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Dubai International (DXB) in about 7 hours. Emirates also flies to Dubai World Central (DWC), but DXB is by far the main airport.
There are no direct flights from Eindhoven to Dubai: always fly via Schiphol. Return tickets start from about 350 euros when booking 6 to 10 weeks ahead in low season (summer); winter prices (Nov-Feb) are 450 to 700 euros.
City transport: the Dubai Metro is excellent and cheap: a NOL card costs AED 25 (about 6 euros) as deposit and rides cost AED 3 to 7.50 (0.75 to 2 euros). The Metro runs from DXB to Downtown (Union Station) in about 20 minutes for AED 5. Avoid airport taxis: expensive and heavy traffic. The Dubai Tram connects Dubai Marina to JBR Beach. Uber and Careem work well as taxi alternatives.
What does a trip to Dubai cost?
Budget: hostel in Deira from AED 100 (about 25 euros) per night; mid-range hotel in Downtown 200 to 350 euros per night. Food: shawarma at a local place AED 10 to 15 (3 to 4 euros), dinner at a restaurant AED 100 to 200 (25 to 50 euros). Burj Khalifa level 124: about 38 euros. Desert safari: about 38 euros. Dubai Fountain: free. A week in Dubai on a budget (Deira hostel, eating local): about 800 to 1,000 euros per person including flights. Mid-range week (Downtown hotel): 1,500 to 2,200 euros per person.
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Frequently asked questions about Dubai
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
November to April is the best travel season: temperatures of 22-30 degrees, clear weather and pleasant evenings. In summer (May-October) temperatures reach 40-48 degrees. Hotels and flights are 30-50% cheaper in summer, but outdoor activities are not enjoyable.
Which neighbourhood is best to stay in Dubai?
Downtown Dubai (near the Burj Khalifa) is ideal for tourists who want everything within walking distance. Deira (Old Dubai) is the most budget-friendly district: 50-70% cheaper than Downtown, authentic souks and good metro connection. Dubai Marina is great for beach and restaurants.
How do I get from the Netherlands to Dubai?
KLM and Emirates fly multiple times daily directly from Amsterdam Schiphol to Dubai International (DXB) in about 7 hours. Return tickets can be found from around 350 euros when booked early (6-10 weeks in advance). There are no direct flights from Eindhoven to Dubai.
How much does a week in Dubai from the Netherlands cost?
A week in Dubai costs around 700-900 euros per person on a budget approach, including flights: return flight around 350-450 euros, hostel or budget hotel in Deira around 20-50 euros per night, food around 15-25 euros per day (local restaurants in Deira) and paid attractions (Burj Khalifa, desert safari) around 100-150 euros total. With a mid-range hotel (Downtown) budget 1,200-1,800 euros per person.
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