An eclectic mix of old and new architecture, intriguing museums, historical old quarters, lively, fragrant souqs and even Gordon Ramsay’s Verre restaurant are all waiting for you when you rent a serviced apartment or holiday letting in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai.

What better place to start your exploration of the city than in Dubai Old Town in the Bastakiya Quarters. A stroll through the winding passageways and streets of the Bastakiya Quarter will provide a glimpse of how Dubai used to look before the high-rises, skyscrapers and lavish hotels. The beautiful restored and preserved traditional houses boast a collection of high wind-towers which acted as a form of primitive air conditioning. Many of these delightful dwellings, built by Persian merchants in the 19th century, have been turned into cafes, restaurants, art galleries and small museums. The Art Café is particularly popular here. Enjoy exploring this incredible part of the city, follow the winding passages, soak up the traditional atmosphere in the small, quiet courtyards and if you’re here at the weekends you can also catch the market. A fantastic insight into this region’s history.

In complete contrast to the Bastikiya Quarters is Burj Khalifa, Khalifa Tower. Measuring in at just under 2,720 feet this impressive structure is the world’s tallest building and dominates Dubai’s skyline. Although the completely reflective structure is of extremely modern styling it’s design has been taken from traditional Islamic architectural patterns including the Hymenocallis flower. A lovely building well worth a look.

Your aparthotel or self-catered apartment in Dubai also gives you access to the city’s oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort. Built in the late 1700s this structure is now a part of the Dubai Museum and here you can get a true insight into the traditional way of life of this region. You can view exhibits of artefacts from the countries that traded with Dubai, life size dioramas that depict what life was like in the city before the discovery of oil and recently discovered artefacts and archaeological relics of this region, some of which date back to BC times. There are also displays of weapons, traditional musical instruments and beautiful boats and don’t forget to pay a visit to the well stocked gift shop for some lovely souvenirs.

A fantastic restaurant that is within a short distance of your apartment rental or holiday let in Dubai is Gordon Ramsay’s spectacular Verre. Here you can expect superb cuisine, excellent service and an in-house sommelier to help you choose the wines to match your menu choice. A fantastic experience that will cost you less than you think. The lobster lasagne is an absolute must.

Serviced and self-catered apartments, flats, holiday lets and aparthotels can be up to 30% cheaper than most equivalent hotel rooms and are becoming increasingly popular due to the freedom they offer. Whether it’s a short stay apartment you are looking for or a long term apartment, our holiday apartments combine all the amenities and comforts of home. With plenty of room why stay in a cramped hotel room when you can stay in spacious surroundings in and around Dubai city centre.

From budget serviced apartments, through to mid range and luxury serviced apartments in Dubai, compare prices and get an instant booking confirmation at CityCentreApartments.com