A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Dubai or Paris?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Paris can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Dubai and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Paris?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Dubai. Paris is bigger than Dubai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, and impressive beauty, while Dubai is more popular for its skiing, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Paris is more touristy than Dubai and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Dubai different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Paris is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Paris is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Paris?

Paris is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Dubai is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Dubai is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Paris? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find world-class options in both Dubai and Paris.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The nightlife in Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Music?

Dubai and Paris are both destinations where visitors can find world-class live music.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Paris is a world class music destination. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Resorts?

Dubai is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Paris?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Paris both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Paris is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Dubai does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Paris. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Dubai does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and Paris are world-class places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Is Dubai or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Paris a more walkable city?

Paris is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Paris?

Both Dubai and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Paris than Dubai. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Dubai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Paris than Dubai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Dubai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Paris.

One day in Dubai or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Paris, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this beautiful big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Paris?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Paris is a fun place to experience. In Paris, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

In Paris, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dubai is in Middle East and Paris is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Paris, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Dubai or Paris?

Paris has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is much warmer than Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Paris. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Should I visit Dubai or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Paris. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Paris. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. Dubai is much warmer than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Paris. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Paris. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Paris. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Paris and Dubai