Your ultimate guide to DIFC from rent to restaurants
DIFC — she's slick, modern and in the heart of Dubai's business district.
A neighbourhood always dressed to impress; expect tall towers, incredible dining options and offices galore.
If you like this: Your ultimate guide to every Dubai neighbourhood
So if you're visiting for the first time, or are considering pitching your tent here permanently, here's everything you need to know.
Your complete guide to DIFC
Renting in DIFC
Average rent price/housing type: Dhs145,000 per year (one-bedroom apartment).
DIFC is all about cosmopolitan city-living, so you can expect skyscrapers and apartments if you're looking to move here.
Pick the right spot and you can enjoy some incredible Burj Khalifa views and most buildings are very modern.
If you're looking to rent, the latest data from Property Finder estimates a yearly cost of around Dhs145,000.
If you're looking to buy, the average one-bedroom apartment will cost around Dhs1.35m.
Where to eat in DIFC
Credit: Zuma
DIFC is home to some of the best restaurants in town.
Just crowned restaurant of the decade at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025, try the lamb chops at La Petite Maison and enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere with quality dishes.
Try the black cod at Zuma, or step into the frilled finery of a Parisian dinner show at Josette.
For dim sum that'll live in your head rent-free head straight to Hutong, or for the seabream carpaccio of dreams, it has to be GAIA, one of the best Greek restaurants in the city.
Looking for something a little more casual? A lunchtime smashed patty at High Joint never hurt either.
Nightlife in DIFC
Much like its restaurants, DIFC's nightlife is also sizzling.
This part of the city never sleeps, which guarantees a good night out.
For top-quality performances, have a night at the theatre at Dubai Opera or have sky-high sundowners at At.mosphere. Amelia Lounge is also a top for a late-night dinner or mixed drink and even has a secret bar.
For a night brunch extravaganza, take the whole gang for a night at Miss Tess, where you can watch some incredible theatrics while tucking into some California rolls (and free-flowing drinks).
For some of the best mixed drinks in the city slide onto a bar stool at Agora, or find your way to the hidden speakeasy Voyage by Amelia for a nightcap.
Things to do in DIFC
If you're not dining out or enjoying the nightlife, there is still plenty to do in DIFC both before and after dark.
If you're a fitness fan and want to work up a sweat, powerwalk to a Barry's HIIT class or spin it out at Platform Studios. For weight-lifting-lovers, you'll fit right in at the Warehouse Gym.
DIFC is designed for professionals, but the indoor playground at Fia Fia will keep the little ones entertained for a few hours. If you want some nature ASAP, take the family on ten-minute drive to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary for flamingos and fresh air.
Running throughout the cooler season, you can even catch a yoga class under the Gate monument on the last Wednesday of every month.
Transport in DIFC
Gate Avenue Mall DIFC
There are two Dubai Metro stations on the red line that access DIFC, Financial Centre Metro and Emirates Towers Metro Station.
Outside of the metro, there are a series of bus routes that pass through the neighbourhood, including the 27, 29 and X22.
It's worth noting that this neck of the woods gets busy in rush hour, so allow extra time if you're heading in or out at peak times.
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