They say we are defined by the places we live. And while that isn't always entirely true, our surroundings do shape us in many ways. Dubai offers endless options — whether you prefer peace and quiet with a great café just downstairs, or a vibrant lifestyle full of energy and rhythm, the city has it all.

Your morning starts at 7 am with a hot latte and, most likely, a quick gym session. By 8 am, as you leave home, the streets are already buzzing with the sounds of honking cars and rushing taxis. Another coffee (a fancier one, maybe) at the café on your way to the office... Sound familiar? Then chances are, you live in DIFC — the heart of it all. How does it feel to live there? Let's find out.

How to describe DIFC in just a few words? Most likely: the centre of the buzz. Skyscrapers, luxury offices of multinational companies and banks, Michelin-starred restaurants, and high-end cars that never seem to stop cruising the streets — DIFC truly lives 24/7. It is no surprise that when it comes to renting, this area falls firmly into the premium category, with one-bedroom apartments often exceeding 100,000 AED per year.

Still, despite the rush and energy, DIFC is thoughtfully designed to be more than just a place to hustle. It is a neighborhood that encourages you to live well — not just work hard.

What surprises many? The walkable areas — yes, they actually exist! Add to that green spaces, cafés and restaurants, indoor and outdoor exhibitions, and regular events at the Museum of the Future. It is as if the area gently reminds its residents: “Work matters, but so does enjoying life”.

"People often assume DIFC is always loud and crowded, but I wouldn’t say so — even during lunch or evening, when the area comes alive, I still find it calm and enjoyable." — Anastasiia

Okay, being the centre of Dubai's business life has its pros and cons. Let’s start with the good news!

First — DIFC is easily one of the most convenient areas in Dubai when it comes to public transport. The metro station is right in the heart of the district, so most places in the area are just a 10–15 minute walk away. Need to get to Dubai Mall? Give it 10 minutes — and you are there.

“My building is just a couple of minutes from the metro — couldn’t ask for a better spot. And even from other parts of the area, it is a short and easy walk to the station.” — Anastasia

“You can absolutely live here without a car — I often walk to DIFC metro station since it only takes me about 15 minutes. Totally doable, even in the heat,” — Ariza 

Second — taxis. Besides the fact that the average waiting time is really short (thanks to the constant flow of people coming and going), there are also plenty of taxi points where cars are always parked, waiting for their next ride.

“Taxis are always nearby — literally just outside the building entrance. I switch between taking taxis and the metro, depending on the time of day and where I am heading," — Anastasiia

Of course, being a business hub, DIFC gets busy during peak hours — especially since most offices still run on a 9-to-6 schedule. But if you are lucky enough to both live and work in the area, getting back home is quick and stress-free. And the best part? After work, you have absolutely earned a little treat — and in DIFC, you are spoiled for choice with the millions of cosy cafés around.

Here is what traffic can look like around 9:30 am:

Okay, I will be honest — this is the category where I got the most recommendations from our insiders. In total, over 20 restaurants, each with its own cuisine and vibe. If anything, it gives you a clear picture of what DIFC is all about — a true haven for food lovers!

Anastasiia, judging by her picks, seems to be a true wellness and sports lover — especially when you see what she eats. These are the places she keeps coming back to:

For breakfast, she likes Bateel — with their guilt-free dishes, Joe & The Juice — for their perfect fresh juices and iconic Tunacado Sandwich and Love Vibe — for their Pink Pancakes.

For lunch, her go-tos are: Common Grounds and Little Bangkok. And for dinner, she is all about the classics — something elegant and Italian like Cipriani.

“If you have friends or family coming to Dubai, take them to dinner at Cipriani, Amazonico, or Avli. I bet they will love it!” — Anastasiia

Ariza is a definite insider — a lover of all things that are cool, delicious, and a bit off the radar. She almost suggested renaming this article to “DIFC: Where to Eat” because that is where most of her favorites are.

Here is her short but strong list: The Lebanese spot Al Mandaloun, loved for flavour-packed classics; the rich ramen at Mitsu-Ya; and the perfect French gem — 𝐋𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧.

“There is an Italian restaurant almost no one knows about. It is located at the Waldorf Astoria and it is called The Artisan Dubai. A real must!” — Ariza

If you ask anyone to name the busiest area in Dubai, I bet 9 out of 10 would say DIFC. But contrary to that fast-paced image, the district actually offers many places to slow down, take a walk, treat yourself, and simply breathe.

DIFC has more green and walkable zones than you would expect — because movement (and we aren’t just talking about burning 600 calories an hour!) is everything. Where can you walk?

“When it is winter, I go all the way from DIFC to the promenade, then walk along Kite Beach all the way to the Burj Al Arab.” — Ariza

Since DIFC is filled with people working Monday to Friday, usually chasing a dozen deadlines at once, it would be a huge mistake not to offer them a space to recharge. The best spots to unwind?

Villa Sage — A hidden wellness center combining three in one: yoga studio, massage center, and a beautiful café with healthy (but genuinely tasty) treats.

Seva Table — Technically a café — but much more than that. This peaceful green haven hosts regular workshops on meditation, breathwork, and mindful living. No surprise people go there to reset.

1Rebel — Not into soft wellness? Here is your high-energy fix — the ultimate mix of sweat, sound, and style.

Reshape — the best place, if your goal is to lose the extra kilos you gained from all the tasty DIFC lunches. 

– You are a freelancer or someone who works within DIFC;

– You want to be in the middle of it all; 

– You don’t drive and rely on good public transport.

– You have a family with kids;

– You are looking for a calm space;

– You work in another part of the city and aren’t ready to battle peak-hour traffic jams daily.