Dubai is a city that's known for its lavish lifestyle, stunning architecture, and exciting adventures. It is one of the most popular destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through Dubai, providing you with all the information you need to plan your trip. From where to stay to what to do, we've got you covered.
Dubai is unlike any other city on the planet. With its bold architecture and over-the-top style, the United Arab Emirates’ largest city is a distinct fusion of its Bedouin heritage and an ultra-modern culture all its own. Dubai doesn’t just live up to its reputation; it will completely exceed your expectations. Explore the glitz and glam, and then uncover the ancient traditions of this multifaceted city. You'll find all of my Dubai travel tips in the ultimate travel guide below!
Where to Stay:
Dubai has a plethora of accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels. The choice of where to stay largely depends on your budget and the type of experience you're looking for.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: This iconic hotel is a symbol of luxury and extravagance in Dubai. It's located on its own island and boasts stunning views of the city. The hotel has a private beach, a spa, and several dining options.
Atlantis, The Palm: This hotel is located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah and is known for its extravagant water park, aquarium, and marine experiences. It's a great choice for families and those who love adventure.
Rove Downtown: If you're looking for a more affordable option, Rove Downtown is a great choice. It's located in the heart of the city and is just a short walk away from the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain.ROVE Downtown Hotel. It’s a modern and chic hotel, perfect for exploring the city.
Zabeel House by Jumeirah: This trendy hotel is located in the Al Seef area of Dubai and is perfect for those who want to experience the old Dubai. It's just a short walk away from Dubai Creek and has several dining options.
Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites & Apartments: This hotel is located in the Barsha Heights neighborhood and is close to the Dubai Internet City and the Dubai Marina. It has spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center
Armani Hotel Dubai: This luxurious hotel is located in the iconic Burj Khalifa and offers stunning views of Dubai. It has elegant rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: This iconic hotel is located on its own island and is shaped like a sailboat. It offers luxurious suites, a private beach, a spa, and several restaurants.
What to Do:
Dubai has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, you'll find it here.
Visit the Burj Khalifa: The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and offers stunning views of the city. You can visit the observation deck on the 148th floor for an unforgettable experience. Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world here are some things you should know before visiting Burj Khalifa:
Tickets: You will need to purchase tickets to visit Burj Khalifa. You can purchase tickets online or at the ticket counter. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as they often sell out quickly.
Time: It is recommended to visit Burj Khalifa during sunset time or at night, as the view of the city lights is breathtaking. The observation deck is open from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm.
Dress Code: There is no strict dress code for visiting Burj Khalifa, but it is recommended to dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes.
Security: There are strict security measures in place at Burj Khalifa, so be prepared to go through metal detectors and have your bags checked.
Transportation: You can reach Burj Khalifa by taking the Dubai Metro, a taxi, or driving. There is a parking lot available for visitors.
Observation Deck: The observation deck is located on the 124th floor and offers stunning views of Dubai. There is also a higher level, called "At the Top Sky" located on the 148th floor, which offers a more luxurious experience.
Go on a Desert Safari: Dubai is located in the middle of the desert, and going on a desert safari is a must-do activity. You can go dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding, followed by a traditional Arabian dinner.
If you're planning a trip to Dubai, a desert safari is a must-do activity. Dubai is located in the middle of the desert, and going on a desert safari is the perfect way to experience the desert landscape, culture, and adventure. It's a great way to escape the city's hustle and bustle and experience the peacefulness and beauty of the desert.
The Experience:
Most desert safaris start in the afternoon, where you'll be picked up from your hotel in a 4x4 vehicle. From there, you'll drive out of the city and into the desert, where the adventure begins.
The first activity on the list is dune bashing. It's a thrilling experience where you'll drive up and down the sand dunes, creating waves of sand as you go. The ride can be bumpy, so make sure to hold on tight.
Next up is sandboarding, where you'll glide down the sand dunes on a board. It's a bit like snowboarding, but on sand. It's a great activity for those who love adventure and adrenaline.
After all that excitement, it's time to slow things down and enjoy a peaceful camel ride. You'll get to experience the traditional way of traveling in the desert and enjoy the views.
As the sun sets, you'll head to the campsite, where you'll enjoy a traditional Arabic buffet dinner. There will be a range of dishes to choose from, including grilled meats, salads, and traditional desserts.
After dinner, you'll be entertained by a range of traditional performances, including belly dancing, Tanoura dancing, and a fire show. You can also get a henna tattoo and smoke shisha.
Finally, before heading back to the city, you'll have the opportunity to stargaze. The desert is the perfect place to see the stars, away from the city lights.
As you'll be spending time in the desert, it's important to wear appropriate clothing. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended, as well as closed-toe shoes. You may also want to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
A desert safari is an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss on your trip to Dubai. From dune bashing to camel riding, you'll get to experience the beauty, culture, and adventure of the desert. Just make sure to bring your camera to capture all the memories.
Visit the Dubai Mall: The Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world and is a shopper's paradise. It has over 1,200 stores, an aquarium, an ice rink, and a waterfall.
Take a Dhow Cruise: A Dhow is a traditional Arabian boat, and taking a cruise along Dubai Creek is a great way to see the city's skyline.
Visit the Dubai Museum: The Dubai Museum is located in the oldest building in Dubai and provides an insight into the city's history and culture.
Go Skiing: Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates. You can ski, snowboard, and even meet penguins!
Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden: The Dubai Miracle Garden is the world's largest flower garden and is home to over 45 million flowers.
Visit the Dubai Fountain: The Dubai Fountain is located outside the Dubai Mall and is the world's largest choreographed fountain system.
Go to the Beach: Dubai has several beaches, including Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, and the Beach at the Atlantis. You can relax, swim, or even try water sports.
Dubai is known for its beautiful beaches, and there are many to choose from. Here are some of the best beaches in Dubai:
Jumeirah Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in Dubai and is located near the Burj Al Arab. It has white sand, turquoise water, and plenty of amenities, including showers, changing rooms, and restaurants.
Kite Beach: This beach is known for its water sports and is a popular spot for kite surfers. It also has plenty of amenities, including showers, changing rooms, and a jogging track.
La Mer Beach: This is a relatively new beach in Dubai, located in the Jumeirah 1 neighborhood. It has a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby.
Al Mamzar Beach Park: This is a large park with several beaches, located on the outskirts of Dubai. It has plenty of amenities, including picnic areas, barbecue pits, and playgrounds.
These are just a few of the best beaches in Dubai. Each of them offers something unique and is worth checking out.
Visit the Dubai Frame: The Dubai Frame is a 150-meter-tall structure that offers stunning views of the city. It's located in Zabeel Park and is one of Dubai's newest attractions.
What to expect
Language: While Arabic is the UAE’s official language, English is the language of business and is spoken by almost everyone in Dubai.
Currency: The UAE’s currency is the Dirham (Dhs).
Credit Cards and Banks: Cash is still king here. While most places accept credit cards, it’s best to always carry small changes.
Climate: Dubai is the desert! S0, summers are extremely hot in Dubai—daytime temperatures are sometimes over 106 degrees while nights rarely fall below eighty-eight degrees. Winters are much more comfortable with temps between sixty and seventy-five degrees.
Good to Know: The minimum drinking age is twenty-one and there are areas where photography is prohibited, so watch out for signs and be respectful of their rules and cultural observations.
Dress Code: It can get very hot in Dubai, but you should be aware of keeping your clothes more on the conservative side. Be sure to pack light layers with a few long sleeves and full-length bottoms.
Getting around
Public Transport: It’s forbidden to eat or drink in the metro (and that includes chewing gum). Cabins are reserved for different categories, like women only and gold class, so watch the signs. Sleeping is not allowed in stations.
Taxis: Book a cab by calling 04-2080808. Cabs have a minimum meter charge of Dhs 12. There’s also a Salik charge if you need to go through a toll road, so keep that in mind.
Boats: A lot of attractions in Dubai are on or near the water so there are water ferries and taxis that run to and from 44 stops—you can find the water taxi routes here. You can schedule and purchase your water taxi tickets online or by calling this toll-free number: 8009090. You can also take a ride on a traditional wooden “Abra” boat down Dubai Creek or through Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Bike: There are city paths throughout the city that make it easy to bike! You can rent a BYKY bike at a curbside station and return it when you’re done.
Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Travel Essentials what's in my bag: To help you get started on packing, here are my essential travel and photography gear
Flights: WayAway to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.
Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.
Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars all over the world.
Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an Esim-compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.
Day Trips & Tours: Viator, and GetYourGuide, are great platforms to search for activities to do
Tickets & Deals: Tiqets is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions
Klook to find the best deals for trips in Asia, somehow they are 30% cheaper than when you buy them at a local agency
Train, buses, and ferries 12Go to find your travel route for local buses, and ferries, we use them all the time as you can easily see the reviews, and the vouchers are everywhere accepted. tickets are sold for more than 5,000 destinations in 100+ countries worldwide.