Once a small fishing village in the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is today one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, the city is home to nearly 200 nationalities and offers an unforgettable experience to all visitors.
Whether it is by the banks of the Creek, or at the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, Dubai lives and breathes a sense of possibility and innovation. And with an unparalleled coastline, beautiful desert and magnificent cityscapes, memories are just waiting to be made here.
How to get there
The best way to get into Dubai is via air. Dubai has the metropolis airport of the emirates. Flights land here from all countries.
Some popular airports in Dubai are Al Maktoum International Airport that is 32km southwest Dubai in Jebel Ali. Second Airport is Dubai International Airport which is located in Dubai itself. Third airport is Sharjah International Airport which is located in Sharjah. Another airport is Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Where to stay
The city is jam-packed with places to stay in all price ranges. Most of the hotels are modern, upmarket, and good value, but some with notable Arabian-style charm and history and a few boutique guesthouses can also be found.
The best areas to stay in Dubai:
- for sightseeing – Bur Dubai. Traveling to attractions can take up a substantial part of each precious day, so it makes sense to stay in an area that’s central and well connected by public transport. The older, inner-city suburb of Bur Dubai offers its own attractions such as authentic souks (markets). It is also convenient to Dubai Creek, which is lined with traditional boats and ‘floating restaurants’, and to the historic neighborhoods of Al Fahidi and Al Seef.
- for Nightlife – Dubai Marina. Beer, wine, and, especially, spirits are among the most expensive on the planet because of local taxes, and mostly only served in bars or licensed restaurants at hotels or in nightclubs. Some of the city’s hippest bars and trendiest nightclubs are on the rooftops of the lofty high-rises along the exotic Dubai Marina.
- for Food & Restaurants – Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Here you will find the finest choice of eateries, with the added appeal of a beachside setting, is along the main streets between JBR and Dubai Marina.
- for Families – Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Most hotels and resorts at JBR offer family-friendly amenities such as a children’s pool, kids club, and playground, and are within a short stroll of a fabulous range of eateries.
- for Beaches – Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Several resorts around the JBR area offer water-sports from jet-skis and parasailing to paddleboats and kayaking.
- for Vibe and Culture – Dubai Creek. Upmarket hotels, as well as a golf course and extended park, with precious water frontage of traditional dhow boats and terminals for abra water-taxis – all offering a historical allure and fascinating skyline.
- for Markets – Deira. This likable and convenient residential area is close to the Dubai airport and nicely distant from the more touristy districts farther down the coast. It offers more than enough amenities for tourists – often more likely to be locally-run supermarkets than malls – as well as souks (markets) dedicated to gold and spices.
- most Romantic Area – Palm Jumeirah Island. Here you will find the intimate accommodations, including suites with jacuzzis, superb views, and romantic dining along the waterfront, which is particularly majestic at sunset.
- for History – Al Fahidi. Still maintaining a lovable charm, Al Fahidi, the city’s oldest neighborhood, is filled with guesthouses, cafés, galleries, and museums within ‘mud-brick’ buildings along meandering lanes nicely distant from traffic.
Things to do & see
With its impressive skyscrappers and the numerous activities you can do in Dubai, you will for sure enjoy your trip to one of the trendiest destination in the world.
In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 15 best things to do in Dubai, with all points of interest and must-see attractions.
Burj Khalifa
The tallest skyscraper in the world (828 meters) has been open to the public since 2010 and has quickly become the symbol of the city. Every day, thousands of visitors flock to the tower and take one of the fastest lift in the world up to the viewing platforms located on the 124th and 125th floors. From there, you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama over the whole city!
The Dubai Fountain
This fountain is the largest water fountain in the world and is one of Dubai’s main tourist attractions.
The best is to go there at nightfall, when the tower is illuminated. It’s simply magical to watch the ballet of water jets dancing to music. The show takes place every 30 minutes between 18.00 and 23.00.
The access is free of charge.
Deira district and its souks
Deira lies on the northern bank of Dubai Creek, and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call Dubai home.
For travelers, Deira is most famous for its traditional souks (markets), which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day. Deira Gold Souk is world-renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world.
Dubai Frame
It is one of Dubai’s newest tourist attractions, is already very popular! You can go to the top of this huge 150 meters high photo frame and enjoy a panoramic view over the 2 parts of the city: the Old Dubai on one side and Downtown Dubai (the Burj Khalifa) on the other.
Inside, a series of galleries whisk you through the city’s history and explore Emirati heritage. Afterwards check out Future Dubai gallery, which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city will look like.
Al Seef district
With a waterfront promenade backed by traditional coral-block and limestone buildings, a floating market, and shops selling crafts, it’s a great place for a stroll with excellent water views.
To travel across the creek, you can either take a trip on one of the many dhows that have been restored as tourist cruise boats or take an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry points on the creek’s Bur Dubai and Deira banks.
The Madinat Jumeirah souk
This large shopping area is especially worth a look for its traditional architecture and oriental atmosphere.
With its canals and restaurants on the waterfront, the place is quiet and really beautiful. If you feel like it, you can even go on a boat tour on an abra. From the outdoor areas of the souk, there are several beautiful viewpoints over the Burj Al Arab.
Global village
If you’re going to visit Dubai in winter, you will be able to discover the Global Village.
Located outside the city, the Global village features reconstructions of world-famous monuments, such as the Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum of Rome or the Taj Mahal. There is dozens of pavilions, each dedicated to a different country and in each pavilion you will find dozens of stands with local specialties: food, clothes and objects.
You should visit the Global Village in the evening, it’s much more beautiful and impressive when the lights are on!
Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world with so much more than clothing stores and boutiques. The Dubai Mall houses the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo where you can even go diving with sharks, there’s a skating rink, waterfalls, and top-name brand clothing outlets where you can get lost for the day.
Downtown Dubai
Wander through the beautifully landscaped promenades along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, with walkways lined with irresistible restaurants. Follow its curves and you’ll likely reach the Dubai Opera – the city’s entertainment soul, which stages a regular programme of concerts, theatre and more. This area is especially vibrant at night, with tall palm trees illuminated by fairy lights, al fresco tables buzzing with diners and opera-goers dressed up to the nines.
Don´t miss to take a photo or two of the Wings of Mexico! This is definitely one of the most impressive installations around – not to mention one of the best photo spots in all of Dubai! Viewers and photographers can frame the Burj Khalifa within the metal rectangular border outside of the wings.
Dubai Marina
Like all things in Dubai, it too is surrounded by mammoth skyscrapers and shopping malls that take your breath away. There are coffee shops and restaurants surrounding the second-largest man-made marina in the world where you can book boat tours and dinner cruises from here.
Explore Palm Jumeirah
If there’s one location that truly symbolises Dubai, it’s the world-famous Palm Jumeirah. You can’t imagine Dubai without this iconic, man-made archipelago. Shaped in the form of a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is home to some of the emirate’s most luxurious resorts, a stunning array of great dining options and a multitude of attractions. If you’re looking to indulge in some epic fun in the sun, laid-back or active, Palm Jumeirah is where you should be headed.
Stroll along the Palm Jumeirah boardwalk and enjoy these amazing views of Dubai.
The Pointe at the Palm Jumeirah
Enjoy the ultimate day of fun and relaxation at The Pointe, Dubai’s iconic waterfront destination. Where you can shop at Dubai’s most luxurious stores, dine at a selection of the finest restaurants and cafés from around the world while overlooking spectacular views, and attend many events. You can also enjoy one of the Palm Fountain, the world’s largest musical fountain, mesmerizing shows.
Go To The Beach
Dubai isn’t just shopping and nighttime fun! Here the sea is warm and the beaches, even the free ones, offer a slice of paradise where sunbathing is a real pleasure for the whole family. The waters of the Indian Ocean are mitigated by the tranquillity of the Persian Gulf and diving into the water is just an amazing experience.
So, in addition to a pair of comfortable shoes, don’t forget to pack a nice swimsuit and towel: it will come in very useful!
Here are the most beautiful beaches in Dubai:
- Sunset Beach
- JBR Beach
- Kite Beach
- La Mer Beach
Excursion in the desert
The most popular excursion around Dubai is an excursion into the desert. There are many day tours to the Desert. Enjoy a traditional camel caravan trip across breathtaking desert dunes, explore an ancient Bedouin Village, constructed from natural materials and stargaze with a telescope after the camp lights go out. Enjoy Arabic coffee, watch traditional dance and enjoy a traditional meal.
How many days to spend in Dubai?
There are many places to visit in Dubai! You should thus plan at least 3 days to discover the city. In my opinion, a one-week stay is really ideal to have enough time to see everything, enjoy the activities and even explore the surroundings.
Hope this itinerary will help you on planning your next trip to Dubai. You´ll definitely enjoy this hustling and bustling city 😉
Check my latest photos and reels from this amazing trip in my instagram too!
Your sincerely,
Anny