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Planning a visit to Dubai and questioning what’s really value your time (and cash)?
Whether you’re heading there with buddies, children in tow, touring solo, or simply wish to see if Dubai lives as much as the hype, this checklist has you coated. From desert safaris to indoor ski slopes to gold-drenched facials, right here’s your cheat sheet for the perfect issues to do in Dubai.
Bonus: We’ve added tricks to save money, keep away from crowds, and hyperlink you to deep dives from our Dubai journey archives.
Hit the Big Attractions (Yes, They’re Worth It)
Let’s be trustworthy. When you land in Dubai, you’re stepping right into a metropolis that doesn’t do refined. And that’s half the enjoyable.
- Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest skyscraper. It’s iconic, and sure, it’s value standing on the base and craning your neck skyward. If you need the view, attempt to e-book your go to early within the day or round sundown for the perfect expertise.
- Dubai Fountain Show – Located proper under the Burj Khalifa, this water and lightweight present is likely one of the finest free issues within the metropolis. More free issues to do in Dubai ideas right here.
- Dubai Miracle Garden – Over 50 million blooming flowers organized in whimsical shapes, assume large teddy bears fabricated from petals. Perfect with children, or simply should you’re craving a colour overload.
- Ain Dubai – The world’s largest remark wheel. Go within the night for glittering skyline views.
Add a Bit of Quirk (The Unusual Stuff)
Dubai is nice at taking issues to the intense (in one of the simplest ways).
- Ski Dubai – An enormous indoor ski hill contained in the Mall of the Emirates. Where else are you able to ski, bobsled, or cling with penguins in the midst of the desert?
- Chillout Lounge – A café constructed from ice, all the way down to the chairs. They hand you a parka and serve soup, sandwiches, and steaming mocktails. It’s kitschy and enjoyable, particularly if it’s +42°C outdoors.
- Global Village – A seasonal multicultural theme park with meals, reveals, and procuring from 90+ nations. Think Epcot, however with extra shawarma.
For much more surprising adventures (zorbing, lava shell massages, and extra), don’t miss 15 distinctive issues to do in Dubai.
Things to Do with Kids (That Adults Secretly Love Too)
We’ve traveled the world with our kiddos, and Dubai makes it straightforward to maintain everybody joyful.
- Dubai Aquarium – Inside the Dubai Mall, with an enormous viewing panel and walk-through tunnel.
- Adventure Zone – Ziplining, wall climbing, trampolines, mainly a child’s dream day.
- LEGOLAND Dubai – Smaller than its U.S. cousins, however filled with attraction.
- Desert Safari – Camel rides, henna portray, dune bashing, and stomach dancing beneath the celebs.
Get the total breakdown in our family-friendly Dubai information.
Explore Dubai for Free (Yes, Really)
Dubai has loads of luxe sights, however you don’t must empty your pockets to benefit from the metropolis.
- Jumeirah Beach – Public, clear, and excellent for a swim or folks watching session.
- Dubai Creek – Watch picket boats glide by and wander by the charming Al Fahidi Historic District close by.
- Alserkal Avenue – Dubai’s hippest artwork scene. No entry payment, however you may go away impressed.
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – Flamingos within the desert? Yup. Best in winter.
Here’s our full checklist of the perfect free locations to go to.
The Best Souvenirs to Buy in Dubai
Dubai is a consumer’s paradise, and sure, you could find one thing cool past fridge magnets.
- Camel Milk Chocolate – Sounds bizarre. Tastes superb. Al Nassma is the go to model.
- Pashmina Shawls – Real pashmina is tremendous smooth and light-weight (and comes with bragging rights). Watch out for pretend acrylics.
- Arabic Coffee Sets – Perfect should you’ve fallen in love with cardamom laced espresso.
- Spices and Dates – Stock up on saffron, za’atar, and plump Medjool dates from the myriad of souks across the metropolis.
- Miniature Burj Khalifas – Yes, they’re a bit touristy, however they’re enjoyable. Especially the gold-plated ones.
You’ll discover most of those within the Gold, Spice, and Textile Souks or on the large Dubai Mall. For extra concepts, try our information to the perfect issues to purchase in Dubai.
When Should You Go to Dubai?
Here’s the brief reply: November to March. Warm days, cool nights, and every thing’s open.
Shoulder seasons like April or October? Great should you like warmth and shorter traces. Summer? It’s doable, however put together for a sauna expertise. Quite a lot of out of doors sights shut down and also you’ll dwell in air con.
We break all of it down in our seasonal information to visiting Dubai.
Bonus Tips: Quick Wins for a Smoother Trip
- Wi-Fi is in all places, together with malls, seashores, even the Metro. Bring a VPN simply in case.
- Public transport is environment friendly, clear, and protected. Use the Metro for longer distances and ride-sharing apps for brief hops.
- Dress code – Dubai’s fairly relaxed, however modest clothes is appreciated in public areas. Think shoulders and knees coated.
The Takeaway
Dubai is a type of uncommon cities the place you possibly can ski, store, sandboard, and sip saffron tea, all in the identical day. It’s flashy, sure, however it’s additionally stuffed with heat, colour, and creativity.
Whether you’re planning every week of household enjoyable, a romantic getaway, or an offbeat solo journey, Dubai has one thing surprising ready for everybody.
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