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Planning a visit to Dubai and questioning what’s truly price your time (and cash)?
Whether or not you’re heading there with associates, children in tow, touring solo, or simply need to see if Dubai lives as much as the hype, this checklist has you lined. From desert safaris to indoor ski slopes to gold-drenched facials, right here’s your cheat sheet for the very best 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 Large Sights (Sure, They’re Price It)
Let’s be sincere. While you land in Dubai, you’re stepping right into a metropolis that doesn’t do delicate. And that’s half the enjoyable.
- Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest skyscraper. It’s iconic, and sure, it’s price standing on the base and craning your neck skyward. If you need the view, attempt to ebook your go to early within the day or round sundown for the very best expertise.
- Dubai Fountain Present – Positioned proper under the Burj Khalifa, this water and lightweight present is among the greatest free issues within the metropolis. Extra free issues to do in Dubai ideas right here.
- Dubai Miracle Backyard – Over 50 million blooming flowers organized in whimsical shapes, assume large teddy bears made from petals. Good with children, or simply when you’re craving a coloration overload.
- Ain Dubai – The world’s largest statement wheel. Go within the night for glittering skyline views.
Add a Little bit of Quirk (The Uncommon Stuff)
Dubai is nice at taking issues to the acute (in the easiest way).
- Ski Dubai – An enormous indoor ski hill contained in the Mall of the Emirates. The place 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.
- International Village – A seasonal multicultural theme park with meals, exhibits, and purchasing from 90+ international locations. Assume Epcot, however with extra shawarma.
For much more sudden adventures (zorbing, lava shell massages, and extra), don’t miss 15 distinctive issues to do in Dubai.
Issues to Do with Youngsters (That Adults Secretly Love Too)
We’ve traveled the world with our kiddos, and Dubai makes it straightforward to maintain everybody blissful.
- Dubai Aquarium – Contained in the Dubai Mall, with a large viewing panel and walk-through tunnel.
- Journey Zone – Ziplining, wall climbing, trampolines, principally a child’s dream day.
- LEGOLAND Dubai – Smaller than its U.S. cousins, however filled with allure.
- Desert Safari – Camel rides, henna portray, dune bashing, and stomach dancing underneath the celebs.
Get the total breakdown in our family-friendly Dubai information.
Discover Dubai for Free (Sure, Actually)
Dubai has loads of luxe points of interest, however you don’t have to empty your pockets to benefit from the metropolis.
- Jumeirah Seaside – Public, clear, and excellent for a swim or individuals watching session.
- Dubai Creek – Watch picket boats glide by and wander by way of the charming Al Fahidi Historic District close by.
- Alserkal Avenue – Dubai’s hippest artwork scene. No entry price, however you may depart impressed.
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – Flamingos within the desert? Yup. Greatest in winter.
Right here’s our full checklist of the very best free locations to go to.
The Greatest Souvenirs to Purchase 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 wonderful. Al Nassma is the go to model.
- Pashmina Shawls – Actual pashmina is tremendous tender and light-weight (and comes with bragging rights). Be careful for pretend acrylics.
- Arabic Espresso Units – Good when you’ve fallen in love with cardamom laced espresso.
- Spices and Dates – Top off on saffron, za’atar, and plump Medjool dates from the myriad of souks across the metropolis.
- Miniature Burj Khalifas – Sure, they’re a bit touristy, however they’re enjoyable. Particularly 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, take a look at our information to the very best issues to purchase in Dubai.
When Ought to You Go to Dubai?
Right here’s the brief reply: November to March. Heat days, cool nights, and every little thing’s open.
Shoulder seasons like April or October? Nice when you like warmth and shorter traces. Summer season? It’s doable, however put together for a sauna expertise. Plenty of outside points of interest shut down and also you’ll stay in air-con.
We break all of it down in our seasonal information to visiting Dubai.
Bonus Suggestions: Fast Wins for a Smoother Journey
- Wi-Fi is in all places, together with malls, seashores, even the Metro. Deliver 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.
- Costume code – Dubai’s fairly relaxed, however modest clothes is appreciated in public areas. Assume shoulders and knees lined.
The Takeaway
Dubai is a kind 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 full of heat, coloration, and creativity.
Whether or not you’re planning every week of household enjoyable, a romantic getaway, or an offbeat solo journey, Dubai has one thing sudden ready for everybody.
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