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Planning a visit to Dubai and questioning what’s really value your time (and cash)?
Whether or not you’re heading there with mates, children in tow, touring solo, or simply need 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 most effective 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 Huge Sights (Sure, They’re Value It)
Let’s be trustworthy. Once 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 would like the view, attempt to e book your go to early within the day or round sundown for the most effective expertise.
- Dubai Fountain Present – Positioned proper under the Burj Khalifa, this water and lightweight present is likely one of the finest free issues within the metropolis. Extra free issues to do in Dubai suggestions right here.
- Dubai Miracle Backyard – Over 50 million blooming flowers organized in whimsical shapes, suppose big teddy bears fabricated from petals. Excellent with children, or simply should you’re craving a coloration overload.
- Ain Dubai – The world’s largest commentary 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 one of the simplest ways).
- Ski Dubai – A large 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, right 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 exterior.
- International Village – A seasonal multicultural theme park with meals, exhibits, and procuring from 90+ nations. Suppose 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.
Issues to Do with Youngsters (That Adults Secretly Love Too)
We’ve traveled the world with our kiddos, and Dubai makes it simple to maintain everybody joyful.
- Dubai Aquarium – Contained in the Dubai Mall, with a large viewing panel and walk-through tunnel.
- Journey Zone – Ziplining, wall climbing, trampolines, mainly a child’s dream day.
- LEGOLAND Dubai – Smaller than its U.S. cousins, however stuffed 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.
Discover Dubai for Free (Sure, Actually)
Dubai has loads of luxe sights, however you don’t have to empty your pockets to benefit from the metropolis.
- Jumeirah Seaside – Public, clear, and excellent for a swim or folks watching session.
- Dubai Creek – Watch wood boats glide by and wander by 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 most effective free locations to go to.
The Greatest Souvenirs to Purchase in Dubai
Dubai is a client’s paradise, and sure, yow will discover one thing cool past fridge magnets.
- Camel Milk Chocolate – Sounds bizarre. Tastes superb. Al Nassma is the go to model.
- Pashmina Shawls – Actual pashmina is tremendous comfortable and light-weight (and comes with bragging rights). Be careful for pretend acrylics.
- Arabic Espresso Units – Excellent should you’ve fallen in love with cardamom laced espresso.
- Spices and Dates – Fill up 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 huge Dubai Mall. For extra concepts, take a look at our information to the most effective issues to purchase in Dubai.
When Ought to You Go to Dubai?
Right here’s the quick reply: November to March. Heat days, cool nights, and every little thing’s open.
Shoulder seasons like April or October? Nice should you like warmth and shorter strains. Summer season? It’s doable, however put together for a sauna expertise. Numerous outside 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 Suggestions: Fast Wins for a Smoother Journey
- Wi-Fi is in all places, together with malls, seashores, even the Metro. Carry 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. Suppose shoulders and knees coated.
The Takeaway
Dubai is a type of uncommon cities the place you may ski, store, sandboard, and sip saffron tea, all in the identical day. It’s flashy, sure, nevertheless it’s additionally full of heat, coloration, and creativity.
Whether or not you’re planning per week of household enjoyable, a romantic getaway, or an offbeat solo journey, Dubai has one thing surprising ready for everybody.
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