In this blog post, you’ll find a detailed Dubai travel guide – with absolutely everything you need to know before you visit!
Dubai is synonymous with luxury and opulence. But it blends the traditional and modern beautifully. I mean, you’ve got the traditional souk markets which lie in stark contrast to the glitzy Burj Khalifa. And while the city’s culture is rooted in Islam, Dubai is open to modern technologies, innovations, ideas, and architecture. This is why it is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Middle East.
However, while the city looks like many other cities in the West, the rules here are not the same. Hence, it is important to read a detailed Dubai travel guide (like this one) before you go. This guide will help you in every aspect of your Dubai travel, from the best things to do, and what rules you must follow to ensure a successful visit to this emirate city.
Below, you’ll find all my notes on what I loved doing, where I stayed, where I ate and what rules you must follow from my visits to Dubai over the years.
Related Read: Hong Kong is another cosmopolitan city we loved visiting, you can read our guide to the most Instagram-worthy places in Hong Kong here!
What is the Best Month to Go to Dubai?
The weather in Dubai is warm throughout the year. But November to March is officially the winter season in Dubai, making it the perfect time to visit. The temperature during the winter months sits somewhere between 14 Celsius to 26 Celsius (57 – 79 Fahrenheit). This means you can explore Dubai’s outdoor attractions like its many stunning beaches or go on a camel ride comfortably during the day. Which can be hard to enjoy during the harsh summer months.
Another advantage of visiting in the winter season is that several seasonal attractions become functional during this time. Dubai also hosts several events and festivals from October to March.
Documents You Must Carry to Visit Dubai
For any international trip, you need to possess some important documents, and the same goes for a Dubai holiday too. Here are the documents you need to carry while visiting this city:
- A passport is a must. Your passport should have a validity of six months, at least.
- If you are not a part of Dubai or UAE visa waiver countries, you will require a visa. Many countries are eligible for Dubai e-visa.
- All tourists visiting Dubai should have travel insurance to take care of your expenses in case of emergencies, including medical ones.
What to Wear in Dubai
- As the weather is always warm, cotton and linen clothes are best for your Dubai holiday.
- It is best to pack clothes that cover your arms and legs. This is not only to protect your skin from the harsh sun but also because wearing modest clothes is a norm in Dubai.
- Women should avoid wearing clothes that expose your cleavage or are too revealing. All such clothes are acceptable at nightclubs and lounges. But you need to cover up appropriately while traveling to and from these places.
- All indoor attractions in Dubai are fully air-conditioned. So, carrying a jacket or a jumper is necessary while you are exploring these places.
BEST Things to Do in Dubai
There are honestly so many awesome things to do and places to visit in Dubai. But here are some of my favorite things to do in Dubai.
1. Visit the Burj Khalifa
One thing you should not miss is to visit the observation deck in the world’s tallest building. The decks on the 124th and 148th floors of the Burj Khalifa will give you a 360-degree, aerial view of the whole city. You can also dine in the world’s highest restaurant on the building’s 122nd floor.
You can book your ticket for the Observation Deck at the Burj Khalifa here for $57 USD!
2. Go on Top of the Dubai Frame
Another architectural marvel in Dubai is the Dubai Frame. The structure is designed like a photo frame, but the highlight of the place is the bridge on the top. By buying the Dubai Frame tickets, you can go to the top to view the old Dubai on one side and the new Dubai on the other.
3. Have Fun at a Desert Safari
The desert safari is the ultimate tourist attraction in Dubai. You get to spend time amidst the great sand dunes trying different adventurous activities, watching numerous entertaining programs, and enjoying a BBQ dinner.
This well-rated tour is 6 hours long and costs from just $35 USD per person – it involves a speedy ride through a remote desert in a 4×4 vehicle, a camel ride and a Bedouin-style dinner with live dance performances.
Related Read: Check out our guide to going on safari in Serengeti National Park. It was one of the best activities we’ve ever done on our travels!
4. Enjoy a Delicious Dinner on a Dhow Cruise
Dubai is home to hundreds of restaurants. But if you are looking for a unique dining experience, you must go on a dhow cruise dinner. A traditional boat-turned restaurant, the dhow sails on the Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina and promises an evening filled with great views, delicious food, and good entertainment.
This luxury dhow cruise is excellently rated and includes a sumptuous buffet dinner (prepared by a 5-star hotel) and live performances throughout the two hours. It costs from $50 USD per person.
5. Try a Few Adventurous Activities
Dubai is not just about sightseeing. In fact, adventure enthusiasts can try an array of thrilling activities like sky diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, ziplining, jet skiing, bungee jumping, hot air balloon riding, and more here. The city also offers several fun water sports.
When we visited we went on a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the deserts near Dubai and honestly, it was such a bucket list experience. The whole experience is 5 hours long and seeing the red sand dunes from high above was so memorable. The tour we did costs around $269 USD per person.
6. Have a Thrilling Time at the Theme Parks of Dubai
You should not spend your entire Dubai holiday visiting only the architectural wonders of the city like the Burj Khalifa or lazing on a sandy beach. Why not spend a fun-filled day at one of the several theme parks here? Motiongate Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Wild Wadi, Legoland Dubai, DXB Dubai, and KidZania Dubai are a few of the popular amusement parks in Dubai. And a day pass for each of the above is surprisingly reasonably priced!
7. Explore Dubai’s Museums
Dubai is not just about skyscrapers, luxury hotels, shopping malls, and theme parks. The city has some amazing museums as well. Dubai Museum is the most popular, as it gives you a peak into the Bedouin culture and history of the city.
Another museum you must not miss is the Museum of the Future, which is an interactive museum that tells you about the latest technological innovations and advancements. Some other noteworthy museums in the city are the Etihad Museum, Coins Museum, Coffee Museum, and Museum of Illusions.
8. Go Skiing in Dubai
You may think I’m kidding when I say you can go skiing in Dubai, but I’m not. The Mall of Emirates in Dubai is home to Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort, the largest in the world. The large indoor mountain here is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, zorbing, and even ziplining. There is also a snow park here, where you can indulge in fun snow rides and activities.
9. Explore the City’s Free Attractions
There’s no doubt about it – Dubai is an expensive city and most tourist attractions here charge for entry. Still, there are a few attractions that you can explore for free. Watching the Dubai Fountain Show, visiting the numerous public beaches in the city, walking along the Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina, exploring the various parks, and window shopping at the malls and souks are some of the free things to do in the city.
10. Check out the Seasonal Attractions
Dubai has several seasonal attractions that stay closed during the summer months. So, if you want to see these attractions, you will have to visit between October and April, when the climate is more pleasant. Some of the seasonal attractions here are Dubai Garden Glow, Dubai Miracle Garden, Global Village Dubai, and much more.
How to Travel Around Dubai
One of the best things about Dubai is its reliable public transport. The metro service in Dubai is reliable and economical. Apart from this, public buses are also available to most places in the city. The hop-on-hop-off bus that departs from Dubai Mall is very handy!
If you want to get from A to B quickly and easily you can choose a taxi or Uber. You can pick up a taxi pretty much anywhere in Dubai and they’re not too expensive. We used taxis most of the time when we visited Dubai.
Where to Stay in Dubai
When it comes to accommodation in Dubai, you are spoilt for choice. From budget hotels with basic amenities to palatial hotels with all the luxuries known to mankind, you have different options to choose from. You must book a hotel that suits your budget. Moreover, it is best to book a hotel in a centrally located area. This will ensure that you can reach all the attractions without traveling too much.
I’ve visited the city a couple of times and below are my favorite hotels in Dubai –
- Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina – This hotel is located in the lovely and vibrant marina and features a pool, gym, restaurant, and comfortable and spacious rooms. It also offers free valet parking for guests! Rooms here average around $145 USD per night.
- Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort – If you’re looking for a beachy place to spend the night in Dubai, look no further than the Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort has direct beach access, a swimming pool, and a gym. It’s stylishly decorated and has a beachy vibe. It’s also very family-friendly with lots of kids’ activities on offer. Rooms here are around $140 USD per night.
- Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah – This 5-star property is situated on West Palm Beach and offers stunning views over the Arabian Gulf. It features an oceanfront pool, 10 bars and restaurants, a Spa, and so much more. It’s luxury for a good price with rooms averaging $175 USD per night.
What to Eat in Dubai
Dubai is heaven for foodies. As the city has a large expat community, you will find restaurants and eateries that serve cuisines from all over the world. The local Emirati cuisine is something you must try. So, if you want to eat like a local you should try out Al Fanar which has multiple locations throughout the city. We also loved Al Jawareh in the Industrial Area.
But apart from this, Lebanese, Mediterranean, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, African, Italian, Peruvian, etc., are some other cuisines that you will find in Dubai. We LOVE sushi and really enjoyed our dining experience at Hoseki at the Bulgari Resort.
Just like the cuisine, there are a variety of restaurants in Dubai. From small restaurants and cafes to fine dining restaurants to unique dining places, there is no shortage of places to dine in Dubai, as per your budget or the occasion.
How and Where to Shop in Dubai
If there’s one activity Dubai is most renowned for it’s shopping! Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. The city is filled with massive shopping malls that are home to the most popular international and local brands. Apart from the shopping malls, there are small boutiques that sell bespoke items.
But for some authentic shopping, you must explore the souks of Dubai. Souks are traditional markets that have been in existence for decades now. The most popular is the Gold Souk, which has more than 300 stores selling gold and other precious jewelry. Next to it is the Perfume and Spice Souks, where you can buy traditional fragrances like oud and attar, modern perfumes, spices, herbs, and more. There is also a Fabric Souk, where you can buy a variety of stitched and unstitched fabric.
The best thing about shopping at the souks is that you can bargain to your heart’s content. If you want to save money while shopping in Dubai, you must visit during the Dubai Shopping Festival (December-January) or Dubai Summer Surprises (June to September). You will get amazing deals and discounts during these shopping festivals in Dubai.
Important Travel Tips for Dubai
- If you are on a tight budget but still want to see Dubai, visiting during the summer season would be a good idea. Summers in Dubai are extremely warm (the temperature can go up to a stifling 50 Celsius/ 122 Fahrenheit). But hotels and flight tickets are generally cheaper during this time. Plus, there are several indoor attractions to keep you entertained.
- If you are visiting during the holy month of Ramadan, you will have to refrain from eating and drinking in public during the day.
- Alcohol should only be consumed at licensed restaurants or in the privacy of your hotel room (or residence). Drinking in public is prohibited. Drinking and driving is illegal in Dubai and can lead to jail time.
- Another illegal thing in Dubai is PDA or public display of affection. Avoid it at all costs.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, especially if you are exploring the outdoor attractions. Carry sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the heat.
Thanks for Reading!
I’ve made this travel guide as comprehensive as I can so that your Dubai holiday will be smooth and hassle-free. If you are planning to visit Dubai soon and want to know about something else, something we have missed here, let us know in the comments, and we will try to help you in the best possible way.
Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by snaphappytravel