Dubai is a vibrant mix of traditional and modern, where glitzy skyscrapers rise beside historical neighbourhoods. It’s a city that’s constantly evolving, but it still holds on to its cultural roots.

Read more below in our article why Dubai isn’t just for the rich and glamorous and how you also can visit this golden oasis.

Overview

Dubai’s history dates back to the early 18th century when it was a small fishing village and later became an important trading hub, particularly for pearls.

By the 19th century, Dubai had established itself as a major centre for commerce, attracting merchants from India, Persia, and East Africa. In 1894, the ruling sheikh exempted foreign traders from taxes, which further boosted Dubai’s reputation as a trading hub.

It wasn’t until the discovery of oil in 1966 that Dubai began to transform into the modern metropolis we know today. Despite rapid urbanisation, the city still holds on to its cultural roots.

Whether you are here for the iconic attractions or the lesser-known corners, Dubai has a little bit of everything for all kinds of travellers.

Travel to and Around Dubai

Getting to Dubai is pretty straightforward, with its well-connected airport (Dubai Airport, DXB) serving most major airlines. For us this was a stopover from our trip to Tokyo, Japan earlier that month.

If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out this article with top tips on how to find cheap flights.

Travelling Around Dubai

Once you are there, you will find it easy to get around thanks to an extensive public transport system that includes the Dubai Metro, taxis, and even water taxis. Hiring a car can also be an option if you plan on exploring beyond the city.

Alternatively, you can choose to get a 24, 48 or 72 hours tickets for Dubai City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and explore the city this way.

What we suggest is considering a mix of public transport and taxis as not one option will be good enough. We found that whilst the metro is great if you are looking to go to attractions in the city centre, for other locations it’s not so great.

Hence using a taxi might be a great and cost effective approach. Ride sharing apps such as Uber, Bolt or Careem are affordable and convenient.

Paying for public transport in Dubai such as Metro or buses can be done via the nol card. It comes in different flavours however, the 2 options you might be considering are:

• Gold – Gives you access to the first car of the metro, the gold one.
• Silver – Standard card.

Regardless of what you choose, you will be able to buy the nol card at any Dubai RTA office desk, we got ours from the airport as we landed. You can learn more about the cards here.

Having said this, we would suggest getting the Gold edition of the nol card as we’ve noticed that the public transport is simply overcrowded and people tend to push themselves in the carriages and buses, making for a very uncomfortable experience.

Where to Stay in Dubai?

Choosing where to stay in Dubai depends on what you want to get out of our visit. If you are looking for luxury and convenience, Downtown Dubai or the Marina area might be best.

For something a bit more laid-back, consider staying in the Jumeirah neighbourhood. There are also plenty of family-friendly options around, with hotels that cater well to younger guests.

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, we would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Agoda to get the best rates. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Dubai for your specific dates.

We chose to stay at the Gevora hotel, which is the world’s tallest hotel. The hotel also features one of the world’s highest restaurants which offers unparalleled 360 degree views over the entire city where you can see some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa.

We booked the hotel via Agoda as we found relatively good prices and certainly the cheapest for this hotel.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March when the weather is comfortable, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities. The temperatures are mild compared to the sweltering summer months, but this period is also the most popular, so expect busier crowds.

We went during November and found the temperatures to be a pleasent 27-30 degrees throughout the day and mid 20s in the evenings. This was perfect for us as we had a few night swims in our hotel’s pool overlooking the Burj Khalifa.

Things to do in Dubai

We booked most of our attractions ahead of time on GetYourGuide and Klook and found that they offer a wide selection of attractions for Dubai at reasonable prices.

We recommend booking your attractions in advance, as some experiences can sell out, and it may not be possible to purchase tickets on-site. We also considered the Dubai Explorer Pass and the Klook Pass Dubai but ended up booking things separately.

Card payments are widely accepted, and we found that we didn’t need any cash. We used our 0% fee cards throughout this trip to make sure we always got the better rates. Read more here about managing your finances when travelling.

1. Explore Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek gives a glimpse of Dubai’s history and how the city began. Here we enjoyed a traditional abra ride across the creek, which remains a classic experience. The cost is minimal and is a glimpse into old Dubai’s transportation.

1.1. Discover the Dubai Museum

Located in Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum is great if you want to understand the history of the region, its transformation over the years, and the cultural roots of the Emirate.

When we went there, the museum was under refurbishment however, the fort isn’t particularly impressive from the outside. Having said this, perhaps it’s a reason to check it out in the future.

1.2. Walk Through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Taking a walk through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, we felt the essence of old Dubai. Its narrow lanes and wind-tower buildings take us back to a simpler time in Dubai’s history.

There are plenty of (modest) shops and restaurants, all offering various things and like in other Middle Eastern cultures they’re open to bartering. So bring your salesman skills with you!

You will find that the Emiratis have left this area as is to showcase their roots in contrast to today’s towers and world famous glamour.

From there you can hop on a boat to the Spice Bazaar. The boat trip was rather short but enjoyable.

1.3. Browse Dubai Spice Souk

We wandered through the Spice Souk, taking in the aromatic herbs and spices. It’s the perfect place to grab some local flavours to bring back home.

This is exactly what we did and managed to buy some Persian saffron at what we believe to be a good deal! In November 2023, we spent £60 for 30g which compared to prices in London, felt reasonable.

2. Relax at Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah Beach is a great spot to unwind, particularly for us as we needed some time to relax from our 8 hour flight from Japan. We enjoyed soft sands and calm waters and admired the views of the Burj Al Arab in the distance.

The beach isn’t something you haven’t seen but swimming with the Burj Al Arab in front of you does make you really feel you are in Dubai.

To top it up we had a perfect kebab from the nearby turkish restaurant – Turan.

3. Visit Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is a unique structure that gives us a contrasting view of old and new Dubai, allowing us to see just how far the city has come.

We recommend arriving early to avoid the long queues that tend to form by mid-morning. When we visited just after opening, we only had to wait a few minutes.

Upon entering, you are greeted by historical photos from Dubai Creek, showcasing the city’s humble beginnings. The fast lift takes you up to the viewing platform, where you can take in the impressive skyline of modern Dubai while appreciating its historical roots.

It’s an experience that vividly highlights the contrast and development of the city.

4. Experience the Museum of The Future

This is an intriguing visit, with its innovative displays giving us a glimpse into potential future technologies and ideas.

One thing to note is that tickets sell fast, and we’ve heard of many cases where people couldn’t get their tickets on the spot. We suggest you buy your tickets ahead of time to make sure you book your visit.

What we found also was that there is a very long wait on the queue. We waited well over an hour to enter the museum itself, although it was just before noon.

The museum is very similar to other live art museums such as Tokyo’s teamLab Borderless exprience.

The experience starts by fantasizing about the UAE’s future and creating a utopic depiction of future UAE colonies in space. From there, you go through various expositions which play with your senses.

Overall, it’s a great experience and we wouldn’t think of this as a Museum but more as of a Sci-Fi live art exposition.

5. Explore Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is full of highlights, and it’s worth dedicating a day to make the most of this area. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the sprawling Dubai Mall, this neighbourhood offers a blend of world-class attractions, dining, and entertainment.

We recommend starting early to visit the Burj Khalifa, then explore the Dubai Mall’s many attractions, and finish the day with a relaxing walk around the Dubai Fountain while enjoying the evening show.

Don’t forget to take breaks at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the way to recharge and savour some local and international flavours.

5.1. See the Hights from Burj Khalifa Viewing Deck

Visiting the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa is a must, as we get to experience the highest view in the city and see Dubai’s skyline from a completely different perspective. We booked the Burj Khalifa Level 124 and 125 Entry Ticket a few weeks before our visit.

Standing at an impressive 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world.

Construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2010, involving over 12,000 workers at its peak. The building has 163 floors, and the observation deck, known as At The Top, is located on the 148th floor, offering a breathtaking view of the sprawling city below.

Ticket prices vary depending on the time of day, with prime hours being more expensive, but it’s well worth it for the view. We recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and secure your preferred time slot.

5.2. Watch The Dubai Fountain

We ended the day at The Dubai Fountain, watching the evening show as water jets move in sync with music and lights.

It really is a must for anyone visiting Downtown Dubai. This was also a great opportunity to sit down for a dinner at one of the restaurants (Karam Beirut) with a wonderful view towards the fountains.

You can choose to see the lights of Dubai Mall Fountain Show on a cruise by traditional “abra” water taxi, booking link below.

5.3. Shop till you Drop at Dubai Mall

It’s more than just a shopping experience; Dubai Mall has everything from an indoor aquarium to an ice rink, making it a fun stop even if shopping isn’t your thing.

Dubai Mall, is such a massive place, that the mall features golf cars as indoors taxis. It really is an amazing place to visit and even buy something.

6. Wander Around Dubai Miracle Garden

Strolling through Dubai Miracle Garden is quite relaxing, with vibrant flower displays creating beautiful sights that you wouldn’t expect in the middle of the desert.

There are also plenty of shops around offering things such as ice creams, coffees or even a few restaurants. We suggest having at least a coffee and enjoy this scenic view.

Whilst a bit further out, it’s a must see whilst in Dubai. Initially I was skeptical myself as I’m not much of a botanist, but after visiting it, I’ve changed my mind for sure!

7. Get Lost in Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern take on a traditional souk, and it’s a great place to wander through and discover unique gifts, handcrafted items, and nice restaurants.

As we strolled through the souk, we found the hallways to be fairly empty but with plenty of shops.

Additionally we saw plenty of western cafes and restaurants, all offering plenty of choices. As you walk through the Medina Jumeirah you will also notice many wonderful restaurants by the canals.

We would’ve loved to have a sit at one of those places and at the very least enjoy a coffee and a drink but we had a tight schedule that day!

8. Take in the Sights at Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is another beautiful part of the city to explore, with its promenade perfect for a walk, especially in the evening when the skyline lights up.

We wandered around during the day and in the evening and also did an evening boat trip exploring the Dubai Marina from different perspective.

9. Go to the Beach at Dubai Marina

The Marina is a very modern looking area with plenty of beaches. Unlike the calm Jumeirah Beach, the beach here springs to life with the many bars and restaurants overlooking the marina. 

We really enjoyed our time here and even managed to dip in the water and sunbathe in the afternoon.

From afar you can also see Ain Dubai and at night it lights up beautifully, adding even more to the electric atmosphere.

10. Ride Ain Dubai

A ride on Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel, offers panoramic views over Bluewaters Island and the wider Dubai landscape.

Although we planned to visit Ain Dubai, we instead decided to stay at the beach and enjoy that till the evening.

When we return we will definetely go for a ride!

11. Enjoy a Cruise with Dinner

A dinner cruise on Dubai Creek or the Marina is a relaxing way to end your day. The combination of a nice meal and a leisurely cruise gave us time to soak in the city views from a different angle.

As a word of advice, do make sure you go for a more upmarket option as we went for what we thought to be a deal and Hristina ended up having food poisoning. In this case, cheaper wasn’t better.

Other Things to Do in Dubai

Here are some other recommendations for things to do in Dubai, if you have more time to explore Dubai.

Top Restaurants in Dubai

1. See the Fountains Whilst Dining at Karam Beirut

For authentic Lebanese cuisine, we recommend Karam Beirut, with its warm atmosphere and a great selection of dishes that are perfect for sharing.

It’s right in the Dubai Mall and it has a terrace overlooking the Dubai Fountains. It’s a great place to eat with an amazing view of Burj Khalifa in the back.

I had the lamb skewers with tahini & garlic sauce whilst Hristina had the grilled chicken. Both were amazingly cooked and the drinks weren’t bad either.

2. Dinner with a View at Highest View Lounge & Restaurant – Gevora Hotel

Located in Gevora Hotel, the tallest hotel in the world, this spot offers amazing views along with its menu. We really enjoyed having dinner at Highest View Lounge as the views of Sheikh Zayed road and Burj Khalifa are simply stunning.

The food and service weren’t bad either, however, we did wait quite a bit for our order to be taken.

I ordered the mix grill and Hristina had the king prawns. I found the mix grill to be amazing and all the meats cooked very well and juicy. Hristina enjoyed her main dish as well, it was good not great.

We definitely suggest even if not staying at the hotel as guest to at least come and dine for the view.

3. Try some Lamb Skewers at Ahla Tallah Grand Gourmet

Ahla Tallah Grand Gourmet is a great place to stop for some traditional Emirati flavours in a setting that’s comfortable and welcoming.

Set in the Marina harbour, this restaurant comes across as highly rated online and for good reason.

We tried chicken and lamb skeweres and found them both to be amazing, moist and tender. Everything they should be. The service was also impecable with the waiter making sure he attend to every request.

Overall, a great experience, it was that great we returned for dinner.

4. Enjoy a Tasty Kebab on the beach from Turan Turkish Restaurant

For a mix of Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, we enjoyed visiting Turan Turkish Restaurant for its friendly service and flavourful dishes.

The food was great, and being very close to the beach meant we were able to get take-away and eat something a bit better than hotdogs and burgers.

I had the lamb doner and Hristina had the chicken doner. Both were great and spiced very nicely. Coupled with the Burj Al Arab view, makes five star experience on the beach.

Final Thoughts

Dubai has so much to offer, whether you are after adventure, culture, relaxation, or all three. We hope our guide helps make the most of your visit to this ever-changing city.

Enjoy the contrasts, the food, and the unique experiences that make Dubai a special place.

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