Dubai Travel Guide
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Dubai, the crown jewel of the United Arab Emirates, is a city that surpasses expectations. It features towering skyscrapers that cast shadows over historic mosques while sprawling desert landscapes meet the shores of the Arabian Gulf. This dynamic metropolis offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and modern luxury, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking for an unforgettable experience.
Although my visit to Dubai was short (literally a day and a half lol), I managed to explore some of the city’s most popular attractions, checking each place off my bucket list and falling in love with their culture. In this guide, I’ll be sharing my top tips and recommendations so your trip planning to Dubai will be seamless!
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find cheap flights to Dubai
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where to explore
Dubai is known for its impressive skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls, but there's so much more to discover. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you shouldn't miss:
Dubai Mall ⋆｡°✩
If you love shopping and have ever shopped in New York, you can’t compare Dubai Mall to anywhere else.
One of the world’s largest shopping malls — The Dubai Mall offers a huge variety of luxury brands, entertainment, and endless experiences — it’s absolutely huge.
It’s also the home to the iconic attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Aquarium, and also the famous Dubai Fountain just by going to the Dubai Mall.
The Burj Khalifa is an iconic landmark that's a must-visit when in Dubai. This towering skyscraper offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its 163 floors.
The elevator ride up is insanely fast and efficient, and once you're up there, you'll be mesmerized by the spectacular views of the city skyline. Don't miss this amazing experience!
Mosque of Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash
If you're looking for a spiritual experience, the Mohammed Abdulkhaliq Gargash Mosque is a must-visit.
This beautiful mosque, designed by female architect Sumaya Dabbagh, has stunning calligraphy on its exterior and white stone walls that reflect light, creating a sense of calm and spiritual connection.
It's a great place to reflect and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the world's largest gardens and home to over 45 million flowers. This vibrant garden is perfect for a relaxing stroll and offers a feast for the senses with its colorful blooms and captivating floral displays. Don't miss the opportunity to take some amazing photos and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Jumeirah Beach
If you're looking for a beach getaway, head to Jumeirah Beach. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront or take a dip in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. You can also ride on a camel and take a picture with the city skyline in the background. This is the perfect destination if you're short on time but still want to experience Dubai's beautiful beaches.
Desert Safari
For the ultimate adventure, check out the Desert Safari in Dubai. With different scheduled plans and itineraries, you can enjoy camel riding, sand skiing, food, and endless experiences that are a must-do’s! It's the perfect opportunity to experience Dubai's vast desert and create unforgettable memories. Don't miss this amazing adventure when in Dubai!
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where to dine
From traditional Arabic dishes to international flavors, here are some of my top recommendations:
Gia Dubai, located inside the Dubai Mall, offers a modern Italian dining experience with stunning views of the city skyline.
Sit on the exterior and watch the beautiful Dubai Fountain while you feast on delicious dishes such as pasta and wood-fired pizza.
With its picture-perfect aesthetic setting and flavorful cuisine, Gia Dubai is a must-visit for foodies!
For an unforgettable dining experience with a view, head to Cé La Vi Dubai, a rooftop bar and restaurant that offers a fusion of Asian and Western cuisine.
The food and service are both amazing, and the venue also features a swimming pool in the back where you can take pictures standing in front of the Burj Khalifa. Whether you're in the mood for sushi, steak, or cocktails, Cé La Vi Dubai is a great choice for a special night out.
One of my friends recommended me to check out this beautiful place as well and I definitely was very impressed.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
For an authentic taste of Emirati cuisine, check out Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe. This rustic eatery offers traditional dishes such as machboos (spiced rice with meat) and balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs), as well as a range of other Middle Eastern specialties. The decor is also designed to transport you back in time to the 1960s, making for a unique and immersive dining experience.
Al Bait ALqadeem Restaurant and Cafe
For an even more immersive experience, head to Al Bait Alqadeem Restaurant and Cafe, which offers not just delicious Emirati cuisine, but also an authentic taste of Arabian hospitality. With its cozy decor and warm atmosphere, this family-run establishment is the perfect place to relax and enjoy traditional dishes such as lamb stew and grilled fish, served with a side of warm hospitality.
Kimura-ya Authentic Japanese Restaurant
If you're craving Japanese cuisine, look no further than Kimuraya Authentic Japanese Restaurant. This stylish eatery offers a range of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese specialties, all prepared with fresh ingredients and expert technique. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty bowl of ramen or a delicate plate of nigiri, Kimuraya is a great choice for lovers of Japanese cuisine.
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where to stay
Dubai has no shortage of luxury hotels, but there are also plenty of affordable options.
Here are some of the stays I recommend:
The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection
This is the hotel I stayed at and it’s the perfect location not to mention on the affordable side as well. You walk out and you can walk to any location to get to any place close by.
I recommend staying in Downtown Dubai where everything’s at so you can just make the most of your time being there. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Dubai and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
Palace Downtown
I recently attended a wedding in Dubai and stayed at one of the top hotels in the downtown area.
This luxurious hotel boasts palace-style architecture and offers impeccable service and amenities.
The hotel also offers stunning views of the city, and in the evening, the water shows are amazing!
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getting around
Getting around Dubai is super easy thanks to its modern transportation system. Here are some options:
METRO
The Dubai Metro is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. It's also a great way to take in the sights and sounds of Dubai.
TAXI
There are a ton of taxis in Dubai and are super good options for short distances.
UBER
Uber is available in Dubai and is a convenient and somewhat more affordable way to get around.
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FAQ
Here are some additional tips to help you plan your trip to Dubai.
Q: When’s the best time to visit Dubai?
A: The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March when the weather is pleasant and mild.
NOVEMBER: ☀️ 87°F / 31°C | 🌙 70°F / 21°C
DECEMBER: ☀️ 80°F / 26°C | 🌙 63°F / 17°C
JANUARY: ☀️ 76°F / 24°C | 🌙 60°F / 15°C
FEBRUARY: ☀️ 79°F / 26°C | 🌙 62°F / 17°C
MARCH: ☀️ 84°F / 29°C | 🌙 66°F / 19°C
Q: What should I wear?
A: Make sure to COVER UP! It's important to dress modestly in Dubai, especially when visiting religious sites. So, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees and avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Q: Is PDA (Public Display of Affection) allowed?
A: Public displays of affection are NOT allowed in Dubai. If you were to go in for a kiss or hug, you might get arrested. Holding hands in public places is generally fine, but it's best to be respectful of the local culture and avoid any actions that may be deemed inappropriate.
Q: Is it safe to visit Dubai?
A: Dubai is an extremely safe city, and you should have no issues traveling solo or with a group. However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe.
Q: What’s the currency in Dubai?
A: The currency used in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). It's a good idea to have some cash on hand, as not all establishments may accept credit cards or other forms of payment.
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What would you like to do when you’re visiting Dubai?
Share your thoughts below!
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check out my Dubai travel vlog!
I combined 3 different travel vlogs into one video because I traveled so much within the first couple months of the year, but if you’re looking to see more in-depth of what I did in Dubai, the video starts at 0:00 and ends at 1:45!
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