Dubai is one of the Middle East’s most sought-after travel destinations that breaths luxury, explodes with cool places to go and see, and offers travelers a playground with endless activities to do.
When people think of Dubai, they immediately envision a warm place with sights like the Burj Khalifa, museums like the Marjan Islamic Art Gallery, and artificial islands like the Palm Islands.
Everyone needs to experience Dubai at least once , but where are the best places to go, and what are the best attractions to see? Kiwi.com has constructed a list to put you in the right direction to explore wonderful Dubai.
There are so many incredible views of Jumeirah, Burj al Arab such as this one from a hotel room © Getty Images
When Is The Best Time To Visit Dubai?
Because of Dubai’s geographical location on the Persian Gulf Coast of the UAE, it’s extremely hot for the majority of the year with two seasons, the summer and the winter.
In the summer, the heat is unbearable for many, with temperatures reaching highs of over 40°C and lows of 28°C. Regardless of how hot it is, there will always be tourists in Dubai, so avoiding crowds is mostly difficult. Although it does get scorching, many tourist attractions in Dubai are indoors, and everywhere has air conditioning, so you’ll be safe to some extent.
The winter season in Dubai is from December until March, with the nicest weather and low temperatures of 14°C and highs of 26°C, so it’s a bit more survivable, especially around Christmas time. Because Dubai barely gets rain sometimes, they use artificial systems to create downpours when it’s hot. It’s pretty rare, but it does happen.
Top Five Dubai Vacation Ideas And Spots
- The Palm Jumeirah Island
- The Dubai Mall
- Bur Dubai
- Al Barsha
- The Dubai Marina
Dubai is an ideal holiday location because of its iconic beaches and sky high buildings © Getty Images
The Palm Jumeirah Island - Where The Rich Go To Play In Fancy Restaurants And Up-Scale Bars
The Palm Jumeirah Island gets its name for being in the shape of a palm tree which can be seen from a bird’s eye view as well as some viewpoints close by. Home to an array of opulent hotels, sumptuous apartment blocks, tropical beach clubs playing the best music, and a boardwalk dotted with tasty street food vans.
The Palm Jumeirah Island - What To Do There?
Act like a kid again at the Atlantis Adventure Waterpark - The Atlantis Adventure Waterpark spans over 2.4 million square feet and is now officially the biggest waterpark in the world. Housing some of the most thrilling water slides and a lazy river that will surely have you relaxing in no time, it’s no wonder everyone raves about the Atlantis Adventure Waterpark.
Kayak around the stunning Palm - Get a bit of exercise by hitting the waters around the Palm for an exciting kayaking experience. Paddle your way around unfamiliar territory while spotting iconic places such as the Dubai Marina and the Burj al-Arab. If your group is a bit bigger than average, you can take a dragon boat out which fits over ten people.
Skydive over the Palm - For a real hit of adrenaline, why don’t you go skydiving to see the Palm from a whole different perspective? Hit speeds of over 120 mph and see Dubai from above. Throwing yourself out of a plane has never been so fun.
What To Eat And Drink On The Palm Jumeirah Island
Harees - On every Emirati dinner menu, you’ll find the delicious dish of Harees, made from crushed wheat, minced meat, onions, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt. Harees is a very time-consuming recipe to make, but when you taste the end product, it’s well worth it.
Gahwa - Whenever you enter a local’s home or premises, you’ll be offered Gahwa, Arabic coffee. It’s served from a traditional coffeepot called a “dallah” and poured into a tiny cup. After your first Gahwa, you won’t be able to stop drinking the stuff.
What To Know Before Visiting The Palm Jumeirah Island
- Palm Jumeirah Island is 24 kilometers away from the Dubai city center but can be easily reached by the efficient Monorail. Alternatively, you can take a cab, but it will be more expensive.
- There is no entry fee to visit Palm Jumeirah Island; all you have to pay for is the things you want to do.
- Water is expensive throughout Dubai and especially at Jumeirah Island, so be sure to stock up at your hotel before you head out for the day.
Show me beautiful locations to visit in Dubai.
I want to fly to see Palm Jumeirah right now.
One of the most popular tours to do here is camel riding © Getty Images
The Dubai Mall - A Complex With Everything You Can Think Of That You’ll Love
The Dubai Mall is the second-largest Mall in the world and boasts anything you can think of, from an underwater aquarium to a world-class fountain show held multiple times throughout the day. With over 1200 stores and being beside the well-known Burj Khalifa, there’s never a quiet day in the Dubai Mall, but that’s what adds its excitement.
What Are The Best Things To Do In The Dubai Mall?
Visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo - Go see the biggest suspended aquarium tank on the planet at the Dubai Aquarium. Watch 140 species swim around the massive space filled with 2.64 million gallons of water. They even have vicious sharks playing amongst unpredictable stingrays.
Get there on time for the Dubai Fountain Show - As you walk outside of the Dubai Mall, directly in front of the Burj Khalifa on the Burj Lake, a fascinating fountain show takes place at 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm and then every half an hour in the evening from 6:30 pm until 12 pm.
Go ice skating - The last thing you would expect in a hot country is an ice skating rink, but it’s in the Dubai Mall and more popular than ever. Whether you’re a professional skater or it’s your first time, you’re free to join in on the fun. Gear is available to rent on the spot, so you don’t need to bring anything with you, just your skills.
What To Eat And Drink In The Dubai Mall
Majboos - A good old Emirati favorite is the Majboos, consisting of basmati rice, chicken, or other meat, Arabic spices, and a mixture of vegetables. Majboos is a dish that’s made for special occasions or celebrations, but many locals will eat it on a daily basis.
Sulaimani Tea - Sulaimani tea comes out after almost every meal in Dubai. This hot beverage is brewed from mint leaves, lemon, cardamom, and loose tea. It has a golden brown kind of color and tastes quite tangy but in a good way.
Tips For Visiting The Dubai Mall
- One of the top places to see the Dubai Fountain show is on the terrace beside the Apple Store at the Mall.
- If you visit the Dubai Mall during Ramadam, you won’t be allowed to eat or drink in public during daylight hours.
Show me how stunning the Dubai Mall is.
Give me cheap flight deals to see Downtown Dubai now.
Flying over Dubai is a surreal experience as you’re guaranteed an amazing view © Getty Images
Bur Dubai - The Beautiful Place Where The Real Culture Of The City Hides
If you want to see the real side of Dubai away from the glitz and the glamour, you need to check out Bur Dubai, a town district that still holds that traditional Arab feeling. Escape the beaches and artificial rivers, and instead roam through smoky souks and sample the best Middle Eastern delights.
Things To Do In Bur Dubai
Go back in time at the Al Fahidi Souk - Escape the humongous malls and hit the bustling souks to get your hands on some traditional souvenirs, handmade carpets, or Arabic coffee to bring home with you. There’s no better location to run to for shade away from the Dubai heat.
Get your photo taken along the Jaddaf Waterfront - Popular among locals as well as tourists, the Jaddaf Waterfront spreads across three million square kilometers. It features a harbor and an array of cultural exhibitions and is a lovely spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
Take a Dhow Cruise - Hop on board one of the famous Dhow Cruises on Dubai Creek for a Middle Eastern-style entertainment show. Indulge in a continental buffet and sample a variety of cultural beverages while admiring the skyscrapers in the background.
Visiting the Al Fahidi Souk is a must do when in Dubai © Getty Images
Food And Drink You Have To Try When You’re At The Bur Dubai
Luqaymat - If you attend a party when you’re in Dubai, no doubt you’ll be offered some Luqaymat. These are sweet pastries made from sesame seeds, milk flour, turmeric, salt, yeast, and sugar. After they’re fried in oil, they come out shaped like little golden balls, which are way too easy to snack on.
Jallab - Nothing beats an ice-cold Jallab on a humid day in Dubai. This iced beverage’s main ingredient is a fruity type of syrup containing grape molasses dates which provide that sweet kick it’s known for. Around the time of Ramadan, everyone drinks Jallab when they’re fasting.
Tips For Visiting The Bur Dubai
- Make sure you bring some cash with you to Bur Dubai if you plan on buying goods. A lot of the stalls will only accept cash, so come prepared.
- Cover up your shoulders when visiting Bur Dubai. This district is much more conservative than other locations in the city, so you want to respect the local culture.
- Learn some basic Arabic phrases for Bur Dubai’s souks to give yourself a good chance of getting the price down of the products you want to purchase.
- Public displays of affection in Dubai aren’t allowed, whether it’s kissing, cuddling, or holding hands. Don’t do it.
I’m ready to spend my vacation down by Bur Dubai.
Book me flights to see places near Dubai Creek.
Al Barsha - Dubai’s Hip Neighborhood For Honeymoons And Couples
Spend your holidays in Dubai’s trendiest neighborhood, Al Barsha. With endless boutique hotels, international restaurants, hipster cafes, and shopping malls, Al Barsha is an amazing district to stop by when you’re in the capital of the UAE.
Fun Locations To Visit And Things To See In Al Barsha
Go skiing - You read that right, you can go skiing in Al Barsha at the Ski Dubai center. Get yourself a lesson or two from a professional and hit the mountain slopes at high speeds, and become an expert at one of the most popular winter sports.
Marvel at the Dubai Butterfly Garden - The Dubai Butterfly Garden is the biggest covered butterfly garden in the world and houses over 15,000 butterflies. Wander through uniquely shaped domes and catch a glimpse of these colorful winged creatures with your own eyes.
Test your skills at Jumble - See how smart you are by testing your brain power in a game of Jumble, an interactive puzzle challenge in Al Barsha for families and people of all ages. Make your way around this urban maze, cracking codes and challenges before time runs out.
What To Eat And Drink In Al Barsha
Chicken Saloona - Chicken Saloona is special to many Emirates as well as expats. This stew-like dish contains chicken, olive oil, ginger, garlic, turmeric, onions, chili, and some selected spices. Often served in a huge pot, when you see one of these coming out to the table, you’ll know you’re in for a big feast.
Karak Chai - This fragrantly spiced beverage gets its name from the Hindi word ‘kadak,’ which translates to ‘strong.’ It’s a tea made with milk, spices, and sugar that tastes very sweet. Every coffee shop in Al Barsha sells Karak Chai, so it would be a sin not to at least try one cup when you’re there.
Be sure to try some dates when visiting Dubai as these can be found practically anywhere in the city © Getty Images
What Everyone Should Know Before Visiting Al Barsha
- If you can, try booking your accommodation in Al Barsha as it’s centrally located, and the Monorail stops there, so you’ll be connected to all corners of the city.
- When you arrive at Dubai Airport, you’ll be given a free sim card, but if you don’t happen to get one, there are plenty of mobile stores in Al Barsha because of the number of expats that live there.
- Remember, if you decide to head out of Al Barsha for the evening that the metro doesn’t run 24/7, so you’ll have to take a cab back to your hotel.
I want to see delightful places to travel to in Dubai as well as Al Barsha.
Find me low-cost flight tickets to see locations like Al Barsha.
The Dubai Marina - Where All Of The Top Restaurants Are And A Top Location For Sun Lovers
The Dubai Marina is one of the world’s largest artificial marinas boasting an abundance of snazzy eateries, high-rise buildings, luxury fashion stores, and cool bars. There’s nowhere better to go and unwind and have a bite to eat after a long day of exploring the city.
How To Spend Your Time At The Dubai Marina
Do the Dubai Marina Walk - Get up bright and early before the sun starts to come up and do the Dubai Marina Walk. Scout luxury yachts owned by the wealthy, admire the skyscrapers up close, and let jealous thoughts take over the mind of the people who wake up to this mesmerizing place every morning.
Face your fears on the Urban Zipline - Dubai’s Urban Zipline is built for thrill seekers looking for their next heart-pumping experience. Head up 170 meters high at the JBR’s Amwaj Towers and speed across the Dubai Marina at 80 kilometers an hour to the other side. This isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Ride a yacht - Sail through the Dubai Marina’s waterways in style by taking an exclusive yacht ride. Every night at 8:30 pm from Pier-7, a 125-foot yacht invites passengers on board for an unforgettable trip around the Marina and provides them with a gourmet menu with tasty Emirate bites to choose from.
Must-Try Food And Drink At The Dubai Marina
Dates - Dates are fruits that come from dried palm trees. They’re a chewy and sweet nutritious snack eaten all over the Middle East and are known to have highly beneficial health benefits if you eat them.
Laban - This healthy drink has made it onto everyone’s meal plan in Dubai because of how high in protein it is. Laban is creamy buttermilk, usually drank on its own or blended with dates to make a milkshake. Some cafes will use it to make their customers craft coffees and teas.
Must Know Tips Before Visiting The Dubai Marina
- Instead of taking on the Dubai Marina Walk on foot, hire a bike from Byky and see more in less time. You won’t be disappointed,
- The Dubai Marina is the gateway to many of the city’s beaches and the Persian Gulf Sea, so don’t forget your swimming gear and sunscreen.
- Although Dubai is one of the warmest cities, temperatures tend to drop in the evenings, so bring an extra layer with you when you head out after dark.
- Avoid public intoxication at all costs when you’re in Dubai. Being drunk in public carries heavy fines and possible imprisonment. If you’re going to have a drink, do so in a civilized manner in areas where it’s permitted.
Show me how beautiful the Dubai Marina is.
