Dubai
Modern skylines meet ancient souks in this unforgettable desert oasis
Highlights
Marvel at the world's tallest building and its observation decks offering 360-degree vistas of the city and desert.
Discover old Dubai's authentic soul through traditional abra rides, historic souks, and centuries-old trading culture.
Experience the dramatic Hatta Mountains with turquoise dam waters, hiking trails, and a glimpse of Dubai beyond the city.
Taste the UAE's diverse food scene from Michelin-starred dining to humble street-food gems and family-run eateries.
Relax on pristine sandy shores at Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina with a cosmopolitan resort atmosphere.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Dubai Marina Hotel District (Mid-Range Hotels)
Hotels like Doubletree by Hilton Dubai Marina and similar properties offer direct marina access, proximity to beach, restaurants, and metro connections.
Al Barsha Area Apartments (Serviced Apartments/Budget Hotels)
Near Mall of the Emirates with numerous budget-friendly aparthotels offering kitchenette facilities, spacious rooms, and metro access.
Bur Dubai Heritage Area (Boutique Hotels)
Small heritage hotels and restored traditional properties in Al Fahidi neighborhood offering cultural immersion with direct access to historic sites and souks.
Where to Eat
12 picks
Dubai Marina Waterfront Restaurants
Upscale yet accessible dining venues with yacht views, seafood specialties, and international cuisines along the marina promenade.
Al Muntaha at Burj Al Arab
Michelin-starred French-influenced fine dining on the 27th floor of the iconic sail-shaped hotel with luxury ingredients like caviar and truffles.
Gold Souk Restaurant Area
Various casual eateries surrounding Dubai's famous gold market serving affordable traditional Emirati and Middle Eastern fare.
Jumeirah Beach Residence Beachfront Cafés
Casual waterfront dining with international and local options, perfect for leisurely beach lunch with sea views.
Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Café
Authentic Arabic breakfast with eggs, labneh, halloumi cheese, and rose jam in a charming old-town setting.
Creek City Restaurant
Waterfront dining featuring outstanding lamb dishes and complimentary lentil soup with unbeatable creek views.
Spice Souk Street Stalls
Browse vendors selling aromatic spices, dried goods, and perfumes with opportunities to sample Middle Eastern street foods.
Abra Ride Street Food Tour
Traditional wooden boat journey across Dubai Creek combined with visits to street food stalls in Deira.
Logma
Contemporary Emirati restaurant with shareable plates including samosas and traditional dishes, with terrace seating overlooking Dubai Fountain.
Al Hajarain Restaurant
Traditional Emirati cuisine including moutabel dip and exceptional lamb, chicken, and beef kabob platters in Hatta village.
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
Traditional Arabian dining experience with live Bu Tbelah performances showcasing Emirati culture and cuisine.
Ripe Market at Zabeel Park
Weekend farmers market (Friday-Saturday 9am-7pm) featuring local produce, artisanal foods, and casual dining stalls.
What to Do
16 picks
Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
Ascend the world's tallest building to experience panoramic views of Dubai's skyline, desert, and coastline.
Dubai Fountain Floating Boardwalk
Get within 30 feet of the dancing fountains that shoot water 460 feet high against the Burj Khalifa backdrop via floating platforms.
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
Dubai's version of Miami Beach with long, family-friendly stretches of sand, beachfront promenade, and water activities.
Dubai Marina Promenade Stroll
Ritzy waterfront neighborhood featuring luxury yachts, upscale shops, restaurants, and scenic marina walking paths.
Madinat Jumeirah Shopping Complex
Arabian souk-styled shopping destination with Venice-like canals, gondola rides between four resorts, and traditional architecture.
Dubai Creek Abra Ride
Traditional wooden boat crossing connecting Bur Dubai and Deira, offering authentic local transportation and waterfront views.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Maze of narrow lanes with restored traditional courtyard homes, museums, and galleries showcasing UAE heritage and art.
Coffee Museum
Compact museum featuring antique coffee grinders, traditional brewing equipment, and historical manuscripts about coffee culture.
Spice Souk Shopping & Exploration
Aromatic marketplace with vendors selling premium spices, perfumes, dried goods, and traditional Arabian products.
Dubai Museum
Located in Al Fahidi Fort, showcasing Dubai's transformation from a pearl-diving trading community to modern metropolis.
Jumeirah Mosque Tour
Dubai's largest mosque with guided 75-minute tours (except Fridays) at 10am covering Islamic history and Emirati culture.
Dubai Gold Souk
Legendary marketplace featuring over 300 gold shops with intricate designs, jewelry, and precious metal vendors.
Crossroads of Civilizations Museum
Private museum with 7500-year-old artifacts from Ubaids, Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, and historical swords and weaponry.
Hatta Heritage Museum
Collection of carefully restored traditional houses, watchtowers, and heritage irrigation systems in mountain village setting.
Hatta Dam Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Rent kayaks or paddleboards for close-up exploration of turquoise waters with hiking trails and vantage points along the dam.
Zabeel Park
One of Dubai's largest green spaces with landscaped areas, boating lake, bike track, mini-train for kids, and Ripe Market on weekends.
Good to Know
8 picks
Get a Nol Transit Card
Purchase a rechargeable Nol card for the driverless Dubai Metro instead of relying on taxis. Short hops cost $0.80, longer trips $2. Metro runs 5:30am-midnight (10am-1am Friday-Thursday).
Dress Modestly in Religious & Cultural Sites
Shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting mosques and heritage sites. Women should consider loose-fitting clothing; many visitors wear light abayas (loose robes) for comfort and respect.
Book Restaurant Reservations in Advance
Mid-range and upscale restaurants, especially those with views or at resorts, require reservations particularly on Friday-Saturday evenings. Plan ahead to secure prime tables.
Visit Museums Early & on Weekdays
Dubai's museums offer exceptional value ($0.80-$8) and are less crowded on weekday mornings. Consider purchasing The Dubai Pass for up to 60% savings on multiple attractions.
Embrace the Abra Culture
Traditional wooden boats (abras) crossing Dubai Creek cost just $0.30 and provide authentic transportation, stunning creek views, and cultural immersion.
Plan Around Prayer Times
Many restaurants and shops close or reduce hours during the five daily prayer times (especially midday). Plan flexible schedules around 12pm-2pm closures.
Visit Souks at Off-Peak Hours
Explore the Spice Souk, Gold Souk, and textile markets early morning (8am-10am) or late afternoon (5pm-7pm) to avoid crowds and experience them authentically.
Take a Day Trip to Hatta
The mountain village of Hatta is a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai Marina and offers a refreshing escape with heritage sites, dam activities, and cooler temperatures than the coast.
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