Whether you’re visiting Dubai for a day on a stopover or a week, there is something that suits all kinds of budgets, tastes and travel styles. These 7 things to do in Dubai are easy to arrange and require little to no prior planning.
Here are my top 7 things to do in Dubai:
1. Bastakia Quarter
When you head away from modern Dubai and into traditional Dubai, in the area bordered by Dubai Creek and Bur Dubai, you will come upon the Bastakia Quarter. Wander through this restored historic district and you will find galleries, cafes, museums and tucked-away courtyards. Windtowers and buildings of sand and stone intersect to form a labyrinth of alleyways where you could easily find yourself lost in an atmospheric courtyard.
The architecture dotted by arabesque windows and arches served as a beautiful backdrop for our impromptu photo shoot in the quarter.
To enrich your experience, visit the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding for walking tours, Jumeirah Mosque visits and Emirati meals with an Emirati host.
Photography tip: The best time of day to photograph buildings in the Bastakia Quarter is in the mid-afternoon when the sunlight casts a warm glow over the stone walls. Bring a tripod for group photos, as it’s challenging to find someone to help take your photos in the quiet alleyways.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
2. Souqs
A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without a visit to the souqs. This part of Dubai provides a more accurate reflection into the daily lives of many Emiratis. The bazaar stalls sell gold, textiles, and spices – the souqs are spread across both sides of Dubai Creek. The gold and spice souqs can be found in Deira (north), while textiles and the covered souq can be found in Bur Dubai (south). Even if you’re not planning on buying gold, it’s worth the experience to try on some of the wares. Remember, haggling is expected!
Planning tip: Many stalls close between the hours of 1pm to 4pm when the bustling atmosphere temporarily calms down.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
3. Boat Ride on Dubai Creek
We visited Deira in the morning and ended up in Bur Dubai in the mid-afternoon to catch the slowly setting sun in the Bastikia Quarter. To cross Dubai Creek from Deira to Bur Dubai, take an abra boat ride (an open-air water taxi with a bench on either side) from the Deira Old Souq Abra Station, located near the Spice Souk. Each ride across the Creek is 1AED per person.
4. Madinat Jumeirah
Our tour guide driver dropped us off at this luxury resort to show us one spectacular vantage point of the Burj Al Arab framed by reconstructed Arabian architecture. We spent quite some time in that one prime spot to take pictures of the iconic hotel. The Madinat Jumeirah resort is reminiscent of an Arabian styled theme-park complete with abras to take you to different parts of the resort. A main attraction of this resort is the Madinat Jumeirah Souq – the prices here are geared towards luxury hotel patrons and is vastly different from Deira souqs.
Suggested time to spend: 2 Hours
5. Burj Khalifa
To kill two birds with one stone, we decided to book a table at the Atmosphere Lounge atop the Guinness Records tallest building in the world. When planning, decide whether you want to experience daytime or evening views or both! To reach the lounge, enter through the Armani Hotel. The simple and elegant décor of the hotel lobby became a backdrop for our ensuing photo shoot!
From there, we checked in with a hostess before proceeding into the high-speed elevator to the 123rd floor. Upon exiting the elevator, we descended a flight of stairs to the 122nd floor where the lounge is located.
Atmosphere Lounge offers afternoon tea or drinks and small bites in the evening. We made online reservations for 10 PM drinks. The staff was very prompt in their email confirmation, offering a window seat and informing us of a minimum spend of 250 AED per person, which could be used towards beverages and food. Our server was fine with us not meeting the minimum – we were close! We stayed for about 2 hours. The sight from the 122nd floor at night was that of a light-speckled Dubai with the scenery in the distance disappearing into the oblivion of blackness.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the lounge, the next time I visit Dubai, I would want to experience a daytime view through At the Top, which is accessed through the lower level of the Dubai Mall (not through the Armani Hotel). Observation deck tickets range from 125-300AED for adults.
Planning tip: Dress code – no shirts with large, colorful prints. Read my tripadvisor review on At.mosphere Burj Khalifa.
Suggested time to spend: 2 Hours
6. Dubai Mall
Dubai is known for its glitzy and over-the-top malls. So inevitably, a visit is warranted. There are 2 main malls worthy of being tourist attractions. The Dubai Mall holds the title for largest mall in the world. The showpiece is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Even if you don’t pay the admission to visit the aquarium, a floor to ceiling section of the aquarium is on display for all to feast their eyes.
I will remember this mall well, since the evening before New Years’ Eve we were scouring shops for headbands and accessories for our costumes to the Gatsby-themed party at Armani Privé Dubai!
You will find a whole host of international brands, including the all-Canadian Tim Horton’s. On our trip there, we ate at the Cheesecake Factory! The Manager of Operations (who was based in Connecticut) happened to be working that day and after we got talking about “back home in North America”, he sent over 2 slices of cheesecake of our choice and took care of our dinner bill that evening! That was certainly a highlight of the night.
Planning tip: There is a number of currency exchange counters. The taxi queue is clearly marked. There are a number of international restaurants and cafes
Suggested time to spend: That would depend on your calibre of shopping expertise
7. Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates boasts an indoor ski resort – Ski Dubai. We didn’t ski, but walked through to marvel at the indoor slopes and the penguin encounter (yes, with real penguins). The adjacent Cheesecake Factory offers a front row seat of the entire ski resort through its dining area.
Planning tip: There is a number of currency exchange counters. The taxi queue is clearly marked. There is a balance of luxury brands and high-street brands.
Suggested time to spend: Minimum 2 hours, more if you plan on visiting Ski Dubai
Have you visited Dubai? Did I miss anything?
Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments below or by sharing it using the social media links!
Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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beatravelling says
Have been to a few Middle Eastern countries, but not made it to Dubai yet. Looks cool, so wanna go. Thanks!
Deb Che says
Dubai has so many things to suit different types of travellers, it’s quite amazing! Where have you travelled to in the Middle East?
beatravelling says
I guess it depends on what’s considered the Middle East… :), but I’ve been to Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey and a short stop in Qatar. I enjoyed it a lot, so much history and so different from Western Europe.
Deb Che says
Amazing! I agree that they’re different from European countries, and therefore adds to the travel experience. Those are all places on my bucket list 🙂 How did you like Kuwait? When did you visit? I have a friend who is working there now and I’m considering a visit this summer.
beatravelling says
I had a friend who worked there as well, and decided to take the opportunity to visit. I liked it a lot. Very different and at times not different at all. I went in the winter/January. I assume summers are super hot… You should go – great experience!
Deb Che says
Thanks for sharing! I agree the best way to visit a country is to visit a friend who lives there – you get to see the more than just as a traveler traveling through 🙂 Hopefully it works out for me as well – would live to visit Kuwait.
beatravelling says
If you go you need to check out this restaurant: wp.me/p51320-5p Fingers crossed!
Deb Che says
Cool! Thanks for sharing, will check it out 🙂
Wander Mum says
Great post Deb! I must explore more of the old town when we next go – haven’t been there for a while. We have stayed a few times at the Madinat so have been very spoilt by the Burj-Al-Arab view! I recommend the At The Top visit – amazing to be up that high! Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Deb Che says
Nice! The Madinat has a lovely view of the Burj Al Arab. Sounds like you had a good trip! The old town and the desert adds to rounding out the perfect Dubai trip 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Ruth says
Really like to read about all these attractions. Have reads pros and cons about Dubai but I think I will enjoy the city.
Deb Che says
I guess there are pros and cons about any city, but there are definitely a lot of pros in Dubai 🙂 Thanks for reading!
MummyTravels says
Dubai is somewhere I’ve never been (except in transit at the airport – which hardly counts!). I loved your first few tips, as I find the idea of old Dubai much more appealing than the malls and glitzier skyscrapers. I know I’m in a bit of a minority there though! Thanks for linking up to #citytripping
Deb Che says
I agree that old Dubai gives a more authentic look into what life is like in the city. Thanks for reading 🙂