Who hasn’t had Dubai on their bucket list at some point in their life. With everything from indoor ski slopes to man-made islands and glamorous rooftop views, it’s safe to say that I’ve always been curious about this desert oasis. While living in Istanbul, I took advantage of two days off, checked out the easiest way to get there and hopped on a four hour flight east.
I pre-planned a few must-sees for my trip and then let the rest unfold as I went. In my opinion, you only need three to four days to get the full Dubai experience (depending on what kind of traveler you are).
Note: I didn’t get the chance because of time restrictions, but I recommend checking out nearby beautiful, Abu Dhabi.
WHAT TO DO:
DESERT SAFARI
If you do anything in Dubai, make sure that taking a safari through the desert is number one on your list. This had to be hands down my favorite part of the trip. I booked my safari through Platinum Heritage Safari and it was absolutely incredible. One of the coolest experiences in my life. A driver will pick you up at your hotel either in the morning or afternoon depending on what tour you take. (I took the Platinum Heritage tour) You then proceed to go straight into the desert followed by a falcon show, food, drinks, and dancing in a traditional bedouin camp. I recommend taking the afternoon safari for the stunning sunset and star gazing. If you can, upgrade to a private car.
HOT AIR BALLOON AT SUNSET
Take a magic carpet ride through the desert! I didn’t have the chance to, but from what I’ve read this would have been on my to-do list if I had just one more day. Platinum Heritage offers partner tours for hot air balloon rides as well.
BURJ KHALIFA
You can’t go to Dubai without seeing the Burj Khalifa. The world’s tallest building can be seen from the plane all the way to the drive in. I recommend getting a ticket for Burj Khalifa SKY: At The Top which gives you access to the very highest point. A little more expensive, but it is worth the price to get you past the crowds, free refreshments and an even gnarlier view from an outdoor observation deck! Best times to visit are mornings, including sunrise on certain days, and nighttime, where you can grab a drink and watch the city twinkle.
JUMEIRAH BEACH OR BEACH CLUB
Anytime I can be in the ocean, I’m in my happy place. While you wouldn’t expect it, Dubai’s beach fronts are outstanding. Clean, soft sand and clear, warm, turquoise water make spending some time at the beach a must. You can either hit up a beach club or go straight to the famous public Jumeirah Beach. Brand new to Jumeirah beach, is La Mer. Here you can find lounge chairs and hammocks in the water to relax all day and an eclectic boardwalk with restaurants. We spent our time at Nikki Beach Resort the majority of our second day. The beach was beautiful with great music and food.
AL FAHIDI HISTORIC ART DISTRICT
I stumbled across this gem after eating breakfast at a traditional Arabian Tea House in Al Bastikaya. After being knee deep in falafels, I needed to walk it all off. Luckily, the Al Fahidi art district was literally around the corner. The shops are hidden throughout beautiful, traditional style buildings that create a small maze. Each alley has something new to offer and it’s fun to get a little lost looking at carpets, paintings, and different handmade goods. I would recommend checking out Old Dubai and the historic district.
BURJ AL ARAB
If you’re into architecture, luxury and a little boujiness (how do you even spell that) this is the only 7 star hotel in the world. While it’s a self-proclaimed 7 star, it is quite impressive.You can’t get inside unless you are a guest or have a reservation at any of their restaurants, tours or their beach club. Since I was curious to check it out, we ate lunch at Al Iwan. Oh and one night at this place will cost you 6,000TL or about $1,500.
HELICOPTER TOUR
Take a tour of Dubai from the sky. This is one of the best ways to see the entire city including the islands of the world. You can really get a sense of just how huge Dubai really is.
WHERE TO STAY:
AVERAGE PRICE:
Dubai Marriott Harbour. I stayed here and would recommend to anyone who wants something a little nicer and in a great location. Right outside the hotel is the marina and in walking distance to many of the beaches. It’s about a 20/30 min drive from the airport and from the big tourist attractions.
LUXURY HOTEL:
One and Only Mirage. This hotel is a photographer’s dream. Everything has been built and designed to give you a true desert experience without forgoing luxury. It is also one of the only hotels in Dubai with it’s own private beach. If you are into architecture and have the chance to even go walk around inside, I’d make a quick pit stop.
7 STAR HOTEL:
Burj Al Arab: If you can afford it, by all means pony up and experience the only 7 star LUXURY hotel in the world.
BUDGET FRIENDLY:
AIRBNB: offers plenty of options for whatever your price and needs are!
WHAT TO EAT:
AL BASTIKAYA TRADITIONAL ARABIAN TEA HOUSE
Hands down the best meal I had all trip. This traditional tea house opens up into a secret garden oasis. Order all the tea and a breakfast platter to taste several different dishes. Writing about it is honestly making me so hungry. I would go back to Dubai just to eat here again.
LUNCH AT THE BURJ AL IWAN
Having lunch here gets you a pass into the 7 star hotel so it’s basically a two-for-one. It’s an all you can eat buffet of traditional Arabic dishes. Do come hungry because the food is outstanding and the price isn’t cheap.
FALAFELS & HUMMUS
Let’s just say falafels are like the fast food of Arabic cuisine. You can find them anywhere. I’m not going to lie, in two days I had probably 20. Arabic cuisine has to be one of my all time favorites after visiting Dubai and you can’t leave without trying falafels and hummus. TIP: I went into a “fast food” type restaurant called Shami Gourmet and had the best falafels of my life with hummus.
WHERE TO DRINK:
HOW TO GET AROUND:
Taxi and über are offered in the city. I used taxi the whole time and felt really safe. Many of the hotels or restaurants will call you an official government certified taxi which won’t try to scam you.
TIPS AND CODE OF CONDUCT:
Do make sure to look into dress code for certain events, restaurants, or buildings. Often you’ll find that women should be covering shoulders/legs and men have to wear pants. Be respectful of the culture. While it is a city that caters to tourists, it is advised to be aware of the rules and way of life.
MY APPROXIMATE ITINERARY:
DAY 1
6AM LAND & TAXI TO HOTEL
8AM BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL
9-11AM BURJ KHALIFA SKY: AT THE TOP
12-1PM LUNCH AT BURJ AL ARAB
1-3PM MUCH NEEDED NAP
3-10PM HERITAGE DESERT SAFARI
DAY 2
6AM SUNRISE IN THE MARINA DISTRICT
8-12 TOUR ART DISTRICT AND BREAKFAST AT ARABIC TEA HOUSE
1-6PM NIKKI BEACH
7PM DINNER AND DRINKS
11PM HEAD TO AIRPORT VIA TAXI
For an actual look at where I went in beautiful Dubai, check out my youtube video below!
Leave me a comment below and if you’ve been to Dubai, let me know your favorite spots!! You can check out more of my articles with youtube videos here!