Your travel itinerary: Dubai Edition 

My first trip to Dubai was in 2018 and when I returned in  2023, I was shocked that so much has changed. Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and also one of the most advanced. I’ve created a list of top things to do so here’s my Dubai travel guide!

I’ve made the mistake of going in June and boy it was scorching hot! Summer months in Dubai is extremely hot and humid making it almost impossible to explore the outdoors. Dubai winter are from November to March and this is the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant and suited for outdoor activites  

But first, you may ask when is the best time to visit?

As someone who love the convenience of ride share apps I was excited that Dubai now has Uber! However, once you’re in the city, you will find abundance of taxis available and quite affordable too! Dubai also has metro and a bus system and although I have not utilized it, I’ve heard it’s quite easy to navigate and efficient as well. Once you‘re in Palm Jumeirah, there is a scenic monorail service which I will get into that later on. 

When you land and hop into your method of transportation, you will most likely see this building passing by. It is one of the most iconic landmarks and the tallest building in the world! The views from up top is truly breathtaking and will leave you awestruck. While the panoramas are impressive, one of the best views in Dubai is Burj Khalifa itself as it towers above all the other skyscrapers. Entry prices varies as there are multiple observation decks. Of course the higher you go the pricier. Prices range between 70 to 110 US dollars. Definitely worth every penny to be able to cross that off the bucket list of going up the world’s tallest building.

It’s no doubt that Dubai is known for its modern architecture and this is probably one of the most interesting structures ever made! As you head towards the sky deck level, you will get an uninterrupted panoramic view of the city from all sides. It has a very unique concept as you will see 'Old Dubai' to the North and 'New Dubai' to the South. The experience at the Dubai Frame is not complete without a walk along the transparent glass bridge.  This exhilarating feature allows you to look down at the city from a height, creating a thrilling sensation and offering a unique perspective of Dubai's urban landscape. 

Palm Jumeirah is the largest manmade island on the planet. Set on the coast of the Arabian Sea, it is built in the shape of a palm tree. From lavish hotels to resorts, and water activities, the island offers plenty of things to do such as going to the water park, skydiving, enjoying a drink at a beach club or riding a bike along the boardwalk. Here are my favorite things to do on this beautiful island.

The View At The Palm is an observatory deck located at Palm Jumeirah next to Nakheel Mall. It presents 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and Atlantis - the Palm. The View was truly the highlight of my visit in Dubai, with an interesting history on how the palm island was built and the vision of the Sheikh.

Spend a fun day at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, Being part of Atlantis, the waterpark offers over 105 record-breaking water slides, attractions, and experiences for visitors. This water park boasts an impressive array of water attractions that are suitable for all ages, making it an ideal choice for a fun-filled day with family and friends. 

Forget the taxis and rideshare services when you're at the Palm. The Palm Monorail connects all the most popular attractions on Palm Jumeirah and it runs from the trunk of The Palm, starting at the Gateway station, to Atlantis Aquaventure at the far end. The monorail runs at a significant height giving you an aerial view of the palm where you can see the villas and their private beaches. The ticket prices starts from AED 10 for a single trip and  AED 15 for a round trip roughly 3-5 US dollars. It is truly the best way to see The Palm.

Need some retail therapy? This souk is the perfect place for that. Once you step in, you will find yourself in an endless maze of stalls and shops. This is a great place to get souvenirs of Dubai. Granted that it's probably pricier than shopping at the more traditional souks, it does provide you a shopping experience in a comfortable setting.  Be sure to negotiate! Enjoy a boat ride while admiring the iconic Burj al Arab hotel in the distance. The waterways are stunning and it’s just really cool to walk around while taking in the views. The souk is a must-visit spot if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture.

When I visit Dubai, I like to split my stays in two different hotels. I love staying in the city but I also love the beach so here are my top 2 areas to stay in:

If you want to be close to the most important landmarks, like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame and the Dubai Mall, as well as the most exclusive clubs and restaurants, then downtown Dubai is your place.

Enjoy the water and nightlife scene? Dubai Marina is a waterfront city; the emerald-green waters framed by some of the tallest residential towers in the world. And just next door is Jumeirah Beach Residence; better known as JBR beach is the gateway from Dubai Marina to the beach.  If you want to stay on the beach with plenty of restaurants and bars and water based activities, then I highly recommend Dubai Marina/JBR Beach. 

Final Tip: Whenever I visit a new city and want to cover a lot of ground, I always check to see if the city offers a hop on hop off double decker bus tours; and Dubai does!  This is the most convenient and cost-effective way to see the UAE with stops near all must-see sites on two routes. I found taxi's can be a costly expense and add up quickly so the bus tour was perfect for exploring. The audio commentary on the bus was very informative and I learned a lot about the landmarks and Dubai in general.  I would definitely recommend this bus tour as its truly the best way to get around Dubai and see all the main sights. 

Your travel itinerary: Dubai Edition

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