15 Wonderful Things to Do in Dubai for First-Timers

15 Best Things to Do in Dubai

1. Go on a One Dirham Abra Ride Across Dubai Creek

If you think Dubai is just for rich travelers, this will completely change your mind. Did you know that you can take a scenic boat ride on a traditional wooden abra across Dubai Creek for only 1 AED?

That's right! You can cruise through the old quarters in a small open-air boat, where you will be able to see the lives of regular people living in Dubai who aren't just elites driving Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Bentleys as they often advertise themselves.

If you are interested in seeing how regular people live in Dubai, the boat ride is definitely one of the first activities I recommend you do. To get on one of these boats, you will have to get to one of the many Abra Stations along the Creek, and the people there will direct you to one.

The route I took started from this Abra Station near Baniyas Square Metro Station, and from there, the boat took me to Bur Dubai Souk, which is near Al Fahidi Historical District, the next item on the list.

The Abra ride costs 1 AED per person per trip, and they operate between 5 AM and 12 AM every day. You can check out which route to take from the maps available at the Abra Station. I highly recommend getting on one in the evening for a stunning sunset view over the Old Quarter.

2. Explore the Al Fahidi and Al Seef Historical District

Al Fahidi Historical District is a historical neighborhood area that was first established in 1890 by affluent Persian merchants who were drawn by trade opportunities and incentives provided by the government.

As time passed, the neighborhood was constantly being demolished and converted into an office complex, part by part, until a British architect who lived in the area started a campaign to preserve the remaining traditional houses, narrow pathways, and public square. Eventually, this turned it into the tourist attraction we see today.

Within Al Fahidi Historical District, you will find all kinds of museums like the Coffee Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cultural Centre, all housed in these beautiful traditional houses made out of stone, gypsum, teak, and wood.

You will also see several traditional wind towers that were used to cool down the houses back in the day, all scattered across the crisscrossing pathways, waiting for you to explore.

If you are looking for a place to rest from the sun or are looking for souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants to indulge yourself in, Al Seef Historical District, located east of Al Fahidi just across the road, is also another great place to be.

Located right by the bank of Dubai Creek, Al Seef offers a great range of cafes and restaurants for you to relax by the river. It is especially beautiful in the evening when the sun is about to set and the city lights start to come on.

Al Fahidi opens between 7 AM and 8 PM, while Al Seef is open 24 hours. However, the museums and shops in the historical district have their own opening times, so be sure to check each one out and plan your visit accordingly. There is no entrance fee for either of these places.

3. Stroll Around all the Souks in Old Town District

While you are around the historical quarters, located a bit west of Al Fahidi, you will find Bur Dubai Souq, a nice small souq where you can get the feel of traditional Arab markets.

Keep in mind that while you are here, you might encounter many touters trying to sell you stuff, but don't sweat it too much. It is to be expected when a tourist walks into an Arab market. All you have to do is say no and simply continue marveling at the sights, sounds, and smells of an Arab market.

Within the souk, you will find all kinds of shops catered towards tourists, such as souvenir shops, spice shops, and carpet shops. Bur Dubai Souk's opening hours are between 10 AM and 10 PM every day.

TIPS: If you are looking for a souvenir, do not buy it here. You will find cheaper options at bargain shops like Day to Day or Green House.

4. Learn More About the History of Dubai at Al Shindagha Museum

Only a few minutes' walk north of Bur Dubai Souk, you will find a museum district that will shatter the misconception that people often have about Dubai - that it is a city with no culture and soul.

Within this newly built Museum District, you will find a collection of museums that are dedicated to highlighting all the historical events that happened in Dubai, from its time when it was a small pearl trading village to an oil-rich futuristic city that defied all odds and turned the impossible into the possible.

One of the first museums I highly recommend you visit is Al Shindagha Museum, which will allow you to get a glimpse of what it was like back when they were nothing but pearl traders here, highlighting all the significant turning points, all the way from a small village to them sending space probes to Mars.

There are also many other museums in the area as well that you can visit, such as Crossroad of Civilizations Museum, a large cultural center displaying ancient artifacts; Perfume House, a collection of local plants used to create perfume; House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, a traditional home turned museum of a former ruler of Dubai; and many more.

Al Shindagha Museum's opening hours are from 10 AM to 8 PM, and the entrance fee is 15 AED per person. With the ticket, you will be able to access four museums in one go: Al Shindagha Museum, Perfume House, Crossroad of Civilizations Museum, and Emerging City Museum.

5. Go Up The Dubai Frame For Sunset

The Dubai Frame is a newly built architectural landmark built in the shape of a massive picture frame, all wrapped in this beautiful gold and blue pattern that can be seen from miles away across the city.

It is considered to be the largest frame in the world, and it was constructed as a viewpoint positioned in a way that allows you to see all the stunning skyscrapers of modern Dubai on one side and the older parts of the city on the other.

The vertical parts of the frame are used as elevator shafts, taking visitors up and down the observational deck that runs the entire length of the top horizontal part. Inside the observational deck, you will also find glass-bottomed floors that you can walk on. The faded floors will clear up as you step on them, looking down almost 150 meters onto the building's lower span.

Surrounding the entrance of the Dubai Frame, you will also find Zabeel Park, a great spot for you to take a stunning photo of yourself with the Dubai Frame, although you will have to pay around 5 AED to enter.

I highly recommend you visit the Frame in the evening before sunset and be up there before it gets dark, so you will be able to see the views of the city during the day and night in one go.

To get there, you can take the metro to Max Metro Station (formerly known as Al Jafiliya) and you can walk to the entrance on the opposite side or walk through Zabeel Park (where you have to pay 5 AED to enter) and exit from Zabeel Park Gate 3 or Gate 4.

The Dubai Frame opens from 9 AM to 9 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 50 AED per person. They often offer discounted prices for the Dubai Frame, so if you are looking to save some money, be sure to buy the Dubai Frame's ticket online in advance.

6. Visit Dubai's Museum of the Future

Despite still being under construction, the Museum of the Future is still a stunning landmark that you should definitely visit when you are in Dubai. The Museum of the Future is an exhibition space dedicated to innovation and futuristic ideologies located right at the heart of Dubai's bustling financial district.

The exhibition is housed in this unique, complex, and beautifully designed torus-shaped structure, comprising many glass windows that form an Arabic poem written by Dubai's ruler about the emirate's future.

Inside, there are 7 floors, each dedicated to different exhibitions that will be on display when it is finally open. It is probably one of the most complex structures to be built in the country, and maybe in the world, with many parts having to be 3D-printed.

At night, the poem pattern covering the exterior facade is lit up in its full glory for anyone to see. The best place to get a stunning photo of the Museum of the Future is from the platform level inside Emirates Tower.

Simply follow the direction to Leens Cafe on the second floor and you should be able to exit the building and see the museum in its full glory. Since the Emirates Tower is a hotel, it is open 24 hours, but I highly recommend you get up to the platform at sunset.

7. Spend a Day at The Dubai Mall

"The Dubai Mall? For real? I didn't travel all the way here just to go to the mall!" I know that is what you are probably thinking to yourself, but hear me out. Dubai Mall is considered to be the largest mall in the world, with more than 1200 stores covering an area equivalent to 200 football pitches. That, in itself, should be enough of a reason to give Dubai Mall a go, but there's more.

The Dubai Mall is so massive that it has its own aquarium, an Olympic-sized ice rink, a massive indoor cinema complex, many stunningly designed fountains, an open-air section called the Village, and a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton at the souk area.

It can take many hours just to see some of the points of interest I mentioned above, and even more to explore every corner of this massive shopping mall. It literally takes more than 20 minutes just to walk from the Dubai Mall metro station to the mall itself! Possibly the longest walkway I have ever experienced.

I thought I wouldn't enjoy Dubai Mall as much since I would rather be outside exploring nature, but my goodness, they really hit it out of the park with this tourist attraction, with enough wow factors to keep me occupied for hours. Plus, it is also located right by the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Burj Khalifa, as well as one of the largest fountain shows in the world, which we will cover next.

The Dubai Mall opens between 10 AM and 1 AM every day, and you can access it via the Dubai Mall Metro Station. Just make sure you time your departure carefully, as it takes more than 20 minutes to get to the metro station. You might be there after the metro closing time, which is between 11 PM and 1 AM, depending on the day.

8. Watch the Fountain Show at the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Fountain is one of the largest fountain shows in the world, and it is something you shouldn't miss, especially if you are already spending your time exploring the massive Dubai Mall.

Surrounded by the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Souk Al Bahar, this large fountain is a remarkable choreographed fountain system located on the 12 hectares (30 acres) manmade Burj Khalifa Lake. It uses more than 6,500 lights, 50 colored projectors, and a 275 m long tube that shoots water as high as a 45-story building (152 m).

Combine these architectural wonders with classical Western and Arab music, and you have one of the most impressive and epic fountain shows you will ever experience in your life. It blew my mind away so much that I decided to stay longer to watch another one.

I didn't have to wait for long, though, as the Dubai Fountain light and music shows are performed every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 10 PM on weekdays, and from 6 PM to 11 PM on weekends (weekends in Dubai are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), or twice during the day at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM.

Best of all, it is free to enter, which is pretty amazing for the experience you get. Personally, I found that the best time to see the performance is right at 6 PM during the blue hours, when the purple-ish sky creates a beautiful contrast for the fountains. If you are in Dubai, do not miss the fountain show at Dubai Mall!

9. Check out the Modern Souk Al Bahar

Right next to the Dubai Fountain, you will also find another souk called Souk Al Bahar, which takes the old traditional souk concept and modernizes it in a way that you don't see it anywhere else but in Dubai.

Souk Al Bahar is located in an air-conditioned building, where you will be able to find all kinds of cafes and shops for you to indulge yourself in. Additionally, there are several outdoor restaurants where you can indulge in delicious food while watching the Dubai Fountain Show, without having to cram with the crowds below.

The Souk Al Bahar is also connected to Palace Downtown, where you will be able to capture one of the best views of Burj Khalifa, its stunning man-made lake, and the beautiful buildings of Souk Al Bahar, all in one frame. So, be sure to walk by there.

All in all, it is a great place to stop by before you end your evening at the Dubai Mall, with a nice glass of wine at your own leisure. The Souk Al Bahar opens from 7 AM to 1 AM, and it is free to enter the premises.

10. Relax at Kite Beach or at La Mer Beach

With so many activities being indoors, I think it is time to change things up a little and go for a nice beach day at either Kite Beach or La Mer Beach located not too far from Dubai Downtown.

What's the difference between the two beaches? Well, it depends on what you are looking for for your beach day. Kite Beach is a vast strip of white sand beach where you will be able to enjoy all kinds of activities like kitesurfing and kayaking or simply just go sunbathing.

Other than that, it has a few small shops and cafes for you to relax by but no big restaurants for you to have dinner by the beach. If you are looking for something like that, La Mer Beach is more suited to you.

La Mer beach is smaller, but it has a ton of restaurants and cafes for you to indulge yourself in. Despite its size, you can still have a great time relaxing by the beach here, although it may feel a little more crowded than at Kite Beach.

All in all, if you are looking to spend an entire day at the beach, Kite Beach is perfect for you. If you just want to stroll around and have dinner by the beach, then La Mer Beach is going to be more up your alley. Both of them are nice, and they serve a different purpose in my opinion, so make sure you pick the right one.

11. Visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah for a stunning view of Burj Al Arab

One of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai that everyone wants to see is Burj Al Arab, a sail-shaped hotel built on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) from Jumeirah beach. The best place to do that, I found, is at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, another modern souk located near Burj Al Arab where you can get several stunning views of the iconic building in its full glory.

The souk itself is built inside a massive traditional-style building with crisscrossing hallways, pathways, and waterways, and the souk comprises many shops, cafes, and restaurants that you can enjoy.

You will be able to see Burj Al Arab from many pathways around the outdoor section of Souk Madinat Jumeirah, but the best viewpoint, in my opinion, is at Shimmers Restaurant, a beachside restaurant located in the area of Jumeirah Mina A'Salam hotel. This is where you will have to get to in order to access their private beach.

Usually, you will have to be a guest of Shimmers (highly recommended if you are looking for a nice beach-side restaurant with a view of Burj Al Arab) or the hotel to access the private beach. However, as long as you act like a tourist, you should also be able to walk in freely without any problems.

At the beach, you will be able to have a clear view of Burj Al Arab and its artificial island, as well as a beautiful sunset over Atlantis from afar. Visit the beach at sunset, and trust me, you won't be disappointed.

12. Spend the Entire day at the Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah is another iconic landmark of Dubai that you should definitely not miss. It is an archipelago of artificial islands constructed using land reclamation and built in the shape of a palm tree, extending into the Persian Gulf.

The Palm comprises many luxury residential houses, shopping malls, waterparks, and the most iconic of all, the massive Disney-esque hotel that is the Atlantis, all connected by a monorail and a road that lets visitors move around the archipelago easily.

There are so many things to do on the Palm that you will have to dedicate an entire day if you want to see them all. For the best viewpoints from above, I highly recommend you get to the top of The View of the Palm, an observation deck where you will be able to see the Palm in its full glory from above.

The entrance fee to the View of the Palm is 69 UAE for non-prime hours and 143 AED for prime hours. You can get a discount by booking the ticket online in advance. Personally, I went during non-prime time at 10 AM and the view was stunning nonetheless.

After the viewpoint, you can also continue on and visit the Atlantis Hotel, stroll along the Broadwalk, or visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium, which has over 65,000 marine creatures and apparently is more interesting than the one offered at Dubai Mall.

You can spend the afternoon soaking wet at the Atlantis massive waterpark and feel the frenzy of excitement while riding a collection of record-breaking rides in its Atlantis Aquaventure park. You can also buy a one-day pass where you will be able to get access to everything in one day without having to pay separately. You can get an exclusive discounted price for the Atlantis one-day pass here.

13. Watch the Sunset at The Pointe at the Palm

While you are at the Palm, I also recommend you visit the Pointe, a waterfront complex located along a 1.5 km seaside promenade where you will be able to enjoy a nice dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants while watching the sunset.

At around 6 PM, you will also be able to witness another fountain show, this time at the Palm Fountain, which is considered to be the largest fountain in the world. I prefer the epicness of the Dubai Fountain show, but since it is free and you are already at the Pointe, you might as well enjoy it.

The Palm Fountain shows occur every 30 minutes between sunset and midnight every day, and it is free for everyone to visit. If you are seeking a lovely place to spend the evening at the Palm, the Pointe is the best choice.

14. Get the iconic sunset photo at Dubai Creek Harbour

For those of you who are looking for a perfect place to capture the stunning beauty of Dubai's futuristic cityscape, one of the best viewpoints in the city is at Dubai Creek Harbour, an upscale residential area located far enough on the other side of Dubai Creek for us to be able to see the city in its entirety.

Along the riverside promenade, you will also find these beautifully designed resting stops scattered along the walking path, and one of them is aligned perfectly with Burj Khalifa, allowing you to capture some really stunning portraits here, especially during sunset.

You just have to wade out some of the narcissistic Instagrammers who think they own the place and spend hours taking photos without sharing with anyone. Trust me, I had to tell off one Indian lady just because I gave the spot to her and she didn't give it to anyone else after.

To get to Dubai Creek Harbour, unfortunately, you will have to rely on Careem or Uber to take you there, and it can be quite expensive at around 40 AED per trip coming from the metro terminus station (Centrepoint). For the best light, I highly recommend you visit Dubai Creek Harbour around 5 PM, just in time for the beautiful sunset light.

15. Enjoy the Best View of Burj Khalifa at Level 42nd Terrace of Shangri-la Hotel

You are probably wondering why I have not recommended going up Burj Khalifa. Personally, I always think that going up to the top of a landmark as iconic as Burj Khalifa or the Eiffel Tower is such a waste of money because when you are up there, you won't be able to take a photo of the city with its most iconic landmarks since you are on top of it.

It took me almost a month to track down and find the very best viewpoints of Dubai where I could see Burj Khalifa. After searching rigorously, I finally found it!

The best viewpoint in all of Dubai is on a private open-air terrace on the 42nd floor of the Shangri-la Hotel, located in the center of Dubai's Downtown. The 42nd terrace of the Shangri-la hotel is situated directly above a complex highway that aligns perfectly with Burj Khalifa, and it is high enough to be above all the towers, allowing you to have a clear, unobstructed view of Burj Khalifa and the city.

But what if you are not a guest of the Shangri-la hotel? Can you still go up? Yes! It took me ages to find this information, but if you are a couple and you are not guests of the hotel, you can access this private terrace on the 42nd floor by paying 250 AED (the price for 2), and you can get up there anytime for as long as you want, provided that there is no private event going on.

With the 250 AED entrance fee, you will be able to redeem the exact fee at any of the restaurants inside the Shangri-la hotel, which I think is a pretty good deal.

To make the most out of it, I decided to get up early in the morning at 5 AM to see the city view from above at night and stay until sunrise, which allowed me to capture both the night and day photos of the city.

Once we got down in the morning, we were able to use the entrance ticket to gain access to the delicious breakfast buffet from the hotel for free, which I think was awesome.

If you are looking for the best viewpoints in Dubai and do not mind spending 250 AED to get access to it (with complimentary food), the 42nd level terrace at Shangri-la hotel is as good as it gets.

16. Bonus: Visit Dubai Expo 2020

If you are planning to go to Dubai in the next 6 months, you should definitely drop by the biggest event in town, 5 years in the making, the Dubai Expo 2020 where over 190 countries from all over the globe have come together to showcase their technologies and architectures across a sprawling 438-hectare area (1083 acres) near Dubai.

It is an event of a lifetime, full of events, amazing architecture, and performances that you are going to want to see. If you fly via Emirates Airlines, you will also get a one-day ticket to Dubai Expo 2020 for free, which shows just how big of a deal the event is to Dubai and its visitors.

If you are not flying with Emirates, you can also get a Dubai Expo 2020 ticket from here. There is quite a lot to see at Dubai Expo 2020, and if you want to see all the highlights, you are going to have to plan your day out very carefully or spend more than a day there.

Want to know which pavilions are worth visiting at Dubai Expo 2020? Check out:15 Most Beautiful Pavilions To Visit At Expo 2020 Dubai

Where to Eat and Drink in Dubai?

Enjoy a cup of coffee by Dubai Creek at Mazmi Coffee And More

If you are out and about in the old quarter of Dubai and you are looking for a nice, quiet place to relax by the Creek with a cup of coffee, I highly recommend you check out Mazmi Coffee And More.

The café is located right on the riverside of Dubai Creek near Bue Dubai Souk, and I often go there to escape the afternoon heat and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the local abras go by.

Other than coffee, they also serve homemade ice creams, salads, and small bites in case you are hungry. Mazmi Coffee And More café opens from 8 AM to 8 PM every day.

Try Emirati Cuisine at Arabian Tea House

For a great place to try local Emirati dishes, you can't go wrong with Arabian Tea House. The restaurant is inside this traditional house, full of beautiful white and blue decor, with plenty of seats and tables for you to enjoy.

They also serve a variety of both traditional and international food that you can try, from the good old kebab dish and biryani to Tahta Laham (shredded lamb in local spices) and Hamsat Robyan (shrimp stew).

The price is a little expensive, but you know you will get great high-quality local meals out of it. Arabian Tea House opens between 7:30 AM and 11 PM every day.

Eat Seafood with your hands at Off the Hook

Off the Hook is, hands down, my favorite seafood restaurant in Dubai. They sell a variety of seafood dishes with options such as salmon, shrimp, and octopus. Additionally, you can choose the type of sauce you want to accompany your seafood meals.

Before you know it, they will lay down a napkin on your table, give you an apron and a pair of gloves, pour rice and your seafood of choice on the table, and you can eat them with your hands.

The taste is amazing, the seafood is fresh, and it is surprisingly affordable (as seafood goes) at only 72.45 AED for 2 persons. I love the place, and in fact, I even got my photo taken by the staff and put it on the guest board, so if you are there, be sure to find me on the board.

Off the Hook is open from 11 AM to 12 AM. If you plan to go there for lunch, make sure it isn't exactly midday, as it can get quite crowded and you might have to queue up for tables.

Dine by the Beach at Shimmers

For the best chill-out place with the best view, I have to give it to Shimmers, a beachside restaurant overlooking the iconic Burj al Arab hotel. They serve all sorts of à la carte fusion dishes, drinks, and shisha for you to enjoy.

They are quite expensive, though, with some dishes going as high as 180 AED. However, if you want to enjoy the view of Burj Al Arab at your own leisure, this is a great place to be. If you want to save costs, you can do what I did – eat something beforehand and enjoy drinks there instead.

Shimmers restaurant opens between 1 PM and 12 AM, and depending on the day you want to visit, you might have to reserve a spot in advance from their official website.

When to Visit Dubai?

Since Dubai is a desert city located in the northern hemisphere, the best time to visit Dubai is from November to April, when the temperature is somewhere around 20 - 33°C, allowing you to enjoy what the city has to offer more.

All the other months can be blazingly hot, and the temperature can go all the way up to 41°C. When you combine that with the humidity coming from the ocean, it can feel like 48+°C, and that is just not fun at all, believe me. If you are planning to do many activities I listed here, I suggest you stick with the recommended period between November and April.

That said, due to it being the peak season, everything also becomes more expensive, especially accommodation, which can cost more than double its regular prices. For example, a $20 hotel room during the low season can cost more than $100 during the high season. So, depending on your budget, you will have to plan your visit to Dubai accordingly.

If you are looking to save some money and can handle temperatures ranging from 28 - 38°C, September and May are also great times to visit Dubai. However, you will have to stick to mornings and evenings for outdoor activities. This way, you will be able to save a ton of money while enjoying all the awesome things Dubai has to offer.

How to Get to Dubai?

Thanks to its national carrier, Emirates Airline, Dubai is one of the largest travel hubs in the world, and getting there from wherever you are doesn't get any easier than this, so you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Dubai International Airport.

From the US, you can fly directly via Emirates Airlines to Dubai from more than 6 cities all over the country, such as New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, etc., so you should have no trouble getting there.

From Europe, again, you can fly directly from most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Emirates Airlines to Dubai. Alternatively, you can also fly with low-cost airlines like Wizz Air or Pegasus Airlines if you don't mind transiting.

From Asia, Emirates Airlines also have excellent coverage over the continent with routes from many hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta that will take you to Dubai in less than 8 hours.

To find a cheap flight to Dubai, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.

How to Get Around Dubai?

Dubai is a massive metropolis with all the best tourist attractions spread out across the city, which can be a little disorienting at first. But thankfully, the city has one of the best and most extensive networks of metros and buses that anyone can take, as well as the availability of Uber and Careem that you can use to get to exactly where you want, fast and painless. Here are the best ways to get around Dubai.

By Metros: The Metros in Dubai are so awesome I wish more cities' train systems were half as great as the one they have here. It has great coverage of over 50 stations, traveling more than 85 km across the city, including from the Dubai International Airport, eliminating the need for you to deal with taxis.

Dubai Metro also uses a centralized card system called Nol, which you can purchase from any metro station for 25 AED (6 AED for the card and 19 AED for usage). You can use it to pay for train and bus tickets, as well as goods from many shops around the city. It's like a universal money card that you can use for everything in Dubai, which I think is pretty genius.

The city is divided into 7 zones. Traveling within the zone you departed from is the cheapest, whereas the more zones you cross, the more expensive your train ticket will be. This also applies to both buses and trams as well.

The trains also have 2 exclusive passenger carriages at the front and back for Gold Class passengers, who hold the premium-priced tickets, and a women-only carriage in case you are not comfortable in the normal carriage.

All in all, if you are looking for an affordable way to get around Dubai easily, the metro is the best way to go, especially if you are traveling alone or as a couple. If you are traveling in larger groups, other options might be a more economical choice for you.

By Bus/Tram: Dubai also has an extensive bus and tram system that works the same way as the metros but with more coverage. You can use a Nol card to pay for buses and trams by tapping on the sensor when you get on and making sure you tap again once you get off. The prices will be calculated based on how many zones you are traveling across.

The price is a little cheaper than the metros, but the wait time can vary depending on the traffic. Most of the time, you should be able to rely on the timetable, the bus stop, and the route line number provided by Google Maps. I traveled with buses a bit in Dubai, and they are great for going to places that aren't near any metro station.

By Careem/Uber: You can also use a cab-hailing app like Careem (Android|iOS) and Uber (Android|iOS) to get around Dubai. With a starting price of 12 AED, it is a bit more expensive than hailing a regular taxi, but they are extremely convenient, comfortable to travel in, and best of all, it guarantees that you will get a taxi no matter the destination.

Unlike regular taxis, where they often reject passengers based on the destination, taxis called from these apps are obligated to take you no matter where. So, if you are out and about and looking for a reliable way to get to your hotel, Careem and Uber are your saviors.

By Car: If you are looking to travel extensively around Dubai and beyond, you can rent a car directly from Dubai International Airports and start driving from there. Click the link below to rent a car.

Rent a car in Dubai

How Many Days To Spend in Dubai?

Depending on how much you want to see in Dubai and the season you are there during, you are going to need around 2-5 days to truly experience what the city has to offer. Below is a rough itinerary you can follow.

Day 1: Spend the first day visiting attractions in Dubai Old Quarters like Al Fahidi Historical District, old souks, Al Shindagha Museum, and other museums around the area.

Day 2: Spend the morning at either La Mer or Kite Beach and visit Dubai Mall in the afternoon for the Fountain Show at sunset, and have dinner at Souk Al Bahar.

Day 3: Spend the entire day at The Palm Jumeirah, go up to the View of the Palm observational deck, enjoy the Atlantis waterpark, and watch the sunset at The Pointe.

Day 4 (Optional): Go up to Shangri-la Hotel's Level 42nd terrace for sunrise, stroll around Souk Madinat Jumeira before coming back to the Museum of the Future, and go up to Dubai Frame or take a taxi to Dubai Creek Harbour for sunset.

How Much Money Do I Need For Dubai?

With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending in Dubai as follows:

Accommodation: For 5 nights, you can expect to pay around 100 USD (367.29 AED) for accommodations.

Food: Food costs about 35 AED on average in Dubai, so you can expect to pay around 525 AED per person for 4 days.

Transportation: For transportation, you will be paying mostly for metro tickets and a few trips on Careem and Uber, so you can expect to pay approximately 150 AED for transportation.

Activities: For activities, the entrance fees for Al Shindagha Museum, Dubai Frame, and View at the Palm cost around 15 AED, 50 AED, and 100 AED respectively, so you can expect to pay at least 165 AED. If you want to go up to the Level 42nd terrace at Shangrila Hotel, it's another 250 AED for 2 persons. However, since you can redeem the ticket at restaurants in the hotel, I decided not to include it here.

Total Budget for 3-4 days in Dubai: 1,207.29 AED (328.70 USD)

Is it Safe in Dubai?

Dubai is extremely safe. In fact, it is probably one of the safest places I've been to so far, and I am not exaggerating. When I first arrived here, I was bothered by the fact that most locals leave their belongings unattended for a long period of time in cafes and restaurants. I don't even do it in my hometown, but it seems to be very common here.

From my experiences, petty theft in Dubai is very rare, especially when compared with other major cities like London and Paris, thanks to its strict laws, huge fines, and advanced surveillance system.

In fact, Dubai is so safe that the only risk you might have to worry about is breaking the strict local laws, such as COVID-19 restrictions, alcohol consumption, public display of affection, and dress code in certain places.

Despite being safe, you might still encounter a few touters trying to sell you stuff in local markets and souks. However, that is to be expected in this part of the world, and they are not as difficult to identify as those scammers in Egypt.

When it comes to safety, whether you are a solo traveler or a female traveler, there is nothing to worry about when you are traveling in Dubai.

Which tourist SIM card is best for The United Arab Emirates?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Dubai, United Arab Emirates without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Dubai, United Arab Emirates:

There are two major carriers in the United Arab Emirates, du and Etisalat, both of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages, coverages, and internet speed.

I personally used du, but since there are only 2 options available, both of which are owned by the states, it doesn't really matter which one you choose. They are both pretty pricey for what you get, and don't expect the internet to be as premium as the price tag.

There are 3 packages for tourists on du: 500 MB for 7 days at 55 AED, 2 GB for 14 days at 75 AED, and 3.5 GB for 14 days at 110 AED. You can top up your data with more data bundles for as low as 200 MB at 25 AED to 25 GB for 525 AED.

As you can see, data packages aren't cheap in Dubai, and I would recommend that you only buy them if you need them, for example, for Careem or Uber. Otherwise, it is best to rely on the free WIFI available in most restaurants and shopping malls around the city instead.

For more information about the United Arab Emirates' local SIM card: United Arab Emirates' Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Dubai?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Dubai, United Arab Emirates in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for the United Arab Emirates

I have plenty of articles to help you further with your trip planning for the United Arab Emirates. Here is a selection of articles that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary to Dubai and the UAE? Here is a 7 Days Backpacking Dubai Itinerary.
• Looking for day trips to make from Dubai? Here are the 6 Best Day Trips to Make from Dubai.
• Planning to visit the Expo 2020 Dubai event soon? Here are the 15 Most Beautiful Pavilions to Visit at Expo 2020 Dubai you shouldn't miss.
• To see all articles about the UAE, visit the United Arab Emirates Travel Guide page.
• Looking for more travel guides for the Middle East? You can find more on my Middle East Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.