Dubai Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Dubai
Dubai is a magical city that millions of tourists flock to every year. The city is unlike any other in the world. Once you decide that you’re going to visit Dubai, you should gather as much information as possible to ensure that your trip progresses smoothly.
Top Attractions in Dubai
Dubai is chock-full of attractions and landmarks that make the city one-of-a-kind. In this section, we will explore some of Dubai’s most captivating attractions.
Shop at the Dubai Mall
For a shopping experience you’ll never forget, go to Dubai Mall. Located on Doha Road, this mall is the best and largest mall in the city. This gargantuan mall has a total area of 12,000,000 square feet and houses over 1,000 stores! If you can’t find what you’re looking for in this mall, it doesn’t exist!
Tour Jumeirah Mosque
Tourists who have been fortunate enough to explore the Jumeirah mosque call it the most beautiful mosque in Dubai. The intricate details of the mosque’s Syrian and Egyptian architectural workmanship are second to none.
You can see it all for yourself if you book a tour through the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding.
Explore the Dubai Frame
Foreigners who aren’t experienced with Dubai may never have heard of the Dubai frame. This is the city’s newest cultural attraction, opening its doors in 2018. It’s a gorgeous landmark designed in the shape of a giant-sized picture frame.
It is situated midway between new Dubai and old Dubai and offers fantastic views of prominent architectural structures.
The Experience Flying into Dubai Airport
The busiest international airport in Dubai is the Dubai International Airport, so we will focus on this airport for this section.
Airport Amenities
- Currency exchange: You can find several currency exchange kiosks at every single terminal.
- Business center: Since business executives and other professionals fly into Dubai regularly, there are meeting rooms, copiers, printers, and other office amenities available in the airport.
- Daycare: Several daycare centers are available at the airport. All that a passenger needs to do to access one is to ask a staff member where the closest one is.
- Baggage storage: If you plan on hanging out at the airport for a while, utilize the baggage storage service. They will watch your bags for you for up to 12 hours. Note: This is not a complimentary service.
- Prayer rooms: Being that Dubai is home to lots of religious folks, and many travelers visiting the city are interested in sampling the city’s religious culture, prayer rooms are available to passengers.
- Dining options: The airport boasts a vast selection of dining options for passengers. You are sure to find some delectable eats after you land.
Passport Rules
- In order for foreigners to be allowed in Dubai, you must have both a valid passport and a round trip ticket.
- You must show this to the appropriate authority right after you land.
- It’s a good idea to make sure that your passport is within reach right before you exit your plane.
Visa Rules
If you’re planning to stay in Dubai and you reside in one of the following locations, you may not need a visa:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
This is not an exhaustive list. To find out if a Visa is required to stay in Dubai, then you should check the Government of Dubai website.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Dubai
Getting to Dubai does not have to be expensive. If you use the following tips, you can snag an affordable ticket and save some serious cash:
1. Fly in during the right month.
To save money, fly to Dubai during the low season, which is in either January or February. You may be able to save more than 15% on your tickets than you would if you bought a ticket for a trip during the high season.
2. Buy your tickets early.
If you buy your tickets early, you’ll find that the price you pay is much more affordable than if you bought them a day or two before the flight. According to Kayak, passengers who are looking to save money on tickets should buy them at least three weeks in advance.
3. Be strategic in where you fly from.
You may not have been aware, but if you fly to Dubai from LA, the ticket cost will be lower than if you set out from Chicago. Depending on where you live, you may be able to purchase a cheap flight or drive to a certain city before departing to lower the cost of your flight to Dubai. Do a bit of budgeting to make sure that the extra travel makes financial sense.
Finding Your Bags
- The process of picking up your bags is easy. All you need to do is follow the signs you see after you arrive. You’ll want to pay close attention, as the airport is large and you can get lost.
- Find the baggage claim that corresponds with your flight number. There you will be able to wait for and secure your bags.
- After you’ve got your bags, you’re free to start your adventure in Dubai!
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
Dubai is comprised of a variety of communities, each of which has its own specific flavor. Continue reading to learn about a few of the most popular areas to stay in Dubai!
Al Fahidi
Al Fahidi is a cultural gem that countless tourists pay good money to merely gaze upon. A good portion of the neighborhood remains in the same condition as it was in the 19th century, which makes it one of the most popular areas for tourists to explore.
If you’re a history buff and you want to take in the authentic Arabic culture of old Dubai rather than the luxurious feel of new Dubai, then Al Fahidi is the neighborhood for you.
Jumeirah Beach Residence
In stark contrast to Al Fahidi, the Jumeirah beach neighborhood is popular for its proximity to the best food and restaurants that Dubai has to offer.
Also, if you are traveling with family, you’ll be delighted to know that this neighborhood is also close to many family activities, like Aquaventure waterpark and Legoland.
Not only that, but the neighborhood is also surrounded by resorts that allow visitors to partake in adventurous activities, like parasailing and kayaking.
If you want to take in the sights at the beach and take your pick of the best entertainment and eateries in Dubai, then this is where you should stay.
Downtown Dubai
If you’re going to Dubai to shop until you drop, downtown Dubai is the area you want to stay in. The area is in close proximity to some of the most majestic malls in the world, Dubai Mall being the greatest of all Dubai malls. But this area is not old famous for its malls, but it also in the middle of some great landmarks.
Popular Hotels in Those Areas
A Dubai hotel experience is sure to satisfy all of your needs as a busy traveler, but you’ve got to choose the right one. Below are some of the most popular hotels in the areas mentioned in the previous section:
An affordable luxury hotel located less than a mile from Al Fahidi. This is the #1 best value hotel in Dubai.
A high-end luxury hotel conveniently located in picturesque Jumeirah Beach Residence. The room prices may be steep, but the hotel boasts top-flight amenities and undeniably beautiful views.
A modest hotel in downtown Dubai featuring a community pool, clean rooms, and business accommodations.
Popular Airbnb Places in Those Areas
If hotels are not your cup of tea, you can stay in a well-kept Airbnb in a popular area. Some of the most popular ones are below:
Rent an entire one bedroom/1 bath apartment with WiFi, air conditioning, a pool, and a full kitchen, and you get it all for just $52 per night. The apartment is close to shops, food, and entertainment, and it’s just a 20-minute drive from historical Al Fahidi!
When you’re traveling with family, you need space! This full apartment has two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a washing machine, a rooftop pool, and more! It’s also a 15-minute taxi ride from the Dubai International Airport! Book it now for $150 per night.
Upscale doesn’t even begin to describe the level of luxury that you get with this Airbnb rental. You get to stay in a full apartment with three bedrooms and 3.5 baths with a hot tub, workspace, and full kitchen. The decor leaves nothing to be desired. The price is a lot steeper than the previous picks, at $572 per night.
Note: Prices vary based on when you plan to stay.
Top Things to do in Dubai
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Dubai. Learn about 3 of the top activities in Dubai below.
Camel Safari
If you want to sample the great outdoors, a camel safari in the red dunes of the Lahbab desert is the perfect activity for you. Tourists love this experience because it combines several adventurous activities, like:
- 4WD dune bash
- ATV ride
- Sandboarding
- Camel ride
Sail a luxury yacht
If you’re not into sand dunes, maybe the water is more your speed. For a modest price, you can hop aboard the Dubai Marina for a few hours of relaxation and a tasty meal. As you glide through the water, you’ll see Dubai’s famous skyline and other larger-than-life landmarks. Book this experience for as little as $58 per person!
Parasailing over the Arabian Gulf
If you’ve never gone parasailing, you should do it in Dubai. The fact that this parasailing experience is for up to four people at a time makes it great for families! There’s no better way to see Dubai’s sights. You can secure your spot for as little as $95 per person.
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Dubai
To unlock the most authentic experiences in Dubai, look to Airbnb Experiences. You’ll find information about some of the coolest ones below:
- Walking Tour of Old Dubai: Walk through old Dubai’s historic neighborhoods and understand ancient Arab culture. Just $51 will get you a boat ride, a traditional feast, a mosque visit, and tons of interesting information from a dedicated expert.
- Private Photoshoot in Dubai: Get in front of the camera for a photoshoot with an expert. Your photographer will take you to some of the best known Dubai landmarks to create the perfect backdrops for your photos.
- Food Tour: Taste Dubai’s best on this delectable food tour! You’ll get to experience the local markets and taste special camel-milk treats like gelato and chocolates.
Final Thoughts
Getting a clear picture of what you expect on your trip to Dubai will help your trip go smoothly. We hope that this article offers you some assistance in planning your trip to Dubai.
