How to spend time in Dubai: Most beautiful and amazing locations

Welcome to Dubai, the city of luxury and glamour. The Arabic word “diba” translates to “locust,” and Dubai is the diminutive form, meaning “little locust.” There used to be a lot of locusts on the shores of the Creek, considered a delicacy. Interesting, right? This is just one fact about the city’s name. Imagine how much more there is to discover that will amaze you! Let’s explore the most astonishing places in this city and find out how to spend time in Dubai so that this vacation stays in your memories for a long time.

A little about Dubai.

One sheikh, Mohammed, turned the desert into a blooming garden, planting 40 million date palms. Just think, it costs $50 a day to water just one tree. This is a city where the sea is fresh and clear, and the waterfront has different paths for biking, rollerblading, and jogging. The bus stops are air-conditioned, and drinking water flows from street taps. This city was created by people for people. You want to come here and live here, even though Dubai is surrounded by a lifeless desert.

When you arrive in Dubai, you feel like you’re in another world. The sun is always shining, it’s incredibly hot, even in March, it’s 40 degrees. Flowers grow, and birds flutter. People live in abundance and harmony. The locals are friendly and always ready to help.

Dubai combines towering business skyscrapers with small, cozy villas. The roads are clean and neat. The city seems sterile, despite the endless construction. Every month, new crystals of banks, luxury hotels, and artificial islands appear in Dubai. Everything here is the biggest, tallest, and most expensive. Dubai is about original forms and beautiful lines, everything is in its place.

It’s amazing that not so long ago, this was a waterless desert, and in just 60 years, a city has grown from a coastal Bedouin village. The cityscape of Dubai is impressive: skyscrapers rise from the ground like a solid wall. The skyscrapers here are of incredible beauty. It feels like a universe of skyscrapers, and you feel like you’re inside a microchip. So, how to spend time in Dubai:

How to spend time in Dubai.

Sail on an Abra Boat in the Arabian Venice of Madinat Jumeirah.

Everyone knows the name of the most luxurious hotel in Dubai, but not everyone knows that next to the Burj Al Arab is another equally beautiful resort, Madinat Jumeirah, also known as the Arabian Venice. Madinat Jumeirah is a city within a city, connected by a network of water canals with small abra boats floating around.

Madinat is full of Arab houses, picturesque greenery, numerous cafes, and souvenir shops. There’s even a market (souk) disguised as an ancient Arab city with narrow streets. More precisely, it’s a shopping center, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. How else to spend your time in Dubai:

Have dinner at the most luxurious seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab.

Burj Al Arab is awarded as the most luxurious hotel on the planet, reflecting the city’s penchant for luxurious living. The Sail is Dubai’s main feature, its heart. The hotel, shaped like a sail, rises 321 meters above the ground on a small artificial island off Jumeirah Beach. You can’t just walk into the hotel; you need to book a room or a table.

Walk through the Miracle Garden.

Dubai is all about being the best. Here is the tallest building in the world, the largest mall, one of the biggest aquariums, the richest people, the most luxurious hotel, and even the largest flower park in the world, Miracle Garden. It truly is a miracle! You feel like Alice in Wonderland. Everything around is bright, fairy-tale-like, and exotic. The garden is surrounded by a live hedge, with small colorful houses and amazing pretty cars everywhere.

Ride in the first carriage of the metro.

In Dubai, all trains are fully automated, with no drivers, so you can look out the window from the first carriage. The metro is above ground, passing not only buildings but also large roads and huge interchanges – so beautiful.

Relax in the most popular hotel in Dubai, Atlantis The Palm.

Why here? First, it’s the largest hotel not only in Dubai but in the entire Middle East. Second, its popularity is well-deserved, not just for its original location. The hotel has 16 restaurants, countless bars, shopping galleries, exquisite suites, a zoo, a dolphinarium, the ultra-modern Aquaventure water park, and a huge aquarium, more like an oceanarium with a whale shark, the main attraction of the resort. Check prices and availability here.

Admire the marine life at The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

The Lost Chambers is, in my opinion, the best aquarium I’ve seen – plenty of fish, tastefully decorated halls, you just stand and gaze at the sea creatures in awe. It houses 65,000 fish and other marine life. Schools of sharks and elegant manta rays will be new discoveries for many. The aquarium is located in the previously mentioned hotel, Atlantis The Palm.

Stroll through the world’s largest mall, Dubai Mall.

Dubai Mall not only has an insane number of boutiques and cafes, but also an aquarium with millions of giant fish. You can admire them through the glass or dive with scuba gear to meet them. Besides this, the mall has a ski resort and an ice rink (naturally, the largest in the world). Everything is highly realistic: cold, hard to fall, snow. The mall is next to the Burj Khalifa.

Dissolve in the spray of magnificent dancing fountains.

How else to spend time in Dubai? In the evening, from 18:00 every half hour, a stunning musical show with dancing fountains starts. The jets create patterns in the air to the music, reaching up to 150 meters. The show is also enjoyable because it’s free. The attraction is held near the Burj Khalifa.

Visit the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai’s main symbols. The skyscraper is truly impressive. The height of Burj Khalifa (with the spire): 828 meters, 163 floors. For comparison: Ostankino Tower – 540 m, Eiffel Tower – 324 m, Empire State Building in New York – 443 m. The building houses offices, apartments, a hotel, Armani Residence, and several observation decks. Go up to the top and see the city from above.

This architectural marvel has broken many world records; it’s not only the tallest building but also has the highest elevator installation. On Christmas, locals set off an amazing firework display, turning the Burj into a sparkling Christmas tree. Tickets for the observation deck should be booked in advance, as same-day tickets are not available.

Visit the most urban area of Dubai – Marina.

Being in Dubai and not visiting the Marina area is nonsense. This place should be on everyone’s must-do list when visiting the Emirates. An artificial canal runs through the Marina, stretching 4 kilometers, with a yacht club. Lifehack: if you don’t want to spend money to see Dubai from Burj Khalifa but still want to see the city from above, go to one of the skyscrapers in Dubai Marina (look for the Marriott Hotel). Take the luxurious elevator to the top floor, then go down one level to a restaurant with a 360-degree view.

Discover another Dubai in the old district of Deira.

Between the airport and Burj Khalifa is another interesting place – the Deira district with its historical center Bastakiya. Stroll along the waterfronts, visit the old Nasser market, and explore the historical museums. Traditional boats roam the canal. Dubai is a city of contrasts. Skyscrapers reach the clouds, and yacht marinas are in the posh Marina. Yet here, there are poor low-rise buildings crowded with Pakistanis.

Transportation in Dubai. What is the most convenient way to see the city?

First, Dubai is not a city for pedestrians. It’s a city of sand, concrete, asphalt, and cars, but not pedestrians. There are highways everywhere, with cars speeding by at insane speeds. Don’t even think about exploring the city on foot. It’s 66 kilometers long. I generally recommend always using taxis, which aren’t that expensive here. Although, to be honest, everything here is expensive. Metro tickets won’t be much cheaper.

Public transport is not well developed. There’s only the metro. Arabs use either taxis or their own cars. You can also travel by helicopter, as many locals do. To get to the city from the airport, order a taxi. Check Aviasales for the cheapest flights to Dubai if you’re traveling from another country.

There are several options for a unified travel card for city travel. Prices vary by the class of the carriage, trip distance (how many zones, how many stops), and the number of trips. If you’re traveling alone, choose the Red Noi Ticket. You can buy this ticket in the metro and at bus stops.

Dubai’s metro and buses have a separate zone for women, marked in pink, and the front part of the bus is also for women. The metro is above ground, multi-level, with large bright halls, cool and clean. Wide passages at the turnstiles, signs are duplicated in English, and directions are marked. Perfect!

But I highly recommend driving your own car in Dubai, as it’s one of those cities where it’s easiest to get around by car! Many attractions are quite far from each other. Don’t have your own car? Why not rent one for a day or two? Check prices and availability here.

Big Bus Tour in Dubai. How to spend time in Dubai.

There is another way to see the city quite budget-friendly – buy a tour on a red Big Bus Tour. The main attractions are scattered a couple of dozen kilometers apart. From the Burj Khalifa to the Atlantis Hotel is 25 kilometers.

This miracle bus will take you from one attraction to another all day long. There are only twenty-one stops and several routes: city and beach. You can get off at one place, walk around, wait for the next bus and go on. The frequency of buses is about every 20 minutes.

You can visit 3-4 sights in one day and see even more on the way. Tickets for this bus are available for 24 hours and 48 hours. The price of such a ticket will include a cruise on the Arabian boat “Dhow”, one free ride on the water bus in Deira, several museums. The tour is in 8 languages. By the way, if you take a ticket for 48 hours, you can go to Sharjah (transfer will be included).

The most amazing hotels. How to spend time in Dubai.

I’m thrilled to share with you my experiences at the most amazing hotels in Dubai. This city, with its blend of modern luxury and traditional charm, offers some of the most incredible places to stay. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, these hotels are bound to capture your imagination and inspire your wanderlust.

Armani Hotel Dubai: The Armani Hotel Dubai, located in the Burj Khalifa, is a testament to elegance and sophistication. Designed by Giorgio Armani himself, the hotel exudes a sense of minimalist luxury. The sleek lines and muted colors of my suite created a serene ambiance, perfect for relaxation. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered spectacular views of the city skyline.

One&Only The Palm: One&Only The Palm is a sanctuary of peace and exclusivity. Nestled on a private peninsula of Palm Jumeirah, the hotel offers a serene retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Moorish and Andalusian-inspired architecture, combined with lush gardens and serene pools, created an enchanting atmosphere.

The Address Downtown: The Address Downtown stands out for its contemporary design and prime location. Overlooking the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, the views from my room were simply spectacular. The hotel’s ambiance was chic and sophisticated, with a touch of warmth that made me feel at home. I particularly enjoyed the infinity pool, which seemed to blend seamlessly with the skyline. The variety of dining options, from the elegant STK Steakhouse to the vibrant Neos lounge, offered something for every palate.

Dubai Hotels – Here are three more amazing ideas on how to spend time in Dubai, so that your trip will be simply incredible! I hope you will have a great time in such an amazing city! Write to me what you especially remember!

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