Dubai Hotels

A truly cosmopolitan city, Dubai is a place where you’ll find anyone and everyone from all parts of the world. Home to a vast population of migrant workers, the city will surely be a melting pot guaranteed to give you the most unique experiences coming from the locals and the city’s foreign residents. The city is also well known for being one of the most ambitious out there with its towering skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa.

How to Go

People often get to Dubai via the airport. Two options are available for you - the Dubai International Airport and the Al Maktoum International Airport. The former (DXB) hosts most of the international flights in the city and it connects Dubai to around 150 cities across the world. The Al Maktoum (DWC) is located in the south of the city with several commercial flights. However, it is serviced mainly by Russian airlines and low-cost carriers from Europe.

From both airports, you can easily get to the city centre via metro, taxi, or rideshare. Since the metro is directly connected to the city, all you need to do is locate the stop nearest to your hotel. Taxis and rideshare are a bit more expensive, but it’s guaranteed to take you there straight.

Getting Around

The city has an intricate and advanced transportation system that makes going around uncomplicated for visitors. For tourists, the zones often visited are zones 2, 6, and 7. Zone 2 has Dubai Marina and Al Barsha. Meanwhile, Zone 6 has Downtown Dubai. It has the famous Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Bur Dubai is also accessible from here.

In Zone 7, you’ll find the Deira. It’s your most likely starting point if you land at Dubai International Airport. Nol Cards are reloadable cards that will come in handy because you can use it for different modes of transport in the city.

For an uncomplicated way to get around, the hop on hop off bus (HOHO) is the best way to city the city and its popular tourist spots. It goes around the city and loops through the Burj Khalifa, Miracle Garden, souks, etc. You can get on immediately and get off where you want to.

Top Things to Do

Upon landing in the city, the towering Burj Khalifa will be the first thing you’ll see. It makes sense to drop by here first. Standing at 830 feet, take the world’s fastest elevator and enjoy the most majestic view of the UAE. Dubai Mall nearby is also a feat because it’s one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It has a great selection of stores and restaurants with unique attractions too. Families will be able to enjoy this spot because of the Kidzania and VR Park.

Mall of the Emirates is also another popular mall with over 600 shops and 100 restaurants. The main attraction here is Ski Dubai, which is the indoor ski park in Dubai. You can go sledding and skiing here as if you’re in a winter city elsewhere.

Theme parks are everywhere in the city too. You’ll find IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park. It’s a sprawling 1.5 million sq. ft. that has Marvel-themed attractions as well as some from Cartoon Network. Legoland Dubai is the first one in West Asia and it has six zones with over dozens of attractions. To cool off, Wild Wadi Water Park is an exciting one that has water slides. Rides are guaranteed to make your heart jump. This spot brings you near Jumeirah Beach, which is a great public beach in the city. You can relax, swim, and get a tan here. The Walk is the boardwalk where you can find retail outlets and restaurants to enjoy.

If you’re up for more nature sights, the Dubai Miracle Garden is the biggest natural flower garden in the world. The park has different kinds of flowering plants all sculpted to form landmarks, animals, and beautiful flower arrangements. A trip isn’t complete if you haven’t done the Dubai Desert Safari. You’ll be taking a 4x4 to get the most amazing views of the red dunes of the Arabian desert. You’ll be able to enjoy the sunset and dinner that comes with a traditional show. Kite Beach is perfect if you’re a kitesurfer or into watersports.

For an experience of how Dubai used to be, go to the Old City where you’ll find markets like the famous gold market that lines the area. Small shops are everywhere in its winding streets. The Dubai Museum is also there, along with traditional shops and restaurants. The art district is also by the area. It’s a good place to go around to take a break from the city’s glamour. The Grand Mosque in nearby Abu Dhabi is best for a dedicated day. Admission is free, but make sure to wear appropriate clothing.

What to Eat

Dubai is a culinary delight and it would surely make any foodie happy and filled to the brim. Being a melting pot, this city is filled with all sorts of cuisines and tantalizing flavors. Whenever people think of Middle Eastern cuisines, the likes of shawarma will be at the top of everyone’s list. You’ll find this everywhere in the old town and the streets of the city. You can never go wrong with buying off a vendor in the street or getting it off a restaurant.

On the other hand, luqaimat is a must for everyone. It has the taste and feel of dumplings with the texture of doughnuts. A lot of cafes serve this with sticky date sauce and sesame seeds. Don’t forget to try other local dishes. Margoogat is a tomato-based stew that packs in heat because of all the spices it has. Cumin, turmeric, and bezar will dazzle your tastebuds. Meanwhile, machboos is a traditional rice dish with cardamom and cinnamon. Usually, it has dried lemon and locally caught shrimp, lamb, and chicken.

Dubai also has a lot of Western dishes but made unique by the use of traditional meat and spices. You’ll find camel hamburgers and camel ice cream here which have been recently used by local chefs. If you’re feeling adventurous, give this a try.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Dubai is on another level. It will be a matter of picking how you want to enjoy it. If you want a taste of the party and club scene then you’ll surely find late-night entertainment here.

A lot of in-demand artists from all over the world flock here to perform almost every week so check the line up before you go. Drinking rules are strict in the city so you’ll mostly find these spots next to hotels or inside them.

Where to Stay

Dubai is a big city and staying in different places brings you closer to certain attractions. If you’re new to the city, then booking a hotel in Dubai’s downtown area is the best option. You’ll find the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall nearby as well as shops and restaurants for a quick bite. Jumeirah Beach is linked to most parts of the city like downtown and old city. You’ll find most of the communities here.

Bur Dubai is the spot to enjoy the city before it was developed. If you want to enjoy more of its history and culture, then this neighborhood brings you a stone’s throw away from that.

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