10 DAYS IN DUBAI !

Dubai is one of those destinations that truly has everything – futuristic skyscrapers, luxury hotels, desert adventures, beach clubs, traditional souks and incredible food from around the world. Whether you visit for a few days or a longer trip, Dubai can be as relaxing, luxurious or adventurous as you want it to be. I told myself I will return soon since I LOVED IT!

Angel’s tip: Make reservations as much in advance as you can for food, swimming pools in the hotels, beach bars. Sometimes even 4-5 days in advance we could not find anything!And don’t forget that in order to have a spot in the swimming pools you need to be there early in the morning.

CURRENCY : 1 AED (Dirham)= 0.23 EUROS =0.27 USD

AIRPORTS AND HOW TO GET THERE: 

The UAE is very well connected internationally and you can also use airports in nearby emirates, since distances between cities are relatively short.

• Dubai International Airport (DXB): The main airport of Dubai and the most convenient option for most travelers.
• Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): Located further from the city center and used by some international and low-cost airlines.
• Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): A great alternative airport, especially if flights are cheaper or better timed. Abu Dhabi is only around 1–1.5 hours from Dubai by car.
• Sharjah International Airport (SHJ): Another convenient option often used by low-cost airlines. Located very close to Dubai, making it easy to combine both emirates in one trip. Angel’s tip: It often has cheaper flights from Greece making it a clever option instead of Dubai airport!

BEST TIME TO GO: The best months to visit are from November to April, when the weather is warm and pleasant for outdoor activities, beach days and desert experiences. Summer (June–September) is extremely hot, but you can still enjoy malls, luxury hotels, restaurants and indoor attractions. March/April before Ramadan that I went was absolutely great! (usually (not always) during the month of Ramadan there are some restrictions outside even if for the non-Muslims) . All the shopping malls and inside spaces are air-conditioned, so have a light jacket with you. 

HOW MANY DAYS? I recommend:

• 4-5 days for first-time visitors
• 1 week if you also want beach clubs, waterpark, desert experiences and even day trips. Angel’s tip: I stayed for 10 days and I wanted more!
  

  Wings of Mexico – downtown Dubai

ACCOMMODATION:

Areas you can stay:

• Downtown Dubai : Perfect for first-timers and iconic skyline views.
• Palm Jumeirah: Ideal for luxury resorts and beach stays.
• Old Dubai: More traditional, authentic and budget-friendly.
• Dubai Marina: Great for restaurants, nightlife, beach walks and modern vibes around there with not much exploring around – too much traffic especially between 18:00-21:00 pm.

Angel’s tip: My biggest mistake on this trip was the location of the hotel 394 Al Seba Street in Dubai Marina, not because it was not nice but due to the  i n s a n e  traffic every day from 18:00 till 23:00. It was really a nightmare when I had to return to the hotel after a long day exploring the city or a beach/swimming pool and had to get ready in order to go out again for a dinner! Next time I will totally stay closer to downtown even if it is more expensive since many of the activities and things you have to see are there or at least the other side of the Dubai Marina!

PAYMENTS: Rates and commissions are high with all international cards. I used Revolut which I TOTALLY recommend if you have not already issued it – the lowest of all. You will need some cash, do not exchange inside the hotels.

TRANSPORTATION:

• taxis are generally cheap and it was my preferred mean of transport all days. Uber and Careem(the middle east version of Uber) are a bit more expensive and you can find really anywhere since there are plenty as well.
• Prices to rent a car are good but you need to spend money as well for the gas (gas is generally cheap though) and the parking that during peak hours it might be difficult to find a spot in many areas.
• With over 45 stops, there is always the option of the metro with 2 lines! Metro serves the most popular tourist areas within Dubai connecting attractions and neightborhoods!

Angel’s tip: If you want to enjoy a drink, definitely go for the taxi option since there is no alcohol tolerance while driving! 

SAFETY: Dubai is one of the most safest cities of the world, criminality rate is 0%.

PLUG: they have english type. Many hotels have both European  & English electrical outlets or just usb ports for your mobile. I asked the reception of my hotel and they provided to me an outlet adapter.

TOURS: You can find amazing tours online. My favorite sites where I book very often through them is Get your Guide and Airbnb Experiences.

TOP ATTRACTIONS :

• Burj Khalifa : the tallest building in the world so far, with 163 floors & amazing view! Absolutely impressive not only from the outside but also from the inside as well! Check here the tickets! I picked the one that I had access in 124^th and 125^th floor, like you can see below! Angel’s tip : Make a reservation online from previous day in order to skip the line at the counter.
• Dubai Mall : the biggest mall in Dubai & the largest mall in the world by total land area with more than 1200 shops. You easily get lost there but it is quite impressive. The entrance for Burj Kalifa is through Dubai mall.
• The Dubai Fountain is a choreographed fountain system outside Dubai Mall on the Burj Khalifa Lake which is in Downtown Dubai. From 18:00 to 22:00-23:-00 every day every 30 minutes there is a fountain show which lasts 4-5 minutes. Angel’s tip: Quite impressive but don’t pay for the boats inside the lake like I did, since you can see them outside for free (go on the opposite side at the Souk Al Bahar area that is not so crowded).
• Dubai Miracle garden : the biggest natural flower garden in the world since 2013 with over 50 million flowers & 250m plants. So impressive! Open from November to May. Tickets 95 AED for above 12 yrs old. Angel’s tip : It’s getting too crowded, go upon its opening!
• Old Dubai : It is great to feel this difference from the extravagant Dubai & gleaming modern facades to the old one with the traditional markets and the historical neighbourhood – really a flashback to the past. I was lucky a local friend knew where to go and started from Al Seef, a charming outdoor shopping mall (resembling old Dubai with stones, vintage lamps, buildings, shops) that ended to the Souks (Arab markets) example of how past and present blend in perfect harmony in Dubai.  I would recommend if you don’t know anybody, to take a local guide! You can start from where the Museum of Illusions is located , walk through the Al Seef,  take the Abra (water taxi for 1 AED) from Bur Dubai Abra Station to Deira Old Souk Abra Station & discover the Herbs, Gold, Perfume, Textile, Utensils Souks…And back! Angel’s tips: 1. Don’t buy from the first ones u meet since they are much more expensive, I asked for a scarf & from 120 AED , I bought it 30 AED at the end! 2. Ask them if they have Menthol crystals & how you can use it!(they will show you, very impressive!)
• Palm Jumeirah: an artificial island with amazing hotels, bars, restaurants. “Atlantis the Palm” hotel is the jewel of the island.
• Atlantis Aquaventure Park & aquarium: one of the biggest parks with waterslides in the world, so impressive and absolutely amazing for adults & kids as well with entrance fee 350AED! A must go! On the 29th September 2022, Atlantis Aquaventure broke the Guinness World Records(tm) title for the most waterslides in a waterpark. Angel’s tips: 1. If you don’t mind spending a bit more money get the ticket for the express line. you will skip the lines and it will save you a lot of time when it is crowded. 2. Go as early as possible and book your ticket online the previous day. 3. With 50 AED pp more you can enjoy the Aquarium with a combined ticket.
• La Mer : beachfront in the Jumeira 1 neighbourhood with a free beach (you pay for sunbeds if you want), water sports, shops, restaurants and cafés. There is a variety of toilet/shower/changing facilities as well. Angel’s tip: I went at night, in case you want to drink alcohol ask before sitting since only specific bars have, I had nice cocktails in OSH Del Mar.
• The Walk at Jumeirah Beach residence , a 2km pedestrian area where you can find shops, restaurants and amazing view of the Ain Dubai wheel.
• Ain Dubai: The world’s biggest and tallest Ferris wheel is a must. If you want to have a closer look, cross the Blue waters pedestrian bridge and walk towards it in the beautiful area! Angel’s tip: Ain Dubai remains closed until further notice due to some enhancement works.
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah is another souk you can visit & it is lovely.
• Burj Al Arab : one of the most luxury hotels in the world, 7*. In order to visit the hotel you need to be either a hotel guest or have a meal/tea reservation there (I didn’t manage). Afternoon tea is the cheapest way ! Otherwise you can see it from close distance and enjoy the view from the beach.
• Global Village: It’s a huge multicultural entertainment park where you can explore pavilions from countries around the world, try international street food, shop for unique products and enjoy live performances, rides and seasonal events.What You’ll Find There:* Country-themed pavilions
  * Street food from around the world
  * Cultural performances
  * Carnival games & rides
  * Shopping stalls
  * Fireworks & live shows

Angel’s tip: Go in the evening for the best atmosphere, wear comfortable shoes because it’s huge and try foods from different countries!! Weekdays are usually less crowded.

• Dubai Marina: the biggest artificial marina in the world full of yachts, restaurants, hotels and of course skyscrapers.

SWIMMING POOLS I VISITED & I RECOMMEND:

• Rixos premium hotel : 1^st come, 1^st served when I visited but priority is given to the hotel guests so go on their opening (or even slightly earlier if possible)!
• Address downtown : make a reservation several days in advance and don’t be late. Angel’s tip: at least one week before book for the swimming pool since space is limited and priority is given to the hotel guests, view is is really worth it.
• Aura Skypool Dubai: Highly recommended. But you have to reserve sometimes more than a month in advance. Smooth check-in process , professional staff , tasty food and great music! Pool and views are absolutely stunning.
• Address Dubai Marina : make a reservation and don’t be late. Angel’s tip: loved the quinoa salad, coconut water & the slides(mini burgers)
• Terra Solis Dubai: Nestled in the heart of the desert, this oasis with the serene ambiance and a wonderful pool offers a surreal escape from the arid surroundings. Top-notch facilities and great service!

IS DUBAI EXPENSIVE?

In general, yes. Dubai is luxury-focused, but you can absolutely visit on different budgets depending on the hotel area, activities, restaurants you choose, season you visit.

There are both affordable and ultra-luxury options.

NICE RESTAURANTS I LIKED : Dubai is home to a variety of international cuisines including Indian, Thai, Persian..You have so many amazing options! I really enjoyed the food whle there and I hope the same for you. Angel’s tip: You can book  a guided food tour  online to experience the city’s diverse food culture. More tours here .

See below some of my recommendations: 

• ARABIAN TEA HOUSE:  local arab cuisine close to old dubai , great quick service, good prices & delicious plates. $ Angel’s tip: After the meal, order the Karak tea.
• The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill $$ : a delicious  restaurant with oysters as highlight. Great Pizza and seafood in general.
• CE-LA-VI : great restaurant with excellent view of the Burj Khalifa. $$$ Angel’s tip: ask for a table outside.

• BUDDHA BAR: if you like sushi , this restaurant is an amazing choice with nice cocktails. $$$
• TASKA by José Avillez :  a Portuguese restaurant with impressive open cuisine with delicious steaks & sushi. $$$
• CIPRIANI: an italian restaurant in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), (many bars, restaurants and excibitions there from time to time), everybody goes there for their famous vanilla cake(not in my tastes to be honest) and i liked a lot their pizza and  the veal milanese. $$$. 
• PICKL: A perfect fast food place – chain in Dubai with good service and delicious burgers! Angel’s tip: Don’t miss the chicken burger! $
• SALT: One of the most famous food trucks in Dubai, well known for their excellent sliders and softies! There is an actual restaurant in Marina mall , try their burgers.
• EATALY: An amazing Italian restaurant in Dubai Mall,  soooo tasty food & service. $

 

ARE YOU ADVENTUROUS?

1. Try the XLine in Dubai Marina, the world’s longest urban zipline, measuring 1 KM in length. One of the steepest and fastest with an incline of 16 degrees and travelling at an average of 80 KM per hour.
2. Try the Skydive Dubai above Palm island where the view is magnificent: the quickest and easiest way to experience the thrill of freefall at over 120 miles per hour, while securely harnessed to one of our experienced and accomplished instructors. Adrenaline enthusiasts can live this adventure at our two world-class locations, the Palm Dropzone and the Desert Dropzone. 

MUST DO

Desert Safari. Company I used: Desert Fun Tourism (ask me for details or check them on Instagram).

We had a great day including:

• pick up & drop off from our hotel
• 60 minutes drive at the desert with buggies
• dune bashing at the desert with a safari license professional driver and photostop
• live show & dinner at the desert in the evening

TOP INSTAGRAM PICS for me in DUBAI: 

• Dubai desert
• Dubai Miracle garden
• Palace downtown Dubai
• Wings of Mexico – downtown
• Atlantis Aquarium
• Imam Hussein mosque Dubai

EXPLORE BEYOND DUBAI 

If you have extra days in the UAE, I definitely recommend visiting nearby emirates like Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE and Sharjah for a different experience beyond Dubai. You can read more about Abu Dhabi on my relevant blog post. Click here.

Dubai is a destination that mixes luxury, culture, beaches and adventure in a very unique way. From desert sunsets to skyline dinners and futuristic architecture, it’s a place that feels completely different from anywhere else.

I will come back very soon!!!!

*For more pictures check my highlights & posts on Instagram*

IG: explorewith.angel