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Helena Blackburn
Cristytravels
If you’re accustomed to traveling through places like Europe, where getting around is a breeze by train or public transport, navigating Dubai might remind you of being in my hometown, Miami. A car is absolutely essential. While Uber and taxi drivers are available, relying on them for three- four days can become quite pricey. Opting for a car rental proved to be a more cost-effective option for us, and navigating the streets and highways felt very similar to driving in the USA.
Don’t forget to claim your free tourist SIM card when passing 
through the immigration counter. It comes preloaded with a complementary 1GB of data to start!
If you, like me, enjoy a good cocktail or mimosa with breakfast while on vacation, plan accordingly. In Islam, the main religion of the city, consuming alcohol is prohibited. Some restaurants may boast about having a cocktail menu, only to present you with a list of mocktails. However, you can still find bars or restaurants serving cocktails; you just need to seek them out. Most major hotels serve alcohol. Here are some places where we were able to find some good drinks:
Dubai boasts a plethora of hotels, with almost every major brand name having a presence here, often with multiple properties. There are two main areas where you can choose to stay: by the Marina in Barsha Heights or by the Design District near the mall, with Dubai marina being a popular choice with luxury hotels. You can explore some all of Dubais beautiful hotel properties here.
We opted for the JW Marriott Marina and were thoroughly impressed with the property; the location was luxurious, although slightly distant from the main nightlife hub in the Design District. If shopping malls is a main attraction for your visit to Dubai, attached to the hotel is another very large mall with plenty of luxury shopping. Your choice of location ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. H
Dubai Frame & Museum of the Future
Dive into Dubai’s futuristic landscape with a visit to the Dubai Frame, an architectural wonder that offers panoramic views of the city’s past, present, and future. Learn fascinating facts about this 150-meter tall structure and consider the ticket costs for a memorable experience. Next, head to the Museum of the Future, where innovation and technology converge to showcase Dubai’s vision for tomorrow. You’ll need to book these tickets in advance and pick a time slot for entry. 
If you enjoy a good cocktail I would recommend arriving about and hour early enjoying a drink inside the Jumeirah Emirates Towers , another beautiful luxury hotel that I would recommend considering for your stay. Their bar Called The Agency is a must visit either. It’s hard to find cocktails in Dubai and these were certainly unforgettable!
Evening Visit to Old & Gold Souk
Nestled within the heart of Deira, Dubai’s historic district, lies the enchanting Old and Gold Souk. Wander through narrow alleyways adorned with intricate Arabic architecture, bustling with vibrant energy and the scent of exotic spices. Here, traditional wooden storefronts beckon with glittering displays of gold jewelry, showcasing the city’s deep-rooted affinity for opulence and luxury. It’s good to come here mentally prepared as this area has a lively atmosphere as merchants haggle tourists into their stores.
While in Old Dubai, you can opt for a guided old town tour of the Souks along with local food tastings and a boat ride in the Dubai creek to really experience the city’s authentic culture. Click the link to connect and book through Get Your Guide.
Start your Dubai adventure with a day trip to the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Just an hour’s drive from Dubai, this architectural marvel is a must-see. You can get there via car like we did or you can join a tour through Get Your Guide that will provide transportation to and from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Surprisingly, entry to the mosque is free, making it one of the few budget friendly activities in the region and you can opt in to take a free 45 minute guided tour. You’ll need to dress modestly for this visit as there are strict dress code requirements. You can find the latest dress code here.
It was pretty hot when we visited so I oped for a some loose fitting long pants with a long sleeve linen shirt and a linen scarf for my head. This head scarf was super light weight and kinda matched the color scheme of the mosque as well. You can find it here if you’re interested.
Day Three: Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa
Indulge in a full day at the Dubai Mall, the world’s second-largest shopping destination except there so much more to do in the mall outside of shopping. First things first, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a must, there is and astonishing array of marine life from all different climates around the world. Afterwards fuel up with a culinary adventure in the Dubai mall’s mini China Town, offering a diverse range of cuisines from all parts of Asia. The general foodcourt as well has a huge variety and is quite impressive. From here work off the meal and lace up your skates and glide across the ice at the mall’s renowned ice skating rink. And of course, no visit is complete without a shopping spree at the mall’s countless stores.
Afterward, marvel at the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Consider getting tickets here for an ascent to its observation decks for unparalleled views of the city skyline. Alternatively, enjoy the spectacle from afar during sunset, accompanied by the mesmerizing Dubai fountain show.
Day Four: Palm Jumeirah Beach & Roof Top Pool
Round off your Dubai escapade with a visit to Palm Jumeirah, an architectural marvel shaped like a palm tree. The area itself lacks bustling activity, and many of the shopping area appears to be abandoned. Despite its tranquil ambiance, Palm Jumeirah offers a glimpse into Dubai’s ingenuity and ambition. If you’re short on time in Dubai I would consider skipping this area all together only because the area itself can feel like a bit of a toast town. You can still soak in its unique charm and enjoy a leisurely stroll along its beautiful beaches. If you want to appreciate the Palm Jumeirah from above I would definitely recommend reserving a spot at the AURA Sky Pool. A roof top pool suspended 200 metres in the air, AURA is the world’s highest 360° infinity pool with views offers an incredible view point of the iconic Dubai skyline including the Palm. You will need to reserve these tables well in advance to make sue you get the spot you want.
For the absolute best view of Dubai and its towering skyscrapers from above, consider going on a helicopter sightseeing experience. These tours can be pricey but they are definitely worth it!
Sj says: Love this itinerary. Look great!
One Response
Love this itinerary. Look great!