Dubai Bucket List
It's Dubai you're talking about, one of the world's most extreme cities, a super-sized, high-octane town where reasonable people don't do things by halves. Dubai office workers agree to drinks with their friends by first checking what continent they’re going out on that night. Why go for sensible when you can have spectacular?
Why Dubai belongs on your bucket list
The people are cool, too. Everyone is from everywhere, so nobody is really from anywhere. Most people are here because they want to make money, and most people are happy to say so. I like that. Or they actually struck it rich earlier and now just be here. That's cool too. There are days in June when it's 50 degrees outside, and then there are days in January when you think you need a sweater but then you don't. I don't know why, but that's just cool. A lot of people don't like it here though, can't be doing with the heat or the lifestyle or the lack of culture or whatever. I like that too, to be honest. This place isn't for everyone and to realize that about a city is refreshing in its beauty. But the real reason I'd move to Dubai today if I could? They've got a cab. They went and got themselves a goddamn cab in the sky. A cab. In. The. Sky.
When to go
The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March. It’s clear, crisp city weather; around 25C with blue skies (it never rains), and just enough global warming pollution to cut visibility to four miles, which keeps people out of the parks and off the beaches. All of Dubai comes alive in the winter, even the hobos. Heck, even the luxury cars are moving at the speed limit, because the roads are jam-packed with tourists who have no idea where they’re going.
Must-visit places in Dubai
Burj Khalifa
Standing at a height of 828 meters, it is the tallest structure ever made by humans. However, this fact feels entirely different when you find yourself on a floor that's the 124th and you look out to see nothing but desert on one side and mostly ocean on the other. (The desert is definitely prettier.) The At the Top deck (floors 124-125) is the regular ticket. The SKY lounge on floor 148 is more expensive but there are fewer than a tenth the number of people and you're a bit higher and you get free drinks and eats. Either way, get a ticket at sunset. The whole city turning from golden to an electric grid of lights is a different experience from this height.
Dubai Mall & Aquarium
Containing 1,200 stores, an ice rink, one of the largest aquariums in the world housing 33,000 marine animals which you can view for free simply by walking into the mall as they are visible behind a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, and the Dubai Fountain show outside which shoots water 150 meters in the air and occurs every 30 minutes after sunset, synced to music. There is really no need to buy anything in the mall. Just go watch the fountain. It's enough to draw you here. This is just Dubai being Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah
When you are on the ground, you only see an island, a beautiful one, but you will never be able to see that iconic palm shape. It's just an island in the ocean. However, from a helicopter or the monorail, you really realize how insane the engineering is. The Pointe has some great waterfront restaurants with Atlantis as a view. The boardwalk that goes around the crescent of the palm is nice in the evenings. No hotel room? No worries, several beach clubs will sell you a day pass and let you crash on their beach without paying five star prices.
Burj Al Arab
You can't just walk in. You need a reservation for something -- afternoon tea at the Skyview Bar, lunch at Al Mahara (their underwater restaurant) -- to get past the lobby and have a look around. The inside is so not what you would expect of Dubai...it may even be a letdown. But it's true what Lauren says: the outside is turning heads a thousand times more than the inside ever will. Just make sure you get your photo op in front of the building- from either Jumeirah Beach or the neighboring Madinat Jumeirah souk. The sail against the water silhouette is what you're after.
Dubai Creek & Abra Ride
For only one dirham we can fly over history and sense the city it once was, a congregation of sailors and merchants and fishermen. Squirm your toes through that cooling water, sense the old mangrove roots under your feet: we're going to create a civilization. Glance through the windows of the spice and gold souks, breathe in the cinnamon and pepper blast of wind. Kit yourself in silks or treasure, or just peruse. All is available and nothing is free if you want it to be.
Gold Souk & Spice Souk
You will be blown away by the amount of gold in the market. Literally from floor to ceiling in every window. They base the price upon the daily gold rate, in addition to a charge for the making of the jewelry. You must haggle. Starting at 50% is recommended and going from there. The Spice Souk is right next door and you will be hit by the smell of saffron, frankincense, and dried herbs which are so strong you can smell them from a block away. Both souks are best in the late afternoon. Try not to go at noon. The half the stores will be closed.
Ski Dubai
Have fun skiing inside a mall in the desert in Dubai. Pick from five slopes, one a 400-meter black run. There's a snow park, and in all seriousness actual penguins. Rentals, including snow gear and even helmets, are free, so just go with it. The Snow Cinema shows movies at -4C and gives you a blanket and a hot chocolate. Oh, and they're screening Frozen and the Coen brothers' Fargo this month.
Atlantis Aquaventure
There are over 30 rides crammed together along the Arabian Gulf, while not enough have been jammed in to ensure that Atlantis doesn’t have among the top amusements in the region. The Leap of Faith is your best bet, as it’s a waterslide that’s about 31-metres high, followed by a near-vertical drop, and it’s also inside a clear tube that loops through a shark-filled lagoon. Double yikes. Entry to the full-day water park is costly, but it’s all-you-can-ride. If you can, go on a weekday -- the weekend lines are murderous.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
After immersing yourself in cutting-edge designs, it’s fun to take a time-out in the Al Fahidi Historic District. Hidden within the surrounding hotels and upscale cafe's, these diminutive mud-brick and wind-tower houses date from the mid-19th century and provided “air conditioning”, as their name implies. Thankfully, they’ve been saved from the wrecker’s ball and occupy a square that’s cooled naturally just as cleverly as any modern mall by the maestros of the old world. Today, they’re home to a bundle of bijou museums, galleries, and cafes, with bougainvillea cascading in full bloom over the central courtyard. The Arabian Tea House offers a good-value, no-fuss breakfast of age-old local dishes you can savor without rushing.
Dubai Marina
A man-made waterway city where a sun that feels strangely anonymous casts the tallest residential buildings in the world in a perfect half circle. The promenade is heaving with joggers, children, and applicants for decision-making therapy. Definitely on the right track with 50 restaurants to choose from. No cash? We've got that covered. Want another perspective? Nip on a dhow dinner cruise through the laser beam. JBR Beach is nearby - also one of the best in Dubai. And gratis.
Dubai insider tips
- Dress code: It's more relaxed than you might think, but it's a good idea to dress modestly when in shopping malls, souks, or in the general vicinity of the city. Beach attire should be confined to the beach or pool, and when visiting mosques, remember that both your shoulders and your knees should be covered.
- Metro: The metro is very clean and well maintained. It is also very safe and secure. The best part is that you can reach most of the tourist spots through the metro. The train frequency is every 10 minutes.
- Brunch culture: The Friday brunch culture is quite popular in this city. Almost every other hotel or eatery puts out a lavish spread with unlimited eat-all-you-want drink deals and the entire city shows up for it. So reserve in advance. Come extremely hungry. The costs range from affordable to exorbitant but it is always a good experience.
- Desert safari: This is an essential half-day excursion that includes dune bashing, a camel ride, and a BBQ dinner while you enjoy the evening entertainment under the starry desert sky. It’s recommended to book with a reputable company, the price difference is negligible.
- Taxis & Careem: Taxis have meters and are very inexpensive. Careem is even more affordable and convenient than regular taxis. Unfortunately, walking is not a feasible means of getting around, as the distances are vast and it can get extremely hot, even in winter.
Save your Dubai bucket list
Find these spots in a Reel? Triply tags every location and reveals the map—hands-free.
Get on the App Store