If you’re looking for the right time to head out to Dubai, then you’re going to want to start looking at planning ahead right now. Although it’s often seen as one of the great commercial cities of the world, with plenty of flashy hotels, shopping centers, and classy places to hang out, there’s a lot to do in the glittering jewel that’s often called the City of Gold.
Here, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the top things to see and do when you head out to Dubai, giving you the perfect sample of all of the highlights, as well as one or two lesser-explored delights.
See one of the best views in the world
Of course, one of the items likely to be on the itinerary of anyone visiting the city is to go and see the Burj Kahlifa or, rather, to see the view from the Burj Khalifa. There’s an excellent observation deck for enjoying views across the entire city, and where better to stop for a bite after your climb than the At The Top Sky Lounge, as well? Do book ahead, however, especially if you want to skip the queue of tourists ever vying to get up to enjoy the view.
Visit one of the finest temples in the world
If you want to get a little spiritual on your trip or you just want to see some fantastic architecture, then the Jumeirah Mosque is definitely worth making the trip. It’s the only mosque in the city that’s open to non-Muslim visitors, a rarity not only in the city but across the globe. The white Fatimid stone is a stunning contrast against the backdrop of green trees and blue sky, and tours can help you see the best of what it has to offer inside, too.
The tastes of the world brought to the desert
The city of Dubai is a fantastic combination of the world’s cultures brought into a mixing pot with a thorough helping of the Emirates on top of it. Few places show that quite as well as the food of the city. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and other eateries to recommend, of course, but if you want to really see the best of the breadth that the city has to offer, then you should be looking at some of the Dubai food tours. Aside from delicacies like Arabic coffee and delicious foods, you can enjoy some of the sights to go with them, such as with a Caravanserai dinner or coffee and snacks during a desert ride.
Take in a race
It’s always a good idea to remember that you’re not just in one of the finest cities that the world has to offer, but you’re in the desert, with those sweeping sands right on your doorstep. As such, you should try to experience some authentic Emirati culture as well. What better way than to head to the Dubai Camel Racing Club and catch a race yourself? These funny-faced creatures can run a lot faster than you think and the races make for an excellent social day out, as well.
See it from the sky
If you’re looking for fantastic views then the Burj Khalifa isn’t the only way to do it. There are plenty of ways to see the excellent skyline of Dubai, with helicopters being a particularly popular way to see the city. However, if you want to see the sweeping plains and rising dunes of the desert in their true, breathtaking glory, then you should rise with the sun in a hot air balloon. There are balloon rides over gems like the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, allowing you the opportunity to see the desert’s wilderness and wildlife in full.
Hit up the Souk
The City of Gold is absolutely stuffed full of great retail experiences and malls, all of which are worth taking a glance at if you have the time. However, if you want a more authentic Emirati experience then what could be better than an open-air traditional market? The Deira Gold Souq specializes in jewelry, but there are hundreds of stalls there, each of them offering their own wares in an experience that can be as exhilarating as it can be expensive.
Dubai is one of those cities that offers enough to keep you exploring for a lifetime, never mind a single trip. We obviously can’t fit everything in here, but we have hopefully given you a few places to start your journey from.
