A week in Dubai!
So you’ve taken the plunge and booked a week in Dubai!
But what is there to do in Dubai? After living here for over two years, here are some ideas for how you could spend a week in this cool city..
Day one. Saturday: Head to JBR
What better way to start your weekend than having breakfast by the beach?
A favourite breakfast spot is Eggspectation cafe at The Walk on Jumeirah Beach Residence, known to locals as JBR. This thriving venue has one of the most extensive breakfast menus I’ve seen.
From french toast to pancakes they have a dish for everyone. Eggs Benedict are their speciality, whether it’s the ‘Smoked Salmon Benny’ you go for, or the ‘California Dreamin’ served with sauteed spinach and asparagus, you’re sure to leave with a full stomach ready to start your day in Dubai. They cook your breakfast to order so you can make changes to the dish if required. Prices are average for the area at around 60aed for a dish.
The Smoked Salmon Benny, Eggspectation.
If you don’t like the sound of their menu, there are plenty of other cafes and restaurants to explore. Another great spot a little further down the Walk is La Postreria. Their speciality is desserts, but they do a fab breakfast and lunch too. Their Mediterranean breakfast at 57AED comes with coffee and juice. Request to be seated upstairs on the terrace to be rewarded with stunning sea front views and some great people watching opportunities!
View from La Posteria cafe, JBR, Dubai.
After breakfast soothe away the aches and pains from your flight with a nice relaxing swim in the warm Arabian gulf waters.
Here there’s a great public beach with changing facilities. You can rent a sunlounger and beach towel for the day, or simply lay your own towel or sarong on the sand for free! When you get too hot, cool off in the Arabian Gulf waters (although in the summer months it’s bathwater temperature!)
If you get restless on the beach, don’t worry as there’s plenty of shops and restaurants around the area to explore, plus water sports activities from jet skiing, parasailing and even flyboarding.
Find out more here: http://www.wateradventure.ae/#
When it opens you could even try out one of Dubai’s latest attractions- the Ain Dubai which is a giant ferris wheel similar to the London Eye (but much bigger – in typical Dubai style!) A full rotation is estimated to take 48 minutes.
Stay at JBR for the evening. Eat at one of the many restaurants, The Cheesecake Factory is a favourite, followed by drinks at one of the hotel bars.
If you fancy sipping on a martini while watching the sun go down over JBR beach, don’t miss The Hilton’s Pure Sky lounge which has fabulous views overlooking the Arabian gulf. If you’re not an alcohol drinker, the mocktails here are fab too. Another great spot is the rooftop bar at the Sofitel, sit and smoke shisha or have a drink- perfect.
Day 2. Sunday: Head to Palm Jumeirah
Head over to Palm Jumeirah to enjoy the exciting rides at Aquaventure waterpark.
For the real thrill seekers head straight to Poseidon’s Revenge ride. Step inside a capsule, fold your arms across your chest and wait for the floor to disappear beneath your feet. Without warning the trapdoor opens sending you plummeting down winding slides until you reach the pool with a splash and a sense of relief that you’re still alive! Take your Go Pro for this one! Another great ride is the ‘Leap of Faith’, an almost vertical slide! Warning. These rides are not for the faint hearted.
For up to date prices and opening hours check out their website here: https://www.atlantisthepalm.
Tip: If you stay at Atlantis hotel your admission to Aquaventure is included!
If waterparks aren’t your thing then the man-made Palm is still worth a visit. Most hotels offer day passes so you can relax by the pool or you may want to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants.
For a more casual lunch try Bidi Bondi or Club Vista Mare. For more upscale dining try Nobu at Atlantis or one of the many hotel restaurants.
Day 3: Monday. Old Dubai
To find out more about the heart and history of Dubai, head out to Dubai Creek.
Don’t miss out on haggling at the gold and spice souks on the Deira side! You can get here by Dubai Metro: get off at the Al Ras Metro station on the green line.
Gold prices here are amongst the best in the world so don’t miss out on a bargain and grab a keepsake from your visit. Be sure to buy from authorised sellers which are regulated for guaranteed quality and authenticity. The souks are perfect places to pick up gifts for family and friends. After you’ve had tour fill of these souks take an Abra (traditional boat) across the Creek for the grand price of 1aed to the vibrant textile souks in Bur Dubai.
After picking up colourful scarves and pashminas, call in at Dubai Museum to learn about Dubai’s history of pearl diving. You won’t recognise the old photos of Dubai before its rapid transformation to the modern city it is today.
A ten minute walk from Dubai Museum is the coffee museum which also has a cafe inside, perfect for coffee addicts like myself! For tea lovers, the neighbouring Arabian Tea House is a must. Here you can choose from over 100 varieties of tea, although the iced moroccan tea is their best seller! They also serve light bites if you’re feeling hungry after all the walking!
Day 4: Tuesday. Head to Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall, the biggest Mall in Dubai is so much more than ‘just a Mall’.
Come on, it has got its own ice rink and Aquarium for goodness sake! Yes you can watch the sharks, manta rays and groupers all swimming together from inside the Mall! Even if you detest shopping, you will find plenty to do in the biggest Mall in the world. Don’t believe me? Read my post here, for 10 awesome attractions of Dubai Mall.
However, Dubai Mall’s main star of the show, lies just outside the Mall in the form of the tallest building in the world, the majestic and magnificent Burj Khalifa. If you’re in Dubai, the towering landmark is visible across the city. However to see it up close is a wonderous spectacle and something you must do if you’re visiting Dubai.
If you’re intending on going up the Burj Khalifa, whether its for the sunset or not, I recommend you pre book your tickets online. There are two options. Level 124 & 125 or level 148, 125 & 124. See prices on their official website here:
If you really want to enjoy the views then book a meal at Atmosphere, the world’s tallest restaurant inside the Burj Khalifa!
At the base of the Burj Khalifa is my personal favourite attraction in Dubai, the Dubai Fountain Show. Every evening at half hourly intervals, you’re treated to a magical spectacle of dancing fountains, which sway and twist to various songs. My personal favourite is Michael Jackson’s Thriller!
To make the most of the fountain show, its best to reserve a table at a restaurant so that you can relax and enjoy the show without battling crowds for the best view. Sunset offers stunning views with the city skyline as the perfect backdrop.
Walk over the bridge from Dubai Mall to Souk al Bahar – a stunning building built in a traditional Arabic style. This is home to many fabulous restaurants, some of which are licensed and so can serve alcohol, unlike in Dubai Mall. Call ahead and request a table on the terrace of Italian restaurant Serafina to be granted an up close and personal show of the fountains. This restaurant is licensed allowing you the option of enjoying a glass of wine with your meal.
For a taste of the Middle East, Lebanese favourite Abd El Wahab serves delectable authentic Lebanese cuisine. Their mezze is to die for. If you’re lucky enough to be seated outside on the front row of the terrace these seats offer some of the best views of the fountain show in the vicinity. It doesn’t serve alcohol, but does serve shisha.
After a delicious meal, you may be ready to retreat to your hotel for some rest. However, Dubai is home to some of the best bars and nightclubs in the world. Not far from Dubai Mall is the wonderful Taj Hotel, a stunningly decorated hotel which houses some fantastic bars. Try Treehouse bar – an outdoor lounge bar with Burj Khalifa views for handcrafted cocktails and some of the best shisha in the city, followed by a fun night at Billionaire Mansion! Be sure you dress to impress as strict dress codes operate.
Day 5: Wednesday. Time for some local culture.
Start your day off at Jumeirah Mosque.
If you’re interested in learning more about the religion of Islam, The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding hosts visits of the Grand Jumeirah Mosque every day at 10am other than on a Friday. Costs are currently at a mere 25 dirhams per person. (That’s less than seven dollars!)
I’ve been to this twice and found it incredibly interesting both times. The person running the talk explains aspects of Islam such as the five pillars of Islam, how and why Muslims wash before praying, how they pray and much more. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions they have about the Islam faith, so as to break down barriers and open communication between people of all faiths.
A photo of the demonstration of Man in Prayer. (They allowed people to take photographs.)
Find out more here:
http://www.cultures.ae/index.
Afternoon: Go dune bashing!
In the afternoon it’s time to go on your desert safari! Most companies will either pick you up from your hotel or from a designated meeting point. The afternoon safaris usually pick you up around 3 or 4pm where you will be driven out into the desert!
This experience is incredibly fun- once you’re out on the sand dunes the drivers race up and down the sand dunes. I advise not eating a heavy meal beforehand! It’s like being on a rollercoaster. Sit in the back if you like being thrown about!
After the ‘dune bashing’, the itinerary will vary depending on the package you have booked. Most involves optional activities such as short camel rides, sand boarding, henna painting, or you can simply sit and watch the sunset.
Once it’s dark it is time for the evening entertainment! A variety of acts will perform, some much better than others. All in all its an entertaining experience, although very touristy. If possible get a local to take you out to the desert for a real local experience of sitting by a campfire, singing traditional songs and eating barbecue.
A more luxury option is to go to a desert resort such as Bab Al Shams desert resort and spa. This tranquil, traditional resort offers a luxury experience in the desert. They can also organize dune bashing and other activities.
Another option is the extravagant Al Maha desert resort, set in Dubai’s desert conservation reserve where gazelle and wild oryx roam. Stays include two activities which include wildlife walks, falconry and horse riding. However be warned- it doesn’t come cheap with rooms ranging from 2,500aed to 12,500aed per night.
Day 6: Thursday.
Start your day by getting some fabulous views from one of Dubai’s latest attractions- the Dubai Frame located in Zabeel Park. For fifty dirhams you can go up this gigantic 150 metre structure. Read this post for more detail, and some fantastic photos! Just looking at the photos of people standing on the glass floor makes me queasy!
In the afternoon its time to get out and about. Here’s a few options…
Option 1:
If you enjoy roller coasters then head to IMG World of Adventures, a huge indoor theme park. It’s a little far out of the city, but worth the thirty minute drive. It isn’t currently connected to the city by public transport so you do need a car for this one.
To book tickets, find out opening hours and information on getting there, check out their website: http://www.imgworlds.com/en/
In the evening during winter months check out Global Village which is just a short drive from IMG World.
Option 2:
Again, you really need a car to get to this one, and its the fairly newly opened Dubai Safari.
Afterwards head to the nearby Desert Palm Polo Club for food and cocktails. As its a luxury hotel you could even stay the night.
Option 3:
Head to one of the other Malls such as Mall of Emirates (that’s the one with the indoor ski slope), Festival City Mall (this is famous for its light and sound show which takes place each evening), Wafi Mall (this is the Egyptian themed Mall), Ibn Battuta Mall (this is inspired by the travels of Ibn Battuta) or the stunning Souk Madinat set amongst waterways and Arabian inspired architecture.
Option 4:
Treat yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea at the iconic Burj al Arab. Get rates here.
Day 7: Friday. Brunch Day or Beach Day!
Option 1. Brunch: What better way to end your holiday than by indulging in a gastronomic feast in one of Dubai’s finest hotels and eating establishments? Dubai is famous for its brunches which encompass an afternoon of eating and drinking as much as possible!
Which brunch to go for? I recommend Bubbalicious brunch at the Westin which will suit most peoples needs, however there are hundreds of brunches to choose from..
Option 2. Beach: If you instead require a relaxing beach day on your last day then head to Kite Beach. Be sure to check out the SALT stand and try the famous lotus milkshake or ice-cream! It is heavenly!
You also get to see some stunning sunsets over the sea.
And then its time for a good night’s sleep before catching your flight the next day!
For more things to do in Dubai check out my post on 100 things to do in Dubai here.
Practicalities:
Visa Information.
Whether you need to apply for a visa in advance or not depends on your nationality. Check regulations prior to travelling.
Getting in and around Dubai:
If you’re intent on seeing as much of Dubai as possible then I highly recommend getting the ‘Big Bus tour’. It’s a hop on and hop off bus service and they offer three key routes- the ‘City Tour’, the ‘Marina tour’ and the ‘Beach Tour’.
https://www.bigbustours.com/
Taxis are widely available and always metred. Make sure you wear your seatbelt as otherwise you might face a fine.
Airport taxis are more expensive than taxis in the rest of the city. There’s a stand with the prices clearly labelled at the taxi pick up point. If you’re female you will be encouraged to use the ladies taxis, you can easily spot them by their barbie pink roof. They have women drivers and only accept female passengers.
If you fly into DXB terminal 1 or 3 you can also use the Dubai Metro to access the city.
The Metro is a fantastic way of getting around as you will miss the infamous Dubai traffic. Plus it’s extremely cost effective with most journeys costing under 6 dirhams. However, not all of the city is covered by the Metro so check routes first.
Where to stay:
The Walk, JBR:
If you like being within walking distance of the beach and Dubai Marina then JBR is a great location.
The Sofitel Hotel: This 5* Sofitel hotel brings French elegance to Dubai in a prime position on JBR. Its famous infinity pool overlooking the Arabian gulf is definitely instagram worthy. Check it out here.
Downtown:
Bustling Downtown by Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai’s most popular spots.
The Taj Hotel: Opulent and ornate, with an Indian influence, this hotel is ideal for couples and those who enjoy luxury. With its stunning decor, this really gives an impressive first impression. It is home to some fantastic bars, restaurants and even a nightclub. Check out their website here.
Rove hotel: If you prefer cool and laid back rather than luxury, then the Rove hotel is a great pick at great value. They have a few hotels around the city, but this one is right in the heart of Downtown! It even offers late check out times of 2pm for those wanting to relax and make the most of their stay in Dubai. Upgrade to a luxury room for Burj Khalifa views.
Book online for great rates: https://www.rovehotels.com
The Palm Jumeirah:
If you’re after a relaxing retreat away from the city the Palm is the place to be…
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray: This palatial hotel, complete with its own private beach is a perfect pick for those who enjoy the Middle Eastern opulence. Relax in a Turkish Hammam at the onsite Talise Ottoman Spa.
Atlantis: This iconic building is perfect for families, this hotel grants you with free access to the Aquaventure waterpark! Home to a wide variety of restaurants such as Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen and the world famous Nobu, shops and even an Aquarium it has plenty to keep all the family occupied.
Close to DXB Airport:
If you have an early flight, you may prefer to stay by the airport.
Le Meridian hotel & Conference Centre is just minutes from DXB airport so you don’t have to worry about being late to check in! Unlike the typical sterile, bland airport hotels, this one is almost like a mini resort.
If you’re there on a Friday its famous Hive brunch- a four hour eating and drinking extravaganza at Warehouse restaurant, followed by the afterparty is legendary!
Dress codes in Dubai…
On the beaches: you’re free to wear bikinis, burkinis and anything in between. Topless or nude bathing is illegal and not tolerated. As soon as you’re off the beach, put some clothes on.
In the Malls: Modesty rules apply and although people do flout them, this is disrespectful and inappropriate for the local culture. Ensure shoulders, chest and knees are covered.
On the streets: Walking around Dubai, follow the same rules as the Dubai Mall dress code. Areas that are less Western and touristy such as around Dubai Creek it is more important to be covered and I suggest covering legs, chest and arms to avoid curious stares.
In restaurants: If in touristy and more western areas such as JBR and Dubai Marina then dress codes aren’t strict, but look smart. My suggestion is not to reveal too much flesh. Cover knees and chest out of respect for the local culture and customs.
In bars and nightclubs: Dress to impress. The covering shoulders, chest and knees rules do not apply. Rules are stringent and door men and women will stop people from coming in who they feel are not glamorous enough. For ladies many clubs require that you wear heels! Check the dress codes of the website of the venue you are attending beforehand.
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Thanks for reading!!
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