Discovering Dubai: A Traveler’s Guide

We LOVE Dubai. Why? It’s a vibrant city where modernity meets tradition in a captivating blend of culture, architecture, and adventure. From walking the old souq (market) area to the wildly impressive modern architecture of the high rises downtown including the Burj Khalifa to the palm tree lined beach paradise of the marina, this city has it all. 

If you are looking for tips on navigating public transportation and exploring iconic landmarks, we’ve got you covered in this ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Dubai.

Arriving in Dubai

Dubai International Airport has three terminals. Terminal 1 and 3 will be an easy walk to connect to the city’s public transportation, the RTA Metro system. But flying into Terminal 2 (the budget airlines) requires a taxi ride or a brisk walk to the nearest RTA Metro station. We definitely recommend getting the NOL Silver Card if you are going to take more than 3 rides total on the metro or buses. The NOL Silver card costs 6 AED to purchase the card (and then an additional cost per ride) but if you buy individual tickets at the counter they will charge you 2 AED to print the ticket on top of the cost of the ride. So if you are going to take more than 3 rides, the NOL Silver Card is a better choice. Signs for the metro are posted throughout the city and it’s a really easy system to use. If ride-hailing is more your style, make sure to download apps like Careem and Uber. Heck you can even Uber a yacht or helicopter here in Dubai! 

Dubai had one of the easiest visas we’ve ever come across. For Americans, it’s a visa on arrival, no cost and just a quick stand in the line. Do check your country though for specific visa requirements. 

Cell Phones and Cash in Dubai

To phone or not to phone? That’s the question, but fret not—Dubai’s extensive Wi-Fi coverage means you can connect almost anywhere. We did two full trips with no cellphone service and made it work! However, if you prefer the reassurance of cellular service, numerous stores in the airport and throughout the city offer convenient plans. You’ll even find cell phone stores in the metro stations if you need to top up. 

As for currency, Dubai has embraced plastic and mobile payments which means you can get away without taking cash out for a short trip. The only place we needed cash was in the Old Souq as those vendors don’t take cards. So if you don’t plan to buy anything there, there is no need to take out cash. The currency is the AED, Arab Emirates Dirham. 

Where to Stay in Dubai

Dubai’s accommodations cater to every taste and budget: from budget-friendly hostels to opulent penthouses. For a blend of authenticity and accessibility, consider the Old Al Seef neighborhood—a lively enclave teeming with markets and culinary delights, yet conveniently located near the Red Line RTA Metro for city-wide exploration. We recommend Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton. 

If you want the shiny lights of the high rises in downtown, do a hotel search between The Museum of the Future and the Dubai Mall to be right in the action. However if the waterfront allure of the palm tree lined Marina in the south is calling you, check on one of the many hotels, all inclusive, or resorts to fit any style and price. The hotels have beach front access too! 

Dubai Essential Tips and Tricks

Hydration is key in Dubai’s hot climate. While most restaurants charge for H2O, savvy travelers will go out of their way to find the select few water filling stations to fill up for free. We found two filling stations that were branded from Talabat (food delivery service) with their distinctive orange color. One was in Al Seef and one was in Dubai Marina. Pro tip: I would definitely recommend you buy water outside of Dubai Mall and bring it in as most restaurants have a huge upcharge and the only grocery store or convenience store we found was tucked behind the Time Out Market so it was harder to find. Water is essential when walking in Dubai! 

When To Visit Dubai 

Optimal times to visit are October through March, when the sun’s warmth is tempered by cool breezes. By April/May, many of the outdoor activities are starting to close down as it’s just too hot to be outside. The desert jeep rides stop running in the summer as well. However, if you have to come during the hottest time of year (June, July, August) when temperatures can reach 50 C / 122 F, you can snag some great deals at all inclusive resorts. This is the low season so resorts discount but I mean, when you go to the beach you want to be hot so maybe it’s a win win?

What to Wear in Dubai 

People from literally all over the world are in Dubai which means you will see any and all styles of clothing. We recommend dressing in loose, breathable layers that ensure comfort and cultural respect. You can go from sweating outside to freezing in the indoor air condition so layering is super helpful. While women don’t have to cover their hair, do be respectful of the host country’s overall modesty. 

Three Main Sections of Dubai 

We’ve broken Dubai into three main sections: the Old Souq (markets) in the north, the modern downtown in the middle, and the beach marina area in the south. 

Old Souq 

On the north side of the city is the Old Souq or market areas. It is split in two by a river which is actually really easy to cross with a boat ride on your NOL Silver Metro Card! You can also buy a one way ticket at any of the Metro water taxi stops. You can’t miss them. On the north side of the river is where you’ll find the old Gold and Spice Souk. You can get lost in all the small alleyways finding souvenirs and treasures around every corner. While a lot of the things are trinkets and cheaply made, there are a few good things including real gold, spices, and antiques. Also, haggling is an art form here. It’s not offensive and it’s expected to barter so never accept the full price. You can also get better deals if you bundle. So let’s say you are going to buy a scarf, a camel plushie, and a fridge magnet. Get them all at the same vendor and barter a group price.  Also make sure you bring cash to pay at these small vendors as most do not accept credit cards. If you continue to walk north, you’ll find many electronic stores and daily life stores for locals. 

Cross the river to the south and while it’s still markets, it has a very different feel. Al Seef and Al Fahadid neighborhoods were built to look like the old markets but are brand new. Pro tip: There are better antique shops in Al Seef if that’s what you are looking for. In these two neighborhoods, you’ll find many higher end restaurants. We recommend Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe to try their Arabian Breakfast. This is a great sampling of local food including haloumi cheese, cream and honey, olives, pita breads, and jams. Also try a pot of their Karak Tea. It’s a local sweet milk black tea that is the perfect way to complement the meal. 

To the east you’ll find Bur Dubai Souk, near the Shree Krishna Hindu temple. Many of the stalls are selling flowers and other offerings for the temple. While we weren’t able to enter the temple, if you want to visit a Shree Krishna temple, check out the one in Bahrain for free tours. Here in Bur Dubain Souk, you’ll also find cheap clothing and many everyday living things here too. 

Downtown Dubai 

Downtown Dubai is a whirlwind adventure through Dubai’s modern marvels. From the architectural splendor of the Frame to the sensory delights of the Dubai Mall, every step unveils a new facet of the city’s grandeur. Get your walking shoes on because there is so much to see. The Dubai Frame is the largest free standing frame in the world. It was built to symbolize the transition from old to new that the country has embarked on. If you look north, you’ll see the Old Souq and if you look south you’ll see the new modern downtown city. You can even pay to take an elevator ride to the top! With a beautiful observation deck so high up, you’ll see both sides of the old and new city. 

Just a few blocks south is The Museum of the Future which has the most stunning exterior. We recommend taking a break to sit near the pond out front on the benches to admire the lush greenery and architectural wonder that is the museum. We’ve never actually paid to go inside the museum but walking through the lobby is interesting enough. Since you’re in the area, we recommend walking through The DIFC Mall which is basically like a mall built in a straight line. Since it’s continuously a few blocks long, it’s wildly impressive. It was great to beat the heat and be inside for part of our day too. 

Finally, the Dubai Mall. You can spend days here checking out all the restaurants, shops, and attractions. Seriously, inside the mall is a brand new Chinatown complete with stores and food, a full sized ice skating rink, and a very large aquarium for your viewing pleasure. For lunch we had the best burger at Black Tap and the best part was the outdoor patio for an exquisite view of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. If you want to visit the top of the Burj Khalifa, you can go through the food court in the Dubai Mall following signs for the View at the Top. It costs around $50 and is an amazing experience if you want to see as far as you can in all directions. I’d recommend booking tickets online in advance because they do sell out. Finally, don’t leave the mall without checking out the Time Out Market across the lake. This is a great place to catch the Dubai Water Fountains which has an incredible show daily starting at 6pm daily. It’s not to be missed! Oh and don’t forget to shop til you drop at all the incredible stores from all over the world.

Dubai Beach and Marina Area 

Take the Red Line down south and get off anywhere between the metro stops of Dubai Internet City and DMCC Metro Station. Here you’ll find many famous attractions! The Palm Jumeirah is a man made island in the shape of a palm tree. It’s honestly more impressive from the sky or on a map. You can visit The View at the Palm and buy a ticket to go up to see the whole island. While you’re walking on the island, it’s actually pretty hard to tell the land is in the shape of a palm tree. But there are many fancy resorts to stay out here. If you do walk out, there is a nice park called Al Ittihad Park and the Nakheel Mall. The world’s largest ferris wheel called the Eye of Dubai (Ain Dubai) is located on Bluewaters Island. Take the pedestrian bridge out to Bluewaters for some incredible views of the city and the water. Speaking of water, the beaches are why you come down here. The hotels have beach front property and there is also a public beach so whether you want a private or DIY beach experience, you can get access to the crystal clear waters. You’ll see so many people skydiving, cruising in yachts, and riding jet skis. It’s a water paradise down here!

After all this activity, you must be hungry. Luckily for you Bluewaters, the boardwalk, and the Palms are filled with every style and variety of food. We saw Turkish, Asian, American, Arab, from fast food pickup windows to luxury fine dining. This area has it all. One of our favorite restaurants is located down here. We recommend Bounty Beets in Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina for the best gluten free brunch we’ve ever had. The french toast was delicious, light and crispy with the best jam in the world. 

Outside of the Main Areas 

While most main attractions are located in the three major areas talked about above, there are additional things to do just a car ride away. You can take a desert dune ride in a jeep, ride camels in the desert and even eat a traditional meal cooked over coals after watching the sun go down over the desert dunes. 

Dubai also built the Global Village, about 40 mins for the city. It’s a massive city with elaborate displays and performances from many countries of the world. You can get traditional food, go shopping, and see people from everywhere. Since this is an outdoor park, it closes in the summer to avoid the heat. 

If nature is your thing, seek solace amidst the blooms of Dubai Butterfly Garden. This elaborate garden has massive displays made of flowers. It’s stunning to see. Also as the name implies, there are many butterflies. Do remember that it has seasonal hours just like Global Village to make sure to look up the dates and time you are going. 

Abu Dhabi is only a 90 minutes drive away but if you only have a few days, I’d recommend staying in Dubai and going to Abu Dhabi another time. If you have 3 or more days, then you could combine Abu Dhabi and Dubai in one trip.