Dubai
Dubai is one of those cities that feels like a movie set — futuristic skyscrapers, golden deserts, luxurious shopping malls, and hidden gems around every corner. On my first trip, I was completely blown away by the contrasts: the ultra-modern skyline on one side, and the traditional souks and desert dunes on the other. Whether you’re here for adventure, culture, or a little bit of luxury, Dubai has something for everyone.
The bucket list Dubai
Burj Khalifa
Desert Safari
Dubai Mall
Fountain Show
Dubai Mall Aquarium
Dubai Creek
Global Village
Ski Dubai
Kite Beach
Yacht Tour
Dubai Marina
Luxury Spa Day
Miracle Garden
Museum of the Future
AYA Universe
Sky Safari Dubai
Topgolf Dubai
AURA Skypool Lounge
“The Palm Jumeirah”
“Museum of the Future”
TRAVEL TIPS
Accommodation – When it comes to places to stay, Dubai has it all, but I don’t think you need to splurge on Downtown unless you’re chasing luxury. I’ve stayed in boutique hotels and Airbnbs around Al Barsha and Deira that were far more affordable and still just a quick metro ride from everywhere I wanted to be. For me, it makes more sense to save on accommodation and put that budget into experiences, because most of the time I’m exploring anyway.
Food – Food in Dubai truly blew me away. Of course, there are those luxurious rooftop restaurants overlooking the Burj Khalifa that feel like once-in-a-lifetime moments, but honestly, some of my best memories came from the backstreets of Deira and Al Karama. Sitting at a tiny table with locals, sharing a plate of shawarma or a spicy curry for just a few dirhams, gave me a taste of the real Dubai. For me, it’s the mix that makes it special: one night fine dining with a skyline view, the next day a budget-friendly local gem. One personal tip I swear by – I always grab snacks and water from supermarkets instead of hotels. It saves so much money and makes day trips easier.
Safety and Health – One thing that stood out to me in Dubai is how safe it feels. I walked around at night without any worries, and even as a woman traveling alone, I always felt comfortable. Health-wise, Dubai was easy to manage. I prefer bottled water, even though the tap water is technically drinkable, and I never go out without sunscreen and a hat. The desert sun is much stronger than it seems, and dehydration creeps up fast. Luckily, pharmacies and hospitals are world-class.
Transportation – Getting around Dubai was surprisingly easy. I quickly fell in love with the metro – it’s spotless, safe, and incredibly cheap. I usually combine it with the occasional taxi or Uber when I’m tired or traveling late at night. But the one ride you absolutely have to do is the abra across Dubai Creek. It costs almost nothing, but drifting across the water with the skyline in front of you feels like a pure bucket list moment.
Climate and Weather – I visited Dubai in winter, and it was perfect. The temperatures were warm but comfortable, the evenings were magical, and the sunsets were pure golden-hour magic for photos. Summer, on the other hand, is brutally hot, with 40+ degrees and heavy humidity that pushes life indoors into malls and air-conditioned spaces.
Suggested daily budget
Budget traveler: $70–$100/day — think hostels, street eats, public transport, one or two paid attractions.
Mid-range traveler: $150–$250/day — mix of 3-star hotels, mid-range restaurants, and a few big attractions.
Luxury traveler: $400+/day — 5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours, and premium experiences
MONEY SAVING TIPS
1
Use Public Transport or Nol Card
Dubai’s metro, tram, and buses are clean, efficient, and affordable.
Get a Nol card, which works for all public transport — even water buses.
2
Visit Free Attractions
Dubai has plenty of Instagram-worthy spots that don’t cost a dirham.
Dubai Fountain Show (every evening at Burj Khalifa), JBR Beach and La Mer Beach,
Al Seef District for culture and photos,
Old Dubai (Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood) to soak in Emirati heritage
3
Plan Around Discounts & Free Days
Check apps like The Entertainer, Groupon UAE, or Cobone for 2-for-1 deals on restaurants, attractions, and spas. Visit museums like Etihad Museum or Dubai Museum on their free entry days (varies by season).
If you’re visiting in winter, outdoor markets and festivals often have free entertainment and entry.
4
Eat local Food
Skip fine dining and head to Old Dubai, Deira, or Karama for authentic, budget-friendly food.
Try Pakistani, Indian, or Lebanese eateries — delicious and way cheaper than hotel restaurants. Many restaurants offer lunch specials or buffet deals around AED 25–40..
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Do’s and Dont’s
DO’s
- Use the metro or Careem instead of taxis
- Explore food spots in Deira
- Use Suncblocker + 50 and Stay Hydrated
- Greet locals with kindness and respect
- Plan outdoor activities for early morning or sunset
DONT’s
- Don’t drink alcohol in public places
- Don’t show public displays of affection
- Don’t ignore local laws
- Don’t litter or swear
- Don’t criticize religion or politics
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October 27, 2025
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