Dubai Wanderlust

It was love at first sight for me in Dubai. From the moment I left the airport, Dubai was one big wow it is a little sensory overload but in the best possible way.

Where to Stay in Dubai

This is a little tricky because much of it is personal taste. There are some hugely luxurious coastal resort hotels for holiday makers but there are also thousands of options within the different areas of the city and on The Creek.

It really depends on what you want to get out of your trip. Dubai hotels certainly come in the luxury category and budget hotels in Dubai are, not so budget as elsewhere.

For the ultimate Dubai experience, try looking at Atlantis the Palm or Burj al Arab on Jumeira Beach, you’ll need a fat wallet but it would be an experience never to forget so put that wallet to good use and enjoy the ride.

For example, The Atlantis has water rides, shark encounters, a teen and kids club and much much more this is a must for any bucket list people to tick off.

Getting Around Dubai

When I visited, Dubai had two metro lines, red and green, which covered most of the tourist areas in and around the city.

Another tip I found were that taxis are much cheaper than uber and very safer.

Taxis are a convenient way of getting around the city if you’re only going to a few places. They are all metered and you won’t need to haggle. Just be cautious during peak hours when you could be stuck on one of the many large roads in gridlock traffic.

Although for me, personally when I was there I used the hop on – hop off bus it was very easy and very efficient way to get around. There are two main routes the Red Route which the City Route and The Blue Line which is the Beach Route. It is a great way to see everything at your own pace especially if you are staying say 5 days.

The Dubai Beaches

The beaches were very clean and the water calm when I was last in Dubai in 2019. The water temperature wasn’t as warm as I first thought it would be but also not as cold as the Mediterranean Sea.

The beaches have shops and restaurants backing them but there is little shade making it very hot and exposed in the middle of the day. Also some of the walls have amazing graffiti that are worth checking out as well. Its very easy to walk around need for a special tour or bus or taxi – very chilled out walk especially at night.

If you’re not staying on the beach, getting there will probably require a taxi or shuttle bus as the metro stopped a few blocks back.

Finding The Culture and History in Dubai - Old Dubai

It’s not just about gleaming skyscrapers. Down by The Creek, you can find the Al Fahidi Historical District where wind towers coral block houses, and well-restored traditional Arabian doorways give you a glimpse into yesterday it is truly spectacular.

The historic area is relatively small but is nonetheless fascinating.

Dubai’s Gold and Spice Souks

Identify spices as you stroll the alleyways and be stunned by just how much gold it’s possible to wear. You will also get to see and buy if you have the $$$$$ the worlds largest Gold Ring its amazing.

Just be very, very wary of buying. Some of the biggest rip-offs we’ve ever seen are here. ALWAYS ask the price first, even for camel milk ice cream.

Cross The Creek by boat from Old Dubai to get here.

Another little gold nugget - pardon the pun is these Souks are incredibly crowded its truly insanity so keep your wits about you and your wallets close to your persons as there are pick pockets about.

Dubai Mall

My favourite place on the planet – just joking lol

The largest mall in the world by area is how this mall is often described and you could easily lose days here.

I absolutely loved the Dubai aquarium on the ground floor of The Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa outside where you’ll be able to see the water fountain display every evening.

Please check times and dates for variations.

Getting to and from the mall was easy with either the crowded metro don’t try and catch it during peak hour or the taxi ranks located at designated areas on the lower ground floor.

During peak hour I had an hour wait to catch a taxi but the designated waiting areas are well manned and all taxis were official and on meters. Honestly for the most part the wait is not too bad and generally goes by quite quickly.

You’ll notice that many of the attractions listed above under Dubai with Kids are in the mall. Add to these, one of the biggest candy stores I have ever seen it can be found opposite the huge viewing tank of the aquarium and you have kid and adult paradise if I am honest. I was in complete heaven I spent about an hour in here before I knew it was amazing and I got lost it was cool.

There is also loads of food options for everyone tastes its overwhelming in a good way you will never be bored or lost for choice.

Dubai Currency and Cash

The currency of Dubai is the UAE Dirham and most transactions in Dubai will be via Apple Pay, Google Pay or any major credit card.

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world (although it may not be now) it stands at 829.8 m in downtown Dubai.

It is so high that we heard people living above the 80th floor should wait 2 minutes and people above 150 should wait 3 minutes before eating during Ramadan as the setting sun can still be seen from these floors.

The building is mixed usage, with apartments, restaurants, offices and viewing areas. It has won many awards for its architecture.

Each night it hosts a water fountain display which is located just outside of the Dubai Mall at the base of the Burj.

I enjoyed this Dubai fountain show several times when I was there, it’s quite special kind on – on par with the fountain in Las Vagas.

Dubai And The Best Times To Visit

December is a popular time to visit Dubai, with school holidays, Christmas, and cooler temperatures making Dubai a great winter sun destination.

Probably the worst time to visit Dubai would be July and August, when you could see temperatures up to 50C and gives you a feeling of being inside a hair dryer or so I have been told.

If you do not want to feel like being in a hair dryer then the best time to visit Dubai is generally the cooler months, November through to February however Easter can be OK too.

Generally, Dubai is a winter destination for most northern hemisphere tourists (UK, Europe, USA), a summer destination for Australians escaping the harsh summers we have to endure.

I visited in November and the weather was fantastic very comfortable and not so many tourists.