How many days to stay in Dubai? Some say that after 2/3 days you’ve seen everything. We would have gladly stayed a few more days in Dubai because it’s really pleasant to wander around. You feel safe at any time of day and in any place, and there’s something in every corner that will make you say “unbelievable!” And let’s not even talk about restaurants and venues, there’s really everything.
However, we will try to briefly list the main stops divided by days and areas.
DAY 1
This is the most opulent, or some would say the most “fake,” part of Dubai. Immense skyscrapers, all beautifully clean (you’ll find cleaners literally everywhere). Entering the Burj Khalifa will give you a view of Dubai from the top of one of the world’s tallest buildings. The cost ranges from 37 to 57 euros depending on the time of day, and no, honestly, we didn’t spend it. Seeing Dubai from above didn’t really excite us, but that’s a matter of taste! Dubai Mall, on the other hand, is impressive – a shopping center so big you can get lost in it, with stores ranging from luxury boutiques to large low-cost chains, countless restaurants, an ice skating rink, a waterfall, and an aquarium! The aquarium is impressive because large walls filled with fish are visible to anyone visiting the center, so it’s free of charge. However, admission to the aquarium is of course not free, and we’ve read several negative reviews, both about the small space for the fish and the unimpressive experience. Unless you have children, we probably don’t recommend it. From 6 pm onwards, every half hour, the wonderful Dubai Fountains show begins – I won’t say more because it’s so incredible that it deserves only to be experienced. You can access it whenever you want, and it’s free of charge. Dinner tip: if you want to have a really nice dinner with a view of the Burj Khalifa, book a table at Tap House DownTown and ask for tables with a view of the Burj Khalifa – the prices are super affordable (perhaps because the restaurant is new) and the show is unique. It’s definitely a dinner you’ll remember for a long time. |
DAY 2
- Deira Gold Souk (see below for other souks with their respective signs)
- Abra boat (1 AED, 0.25€)
- Bur Dubai
This is the real, historic part of Dubai: although many souks have now become touristy, it is still nice to stroll through their typical products. Anyone will stop you to offer their products, but they are not aggressive or annoying, just thank them and move on.
If you’re an Italian or Spanish woman, they’ll call you Shakira hahaha which makes everything a bit more fun and trashy, especially after her revengeful hit ahaha.
After walking through the souks, head towards the river and look for one of the countless Abra Boats that for just 0.25€ will take you to the other side of the river on a typical boat: a super cute experience, especially considering the price!
Food recommendation: you absolutely must try the Shawarma! They’re like delicious kebabs (we generally get the chicken ones), they cost about 1/2€ and after a while they become addictive ahah there are also many vegetarian options (I’ve had the falafel several times) that are well worth trying.
Other souks:
- Spice Souk
- Textile Souk
- Perfume Souk
DAY 3
- Palm Jumeirah
- JBR beach
- Dubai Marina
Among the incredible things in Dubai, there was only a zone shaped like a palm tree missing. Walking around this area will make you feel like you’re in a movie: palms, sun, cute seaside bars, and wonderful hotels (which we only saw from the outside ahah). Here, we recommend eating at ULA: a super cute place with fair prices (considering the area), they have a lunch formula where you eat a lot of things (fixed price) or the bottomless breakfast on Sunday morning (instagrammable and truly endless): you won’t be hungry for the rest of the day ahah.
To get to this area, there’s a very nice tourist train that shows you the whole area from above. Returning to JBR beach, you can enjoy a beautiful day at the beach, with a colorful promenade, and the sunset on Dubai’s iconic Ferris wheel (the largest in the world: did you have any doubts?).
In the evening, dress elegantly and take a stroll in Dubai Marina: super unique with all the illuminated skyscrapers and an infinity of (with view) restaurants that are truly worth it.
DAY 4
- Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
- or Desert tour
There is really so much more to see in Dubai, but if you have never been before, we cannot but recommend one of these two experiences.
The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a wonderful experience if you like to get to know different cultures: wear a long dress to cover your shoulders and ankles and a veil to cover your hair (if you are a woman) and immerse yourself in the religious silence of the Mosque, interrupted only by the loud and suggestive call to prayer. In this beautiful space, you can see the largest hand-woven carpet in the world (again haha).
The desert tour is an experience that everyone should try: of course, at times, it may seem a bit touristy, but stroking camels, watching the sun set behind the dunes, and vomiting in the car with dune bashing (just kidding haha) are things you have to experience!
By choosing complete excursions, you will usually also have the opportunity to dine in a typical camp where you will eat local products and watch the belly dance show, try sandboarding and go for another ride on a quad in the desert.
In short, we loved it, so we hope that you have more time available to do everything!
