TotalGuide continues to help millions of travellers plan their trips so they can truly experience all that Dubai has to offer.
We don’t just throw together a bunch of information and litter it with affiliate links, we take pride in our research and people on the ground to ensure the information we give is up to date, accurate, value for money and of course safe.
If you don’t want to plan then that’s cool too, have a look at our ready made itineraries where you can pick and choose what you want to do.
So, let us begin.
Why Dubai?
With flights and transfers covering over 17,000 airports worldwide, travel has never been easier. You can literally pack your bags and book a flight to any one of earth’s 195 countries scattered over 7 continents. So why Dubai?
For most visitors, Dubai is the playground in the desert. Held up on a foundation of culture and tradition with a vibrancy of big bold and powerful, it’s the perfect place to show off and immerse yourself into a city that’s always changing.
Dubai has a traditional history which is sometimes forgotten since the oil was discovered in 1966 but visitors today can immerse themselves into what has always been here.
Although the city has long evolved from the days of Bedouin villages, the desert is still a sight to see. A desert safari is the perfect place to explore Dubai’s past existence with a traditional Arabic barbecue, belly dancing, camel riding and of course exhilarating dune bashing.
Dubai is widely known for its illustrious Gold Souk, a jewellery collectors paradise with rows of stores selling gold, silver and precious stones.
But it’s not all just sand and skyscrapers, check out our TotalGuide of Things to do in Dubai 2021
Its seemingly never ending list of world wonders and record breaking structures never ceases to amaze the tourists who visit.
The worlds only acclaimed 7* hotel, The Burj Al Arab was the first soon followed by the world’s tallest building The Burj Khalifa and the purpose built man made island that can be seen from space, The Palm.
But it isn’t all about Dubai’s skyscrapers or hot weather that attracts the masses, it’s its ability to connect with audiences at any age.
The Dubai Mall, the largest in the world by retail space, is home to over 1,000 stores selling everything from mobile phone screen protectors to million dollar cars. A shoppers paradise sits perfectly in the middle of this Arabian city surrounded by 5* hotels, an aquarium and indoor ski slope.
The city is well connected with various transport links that are easy on the wallet. You can find many ways in Dubai to splash the cash but this isn’t one of them.
The city is child friendly too. From camel rides and shark lagoons to rollercoasters and VR zombies at Arena Games.
The city is home to the world’s entertainment big hitters with IMG Worlds of Adventure and KidZania keeping your little ones occupied for hours.
Dubai also has an active social calendar with events scattered throughout the city. From 10km night runs to star studded shows at Dubai Opera, the city is transitioning itself into the new age in the most spectacular way possible.
Our What’s On Dubai 2021 guide is packed full of the best events all year around
But there is another side to Dubai, the old side.
The Bastakia Quarter located in the eastern part of Bur Dubai was built in the 19th century and today still displays beautifully preserved buildings from that era.
There are several museums in this area from the Majlis Gallery showcasing a great collection of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture and the XVA Gallery, which has a contemporary art collection.
You can take in Dubai’s history around the Dubai Creek area which borders Deira, to the north, and Bur Dubai to the south. Take the opportunity to board an Abra (traditional boat) and enjoy the quietness of the water in this buzzing metropolis.
But after a long day exploring, you’ll want somewhere to unwind with good food and in Dubai, there is something on every corner, literally.
With sparkling, futuristic, cultural dishes, Dubai is always pushing the limits when it comes to cuisine.
Dubai is packed with international cuisine and some traditional Emirati restaurants breaking through and contrary to belief, food can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be.
Fast food restaurants litter this city from the burgers and fried chicken to the local shawarma produced in tiny kitchens on the side street.
And although Dubai is not home to any Michelin starred restaurants yet, there are several world famous chefs who ply their trade in these parts including Jason Atherton (Marina Social), Kim Joinie-Maurin (Al Mahara) and Massimo Bottura (Torno Subito).
From local Fattoush to Nobu, don’t eat out in Dubai until you’ve read our Dubai Food Guide 2021
Whatever your reason for booking a trip to Dubai, you won’t be disappointed.
Getting to Dubai
Dubai is served by 2 airports, Dubai Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum Airport (DWC).
Dubai is the primary airport and is connected with direct flights to 227 cities making it the busiest airport by international passenger traffic in the world. Al Maktoum Airport serves mainly seasonal flights, domestic and some international flights.
You may find direct or cheaper flights to neighbouring capital city Abu Dhabi. A private transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai costs 330.00AED ($90.00) and takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, a bus costs 31.50AED ($8.60) and takes around 2 hours 20 minutes.
If you book through Emirates you may qualify for a free transfer between Abu Dhabi & Dubai.
Landing in the middle of the night? Book your taxi in advance to avoid high charges on arrival
Dubai Airport (DXB)
The quickest transfer from DXB to the city centre is by Metro from Terminal 3 and takes 19 minutes. Tickets cost 5.00AED ($1.36) and will terminate at the Burj Khalifa.
Alternatively, the airport is well served by shuttle busses, they can be found from outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. You need to purchase a NOL card as the driver cannot take cash. The shuttle costs 8.60AED ($2.34) and takes approximately 25 minutes.
Taxi’s are in abundance in Dubai and can be easily obtained from outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Prices for taxis are regulated by the state so they don’t vary too much, you can however, book your taxi in advance for 64.00AED ($18.00).
Uber also operates in Dubai. You will need an Internet connection to book so make sure you have a data plan that covers the United Arab Emirates.
Al Maktoum Airport (DWC)
The easiest and fastest way of getting from DWC to Dubai Centre is by booking a taxi. Transfer time will take around 40 minutes and will cost approximately 160.00AED ($45.00) .
A shuttle bus also operates from the airport and takes approximately 1 hour with tickets costing 17.50AED ($5.00) one way.
Uber also operates in Dubai. You will need an Internet connection to book so make sure you have a data plan that covers the United Arab Emirates.
Train
It is not possible to reach Dubai via direct trains from other countries at present.
Sea
You can arrive in Dubai by ship via the Mina Rashid or Harbour Cruise Terminals, however, these are mainly used by cruise companies.
For information on getting around Dubai, please check out our Getting Around Dubai section
Most Popular Attractions
Flaunting its glittering infrastructure amid the glorious Arabian desert, the city of Dubai was once known to be a barren land. Today, this man-made miracle is filled with shimmering skyscrapers, fancy hotels, shopping malls and restaurants.
1. Burj Khalifa
Towering at a height of 2,700 feet, the Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest tower in the world. With two observation decks, a Las Vegas-inspired fountain, nine of the city’s best luxury hotels and multiple restaurants, this 21st-century architectural marvel must be your number one place to visit when in Dubai or even the UAE. Also, make sure to book your tickets in advance well to avoid last moment hassles.
2. The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall, also known as the home of the Dubai shopping festival, is one of the world’s largest shopping malls with an area of over 500,000 square meters! With more than 1200 stores, a large walk-through aquarium, a world-class ice rink, 14,000 parking spaces and more exciting experiences for shoppers, the mall was voted the best shopping experience in the world by Grazia Magazine in 2010.
3. Dubai Miracle Garden
Miracle Garden is one of the most beautiful and biggest natural flower gardens in the world. Located in Dubailand, it is spread across a vast area of over 72,000 square meters, the garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden featuring over 45 million flowers and plants. The place is a heaven for those seeking nature’s beauty in the city. The garden is open only from mid-November to mid-May.
Where to Stay
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When to go?
This indulgent slice of the Middle East doesn’t really do cold weather – in fact, in Dubai, winter isn’t really a thing, as temperatures rarely drop below the 24 degree-mark. This means sunbathing is on the cards all year-round, and Dubai certainly comes up trumps with a stunning selection of beaches.
However, the scorching sun in July and August is too intense for an enjoyable sunbathing session. So, if swimming in the Arabian Sea and topping up your tan is high on your holiday to-do list, visit Dubai in April or May. It’s outside of peak season, so hotel rates are usually lower and you’ll have plenty of space to roll out your towel.