Places that deserve a spot on your itinerary for a trip to Dubai

The glittering jewel of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is one of the places where modern innovation and Arabian tradition come together. This is a city of contrasts, gold deserts and crystal sea, of future architecture and thousand-year-old souks, of extravagance and everything that seems limitless as the skyline of this city. Bloggers will have a trip to remember as Dubai is the place to go whether it is a luxurious trip, an adventure experience, or a trip to get to know the Middle East culture.

The remarkable feature of Dubai is its capacity to combine the characteristics of the old world with the features of the new world. It is not merely a metropolis of high-rise buildings and shopping centers, it is a blend of cultures, tastes, and experiences where each neighborhood has its own story. First-time visitors and regulars can never get bored in the city of ever changing interest, Dubai.

Below is a selection of places we recommend to be included on your itinerary the next time you travel to Dubai to experience an action-packed wonder, elegant and adventurous trip of your lifetime.

1. Burj Khalifa 

The Burj Khalifa is more than the tallest in the world at 828 meters: a beacon of human endeavor and the irresistible spirit of Dubai. This is the most magnificent of architectural feats that can give the traveler an awe-inspiring experience.

Use the fastest elevator in the world to climb to observation decks on the 124th or 148th floors and see endlessly out into the Arabian Gulf, the desert sands and the glittering cityscape. It makes the experience even more magical when you come at sunset when the golden colors of the horizon are playing their game before surrendering their places to a sea of lights of the city.

The Dubai Fountain show below at night is a spectacular show of jets of water dancing to music and best viewed on the viewing deck of Burj Khalifa or at a cafe that is located at the promenade of the Dubai Mall.

As a way of enjoying a luxurious look, eat at the highest restaurant in the world, the restaurant At.mosphere, which is situated on the 122 nd floor, the views there are immense, as well as the food.

2. The Dubai Mall

The next building adjacent to Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Mall that is a world on its own. Being one of the largest malls in the world, it is not only a shopping area but also a place of entertainment and lifestyle that might well serve as one day (or two) of your holiday.

The Dubai Mall includes more than 1,200 boutiques, including the luxurious brands of luxury such as Gucci and Chanel as well as local boutiques with the eclectic flavor and the reasonable prices. In addition to retail therapy, it has uncountable attractions: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where over 30,000 marine creatures live; a large ice-rink with an Olympic size; and VR Park, a combination of gaming and virtual reality experiences.

The family can also visit KidZania, an interactive city where children are enabled to perform the jobs of adults, as the adults enjoy fine dining and coffee as they relax at the Dubai Fountain. The Dubai Mall is the heartbeat of modern Dubai and whether you are shopping, eating or just unwinding in the energy, it captures all the heartbeat of modern Dubai.

3. The Palm Jumeirah 

Beautifully constructed as an engineering masterpiece that is even seen in space, The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island in the form of a palm tree, a real challenge to the unlimited imagination of Dubai. It is not a mere wonder to be viewed but an all inclusive luxury destination.

Take a day to venture into its crescent-shaped boardwalk, which is laced by five star resorts, upscale restaurants and personal beaches. Stay at one of the most famous hotels in the city, the Atlantis, The Palm, where one may visit Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, swim with dolphins, or dine in celebrity-chef restaurants such as Nobu and the Bread Street Kitchen by chef Gordon Ramsay.

To have a panoramic view, one may ride a monorail all over the island or climb to The View at The Palm, a 240 meter observation deck with spectacular views of the whole island and the Dubai coastline.

When in need of rest, the clean beaches and calm water of the Palm would be the ideal place to spend a day in the sun where one can relax in beach cocktails and an incredible experience in the oceanic landscape.

4. Desert Safari

There is no experience in Dubai, which is not completed with the exploration of the Arabian Desert. One of the most memorable things to do when here is a desert safari, which is full of adventure, culture and nature.

It starts with an exciting dune bashing adventure in 4×4 vehicles through the golden sand dunes; a roller coaster ride that will leave you with an adrenaline rush. Sandboarding, camel rides and quad biking are additional enjoyments to the adventure experience of the adventure seekers.

The desert when the sun starts to set turns into a canvas of orange and pink colors, which gives one of the most beautiful sunsets that you will ever see. This night will be carried on at a Bedouin-style camp where you will be able to enjoy a typical Arabian buffet, belly dancers, tanoura dancers, and fire shows under a starlit sky.

Should you want a more premium experience, a luxury desert safari with special arrangements, fine dining and custom-made experience is the answer, and the combination of adventure and luxury will make it all.

5. Dubai Marina

The Dubai Marina is one of the most fashionable waterfronts in the world characterized by glittering skyscrapers, luxury yachts and cosmopolitan energy. It is the incarnation of urban chic and glitz of Dubai.

Take a walk across the Marina Walk, a scenic bridge with chic cafes, elegant restaurants and style outlets. The atmosphere is stimulating, be it brunching with a view, or moonlight dinner over the water.

To take another point of view, jump into a dhow cruise around the marina in the evening. The lights that will be bouncing off the skyline make the process of sailing through the landmarks such as Ain Dubai, which is the largest observation wheel in the world, situated on neighboring Bluewaters Island, a magical experience.

The XLine Dubai Marina which is the longest urban zipline in the world can also be attempted by the thrill-seekers, a ride that gives a heart attack experience as it is situated between the skyscrapers and its aerial views are amazing. Dubai Marina captures the cosmopolitan spirit of the city whether it is a luxury or an adventure.

The Dubai Creek/ Al Fahidi Historical District -Where It All Began.

In order to have a real glimpse into the history of Dubai, one should travel to the Al Fahidi Historical District (also Al Bastakiya) which is close to the Dubai creek. It is a heritage neighborhood that has maintained the spirit of ancient Dubai as houses made of wind towers, narrow lanes and traditional courtyards provide an insight into the Arabian history of this city.

Go to the Dubai Museum in the 18 th -century Al Fahidi Fort, ride a traditional abra across the Creek, and visit the Gold and Spice Souks on the other end to get a feeling of the trade oriented culture that used to characterize the city.

The aroma of spices, the glitch of gold and the sounds made by traders negotiating establish a longing view of Dubai before the skyscrapers. It is the place where a visitor may experience a genuine connection of the city’s development and how deep its traditions flow.

Final Thoughts

Not only a destination, Dubai is a world of its own, where the future is colliding with the past, making it someone to visit. Regardless of whether you are seeing the sunrise on the Burj Khalifa, sailing the marina at sunset, or sitting under the stars of the desert with Arabian coffee in your hands, each experience seems bigger than life.

Each visit will reveal something new, another luxury, another tale, another memorable scene. It offers culture; it offers adventure; it offers old souks, and it offers sky-high towers, all of which make it clear why Dubai is indeed among the most extraordinary cities in the world.

Then grab your bags, follow your curiosity and prepare to find a city which never ceases to reinvent what can be done.