Dubai/Maldives booked, tell me about Dubai?
Discussion
Our big 50th Wedding Anniversary Holiday is now booked, we're flying Emirates out of Gatwick on the 23rd March and will spend the first 5 nights/4 days in Dubai, partly to ease the jet lag and partly because we've never been there and feel we really should see it for ourselves.
We booked through Virgin Holidays as our daughter got us a decent discount, they offered us the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in a seaview room which looked fine, it's in the Business Bay area so looks fairly central and we've booked it room only to leave our eating options open.
I know that there are a lot of Dubai threads on the forum and I've looked at a few over the years but I'm trying to be open minded and am looking for some current advice on the following:
Which tourist attractions are absolutely unmissable and which ones are rubbish?
Emirates are offering free tickets, is Dubai Expo worth a whole day out of our four days?
We like good food, are there any restaurants that we should try to get to?
What are the best ways of getting around, taxi, metro or bus, when visiting a city for the first time we usually do a Red Bus tour as it's a good way of getting an overview, is the Dubai one worth doing?
Are there any boat trips around the coast, creek or marina areas that are worth doing
For background information I like architecture/buildings and anything to do with boats and water, my wife likes shopping, sunbathing and shopping but will do boats, water and buildings in small doses.
We booked through Virgin Holidays as our daughter got us a decent discount, they offered us the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in a seaview room which looked fine, it's in the Business Bay area so looks fairly central and we've booked it room only to leave our eating options open.
I know that there are a lot of Dubai threads on the forum and I've looked at a few over the years but I'm trying to be open minded and am looking for some current advice on the following:
Which tourist attractions are absolutely unmissable and which ones are rubbish?
Emirates are offering free tickets, is Dubai Expo worth a whole day out of our four days?
We like good food, are there any restaurants that we should try to get to?
What are the best ways of getting around, taxi, metro or bus, when visiting a city for the first time we usually do a Red Bus tour as it's a good way of getting an overview, is the Dubai one worth doing?
Are there any boat trips around the coast, creek or marina areas that are worth doing
For background information I like architecture/buildings and anything to do with boats and water, my wife likes shopping, sunbathing and shopping but will do boats, water and buildings in small doses.
Some ideas
Boat - take taxi to Gubaiba (sp?) do the local ferry across the creek to Deira/Gold Souk its only 1dh each way. On return take the ferry to Marina its about a 2 hour trip along the coast and goes near Atlantis then passes the big wheel (Ain Dubai). Can then go on the wheel itself but from my experience while the ride is good its a bit of a faff and took a bigger chunk of time than I wanted it to. JBR and Bluewater worth a walk along, many eateries.
Obvs the Burj Khalifa, book in advance its cheaper and try to get in around sunset as the city lights up.
There is a bar on high floor of your hotel, The Vault, good views over Downtown.
Dubai Mall and fountains nearby
Trip to Madinat Jumeira, a bit touristy but nice nevertheless and plenty of bars and restaaurants especially outside in the evening.
Atlantis ok for a visit and some good (pricey) restaurants.
If you like a good, cheap curry, trip to Karama/Bur Dubai/Deira
Taxis plentiful and cheap, try download Careem app not a necessity but has helped me out a few times.
We are there same week and will be going to expo but friends there giving mixed reviews
Lots more to do and see, no doubt some of the residents on here will chip in shortly.
Oh and The Frame, went up there last March they were doing a ‘breakfast’ deal (3 or 4 micro pastries and a coffee) 6 am entry was good watching the sun rise then went down to the dock behind QE2 for a coffee in it’s shadow almost. Might be worth a try?
Boat - take taxi to Gubaiba (sp?) do the local ferry across the creek to Deira/Gold Souk its only 1dh each way. On return take the ferry to Marina its about a 2 hour trip along the coast and goes near Atlantis then passes the big wheel (Ain Dubai). Can then go on the wheel itself but from my experience while the ride is good its a bit of a faff and took a bigger chunk of time than I wanted it to. JBR and Bluewater worth a walk along, many eateries.
Obvs the Burj Khalifa, book in advance its cheaper and try to get in around sunset as the city lights up.
There is a bar on high floor of your hotel, The Vault, good views over Downtown.
Dubai Mall and fountains nearby
Trip to Madinat Jumeira, a bit touristy but nice nevertheless and plenty of bars and restaaurants especially outside in the evening.
Atlantis ok for a visit and some good (pricey) restaurants.
If you like a good, cheap curry, trip to Karama/Bur Dubai/Deira
Taxis plentiful and cheap, try download Careem app not a necessity but has helped me out a few times.
We are there same week and will be going to expo but friends there giving mixed reviews
Lots more to do and see, no doubt some of the residents on here will chip in shortly.
Oh and The Frame, went up there last March they were doing a ‘breakfast’ deal (3 or 4 micro pastries and a coffee) 6 am entry was good watching the sun rise then went down to the dock behind QE2 for a coffee in it’s shadow almost. Might be worth a try?
Edited by J4m80 on Friday 18th February 13:39
I would recommend the World Expo, it's there till the end of March so you are just in time. You could spend a few days there, but with one day allocated for it, you'll do well.
If you are interested in heading out for a trip into the desert, consider Platinum Heritage - a few nice options, and they use nice vintage Land Rovers - https://www.platinum-heritage.com/heritage-safari
You may also consider a day trip to Al Ain (lots of operators for it), a desert fortress town about 1.5hrs inland from Dubai. I found this to be a nice day trip.
In Dubai itself, so much to consider and plenty of other good suggestions by others. I would also take a look at a Dhow boat cruise, also plenty of options, sightseeing, dinner cruise etc.
If you are interested in heading out for a trip into the desert, consider Platinum Heritage - a few nice options, and they use nice vintage Land Rovers - https://www.platinum-heritage.com/heritage-safari
You may also consider a day trip to Al Ain (lots of operators for it), a desert fortress town about 1.5hrs inland from Dubai. I found this to be a nice day trip.
In Dubai itself, so much to consider and plenty of other good suggestions by others. I would also take a look at a Dhow boat cruise, also plenty of options, sightseeing, dinner cruise etc.
Thanks very much for the advice chaps.
We're quite liking the idea of a ferry ride along the coast and will probably do an evening dhow/dinner cruise around the Creek, that should be enough water stuff.
I'm still doing research on what is actually at the Expo but with the free tickets from Emirates Airline and the fact that it's a once in a lifetime thing I think we'll have to do a day there.
My wife doesn't fancy the desert, we've done desert and camels before in Egypt so I think that's out, she's not keen on the idea of a helicopter ride either.
She does like shopping so the Dubai Mall is definitely in and if there's time we might try to get to the Indoor Ski Slope for a couple of hours.
The Burj Khalifa is obviously a must, floors 124/125 looks to be a pretty reasonable price but I'm not sure whether it's worth the extra to go up to floor 148 and I'm trying decide if we should go on an organised tour or go it alone.
The Vault Bar at our hotel looks a good spot and there seems to be plenty of restaurants to choose from, the Frame also looks interesting and a Souk is a must, the gold market is also a possibility but my wife also wants a bit of sun time before we get to the Maldives so it may not be possible to fit everything in.
We're quite liking the idea of a ferry ride along the coast and will probably do an evening dhow/dinner cruise around the Creek, that should be enough water stuff.
I'm still doing research on what is actually at the Expo but with the free tickets from Emirates Airline and the fact that it's a once in a lifetime thing I think we'll have to do a day there.
My wife doesn't fancy the desert, we've done desert and camels before in Egypt so I think that's out, she's not keen on the idea of a helicopter ride either.
She does like shopping so the Dubai Mall is definitely in and if there's time we might try to get to the Indoor Ski Slope for a couple of hours.
The Burj Khalifa is obviously a must, floors 124/125 looks to be a pretty reasonable price but I'm not sure whether it's worth the extra to go up to floor 148 and I'm trying decide if we should go on an organised tour or go it alone.
The Vault Bar at our hotel looks a good spot and there seems to be plenty of restaurants to choose from, the Frame also looks interesting and a Souk is a must, the gold market is also a possibility but my wife also wants a bit of sun time before we get to the Maldives so it may not be possible to fit everything in.
We went to the expo last November for two days and there was still a lot left to see.
we had mixed feelings about the Expo, some pavilions are great - Australia/USA (best)/ India
Saudi/Dubai ports/Emirates airline/Russia and Egypt. But some of the others were
dire - Switzerland/ Maldives/ China. There are big big queues to some - UAE of course but
waiting in line is not an option if your in the sun.
You cant see it all in a day or even 3 days, a visit to the central dome is worth a look, there is always
something going on. We are in Dubai in March again and will probably have a another day there.
If your a 'senior' you can jump some of the lines - India for instance but not others, it is amazing how quickly time passes when you have visited 3-4 and waited in line for entry!
Free season passes online for over 60's for any days you want to go.
Burj Khalifa is worth doing but not the expensive top floors - you cant see any more IMO
Taxi's are best way to get around, relatively cheap but make sure they are on the meter and will take a CC, there are a few scams going on. You will be approached at the Malls taxi line about taking a private car and skipping the line - just be careful, they are unlicensed and 2-3x the taxi cost - can beat a long wait though!
we had mixed feelings about the Expo, some pavilions are great - Australia/USA (best)/ India
Saudi/Dubai ports/Emirates airline/Russia and Egypt. But some of the others were
dire - Switzerland/ Maldives/ China. There are big big queues to some - UAE of course but
waiting in line is not an option if your in the sun.
You cant see it all in a day or even 3 days, a visit to the central dome is worth a look, there is always
something going on. We are in Dubai in March again and will probably have a another day there.
If your a 'senior' you can jump some of the lines - India for instance but not others, it is amazing how quickly time passes when you have visited 3-4 and waited in line for entry!
Free season passes online for over 60's for any days you want to go.
Burj Khalifa is worth doing but not the expensive top floors - you cant see any more IMO
Taxi's are best way to get around, relatively cheap but make sure they are on the meter and will take a CC, there are a few scams going on. You will be approached at the Malls taxi line about taking a private car and skipping the line - just be careful, they are unlicensed and 2-3x the taxi cost - can beat a long wait though!
Edited by Kenty on Sunday 20th February 13:30
TeeRev said:
Thanks very much for the advice chaps.
The Burj Khalifa is obviously a must, floors 124/125 looks to be a pretty reasonable price but I'm not sure whether it's worth the extra to go up to floor 148 and I'm trying decide if we should go on an organised tour or go it alone.
The Vault Bar at our hotel looks a good spot and there seems to be plenty of restaurants to choose from, the Frame also looks interesting and a Souk is a must, the gold market is also a possibility but my wife also wants a bit of sun time before we get to the Maldives so it may not be possible to fit everything in.
Definitely look into doing the Burj Khalifa during sunrise, or perhaps better yet, sunset. Iirc tickets cost a bit more for those hours, as it's more popular, but it is a nice experience. I don't particularly see the added value in going to the 148th floor over the 124/125th floors unless you have a particular desire to do so for the sake of it, or are especially interested in skyscrapers - in which case go for it. It is really just so you can say, "I stood at the tallest spot"...that is all really. I'd use the cost difference towards something else. The Burj Khalifa is obviously a must, floors 124/125 looks to be a pretty reasonable price but I'm not sure whether it's worth the extra to go up to floor 148 and I'm trying decide if we should go on an organised tour or go it alone.
The Vault Bar at our hotel looks a good spot and there seems to be plenty of restaurants to choose from, the Frame also looks interesting and a Souk is a must, the gold market is also a possibility but my wife also wants a bit of sun time before we get to the Maldives so it may not be possible to fit everything in.
No problems with doing it alone, unless you are doing a fully guided day tour anyway and it's included as part of that. It's all straightforward with no hidden surprises.
The Gold Market is a good thing to see if you have the time. I spent a lot of time going to and from, for work, in a former life. Of the two though, if your time is tight, the Souk may be a more worthwhile experience and your wife may find it nicer to browse. It's the sort of place you'll find interesting patterned things as gifts/souvenirs etc.
As for restaurants, Dubai has so much to pick from, really every desire, taste and budget is catered for there. You won't struggle with that.
If you like your food and are there over a Saturday, do one of the brunches, we were back there in January (also with the Maldives inbetween) and did 2, the Brasserie 2.0 in Le Royal Meridien (handy as we were staying there) food is absolutely top class, and Bubbalicious at the Westin, always good, much bigger, and has plenty of entertainment going on too.
The top floors on Burj Khalifa are "fast pass" so you miss the queues both up and down if that makes a difference for you.
You go up to the "lower" section then take another lift up to the higher floors and it has an outside section. You then come back to the lower section. We timed our visit to go up to the top floors before sunset but then hung around the lower floors until sunset, then down to watch the lake fountain show. The taxi queue in the mall after the first fountain show can be long....there was a private firm touting for business in the queue and with a bit of a negotiation we went with them which was reasonable for the 4 of us and a nice Merc v at least 30 min wait in the queue.
You go up to the "lower" section then take another lift up to the higher floors and it has an outside section. You then come back to the lower section. We timed our visit to go up to the top floors before sunset but then hung around the lower floors until sunset, then down to watch the lake fountain show. The taxi queue in the mall after the first fountain show can be long....there was a private firm touting for business in the queue and with a bit of a negotiation we went with them which was reasonable for the 4 of us and a nice Merc v at least 30 min wait in the queue.
Xenobian said:
TeeRev said:
Thanks very much for the advice chaps.
The Burj Khalifa is obviously a must, floors 124/125 looks to be a pretty reasonable price but I'm not sure whether it's worth the extra to go up to floor 148 and I'm trying decide if we should go on an organised tour or go it alone.
The Vault Bar at our hotel looks a good spot and there seems to be plenty of restaurants to choose from, the Frame also looks interesting and a Souk is a must, the gold market is also a possibility but my wife also wants a bit of sun time before we get to the Maldives so it may not be possible to fit everything in.
Definitely look into doing the Burj Khalifa during sunrise, or perhaps better yet, sunset. Iirc tickets cost a bit more for those hours, as it's more popular, but it is a nice experience. I don't particularly see the added value in going to the 148th floor over the 124/125th floors unless you have a particular desire to do so for the sake of it, or are especially interested in skyscrapers - in which case go for it. It is really just so you can say, "I stood at the tallest spot"...that is all really. I'd use the cost difference towards something else. The Burj Khalifa is obviously a must, floors 124/125 looks to be a pretty reasonable price but I'm not sure whether it's worth the extra to go up to floor 148 and I'm trying decide if we should go on an organised tour or go it alone.
The Vault Bar at our hotel looks a good spot and there seems to be plenty of restaurants to choose from, the Frame also looks interesting and a Souk is a must, the gold market is also a possibility but my wife also wants a bit of sun time before we get to the Maldives so it may not be possible to fit everything in.
No problems with doing it alone, unless you are doing a fully guided day tour anyway and it's included as part of that. It's all straightforward with no hidden surprises.
The Gold Market is a good thing to see if you have the time. I spent a lot of time going to and from, for work, in a former life. Of the two though, if your time is tight, the Souk may be a more worthwhile experience and your wife may find it nicer to browse. It's the sort of place you'll find interesting patterned things as gifts/souvenirs etc.
As for restaurants, Dubai has so much to pick from, really every desire, taste and budget is catered for there. You won't struggle with that.
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