Visiting Dubai is a transformative experience that can shift your entire perspective on the world. When I traveled there with my husband for a vacation in January, I had no idea how deeply the city would stay with me. The pleasantly warm weather made it the perfect time to explore Dubai’s vibrant blend of culture, luxury, and innovation. Even after returning home, I found myself constantly thinking about the trip and longing to go back.
Whether you're looking for a luxurious beach to relax on, world-class dining, or a cultural experience, Dubai truly has it all. No matter who you are or your interests, a visit to Dubai is a worthwhile splurge everyone should experience once in their lifetime.
From riding a camel to stepping into the picture-perfect Dubai frame, my trip here offered me numerous new experiences and created memories that will last a lifetime. Dubai will always hold a special place in my heart. Visiting Dubai made me fall in love with international trips.
Where We Stayed: Atlantis, The Palm Dubai
Located in the heart of The Palm, Atlantis, The Palm Dubai is one of Dubai's most iconic hotels. We chose this hotel because it strikes the perfect balance between family-friendly and luxurious. It is home to Dubai's most popular waterpark, Aquaventure World, and the dining options here are also fantastic.
Staying here helped make the getaway feel like the luxury travel experience I expected from Dubai. While its location is a bit further from popular landmarks than many hotels located in Dubai, the extra drive is worth the trek. An additional 5 to 10 minutes in an Uber ride is worthwhile when you see how beautiful the Palm area is.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 (Evening)
Arrived in Dubai very late and ordered room service at Atlantis, the Palm. The room service was top-tier (we ordered Indian food) and they even wheeled an entire table into your room. The entire experience was luxurious and set the tone for the trip perfectly. Since we arrived at night, the views from the hotel room were fantastic.
Day 2
Explored and shopped in Old Dubai, dined at Chokhi Dhani (Indian), went to Dubai Frame, and had dinner at Atlantis, The Palm. I highly recommend grabbing lunch while exploring Old Dubai, as there are numerous delicious dishes to try. You don't need to spend a long time at the Dubai Frame (max one hour), so it's easy to fit into your itinerary. Choki Dhani was excellent, and the waterfront views from the outside dining area were fantastic.
As you explore Old Dubai, be cautious, as many local shops will attempt to target tourists to make purchases. Don't be afraid to say no, thank you, or keep walking. It felt a bit too pushy for my liking, but I understand they have a business to run. The Dubai Frame was very busy, but a pleasant experience. I don't recommend visiting here if you are afraid of heights, as the top floor is made of glass, so you can see down to the ground.
Day 3
I spent the day at the Lost Chambers Aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark and visited Global Village at night. Global Village can get pretty hectic and busy at night, so I recommend going early. It was a bit too cold for the waterpark in January because we didn't come prepared with wetsuits. If you're visiting in the colder part of the year, you may want to consider this to make the day more enjoyable.
Day 4
Went to White Beach Club and rode the Dubai Balloon, and had dinner at Seafire Steakhouse. White Beach Club is a really unique place because you're sitting on a beach while looking out at the city. I liked the mixed feel of this place. The lunch food at White Beach Club was also excellent, from appetizers to drinks to dessert.
Day 5
Visited the Dubai Miracle Garden and went to the Heritage Desert Experience in the evening to ride in a vintage Land Rover and ride camels. This day was my favorite part of the trip, as the Heritage Desert Experience was so unique. First, we were picked up at our hotel and taken to the camp where we rode in a Vintage Land Rover across the desert. Then, we had an authentic Arabian meal and rode on a camel. This experience made me connect with the culture in Dubai.
Day 6
Visited Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Aya Universe, and had dinner with penguins at Ski Dubai. I was on the fence about going to Aya Universe, as I wasn't quite sure what it was like, but it truly stood out as a work of art. I commend whoever had the talent to put together a walk-through experience like that.
What I'd Do Again vs. Rethink
My favorite parts of my trip to Dubai were the ones where I stepped outside my comfort zone. Dubai is a great place to try something new (or something you wouldn't do at home). For example, try a new cuisine, such as Lebanese food, or stargazing in the desert.
What I loved:
- Dining with penguins at Ski Dubai - This was a highlight of my trip. Where else can you dine with actual penguins roaming around? Even though this seems like an experience geared toward families, it's one that any animal lover can enjoy. (I made a TikTok of this experience if you're curious about checking it out)
- Enjoying Dubai's Miracle Garden - Prepare to be amazed by the stunning floral displays here. My favorite is the massive Emirates plane. Every inch is covered in flowers. I recommend allowing two hours to explore the entire garden area and grab a snack.
- Visiting Old Dubai - While in Old Dubai, you can truly get a sense of what the city was like before it became the luxurious, flashy city it is today. I'd leave an entire day in your schedule for this, as there's so much to explore here.
- Walking through Dubai's Global Village - Great for trying cuisines from all over the world. I've never been anywhere that has so many cultural connections all in one place.
- Riding a camel in the desert - Getting atop a camel will make you feel like you've visited the Middle East. It's an experience that's entirely supervised by trained staff, so it's quite safe.
- Aya universe — You only need about an hour to experience this. It's worth it. You'll have trouble explaining why you loved it, but I assure you that you will.
What I'd skip:
- Visits to malls or shopping areas
- Aquaventure Waterpark (Didn't live up to the hype)
As much as I loved traveling to Dubai, no place comes without its limitations. While parts of my Dubai trip gave me the "warm and fuzzies," the shopping culture also left me feeling a bit disappointed. Dubai places a heavy emphasis on luxury, brand names, and designers. If you're not prepared for that, it could leave you feeling pretty empty. I would pass on visiting any of Dubai's malls if I were to return to this city. If I could go back, I'd also make time for a day trip to Abu Dhabi.
If you're traveling to Dubai from the U.S., I highly recommend flying Emirates for a memorable and comfortable experience.
Tips for Dubai
Everyone in Dubai dresses up, even when doing things most Americans consider casual. I recommend bringing nicer outfits for daytime wear and avoiding wearing activewear or very casual clothing. Dubai is almost always hot, but my January visit was perfect. I recommend visiting in the winter if your schedule allows.
What to pack:
- Comfortable and modest linen clothing
- Sneakers
- Dressy outfits for dinners
- Charger adapter (Note that Dubai's plugs are different from those in the U.S.)
- Mini rechargeable fan
Transportation tips:
- Dubai is a hectic city, and driving/parking can be stressful. I highly recommend Uber as the primary means of transportation if you plan on sightseeing. Uber is always an easy answer for international trips.
Final thoughts
Dubai is a city renowned for its modern architecture and luxurious ambiance, but it also boasts a rich culture and history that are well worth exploring. I believe that a visit to Dubai has made me a more well-rounded person and altered my perspective on the Middle East. If you can visit this unique city, I highly recommend the splurge. My visit to Dubai was one of my favorite international trips I've ever been on.
