Experience Dubai with CrossTrip
A melting point of profound traditions and modernistic atmosphere, enveloped into a panoramic desert splendour, Dubai is a tourist’s paradise.
The most important thing to remember before visiting this magnificent city is that Dubai is a city of extremes. It is home to the world’s tallest building, the world’s biggest shopping mall, and perhaps the most splendid desert you’ll ever see.
So its very normal to feel overwhelmed with all the planing. Prioritising the things to do and places to see can be difficult, all the more so if you are visiting Dubai for the first time. Here is a clutter-free compilation of the all the experiences you ought to indulge in during your first trip to Dubai.
The must-see sights
It’s hard not to admire Dubai’s architecture which consists of some of the world’s most futuristic projects that elsewhere would never have gotten off the drawing board. Everywhere you look, there will be a sky-scrapper that will blow your mind.
On a clear day, the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa, can be seen from just about anywhere in the city. This majestic building, piercing into the sky, not to mention, is must-see. On the site, you will find the The Dubai mall – the world’s busiest and biggest shopping mall and the Dubai fountain, glittering and radiating against the backdrop of the magnificent Burj Khalifa.
Another piece of architecture that you shouldn’t miss is the Burj Al Arab. This sail-shaped architectural wonder is in close proximity to the Madinat Jumeirah complex – Dubai’s own Arabian mini-city. The complex is a stirring alchemy of grand hotels. Traditional summerhouses, more than 50 different restaurants and nightspots, and a private beach stretching upto 2 kilometres.
To experience an authentic Arabian experience, take a boat ride between Deira to Bur Dubai and explore the souq culture. To know more about the history of the emirates, head out to the Dubai museum in the Al Fahidi Fort and the Etihad Museum in Jumeirah.
Must-dine sights
Dubai has restaurants serving virtually every cuisine from around the world. This city’s culinary harmony and diversity is beyond stupendous. For seafood, Peirchic – a restaurant bedecked on a pier on the Arabian Gulf, is a must-visit. To indulge in an authentic middle-eastern culinary adventure, the Aroos Damascus, Zaroob, and the Al Fanar are the most sought-out restaurants. To satiate yourself in opulence and extraordinary food, head out to Bubblicious at The Westin and Giardino at Palazzo Versace.
Popular dining sites include The Beach at JBR, Dubai International Financial Centre and City Walk for high-end restaurants. The Dubai Mall and the Jumeirah couplex are other popular site among tourists for fast-food and dining out.
What adventure activities should you do?
Other than the shimmering buildings and lavish malls, Dubai is also a hot bed for some thrilling adventure activities. A popular activity is desert safari that takes you through the ups and downs of the desert dunes to explore the endless desert. You can also choose to camp at the desert and get an authentic experience of the Arabian life with the belly dancing, Arabian music, barbecue, and camel rides. Test your endurance levels by sand boarding on the tallest sand dune of Dubai in the heavy gear and often soul-breaking temperatures.
Another must-try adventure sport to try is skydiving with an exotic view of The Palm. If you want a little less nerving skydiving experience, try indoor skydiving with iFly Dubai.
No matter the age, Dubai’s waterparks cannot be overlooked for they are something you’ll not find anywhere else in the world. The most popular waterparks are the Wild Wadi and Aquaventure, which is also hailed as the world’s biggest water park. The adrenaline-pumping water rides are an adventure sport in itself.
Getting around Dubai
Dubai is an excellent transit system. The metro system is well connected with major areas and are reasonably priced. Taxis are abundant, and so are other ride-hailing services like Uber and Career – Dubai’s own ride-hailing service.
Dubai has a public bicycle renting system known as Byky. There are cycle stations dotted around almost all tourists hubs. The Nol pre-paid card can be used on the metro, tram, and bus network.
