Dubai is consistently looking toward the future, so a visit here means you’re in for thrilling adventures and sights that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by towering buildings, massive shopping areas, diverse cultures and a plethora of people who are ready to party all night, after a long day at work.

There’s really no wrong time to visit Dubai, but here at Must Do Travels, we suggest visiting between November and March. The temperatures are cooler then, so you won’t be roasting away as you are wandering around exploring! Remember, it’s a desert setting after all. Although, if you love humidity and heat, go for it! Check out everything you need to know and do while visiting the amazing city of Dubai:

History

The city and surrounding areas of Dubai have been inhabited for thousands of years, but today’s modern Dubai wasn’t established until 1833. This city has long been known for its trade, especially pearls, gold and eventually oil. The money that the city made from their trades has only assisted in creating the futuristic city that you’ll be sure to enjoy during your visit.

Things to Do

Burj Al Arab

We suggest a visit to the 5-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, before you do anything else in Dubai. It just happens to be the largest building in the world, for the moment anyway, and it is a mesmerizing experience. Seriously, amazing! Imagine looking up 2,722 feet to the very top or walking through the atrium, which is 600 feet high. This luxurious hotel is obviously on everyone’s dream list. And if you can afford it – heck yeah – stay there! After all, we know you wouldn’t be able to resist arriving via a complimentary Rolls-Royce or a helicopter! And if you just can’t swing it, simply grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants inside.

Bastakiya Quarter

Learning about the history of Dubai is as easy as taking a stroll through the Bastakiya Quarter, which is the historic district of the city. Every building, café and gallery ooze with charm and culture. It’s definitely much different than the many glitzy or more modern areas of the city!  We recommend that you take the time to find your favorite Arab perfume, take a boat ride along the Dubai Creek and test the ice cream flavors for sale by the street vendors while you’re in the quarter.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

This reserve was the very first national park within the UAE and it’s definitely worth a visit. You’ll need a tour guide for your adventure, as no one can simply explore on their own. We don’t condone wandering in the desert alone. Don’t worry, you’ll be super happy with the tour’s guidance as they teach you how to sandboard, four-wheel through the dunes and get a bullseye with your arrow during a rousing round of archery. We absolutely love this area and you’ll cherish the memories you make there!

Shopping

Gold and Spice Souks

Shopping is a favorite pastime of many people, but even if it isn’t your thing, you just have to shop a little while visiting Dubai. The gold and spice souks will have you wondering what you’ve been missing out on for all these years, as you wander from stall to stall looking at jewels and smelling and tasting spices of all kinds.  Make sure that you have your bargaining hate on during your shopping adventure though. (Ours changes from a fedora to a ball cap and sometimes a sun hat).

Dubai Mall

Once you’ve conquered the souks, you can venture over to the Dubai Mall for what will be anything but your regular shopping trip.  Imagine how long it will take you to visit even a portion of the 1,300 stores inside, especially if you take the time for all the other extracurricular activities that can be found there.  We recommend that you take the time to visit the marine life at the aquarium, take a spin or two around the ice rink and watch the fountains dancing to music outside.

There will never be a dull moment during your trip to Dubai, so take advantage of it all as you experience a phenomenal vacation!