11 Best Things To Do In Dubai

Dubai is one of those cities that’s so much more than meets the eye. Beyond the glossy building exteriors, there’s a wealth of award-winning restaurants, cultural hubs and incredible souks that you have to see. Honestly, there’s just so many of the best things to do in Dubai that are dotted all across the city.

For the longest time, I’d always disregarded Dubai as just another city, one that’s glitz and the shiny cityscape is lacking in culture somehow. If you’ve ever been to Dubai, you might know what I mean? It can be too shiny for its own good if that makes sense?

Now, this isn’t bad, but for some reason, I assumed that would mean it’s missing that jigsaw piece that makes up other cities like; Tokyo, London or New York.

How wrong I was, you just need to scratch the surface to uncover a treasure-trove of culture, art and food that dreams are made of.

Take a look at some of the very best things to do in Dubai. And, with all our posts, if you need any tips or advice, just pop us a message. We’re always happy to help.

Best things to do in Dubai

1.) See the historic fishing town of Al Bastakiya

Before Dubai was, well… Dubai, the area was scattered with small fishing villages that dotted the shoreline. I’m all for the glossiness of Dubai but I equally love to see some of the older parts of the city.

Take a moment from the towering city and head over to the Bastakiya Quarter, which has stood the test of time (even if this mega-metropolis of a city has grown around it).

Visit some of the historic buildings, visit the smaller souks and discover some of the beautiful architecture that makes up ‘old-Dubai’ it’s somewhere I loved visiting on my last visit to the city. It really is one of the best things to do in Dubai.

If you really want to escape some of that midday heat, hop over to the Dubai Museum to learn more about this region.

2.) Spend a night in the desert

If you’re anything like me you’ll be itching to explore outside of a city after a few days of city life.

One of the things that struck me with Dubai is that it’s quite unique, once you leave the fringe of the city skyscrapers you realise pretty fast that you’re smack-bang in the gorgeous desert landscapes of the UAE.

There are quite a few ways to spend a night in the desert, some focus on gorgeous luxurious Bedouin-style tents, while others focus on exploring the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Whatever you choose, it’s got to be one of my favourite ways to see the sunset and easily one of the best things to do in Dubai.

3.) Watch the sunrise over the city

Arguably one of the best ways to see the sunrise is via the age-old craft of hobby of air ballooning.

To be honest, I was a little nervous at the thought of hot-air ballooning due to the height but it’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, especially at sunrise. It’s well worth waking up early for.

Best of all, you’ll be back in the city in time for brunch and a little dip in the pool. I mean, it’s a holiday after all!

Also, check in to the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah for one of the most iconic stays in Dubai. It’s so luxurious.

4.) Indulge on brunch

Speaking about brunch, Dubai is quickly earning itself a reputation for world-class food, dishes and award-winning restaurants.

I’ve started a pretty epic love affair with brunch lately, especially as it allows me a little longer in bed… and you’re not judged for eating cake for breakfast! Ha!

Head over to Bubbalicious for a hearty spot of brunch that will fill the hungriest of tummies!

One of the best things about brunch at Bubbalicious is that it mixes a typical style of brunch (with a few bubbles, of course) that are mixed with regional dishes from around the Middle East. It’s the perfect way to fill up on some pretty yummy treats.

5.) Explore the souks for spices and gold

Once a thriving melting pot of local trade, the souks of Dubai are still a great place to explore.

Popular amongst visitors, they do get a little busy but that shouldn’t stop you visiting (just embrace the crowds and enjoy it).

On the other hand, if you want to avoid most of the visitors, arrive in the early morning, a time when the souks traditionally thrived (as it kept locals out of the midday heat).

As you’ve probably guessed, I’m not a morning person but I’d definitely aim to head here as early as possible.

Grab yourself some regional spices, peruse the gold souks and even try your hand at bartering with local owners, which is a skill in itself!

6.) Try your hand at falconry

Falcon handling is the art of ‘handling’ the falcon’s that are so very popular in Dubai and history in the culture of the region.

Book yourself an excursion, learn more about how these gorgeous birds live and try your hand at guiding a Falcon in the desert landscape.

Falconry, by the way, is an important part of the history here and is even classed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Item to protect and help raise awareness of falconry.

7.) See the old fishing boats at Bur Dubai Abra Dock

After spending the afternoon in the glitz of the city, head over to Bur Dubai Abra Dock where you can walk the boardwalk and experience some of the older trades that once sustained the region. I loved spotting them on my last visit.

Nowadays, only a few of the boats still operate as fishing vessels but they’re all still around for us to enjoy.

For a relaxing coast tour of the city, hop on board and enjoy the ocean views, just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen for this one! It might be one of the best things to do in Dubai, but it’ll still burn you like crazy if you don’t cover up!

8.) Wander through the Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai’s Miracle Garden is a uniquely designed garden that sits pretty within the city itself.

Cultivated and crafted to show some of the most beautiful gardens in the UAE. Make sure you visit early in the day and discover some of the gorgeous gardens that are truly works of art.

I’m itching to get back to Dubai just to see the Miracle Garden, especially after heading over to the Cloud Forest in Singapore (which, as you can guess, I totally loved).

9.) Take in the views from the Burj Khalifa

You can’t go on a Dubai Holiday without getting to the top of the world’s tallest building.

Although there’s no bad time to visit the top of the Burj Khalifa, it’s extra special around twilight when you can watch the city transform into a glittering jewel.

My biggest tip here is to buy your tickets before you arrive which will mean you skip some of that dreaded queuing which is extra-long around sunset. It really is one of the best things to do in Dubai.

10.) Gorge at Chutney’s

Arguably one of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai, Chutney’s has earned itself the reputation as the restaurant that can’t be missed in the city.

Steering clear of a nosebleed, high-priced dishes, Chutney’s focuses on yummy food that’ll leave your pockets with enough change for a gelato!

Don’t forget to try their yummy black lentil dish that’s just too good to miss.

11.) Visit the Third Line Gallery

Dubai is quickly becoming known as one of the best cities in the world to experience and see all types of art. Galleries, museums and cultural hubs are springing up across the city. Make sure to hop over to the Third Line Gallery that showcases thematic collections that change every few months.

The focus on contemporary Middle-Eastern artists makes this for an eclectic mix of cultures, pieces and interpretations for us all to enjoy.[……]

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The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days : 10 Days in Turkey

Turkey Itinerary 10 Days

Day 1 : Arrive in Istanbul and explore Sulemaniye Mosque and experience the Whirling Dervish Ceremony at Hodjapasha and go for dinner at any Turkish restaurants of your choice.

Day 2: Fly to Cappadocia and stay in a cave hotel. Full day trip aroundCappadocia.

Day 3: Go for hot air balloon and full day trip around Cappadocia.

Day 4: Watch the sunrise and the hot air balloons and explore Cappadocia on foot.

Day 5: Take overnight bus from Cappadocia and reach Pamukkale, visit the Cotton Castle and Hierapolis.

Day 6: From Pamukkale drive to its neighboring provinces and explore Cesme, Alacati and Sirince.

Day 7: Explore Ephesus, Selcuk and Kusadasi and overnight stay at Selcuk or Sirince.

Day 8: Drive to Izmir and board flight for Istanbul. Go for Bosphorus Cruise, visit Balat and experience Turkish Hammam

Day 9: Explore the nook and corners of Istanbul including Blue Mosques, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazar. End the day with shopping.

Day 10: From Istanbul board flight back home.

Below is the complete breakdown of days on how you can utilize your 10 days in Turkey without missing a bit.

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul

We boarded direct flight from Nairobi, Kenya and reached Istanbul (IST) by late afternoon. Duration of the flight was 6 hours, unfortunately it got delayed by 2hrs. We pre booked our cab from Get Your Guide which was already there for our pickup once we arrived.

We stayed in Istanbul for 3 nights, for the first 2 nights we stayed at Sultan Ahmed Square and on the 3rd day we shifted to Taksim Square.

Had lots of exciting visions in our mind about Istanbul before landing and surely it is an incredibly fascinating city in every ways, which is a mix of fun, food, fashion, culture, history that feels so contemporary yet ancient.

Day 2 : Fly to Cappadocia and soak into its unnatural beauty staying at a cave hotel.

We have been to so many amazing cities around the world, but Cappadocia is one of the most awe-inspiring region we’ve been to thus far which will always hold a special corner in our heart. So spending 3 nights in Cappadocia gives you enough time to cover all the best things you can do in Cappadocia without skipping anything.

Surely this region looks sensational, would rather say it feels like a complete alien world. Cappadocia is so weirdly picturesque that we don’t have suitable term to describe its beauty.

In Cappadocia, you can easily find every type of rooms from luxury boutique cave hotels to backpacker hostels. We would definitely recommend to experience the charm of staying at a cave hotel, for the quintessential Cappadocia experience. These cave hotels are one of the best places to stay in Cappadocia and its something you would not find anywhere else.

Day 3: Go for Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon and explore the valleys.

Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadocia? Can’t recommend the activity enough!! This would definitely be the magic moment of your life and we can vouch for that.

While Cappadocia is a large region covering 5 Turkish province and the central area of Cappadocia comprises of small towns and villages across hills and valleys making this region extremely dramatic and visit worthy.

Cappadocia region lies in eastern Anatolia consisting of plateaus over 1000m in altitude which are pierced by volcanic peaks called ‘Hoodoo’ or mushroom capped ‘Fairy chimneys’ making it one of the most popular destinations.

 
Day 4: Watch the sunrise and the hot air balloons and explore the valleys

Not spending the early morning at the hotel terrace watching the hot air balloons fly would be a sin. We have to admit, watching the hot air balloons fly at sunrise from the hotel terrace was the most memorable experience we had, absolutely gorgeous and stunning.

 
Later in the day you can go for hiking through the innumerable valleys that runs from one town all the way to the other.

Squat-walk in the underground hidden cities from the 4th century BC which are so mind blowing that you cannot miss visiting anyway.

Day 5: Reach Pamukkale and explore the Cotton Castle & The Hierapolis

Pamukkale- which means “Cotton Castle” is one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth and the thought itself has always excited us so much right from the start. Stretching over miles, the dazzling white travertine terraces and 17 hot springs of calcium carbonate look incredibly gorgeous making it every travellers delight, that has been running forth for more than two millennia.

Hierapolis is an ancient Greek city which is located right by the travertine of Pamukkale, which was founded as a thermal spa during the 2nd century BC. The Hierapolis consisted of two Roman baths, a gymnasium and several temples. It covers an area of 2kms layered with several columns and ruins along the side of this plateau with beautiful seasonal flower blooms. It also became one of the most prominent cities in the Roman Empire in the fields of art, philosophy and trade. Together with Hierapolis, Pamukkale has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Day 6: Drive to Pamukkale’s neighbouring provinces and explore Cesme, Alacati and Sirince

Start your day early morning and get ready for the wholesome breakfast, that’s the best part we both wait for!

Say goodbye to Pamukkale and yay to Cesme, which is a Turkish resort town located west of Izmir that is famous for clear beaches and diving sites and holds historical value as well. The drive from Pamukkale to Cesme took almost 4 hours and we booked our rented car from Get Your Guide. While other beach locations like Bodrum, Kusadasi, Antalya are more touristy and party friendly, you would find Cesme covered with lesser crowd in comparison. Take out time to grab some coffee and amazing food in this resort town.

You drive for another 20 mins and reach the gorgeous town of Alacati which is famous for old stone houses, cobbled streets filled with bougainvillea’s, windsurfing and also for wine making. This location was definitely a love in first sight for us, truly stunning.

Turn on the GPS, drive for another 15 mins and reach Ilica Plaji beach in Alacati which is a pristine beach that has crystalline turquoise water of the Aegean Sea and powder white sand stretching over 1.5kms. This is a perfect beach with less crowd flocking in, compared to areas in the Southern Aegean and Mediterranean. So if you are looking for a place to unwind and relax, Ilica beach would be a great choice. We really enjoyed our time there sun basking, relaxing on the beach and just doing nothing.

You might either choose to spend a night at Cesme or Alacati, both the towns have amazing boutique hotels and many other budget stay options. While Alacati is pretty expensive in comparison to Cesme making it a happening location with music bars, cafeterias and star rated restaurants around.

While we ditched the urban living and booked our stay at Sirince Village (pronounced Sir-en-jay) which is located about 8 kilometres east of the town Selçuk and about 8 kilometres from Ephesus and just 30 minutes outside Kusadasi. From Alacati we drove for almost 2hrs and reached this tiny miny village which lies between the arms of mountains and lush greens, a hidden gem for sure. There are nothing much to do and see in this small village, apart from finding some inner peace, strolling around the cobbled lanes, trying local wines(must), and interacting with the lovely people out there.

We stayed at a house hotel ‘KIRINKA’ which is managed by an amazing family. The hosts are very friendly and yeah the bonus is that you wake up with the aroma of freshly baked breads and enjoy your breakfast with the view of the mountains, this was our kind of perfect vacation.

Day 7: Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, Selcuk and Kusadasi

The ancient city of Ephesus is a must see for everyone taking a trip to Turkey which was a rendezvous for everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra. Ephesus was known for ages for its sacred shrines, and the temple of Artemis, which was the most famous of all.

It is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities along the Mediterranean which was built in the 10th century BC on the west coast of Asia Minor. It is also an easy day trip from Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selçuk(3 kilometres). Ephesus covers an area of 4-5sq km, so it would take almost 2 hours to explore everything on foot at ease.

Listed below few of the main sites that highlights the grandeur of Ephesus former life.

Temple of Hadrian

Facing the Curetes Street stands high a temple-like monument, known as the Temple of Hadrian, which was discovered in 1956. It was built by P. Quintilius and was dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, who came to visit Ephesus from Athens in 128 A.D.

 
The beautiful Library of Celsus

The Library of Celsus is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Ephesus which was commissioned in 110 AD. This library is considered as an architectural marvel, and is one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire. This library once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third richest library in ancient times which was built by Gaius Julius Aquila in honour of his father Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, a governor of Roman Asia who is still buried beneath the library in a decorated marble sarcophagus. Despite being destroyed and damaged by fire and Gothic invasion between 10th -11th century, you would see that the facade of the Library of Celsus has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces, and it is one of the most well-preserved piece of architecture in Ephesus.

Ephesus Great or Ancient Theatre

This theatre was built in the Hellenistic Period (third century BC) on a slope of a hill bearing a seating capacity of 25,000 and is the largest theatre in Anatolia. The theatre was damaged by the earthquakes between 359 AD and 366 AD however the great theatre of Ephesus was one of the first structures excavated by archaeologists before the First World War. The theatre also hosted plays, concerts as well as gladiator and animal fights too.

Curetes Street

It is one of the main streets of Ephesus, between the Hercules Gate upto the Celsus Library. Along this street you would see ruins of columns all over the place and also fountains, monuments and statues standing high and well preserved till date.

Due to multiple earthquakes, many structures including the Curetes Street were severely damaged. Alongside this street there used to be many houses on the slope which were once used by rich Ephesians.

 
Temple of Artemis

The Artemision was the most important sanctuary of Ephesus which was counted as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World also known as the Temple of Diana. It was a Greek Temple dedicated to an ancient, local form of the goddess Artemis. Since the beginning of the iron age, cult practices were attested here. In late antiquity, the temple of Artemis was converted and used as a church.

Explore the beaches, cafes and streets of Kusadasi

From Selcuk we reached Kusadasi just in 15min of driving which is a major cruising port and a resort town. Here, you can have a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea and get a vibe from the 60’s. The beaches here are an ideal place for chilling out and relaxing. You can also walk straight ahead to find the local bazaar which has a wide pathway in the heart of the town filled with high end brand stores and cute cafeterias on both sides. Prices here are generally lower so definitely you can enjoy your shopping and yes bargaining is must. Near the promenade and across the main street there are bunch of hotels and luxury resorts, that can also be your overnight accommodation. We preferred staying at Sirince town for the night.

Day 8: Drive to Izmir and board flight for Istanbul. Go for Bosphorus Cruise, visit Balat and experience Turkish Hammam

Started our day early finished the first meal and from Sirince drove to Izmir(airport) which took nearly 1hr. By 12 noon we arrived at Istanbul. Post lunch we went for famous Bosphorus cruise followed by visiting colorful neighborhood of Balat. Post that we went for a relaxing Turkish Hammam and ended the day admiring Taksim Square.

Day 9: Explore the nook and corners of Istanbul including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazar. End the day with shopping.

The following days we explored nook and cranny of Istanbul at its best. We covered Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi palace, visited Grand Bazaar and Galata Tower. Ended the day with shopping till our legs felt tired.

Click HERE for the perfect travel guide, itinerary, stay options and things to do in Istanbul.

Day 10: Boarded flight back home from Istanbul with reminiscence, which we would cherish forever.

That’s all about it, things you can do in Turkey in 10 days. So guys hope you find this blog helpful planning yours, and if you have any queries please write it down in the comment section below. We would try to help with the best of our knowledge.[……]

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TRAVEL GUIDE: HAPPY TURKEY TRIP

It’s Turkey time! Not the one you may be thinking about however… We’re talking the country of Turkey, not the one you may be sitting down to eat this week. Our Senior Communications Manager, Megan Madigan, is sharing her recent travels to Turkey and Bodrum alongside her radiant and cool mother, Ann. Prepare yourself for the hottest takes, ancient local gems, and best pizza IN THE WORLD. Onward to the Ottoman Empire!

MUST-SEES:

Topkapi Palace is a spectacular remnant of the Ottoman Empire and the home to sultans for almost 400 years. Beautifully perched on the Bosphorus, you’ll see artifacts unlike anything you’ve ever seen. With an impressive museum collection and tons of Hungarian swords, you can cap off your visit with a pic outside the Sultan’s harem like Megan and Ann!

The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are spots that absolutely cannot be missed with impressive architecture and beauty.

Visiting a hammam (Turkish bath) was such a cool experience Megan would 10/10 recommend to everyone. At Kiliç Ali Pasa Hamami, Megan and Ann came to the conclusion they would like to go every month.

The Curcurkema antique shops in the Beyoglu neighborhood are filled with idyllic and fabulous pieces of furniture and finery. It feels like you’re in another world, and the shops are full of new things to discover. Megan and Ann also went to the Grand Bazaar (obvi), which was more like a shopping mall than they were anticipating. They did a few laps and made their way to the Spice Market and Egyptian Bazaar which felt very authentic and reminiscent of the old world.

SWEET PLACE TO STAY:

Tomtom Suites was the cutie hotel in the Beyoglu. This chic hotel with 10-star service had a phenomenal restaurant on the roof where breakfast was served overlooking the Bosphorus and old city every morning. There are a zillion fabulous hotels in Istanbul, so you truly cannot go wrong. Megan also considered staying at the Bank Hotel or Soho House. The city of Istanbul itself is very cosmopolitan and surprisingly European to Megan. The staff at Tomtom Suites were so nice and knowledgeable about the neighborhood which is home to tons of European consulates making the community feel like a true melting pot.

FOR A COOL SIDE TRIP: BODRUM!

Bodrum is a phenomenal coastal region where Megan and Ann took a short flight and stayed for a relaxing few days. The Macakizi pronounced “matchakuzee” was the absolute best place to eat exquisite food, drink amazing drinks, relax, ogle wildly large boats aka yachts in the bay or docking for lunch. Basically, the vibes were immaculate, as cringe-y as Megan feels saying that. Additionally, Megan adored the serene and beautiful scene at Amanruya, referring to it as a “serene temple of relaxation.”

She and Ann also had a blast renting a gulet and sailing on the Aegean. There are loads of boats for charter for everything from a half day to weeks-long vacations. Megan and Ann took a smaller boat, and it was so delightful. They also took a day trip and hopped over to the Greek isle of Kos. It’s only a 45-minute ferry or boat from downtown Bodrum!

DIVINE DINING:

Murver is the perfect scenic dinner spot overlooking the Bosphorus. The experience was incredible.

Yeni Lokanta fulfills the craving for more delicious Turkish food. Head on over for a great tasting menu and have your mind blown.

Napoli Gourmet is serving an Italian moment with the friendliest service. Megan and Ann only once deviated from Turkish cuisine, and it was here. The food was so fresh, and the best pizza Megan HAS EVER HAD, which is really saying something.

Note: There is an obscene amount of delicious dining options with lots of Michelin stars. Megan and Ann went the Turkish route for almost every meal, which is the way to go, of course! Also, another important thing, their favorite beer was Efes, a crisp pilsner brewed with their unique, Mediterranean slow brew.

Finally, we owe Megan and Ann a huge thanks for their detailed recaps and imagery. We don’t know about you, but we are absolutely dying to go to Turkey. Let’s start saving for a flight in 2025! We’d also like to wish all our fabulous turkeys a joyful and safe Thanksgiving. Cheers to more colorful adventures ahead![……]

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The best time to visit Dubai

Dubai is a dream destination. But when’s the best time of year to visit Dubai? Let’s dive in.

People will tell you, the best time to visit Dubai is during the winter. That’s November to March, as the temperatures are more bearable and you’ll want to be outside. We’re talking highs of 35°C in November and 26°C in December. Temperatures hit 41°C in summer, so the air conditioned shopping malls will no doubt be calling. But while summer gets a bad rep because of the heat, there’s still plenty on offer.

When to visit Dubai: Make dreams a reality

Hit Dubai in the winter and it’s your oyster. Step off the plane, your feet are on UAE soil and it’s time to get stuck in to this desert playground with no worries about the weather. You can hit the beach and work on your tan, stroll around Dubai Marina and get a true feel for the soul of the city by checking out its historic squares and buildings. The views from the Burj are the best in winter and the sea is calling.

But it’s not the only time to come. You might spend more time in the shopping malls in summer, but you can still stroll along the sand on the beach in the morning or evening. The jacuzzi-like temperatures of the sea are always worth it too.

Heading here in April to October also means less crowds at major attractions as well. Think of April to May and September to October as shoulder season. The temps are high, but not as high as summer and it will be much quieter than high season. In 2024, Ramadan falls between March and April making this the perfect time to immerse yourself in the spiritual and holy side of Dubai – the temperatures will be spot on too.

What to do in Dubai, all year round

For many people, Dubai is a year-round destination. This is what you can get up to whatever the seasons in Dubai.

Sightseeing in winter

The cooler winter temperatures in Dubai open up the city to your every whim. Head up the world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa – for breathtaking views across Dubai. The clearest skies in winter offer up the best views. Take a leisurely stroll along Dubai Marina in the colder temperatures to make the most of this spectacular setting. Head to Dubai Sports City for world class events.

Explore beyond the surface of Dubai in cooler months

The lack of blistering heat in winter means more chance to explore and discover what lies beneath Dubai’s shiny exterior. Visit Dubai Creek to discover the traditional markets and historical buildings of its Old Town. And don’t miss Dubai Miracle Garden – the world’s largest natural flower garden.

Shop to escape the heat in summer

Dubai Mall is the second largest shopping mall in the world. Its air con will be a gentle relief from the heat. Plus, you’ll find more than 1200 shops and boutiques, the largest gold souk in the world and more than 150 restaurants.

Get a little spiritual

Experience the spiritual side of Dubai with a visit to Jumeirah Mosque during Ramadan. It’s the most famous mosque in the city and one of the top cultural spots in the city.

Enjoy year-round culture

Get your cultural fix at any time of year at the Dubai Opera. This architectural masterpiece in Downtown Dubai hosts world class performances year-round.

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Ultimate travel guide to Dubai

Planning Dubai? Here is a detailed itinerary for Dubai. This article explains all the things to do in Dubai.

Dubai is an amazing fusion of modern architecture and ancient traditional culture and food.

Here is an ultimate travel guide to Dubai!

Best time to Visit Dubai

Summers are very hot in Dubai. The temperature during the day time can exceed over 40-45 degree Celsius as compared to the night which could be 34-38 degree Celsius.

Never plan your visit to Dubai in Summer, irrespective of discount offers.

The best time to visit Dubai is during the winters from November to April. January and February is the peak season to visit Dubai because of the Dubai Shopping Festival. You will see heavy tourist traffic across the city.

Tip: If you planning to visit Dubai during the Eid Festival then you will end up regretting the trip because most of the businesses, city, etc remain closed during the festival.

About Dubai

UAE’s official language is Arabic, but English is the spoken language almost everywhere in Dubai.

The currency in Dubai is called as DIRHAM (AED)- the Indian currency exchange rate is Dhs 1 to INR 18.92 (When I visited Dubai which was back in 2007, the currency rate was 16 INR)

Dubai is very particular about the dress code if you paying a visit to a cultural site or mosque, make sure to carry long sleeves and full-length clothes.

Public Transport in Dubai

During my visit to Dubai, we had customized our itinerary and planned our days for different sightseeing. We did not book the travel package with the group as it gets tedious to walk along with the group in rush.

So one of my friend’s best friend (who stays in Dubai) helped me a lot in booking hotels, sightseeing and taking us around Dubai city. We saved a lot of money on transport, as most of our travel routine involved Dubai metro and not Taxis.

Metro is a fairly convenient mode of transport in the country and is 10x cheaper than a taxi ride.

Our pick up and the drop from the airport was included in Hotel booking but when you land there are taxi stands at the airport in case it is not included in your package. A most convenient option is to book an Uber.

Using Public Transport in Dubai

The metro stations are so well organized, disciplined and punctual. Do follow the rules like no eating or drinking or chewing gums in the metro. Do not walk on the escalator or else you will have to pay fine for the crime. Also, similar to our Mumbai local they also have different compartments dedicated to women only, gold class, etc.

You can purchase an NoI card (Mumbai equivalent of Metro Card) from the ticket counter. It is best for tourist usage and you can keep refilling as you out of cash. You can access their buses, metro and water buses with this card.

If you are an adventurer you might be interested in renting a bicycle. Dubai has a dedicated path next to the pedestrian walking only for bikes. You can rent a BYKY bike at the curbside station to explore the Dubai streets and return the bike when you are done with your day.

30 minutes (AED 15), 1 hour (AED 20) and for 24 hours (AED 80)

Things to see in Dubai

Burj Khalifa:

Burj Khalifa defines Dubai today, and no one can skip visiting this when in Dubai.

We explored the world’s highest lounge at 585 meters, with an exhilarating outdoor terrace. You can book the tickets online at check out for different options and book the ticket and slot as per your budget.

They have Non-prime hours 07:00 pm until closing and Prime hours 09:30 am 06:00 pm so pick the slot accordingly.

The best time to visit at the top is during the sunset. Burj Khalifa is so massive and mesmerizing. The view from the accessible floor was breathtaking.

Dubai Fountain:

A free show which you do not want to miss, once you are done with the Burj Khalifa at the Top you can go to the backside of the building to see the world’s tallest performing fountain with captivating music and light spectacle.

The Dubai Fountain is situated on the 30-acre Burj Lake and performs to a selection of different melodies at a time interval.

Dhow Cruise:

Wooden dhow meaning a lateen-rigged ship which is converted to give you a great dining experience on the Dubai Creek. If you like the idea of soaking in the surrounding and feeling the air on the creek than this is a must do.

You can cruise along the Dubai Creek by enjoying some scrumptious meal on the Dhow.

Dubai Desert Safari:

A combination of a thrilling car ride in a desert followed by feast and entertainment.

You can skip the thrilling car ride if you are scared of the high-speed car being driven in the desert with no air in tires.

The package includes hotel pick up, drop from hotel as the desert is at a far distance from Dubai City.

Jhumeria Beach:

Take some time off from the routine and soak in some sun at Jhumeria Beach. There is an entry fee of about 10-15 AED, the beach has changing room facilities if you plan to take a dip.

Burj Al Arab:

You can check out this magnificent sight while visiting Jumeirah Beach. It is a luxury hotel located on Jumeirah Beach- it stands on an artificial island and is connected with a private bridge. The design of the hotel resembles the sail of a ship.

Wild Wadi:

If you have planned a leisure day in your itinerary you can visit Wild Wadi waterpark which has more than 25 rides and other attractions for family and friend in a large group. This waterpark is themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from the Arabian folklore.

Dubai Miracle Garden:

One of the city’s signature creation- created on a 72,000 sqm space loaded with colorful and scented flowers which bloom from mid-November to mid-may, is an incredible experience to see.

The sight is a remarkable picture captured in front of your eyes, where flowers are arranged in different arches and patterns they form.

Global Village:

A theme park which is the region’s largest multi-cultural festival place to enjoy the rides, attractions, food, and entertainment with your friends and family. You can easily spend a day here creating happy memories to cherish.

Dubai Frame:

Malls in Dubai

Dubai Mall

Right adjacent to the massive Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall, a 12 million sq ft mall equivalent to 200 soccer pitches. This place is like a paradise to a shopper, it is so huge, that even a shopper like me got tired walking around.

The Dubai Mall highlights the world-class Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo starring thousands of aquatic animals and a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel; and Virtual Reality Park.

Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, 31166 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Ibn Battuta Mall

The world’s largest themed shopping mall inspired by different regions which Ibn Battuta traveled- Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, China.

It is again a shopper paradise with endless brands, entertainment options, kid zones, and food court to enjoy. Even if you are not planning to shop or eat at the mall, you must visit the mall, solely enjoy its architectural perfection.

City Walk

With colorful walls, quirky art design, and giant murals there is a lot to look at the City Walk along with shopping, food, and entertainment.

You can find upscale high-end brands and attractions like rainforest and gaming zone for kids. It’s a complete family package.

Mall of the Emirates

Yet another mall with luxury labels and good restaurants, theatres and indoor ski resort. Ski Dubai is the best option to try out if you are going with kids- there are many activities like ski, snowboard, toboggan, zip line chairlift ride, etc to experience.

Shopping in Dubai

Deira Gold Souk:

If you are an Indian, you just cannot skip this place, I can say this because we shopped from this place. Reason: Gold here is comparatively cheaper and quality is far better than what you get in India. Most Indians visiting here, make a gold purchase from Gold Souk.

There are about more than 250 retail stores offering tons of gold to the buyers. Even if you not planning to buy gold but a visit to this place is sure to make you stunned.

Bur Dubai Souk:

It is known as textile souk where you will find colorful fabrics from velvet, silk, satin, wool, etc across the souk walkway. It is also a good option to pick souvenirs from your last day of the trip. Along with textile, you will also find interesting shoes, t-shirts, jackets, etc around the market.

Al Fahidi Street:

Known for its electronic shopping, Al Fahidi is the best stop to buy smartphones, laptop, DSLR or tablets at a good rate. But make sure to check the gadget for international warranty.

Spice/Dates Souk:

Strong fragrance and colors of the spices all around mean you have reached the Spice Souk in Dubai. It is a typical market with chaos and noise around where locals and tourists meet. Carry cash as cards are often not accepted. Check out the old Deira Market, for dry fruits, dates, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sharjah:

Sharjah is just an hour far away from Dubai. You can take a metro to visit this place or use Uber. Sharjah is comparatively cheaper than Dubai so if you have a leisure day in your itinerary do not miss out on checking the place.

Food in Dubai

If you are an Indian and a pure vegetarian do not worry you will get plenty of options to eat but if you are a Non-Vegetarian you will really enjoy some of the local cuisines here. Here some local food you can try in Dubai.

Falafel:

Falafel is a fried ball patty made from chickpeas and is typically paired with bread. You are generally served Falafel with hummus and pita bread.

It is nothing compared to what you get from your street vendor in Delhi or Mumbai.

Manousheh:

It is a local pizza dish served on a flatbread with toppings like akkawi cheese, herbs, olives, chicken, etc. It is an on the go dish to try and you can find the shops in any corner of the Dubai city and is popular among locals and tourists.

Knafeh:

If you like sweet than Arabic desserts has a wide variety of option to pick and choose. Knafeh is a pastry made from gooey sweet cheese. It is topped with rose syrup and pistachios sprinkled over it.

Khanfaroosh:

It is made of flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, cardamon, Kesar and rose water, and compliments best with tea and coffee. You can easily find them in every nook and streets of the city.

Hope you enjoyed reading this ultimate travel guide to Dubai.[……]

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Discovering three underground cities in Turkey

Turkey is an awesome country full of beautiful landscapes, interesting places, and great tourist attractions. This time, on our travel blog, we will get deep down and discover three underground cities in Turkey.

That’s right, underground cities in Turkey. There are three main places we would like to show you: Kaymaklı Underground City, Derinkuyu Underground City, and Özkonak Underground City. All they are slightly different and one of them has 18 levels underground and it is thought to have been able to protect 20 000 inhabitants for long periods of time! So let’s start to discover those interesting places!

KAYMAKLI UNDERGROUND CITY

You can find a lot of underground cities in Turkey’s Cappadocia, but the Kaymaklı Underground City is the best one from them. It is said that some of those places were built around 2000 BCE and expanded in time by later civilizations. There are a lot of quarters and chambers here for different purposes: stables, rooms for living, storage or even for making a wine.

Kaymakli Underground City, Turkey

Kaymaklı Underground City was not built for defense (like Özkonak) and it’s not as deep as Derinkuyu, but this one has a lot of space and it’s much wider than any other underground city in Turkey. It has eight floors of subterranean defense, but right now only four of them are open for tourists.

Interesting fact: Many of the chambers and tunnels in Kaymaklı Underground City are still used by the local people for storage or even for living purposes.

Derinkuyu Underground City, Turkey. Source: David Welch, Flickr.

Derinkuyu Underground City was probably built about 8th century BCE by an ancient people as a fortress to provide protection against invading armies. During the Byzantine time, it was rebuilding and expanding and finally became a huge hidden complex that was able to provide a shelter for 20 000 people for long months, mostly because of advanced defense innovations.

The Derinkuyu hidden city has 18 levels deep underground and this is the deepest underground city in Turkey. It also has thousands of ventilation shafts to provide fresh air and multiple waterways to provide drinking water to every floor. You are able to find here chambers not only for a living but also stables for horses, storage, winery or even churches. There were also huge stone wheels made of stone that could be rolled to close all the entrances. And if we are talking about the entrances, more than 600 has been found nowadays. Impressive, isn’t it? The Derinkuyu is the biggest underground city in Turkey and it’s a must-see tourist attraction in Cappadocia.

Özkonak Underground City. Source: Katpatuka, Wikipedia.

ÖZKONAK UNDERGROUND CITY

We are unable to determine an exact age of Özkonak Underground City, but it probably dates back to antique times. We can be sure that it was used in Middle Ages because hot oil holes were found above the entrances and that advanced technology hasn’t been used before medieval times. It was discovered in 1972 by a Turkish farmer.

One unique thing in Özkonak Underground City is that there is a communication system installed so that each level could talk to the one above or below. The hidden city has ten floors, but only four of them are open to tourists and visitors. It’s a great place and a great adventure, where you can feel how people lived here in ancient times.

CONCLUSION

Turkey has a lot of great places and those three underground cities are definitely one of them. If you enjoyed this article or have some questions about this hidden cities or Turkey, feel free to leave me a comment in the section below.[……]

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Top 5 unmissable tourist attractions in Egypt

Ever wondered what the top tourist attractions in Egypt are? The ‘Land of the Pharoahs’, Egypt is an eternally popular travel destination. Not only is it the birthplace of one of the world’s most enigmatic and ancient civilisations, but Egypt is also a land of epic landscapes and captivating culture. On the one hand, you have jaw-dropping archaeological sites. On the other, you have the flowing waters of the Nile and the abundant beaches of the Red Sea. An all-round great destination, plan your trip to Egypt today and get inspired with these Egypt sightseeing highlights!

Pyramids of Giza

One of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza have inspired many of our imaginations since we were children! Standing on the Giza Plateau, not far from Cairo, these three pyramids hold the keys to our understanding of Ancient Egyptian civilisation. Of course, it’s simply unthinkable to travel to Egypt without visiting the Pyramids! Guarded by the mysterious Great Sphinx, the pyramids are the tombs of three famous Egyptian pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre and Mycerinus. Dating back to Egypt’s Old Kingdom era, the pyramids are around 4,500 years old.

Visiting the Pyramids from Cairo is simple, with a number of transport options linking the capital with this wonder of the world. Once there, visitors can even venture inside each of the pyramids. A vast network of tunnels, walkways and rooms can be found within the pyramids and a guided tour is a great way to understand the hidden meanings and history of these incredible monuments. Undoubtedly, an adventure of a lifetime and the best tourist attraction in Egypt!

Karnak Temple

Constructed between the Twelfth and Twentieth Egyptian Dynasties, Karnak Temple is a sight to behold! Situated in Luxor (once the capital city of Thebes), Karnak Temple is thought to be the largest religious building ever constructed. Furthermore, it was a cult temple, in honour of the Egyptian gods of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Karnak Temple is in fact a collection of temple buildings. Today, the remains of this vast complex include decayed temples, pylons, chapels, and other buildings. A key Egyptian sightseeing spot, visiting Karnak is the first step in understanding the complex belief systems of Ancient Egypt.

Conveniently, the complex is divided into three sections: the precincts of Amun, Mur and Khonsu. In this way, the Ancient Egyptians would visit the section of the god that they particularly wanted to honour on any given day. Today, you’ll find the most spectacular sights within the Amun precinct, such as the famous Great Hypostyle Hall.

Valley of the Kings

Shrouded in mystery, the Valley of the Kings is famously the resting place of Tutankhamun. With the discovery of his tomb in the 1920s, the Valley of the Kings became a focal point for interest in Ancient Egypt. Sightseeing in Egypt would be incomplete without visiting this ancient necropolis. The burial location of various high-ranking nobles and pharaohs of the New Kingdom, the Valley of the Kings contains 62 known tombs at present. Explore these spooky tombs reveals the complex burial techniques and afterlife beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians. Decorated with impressive paintings and hieroglyphs, these ancient tombs are like a window into a lost world.

Located on the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings can be easily reached from nearby Luxor. Furthermore, if you take a tour of the Valley of the Kings, you’ll likely gain access to three tombs, more than enough to spark your imagination and transport you back to the days of Ancient Egypt. Alternatively, access to the famous tomb of Tutankhamun can also be arranged.

Abu Simbel

Built by Egyptian king Rameses II, the temples of Abu Simbel are located in Aswan. Dating back to the 13th-century BC, Abu Simbel is one of the most striking tourist attractions in Egypt. Originally carved out of the mountainside, towering figures of Rameses II guard the entrances, accompanied by smaller statues of his immediate family. Interestingly, it took around 20 years to complete these gigantic statues! In the interiors, you can admire the complex triangular layout of temple rooms and chambers. Furthermore, if you visit Abu Simbel in the evening you can watch the nightly sound and light show.

Egyptian Museum

One of the most famous museums in the world, the Egyptian Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Egypt. Located in Cairo, this extensive collection houses the largest treasure trove of Pharaonic antiquities in the world! Indeed, if you want to delve deeper into the beliefs, cultures and art of Ancient Egypt, this is the place to go! Of course, as the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, the Egyptian Museum contains many invaluable artefacts. Highlights include statues of the great kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure and extensive collections of papyri, sarcophagi and jewellery.[……]

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