Dubai has a well-earned reputation for being the world’s most opulent destination with its 7 star hotels, world-renowned restaurants and designer shopping.
You can definitely live the high life there as a visitor, however spending mega bucks isn’t essential for a memorable trip to the ever-developing UAE city. In fact, I’ve been inspired to learn more about it from recent travel programmes on the more cultural and traditional aspects of Dubai.
If Dubai is on your travel radar too, here are a few ideas for how to see the city your way…
Extravagant
For a once in a lifetime experience, splurge on a stay at Dubai’s famous Burj Al Arab (the most expensive suite is a cool $25,000 per night), the plush new Bulgari Resort or iconic Atlantis, The Palm. Of course, you’ll want to dine at the city’s top restaurants, so book a table at French classic La Petite Maison Dubai, the inventive Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, sushi crowd-pleaser Zuma and Pierchic for seafood with views across the Gulf.
A luxury trip is all about those unique moments, so fill your days with a luxury yacht tour, helicopter ride, VIP shopping at The Dubai Mall or a polo match – the possibilities are endless.
Money to Spare
Look past the ritzy tower residences and you’ll find that Dubai has a number of affordable design hotels such as Vida Downtown Dubai and XVA Art Hotel, which is also a popular art gallery. Friday brunch is a big occasion in Dubai, since it’s the first day of the weekend there, and the vibe ranges from family-friendly to a raucous daytime party. Enjoy a lazy, all-inclusive banquet at Bubbalicious at The Westin, beach-chic Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE or Al Qasr with its dedicated chocolate room.
Also, be sure to schedule half a day to go dune bashing in the desert or indoor skiing for a change of temperature, as well as shopping at the Egyptian pyramid-shaped Wafi Mall.
On a Budget
Dubai can easily be done on a shoestring, just look out for cheap eats, free events and alternative transport. Rent a city bicycle and ride along the marina, join in a public tour of the Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai Museum, haggle for a bargain at the Old Dubai souqs and take a traditional wooden Dhow boat across the Creek.
For a multi-cultural taste of Dubai at a pleasing price, go for shawarma at Zaroob and Sidra, grilled kebab at Pars Iranian Kitchen or Pakistani curries at the legendary Ravi Restaurant. Al Dhiyafah Road is noted for its many traditional eateries that attract locals and travellers alike and you can also graze on fresh produce from the Ripe Food & Craft Market in Zabeel Park every Friday.
To make it even easier, Travelplanners, the all-inclusive and package holiday specialists, have created this handy tool, so you can quickly see where to spend or save in Dubai. Simply scroll and click on the map to explore…
Contrary to its super-luxe image, your pound can go quite far in Dubai if you’re savvy. Are you tempted to visit?
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Photos via Visit Dubai and Instagram
