Dubai Travel Guide: Find the Dubai Tourist Guide Information at Times of India Travel

Dubai Travel Guide

Times of IndiaTimes Travel Editor|TRAVEL GUIDE, DUBAI Updated : Sep 18, 2017, 11:58 AM IST

OVERVIEW

Dubai is a powerhouse of all things glam, an addiction to the lovers of good life and glam. Well, you cannot expect anything less from a place that has private islands, roads that have gold SUVs running on them, ATM machines that dispense everything from cash to gold bars, Michelin-starred restaurants to spoil your tastebuds, safaris that might have sea or desert for its terrain, robot as jockeys in camel races and so much more. No wonder Dubai tourism lures everyone with a penchant for a life that blends fantasies into real life. With an yearly tourist footfall that runs into crores, this city is a major tourist attraction. For the first-time visitors, Dubai is more like Las Vegas. But, apart from all things cool, Dubai’s rich culture and rooted traditions are surprisingly alluring as well as warm to travellers from all around the world.

FAST FACTS

Nearest Airport: Dubai International Airport
Best Time to Visit Dubai: November to April
Currency: Emirati Dirham
Languages: Arabic, English
Festivals: Eid-Al-Fitr, Eid-al Adha

Dubai Featured Guides (28)

24 hours in Dubai

One of the fastest-growing cities in recent decades, Dubai's dizzying opulence defies description. Chances are that you're going to Dubai after having heard of its incredible engineering and architect...More

Show all 28 featured guides »

List view

Get to know Dubai

View all »

Hotels in Dubai(4 Featured Guides)

Hotels in Dubai will spoil you with endless choices that the city offers. From stunningly luxurious properties including private islands and the world’s most luxurious hotel to surprisingly affordable and backpacker-friendly options, Dubai hotels’ list has something for every taste, whim and budget. For those eager to experience something more than just a regular hotel stay, Dubai is also home to a number of bed and breakfasts properties, which act as your home away from home. In case you want to explore the place like a local and are planning for a longer stay, you can also opt for independent apartments—the catch here, the longer you stay, the less you pay.
So, if you’re planning a trip, are flummoxed with the huge number of hotels in Dubai and wondering where to stay, we have you covered! We have handpicked the best ones that lie at around a 30 minutes drive from the Dubai International Airport, most of them also offering airport shuttle and bus service to shopping spots and popular tourist places.

Dubai luxury hotels―mix of exclusivity and grandeur
Dubai’s hotels define glitz, glamour and occasionally, even ostentatious. Playgrounds for the rich and the famous, each of these premium lodgings offer an experience that’s unparalleled in most parts of the world.
Dubai mid-range hotels―offering perfect blend of value and comfort
Dubai budget hotels―where budget seems luxury
Unique abodes in Dubai to live like a king
Luxury
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai

View all »

Restaurants in Dubai(5 Featured Guides)

The most happening breakfast places, Michelin-rated street food, the most luxurious name in fine-dining—the restaurants in Dubai are this and so much more. So much so that once in Dubai, you would certainly put your Instagram skills to use, sans any filter, for the food served here does not need any. With celebrity chefs from all over the world making Dubai their home and, of course, work zone, the place is the new mecca for food lovers. A fast growing expat community and the love of locals for all things good is a hallmark and reflects in the restaurants of Dubai.
Cafes, restaurants and street eats in Dubai will lure you in no time, for you cannot resist the aroma that comes waltzing out of them! Yes, believe us for we are counting the best of Dubai cafes including The Lime Tree Café, Betawi Café, Aroma Garden Café. Add to it, some names for a complete Dubai restaurant guide, and you will have temptations as big as Jones the Grocer and Traiteur, wherein tourists can blend in with other food lovers and locals over food. If you are not sure of where to eat in Dubai, Happytrips brings to you the best of the city’s food scene, from cafes and breakfast spots to street food and (very) fine dining!

View all »

Places to visit in Dubai(3 Featured Guides)

Think of the best places to visit in Dubai and you will have to think of all things maximum. The best of good living, the best of fashion, the most thrilling activities, shopping experiences that will make you swear off all the money and just so much more. As one of the top places to visit in the UAE, Dubai smugly claims the spot and claims it well. The surprising part, Dubai’s futuristic endeavours are so well blended with its deeply-rooted traditions that the places makes for nothing less than a heady cocktail. If the regular tourist places in Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab or the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House have you already wooed, the super cool Dubai Expo 2020 attractions will simply up the game.
Before you land in Dubai, prioritise—choose if you want to step back in time or marvel at the architectural wonders, for the place has it all. Your checklist for Dubai sightseeing can be the stunningly new Dubai Frame or the rightly-famed Palm Islands. Centuries-old heritage sites will get you some literal lessons in history, while SUVs made of solid gold burning rubber on the roads will leave you equally stunned. Believe us, it is not for nothing that Dubai is the great love of expats from all over the world; it has enough to hook you and keep you hooked for eternity.

Dubai's most-loved tourist attractions
Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. The place is renowned for its opulent shopping, luxury hotels and resorts, vibrant nightlife, awe-inspiring architecture and awesome beaches.
The most captivating landmarks of Dubai
These Dubai Expo 2020 projects are the MOST monumental things we’ve heard of!
Places to visit in Dubai for history buffs
Celebrity homes you can gape at in Dubai!

View all »

Things to do in Dubai(5 Featured Guides)

Dubai city is known for all the superlatives—tallest, largest, fastest and highest. If you fathom how it is possible to claim all these feats, there lies the crux. It has the will, zeal and wealth to turn dreams into reality. This destination has rightly earned the title of fun city with its wide array of options to offer. Have first-hand experience and discover the city by taking part in the actions that the city provides. Things to do in Dubai are varied in nature and is bound to keep you hooked to this amazing city for an extended vacation.
Among Dubai attractions, you will surely like to tick-off Burj Khalifa from your must-visit list as it is an architectural wonder that will surprise you in many ways. Both grownups and kids can have a gala time here as there are activities lined accordingly. Not to forget, cruising! Yes, you can even go with this option to discover this marvellous place. The fun does not stop here. As per your convenience, choose from the day or evening cruises; arrangement of food is done onboard. Yay!

View all »

Shopping in Dubai(5 Featured Guides)

Dubai—the name itself derives its meaning from the word ‘money’. And this gets reflected in every aspect of Dubai, be it architecture, life style or shopping avenues. Now, as many believe shopping is a therapy, and if you are in need of it, you will be spoilt for choices here as Dubai is the only city that takes the concept of shopping very seriously. The shopping centres in Dubai not only boast of top global brands, but also of shoppers who come here from all over the world considering it to be a shopping mecca.
With around 96 shopping malls, you will just go crazy. Apart from the retail therapy, ample number of recreational options are available to calm your tired soul. You can even slip some time away from the glitzy and grandiosity of these shopping centres and head to local markets for some offbeat shopping experiences. A host of street and small stores will definitely allow you to pick a quirky souvenir and much more.
Splurge on the best, but make sure not to make your pocket screech. So you can drop by Karama, which is a best place to pick up knock-offs of top international brands. If you are someone who wants to avoid hassle of any kind, you can even opt for a shopping tour. Most of the Dubai hotels arrange such tours and you can even hire a guide for this.

Top malls in Dubai
If you have been to Dubai malls, you will no wonder agree to the fact that Dubai is really the most hip destination for shopping. Who minds shopping when it is good for mental health too? As per theory—shopping actually releases mood-lifting endorphins, thereby helping your immune system too. Yay! Also, malls like City Centre Deira, Mall of the Emirates and The Dubai Mall will make you confused difficult to decide. Gone are those days when people used to buy just souvenirs and postcards when they go for a trip.
Offbeat shopping experiences in Dubai
The Souk experience
Haute in Dubai: best of the high-end fashion stores in the city
5 Dubai shopping experiences you can’t miss out on

View all »

Nightlife in Dubai(3 Featured Guides)

Nightlife in Dubai! What do you think how will this city entertain you if you are a late bird? Interestingly, Dubai will exceed all your expectations. You just name it, the city will lay it to you. You just need to be sure of your mood. Peppered with buzzing bars, lounges and beach-front clubs, like the Cavalli Club, People by Crystal, Jetty Lounge and The Fridge, the city truly comes alive after sunset. Most of the bars and nightclubs are housed in the hotels, so you might just be lucky if your hotel also has one. You can party way past midnight, with free-flowing liquor (as long as you’re above the age of 21) and dance to excellent beats spun by globally renowned DJs.
The buzzing nightlife in Dubai will surely surprise you in more than one ways. The venues will highly impress you with their neon-lit, lazer-fazed affairs and watering holes. So just be sure not to drown yourself. There is a rule though; don’t forget to take your passport to such avenues as you will need it to gain entry.
However, just ensure that you are not visiting Dubai during Ramadan—most bars stay shut during this religious period. One more fun fact here—the weekend falls on Thursday and Friday in Dubai. So, Thursday nights are the best time to party or else Saturdays are also quite popular. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove.

View all »

Weekend getaways from Dubai(2 Featured Guides)

Things to do in Al Marjan Island
Part of the United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a secret destination waiting to be discovered. A complete holiday destination, the things to do in Al Marjan Island are many, discovering archaeological sites, playing water sports, experiencing desert sands, world class shopping, and more.
Ras al-Khaimah for Arabian adventure
Places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah