Dubai - 2 days (almost)

Dick Turnip

So heading to SE Asia and decided to take advantage of the stopover in Dubai and extend it out a bit. So I arrive at 8am and leave the next day at 10pm.

So what can people recommend bearing in mind I'm 29yo guy, solo traveller? Did a bit of research and hopefully people can tell me if I'm being unrealistic.

Flight gets in at 8am, will go straight to hotel and drop the bags. Then head down around the creek and around the souks for the morning/early afternoon. Hopefully by mid October the weather will be bearable to walk around in.Then going to get an evening desert safari trip, most seem to leave around 3-4pm. So that would be day 1 sorted.

Day 2 for the evening I was thinking of the afternoon/evening in Dubai Mall - check out the aquarium, try get up the Burj around sunset then catch a fountain show after dark before going to the airport again for my flight.

So probably only really looking for something to do the morning of day 2. What would people suggest? Dubai museum, Jumeriah beach, mosque, something else?

Having written it all down I suppose I have it nearly all planned out! just wondering if anyone thinks I'm missing out on anything must see, bearing in mind I'm not interested in shopping, indoor skiing, golf, dolphins etc for this trip.

Would people recommend going up Burj or are there buildings worth it (similar to Rockefeller/Empire State situation)?

Also, I read that taxis are cheap, do you think I should get taxis for the 2 days or get the metro pass?

Thanks!

Amprodude

Dick Turnip wrote: »

So heading to SE Asia and decided to take advantage of the stopover in Dubai and extend it out a bit. So I arrive at 8am and leave the next day at 10pm.

So what can people recommend bearing in mind I'm 29yo guy, solo traveller? Did a bit of research and hopefully people can tell me if I'm being unrealistic.

Flight gets in at 8am, will go straight to hotel and drop the bags. Then head down around the creek and around the souks for the morning/early afternoon. Hopefully by mid October the weather will be bearable to walk around in.Then going to get an evening desert safari trip, most seem to leave around 3-4pm. So that would be day 1 sorted.

Day 2 for the evening I was thinking of the afternoon/evening in Dubai Mall - check out the aquarium, try get up the Burj around sunset then catch a fountain show after dark before going to the airport again for my flight.

So probably only really looking for something to do the morning of day 2. What would people suggest? Dubai museum, Jumeriah beach, mosque, something else?

Having written it all down I suppose I have it nearly all planned out! just wondering if anyone thinks I'm missing out on anything must see, bearing in mind I'm not interested in shopping, indoor skiing, golf, dolphins etc for this trip.

Would people recommend going up Burj or are there buildings worth it (similar to Rockefeller/Empire State situation)?

Also, I read that taxis are cheap, do you think I should get taxis for the 2 days or get the metro pass?

Thanks!

Taxis are the way to go here. They are cheap and owned by the government.

Things to do. Go on the burj khalifa tower. It's amazing. the fountain show near the tower before sunset is amazing too. Go see it. Safaris tour out to desert. Trip to worlds biggest shopping mall in.Dubai, its worth the visit even if your not into shopping.Go see the burj ab Arab hotel. Atlantis hotel. Palm island. Continental islands. Helicopter tour over Dubai is another must. It's amazing if you can afford it. Jameria beach is beautiful. I saw the aquarium its nothing special. I did all of this in 3 days. Good luck.

Dick Turnip

Thanks Amprodude!

Think I've almost everything on your list on my agenda except the helicopter tour. This is a brief stopover - trying to do Dubai on the cheap (within reason!) so may do that if I'm ever back again.

Amprodude

Dick Turnip wrote: »

Thanks Amprodude!

Think I've almost everything on your list on my agenda except the helicopter tour. This is a brief stopover - trying to do Dubai on the cheap (within reason!) so may do that if I'm ever back again.

Thats understandable. I had an extra day so I did the helecopter tour as well. I was there 3 months ago and the heat was hard to handle.

R0C

As mentioned above, the fountain show around sunset near the Burj is well worth seeing. The first time I was in Dubai [2009], I noticed hundreds of people gathering all around the manmade lake/pond, sitting on every available surface, setting up cameras on tripods, and I had no idea what they were all watching for, got a great surprise when the fountains came to life!

I pass through Dubai fairly regularly now and have tried many times to go to the top of the Burj Khalifa. It's particularly recommended just before sunset, so you get to see the view both in the bright and dark.

I've never yet managed to get to the top as it's always completely booked out [for 2 or 3 days in a row, in my experience], unless you want to pay for an expensive meal option up there; I think I was quoted $150 last time as the only way to get to the top [including food].

Dubai can be very hazy with sand in the air, so there are times where the view probably isn't great.

There is a hop on hop off bus in Dubai that goes around all of the major sights, you can buy a 24 hour pass; for a short stop like yours it's probably handier transport than multiple taxis. It's open top and it's quite enjoyable to sit on and watch the sights, the fancy cars, etc. You'll see more than you would from a taxi, including bits of the real city.

I recommend seeing the Souks also.

R0C

Oh, and the evening desert safari trip is amazing.

I recommend you don't do any research, and just get in for the ride.

It's quite the thrill..

From what I recall, with most of the 4x4 desert trips you'll also be brought on a short camel ride, and eat local cuisine in a desert 'fort' while watching a belly dancer. It's a nice social outing, in my experience, with everyone very friendly and keen to chat. Lots of nationalities from UAE's neighbouring countries out for a good time.