Where to stay
For a first visit, stay in Dubai Marina or JBR (beach, restaurants, tram) or Downtown (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, fountains). The Palm is beautiful but far from everything.
A four-day plan
- Downtown: Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa at sunset, the fountain show.
- Old Dubai: Al Fahidi, abra across the Creek, spice and gold souks, dinner in Deira.
- Desert safari in the afternoon and evening.
- Beach morning at JBR or Kite Beach, then the Marina by night.
Worth the money
Burj Khalifa sunset slot, a desert safari with a reputable operator, the Abu Dhabi day trip.
Skip or go cheap
Most 'luxury' bus tours; pay-per-view observation decks other than the Burj; taxis for long distances when the metro runs parallel.
Practical
The metro covers Downtown, the Marina and the airport. Tap water is safe but tastes of chlorine. Dress is relaxed in resorts and malls; cover shoulders and knees in Old Dubai and at the mosque.
