You would know my love for Dubai if you are following me for long. Whether you’ve got a vacation on your mind, and want a few days of blissful luxury and opulence, Dubai is the place for you to be. Its a family vacation or with friends, Dubai is a place for everyone. Located on the south-east coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is one of the largest cities in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai offers a glimpse into the fascinating culture of the Middle East, and is an ideal tourist destination with its architectural marvels, amazing shopping destinations, amusement parks and a thrilling nightlife. A duration of stay of 3 nights and 4 days should be perfect to experience all that the city has to offer, with the right balance of activities and leisure. To help you navigate through the glitz and glam of Dubai, here’s an itinerary that you can follow.
DAY 1 :
Dubai is a place steeped in history, filled with ancient treasures, museums and heritage areas that take you on a journey of the past. The Dubai Museum, located in the historical district of Al Fahidi Fort, presents the traditional way of life in the Emirates, from the rich Bedouin culture to tales of their prosperous pearl trade. Other historical places include Saeed Al Maktoum House, which served as a residence for the ruling family. The Grand Mosque is also a sight to behold, and serves as the hub of Dubai’s religious and cultural life.
You should also visit the traditional souks like the Gold Souk, Spice Souq and the Perfume Souk, to experience the fascinating essence of the place, with its rich sights and fragrances.After this you should head over to the spectacular Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world. Comprising 160 storeys and an observation deck, it is the most iconic tourist destination in Dubai. Get up there on the top to admire the marvelous view.
Known as the ‘Shopping Capital of the Middle East’, a visit to Dubai remains incomplete without some retail therapy. Spend the evening in the mall shopping and watching the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system on the Burj Khalifa Lake. To end the night on a perfect note, one can opt for a delicious dinner at any of the restaurants in Downtown Dubai. One can also experience the pulsating nightlife of the city, reputed to be one of the best party destinations in the world.
DAY 2 :
From the sparkling water of the coastline to the glorious sand dunes of the desert, Dubai offers a varied landscape for all travellers.
One of the most marvellous sights in Dubai is the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago. It is a spectacular architectural marvel, and has a number of resorts and hotels that one can explore- with Atlantis, The Palm being the most prominent. It offers an amazing view of marine life.The afternoon can be spent in leisure by the sea, on Dubai’s iconic shoreline. You must visit the upcoming tourist destination which has become one of my favourite place in Dubai – La Mer. It’s lovely to unwind here.
The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a serene location. Clear blue water, the sun and the golden sand, along with the vibrant gastronomy scene and chic clubs that line the shore, provide for an unforgettable beach experience- making it the perfect way to end the first day of your holiday.
DAY 3 : On the third day you can choose between Desert Safari and the plethora of theme-based amusement parks that Dubai boasts of, or do both if you’re adventurous. Some of the popular amusement parks include the Dubai Dolphinarium- famous for its dolphin and seal shows, Ski Dubai- a mountain-themed attraction, and Legoland- a Bollywood-themed water park. Kids would also enjoy a visit to the Dubai Zoo.
While the adults indulge in their shopping spree, the kids can have a fun time at Kidzania, a children’s amusement center at the Dubai Mall. You can divide the time and spend the rest of the day living the ultimate desert experience, with a thrilling and luxurious desert safari. The activities included in most packages are dune-bashing, camel rides and an exotic barbeque dinner, accompanied by belly-dancing performances. There are a variety of packages to choose from, and you can take your pick as per your budget.
DAY 4 :
As the vacation comes to an end, one can spend the last day at one of the tranquil spas that rejuvenate the body and soul. I usually spend the last day shopping, hoarding up everything I won’t get in India. Go back to Dubai Mall since it’s huge and takes up a lot of time.
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBAI
The choice of area totally depends on personal taste and budget. I love staying in the downtown area, although I like experimenting with hotels in this area the best has been Taj Dubai till date. The view from there is worth it.If you are looking for affordable luxury you can check out the hotels in Dubai creek . There are a lot of options in old Dubai, Al Barsha and Bur Dubai. You can also opt for Airbnb.For an unique experience you must give Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab a try.
VISA
Getting a Dubai visa for Indians is quite easy. Indians have numerous platforms to apply for the same for around 80 dollars per person. It takes roughly 3-4 days for the same to get processed and is valid for 2 months, single entry. One should keep in mind the Friday leave at all UAE embassies and consulates if they are on a tight schedule. Indians with valid US visa have it even more easier. A valid USA visa entitles you to a visa on arrival at Dubai airport for around 100 dirhams valid for 14 days. All in all the visa laws are not very strict and requires least documentation.
You can read about places to dine in Dubai on my blog too. Just type “Dubai” on the search bar of my blog and you’ll find the article. Hope this helps!
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