Wanderlust Chronicles

Welcome, intrepid travellers, to the dazzling city of Dubai!
Get ready to be fascinated by the perfect fusion of modern marvels and cultural riches that this remarkable destination has in store.
Wondering how to plan your trip to Dubai? Fear not, as this itinerary will lead you to the most extraordinary highlights, ensuring an immersive experience of Dubai’s wonders. From the iconic Burj Khalifa to the stunning Palm Jumeirah and the vibrant souks of Old Dubai, discover the treasures of this UAE gem!

Day 1: Indulge in Blissful Serenity at one of Dubai’s Top Beach Clubs
Upon arriving in Dubai, what better way to shake off the effects of jet lag than to spend a blissful day at one of the city’s renowned beach and pool clubs?

Among my top recommendations is Drift Beach Dubai, offering a delightful and laid-back atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the chilled vibes as you unwind by the super cute swimming pool, which features a stunning artsy vertical square frame that overlooks the iconic Dubai skyline. The white sandy beach along the Arabian Sea Gulf is particularly enchanting, especially during sunset. Indulge in the pleasures of the bar area, which boasts an exquisite ambiance, delightful bites, and a selection of incredible rosé wines. Note that entry to Drift Beach Dubai requires a fee of AED 200 (approximately 50 euros) per person, which includes a sun lounger poolside for the all day but it’s not redeemable against food and drinks.

My second favourite is the Aura Skypool Lounge, offering an unmatched combination of a rooftop and a beach club experience. Revel in the breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah as you bask in the warm ambiance. The lounge offers fantastic brunch options and a wide array of amazing drinks to satisfy your taste buds. You can book different package options, starting from AED 200, including a Sunrise Pool package.

Embrace the tranquility, indulge in delectable treats, and soak up the sun at these remarkable beach and pool clubs, setting the perfect tone for your Dubai adventure.

Tip: Make reservations well in advance (>2 weeks) to secure your spot at Aura Skypool Lounge!

You can also maximise your experience of these incredible locations situated on or near Palm Jumeirah by enjoying a panoramic ride through the palm-shaped island. Board the Palm Jumeirah Monorail at the Palm Gateway station (you can easily buy tickets there) and savour the elevated view that the monorail offers, providing a unique perspective of the island compared to a regular taxi ride on the road. Let the monorail transport you across Palm Jumeirah, culminating in a visit to the renowned Atlantis The Palm.

Day 2: Exploring Dubai’s Old City and Jumeirah Beach

On your second day in Dubai, prepare for a captivating journey through the vibrant streets and historic neighbourhoods of the city. Begin your day by venturing into the captivating Deira area, where you’ll find the renowned Spice Souk and the dazzling Gold Souk. Indulge your senses as you wander through the bustling market stalls, filled with exotic spices and gleaming gold jewellery. Afterward, head to the nearby dock and embark on an authentic experience by hopping into an abra, a traditional wooden boat, to cross the iconic Dubai Creek. The short ride, costing just 1 DHS, takes you to Dubai’s Old City, where ancient charm and modern flair coexist.

Explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, with its charming streets and well-preserved architecture, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Al Seef neighbourhood, a bustling waterfront promenade that offers a blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. As you wander through the lanes, take a break at the Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe, where you can savour a delightful bite and indulge in aromatic Arabian tea.

Afterward, hop into an Uber and make your way to Jumeirah Beach, a picturesque stretch of coastline that offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the iconic Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s renowned sail-shaped hotel. Take a leisurely stroll down to Kite Beach, where you can either enjoy exciting water activities or simply relax and admire the skilled kite flyers showcasing their talents. The beach provides a perfect setting to soak up the sun and relish the afternoon in a serene atmosphere.

As the day draws to a close, make your way back to the beachside promenade, where you’ll find an array of delightful food trucks, creating a foodie heaven. Take a leisurely sunset stroll, sampling delectable treats and savouring the local and international culinary delights on offer.

Tip: Make sure to get an international eSim (Airalo is my top pick), to easily book quick Uber rides as the public transportation options are quite limited from these beaches to farther downtown locations.

Day 3: Exploring Burj Khalifa and the Arabian Desert
Start your day early by visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world with its 829.8 m height, offering breathtaking views spanning from the desert to the Arabian Sea, capturing the essence of Dubai’s stunning landscape.

Tip: I recommend getting a ticket to the 124th/125th floors. While the 148th level provides a slightly higher view, the up-charge is not worth it in my opinion. Buy your tickets in advance to avoid queues (here).

After enjoying the spectacular views, descend and take a leisurely stroll around the Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world by total land area. Explore the diverse range of shops, indulge in retail therapy, and admire the impressive architecture of this renowned shopping destination. Step outside to discover the Burj Khalifa Lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding buildings and the mesmerising Dubai Fountain show.

For a quick bite and a scenic experience, head to the Time Out Market, a sprawling food court with a terrace overlooking the lake. Sample a variety of cuisines and savour delicious dishes while enjoying the captivating ambiance.

In the afternoon, get ready for an unforgettable desert safari experience. Embark on a thrilling journey as you venture into the mesmerising desert landscape. Feel the adrenaline rush as you engage in dune bashing, a thrilling ride over the sand dunes. Try your hand at sand-boarding and enjoy a quad bike ride.

Visit a traditional Bedouin-style camp, where you can savour a sumptuous traditional meal, immersing yourself in the flavours of Arabia. Delight in a glittering belly dance show during dinner, as talented performers mesmerise you with their graceful movements and witness the captivating ‘tanoura‘ dancers, spinning and twirling in a whirling dervish-style performance, accompanied by rhythmic Arabian music. Take a moment to marvel at the starry night sky, relishing the tranquility of the desert, before returning to your accommodation.

Tip: There are plenty of Desert Safari tour options (full day or half day). This Half-Day Desert Safari tour is my recommendation, but others with very positive reviews are available in GetYourGuide or Viator.

Day 4: One day in Abu Dhabi
On your fourth day in Dubai, embark on an exciting day trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Located on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, Abu Dhabi offers a wealth of grandeur and cultural treasures. The journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi usually takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car, although it may vary depending on traffic conditions, particularly during rush hour.

Begin your exploration in Abu Dhabi with a visit to the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country. Marvel at its awe-inspiring architecture, which draws inspiration from Mughal, Ottoman, and Persian styles. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands as a testament to Islamic art, boasting 82 majestic domes, over 1,000 exquisite columns, breathtaking 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.

Next, venture to the Emirates Heritage Village, a captivating reconstruction of a traditional desert village. Immerse yourself in the rich Emirati heritage as you explore the village’s cultural exhibits and experience the traditional way of life. Take in the stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline and the picturesque Corniche Beach on the other side of the gulf.

Many day tours also include additional stops at notable attractions such as the Emirates Palace, a palatial and luxurious beachfront hotel known for its opulence, and a quick glimpse of the iconic Ferrari World entrance, an exciting theme park dedicated to the legendary car brand from my hometown 🇮🇹

Tip: in hindsight, some of the minor stops offered by the tours are not particularly worth the time. I would recommend self-organising your day-trip to Abu Dhabi to get more of a local experience by renting a car.
If you are still up for the more convenient tour options, this Abu Dhabi Full-Day Sightseeing Tour is my recommendation, but others with very positive reviews are available in GetYourGuide or Viator.

As you make your way back to Dubai, hopefully avoiding heavy rush hour traffic, arrive just in time for dinner. Before bidding farewell to this vibrant city, seize the opportunity to make a last visit to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Marvel at the mesmerising Dubai Fountain Show, which illuminates the night sky with a captivating display of water and lights, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere ✨

Dubai: Where to stay?
As I really enjoyed our stay there, I can highly recommend the Gevora Hotel, currently the tallest hotel in the world with its 356 meters. What sets it apart is not just its record-breaking height, but the breathtaking views it offers over the city. During my visit, I was fortunate to have a room with a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa, which made for a mesmerising sight to wake up to and fall asleep with!
Considering the central and well-connected location, it’s an ideal choice if you want to immerse yourself in the city and its surroundings rather than seeking a resort-style retreat. Additionally, the hotel’s restaurant, situated at the top floor, provides not only delicious brunch and breakfast options but also boasts 360-degree views of the city and the sea.

Looking to explore the Middle East further?
Discover with me the ancient wonders of Jordan ✨