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Here are the Best Things to do in Dubai

by Natalie | Published on Sep 2, 2021 | Last updated Feb 17, 2022 | Blog, Dubai Travel

This post is all about the best things to do in Dubai.

Dubai is one of the most impressive cities in the entire world. With it’s creative artificial islands, the tallest building in the world, and a winter wonderland in the middle of the desert – Dubai is undeniably a unique destination.

If you’re planning the most epic trip to Dubai, you’ll want to take the Ultimate Dubai Checklist with you.

There is truly so much to do in Dubai, that even if you stayed there for weeks, you still wouldn’t see everything.

I would recommend staying in Dubai for no less than five days.

My Dubai Essentials

Where to Stay

$ – Dubai Beach Hostel

$$ – Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel (read my review here)

$$ – Rove Downtown

$$$ – Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai

$$$$ – Burj Al arab

Booking.com

Best Things to do in Dubai

1. Burj Khalifa at the Top

Experiencing Burj Khalifa from the top is a must-do! Standing high at over 2700 feet with 160 stories, visiting the world’s tallest building is certainly a check off the bucket list.

Instead of gazing at the insanely high structure from below, why not go up top?

There are several different ticket packages ranging from $40 – $200 USD depending on the experience you want to have.

The most common, and the one I purchased is the $40 / 149 AED. This ticket includes levels 125 & 124 which offers a stunning view. Click here or below to get your ticket.

2. Take a Desert Safari

A desert safari is another top activity. There are SO many different options and prices. I booked mine on Airbnb experiences, but I would not recommend my specific tour.

Research the most eco-friendly tours and ethical animal use tours.

3. Experience Global Village

Global Village is almost like a permanent world’s fair as it combines cultures of over 90 countries. Entrance is $4 USD.

4. Spend the day at the Dubai Mall

Set aside an entire day to visit the world’s largest mall.

5. Cross the Creek

The Dubai Creek is seen as one of the gateways from the new city to the old. For less than a dollar, you can hop on one of the traditional boats to cross the creek.

6. Ski Dubai

Only in Dubai can you experience a winter wonderland in the desert. Check out the tickets and activities here.

7. Have a Pool Day

We can’t ignore Dubai’s extravagant hotels and not set some time aside to have a chill pool day. Check out my review on the Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel here.

8. Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab

One of the most expensive hotels in the world is very hard to get into, even just to look around. To see this insanely exclusive hotel, you can book afternoon tea for around $160 USD. Find more information here for booking your afternoon tea.

9. See the Fountain Show

Located at the Dubai Mall, and set in front of the spectacular Burj Khalifa, the fountain show is an impressive welcome to the city.

10. Check out the Marina

The Marina is a trendy neighborhood with amazing nightlife, restaurants, and beaches. Check out Pier 7 for some incredible dining experiences.

11. The Dubai Frame

The frame represents the past, current, and future of the city. It costs $13 USD to get a photo in front of the iconic picture frame.

12. Stroll Through Bur Dubai (old town)

Experience old town by visiting traditional souks and markets.

13. Walk the Miracle Gardens

Walk through the most spectacular gardens you’ll ever see at the Dubai Miracle Garden. Entrance is about $11 USD and the gardens are only open from November to March.

14. Dubai Aquarium

If you are interested in marine life, this aquarium is one of the most impressive aquariums in the world. It is located in the Dubai Mall and entrance is $40 USD.

15. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Swim and slide at the world’s largest waterpark – Atlantis Aquavenutre. Ticket prices range but generally start at $75 USD depending on your date of visit. Check out Aquaventure tickets here.

Save money on tickets by booking here or below.

16. Party at Fibber Magees

Truly one of the best bars in the whole city, This secret Irish pub is a favorite among expats. It’s very hard to get into, so arrive early (before 8 pm) and don’t plan on leaving because you won’t get back in!

17. Chill at Barasti Beach Club

Beach clubs are a popular hang out, particularly among expats and tourists. Barasti is one of the best because entrance is free, it has great food and drinks, and offers a shaded pool or beach setting.

These 17 activities were what I personally found to be the best things to do in Dubai. I hope you have an epic time in one of the most advanced cities in the world!

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An Honest Review of the Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel in Dubai

by Natalie | Published on Aug 21, 2021 | Last updated Jun 2, 2023 | Blog, Dubai Travel, Reviews & Recommendations

This post is all about my review of The Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel in Dubai.

Choosing a hotel in Dubai can be difficult, considering there are so many extravagant and luxurious options.

I chose to stay at the brand-new Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel, and WOW was it an experience.

Planning your trip to Dubai? Click here for the Ultimate Dubai Checklist Printable to help you plan your travels.

The Location

Located in the neighborhood of Al Barsha, nearly everything is within a 5-10 minute taxi drive.

I’ll be honest when I first booked the hotel, the location was the biggest thing I was worried about because I knew nothing would be walkable.

However, when I got to Dubai I realized that none of the hotels anywhere are walkable to anything – especially in the hot resort areas near Palm Jumeirah.

No matter where you stay, you will have to get a taxi everywhere you go. Taxis are really the main form of transportation in the city. Dubai is not a walkable destination.

The great thing is, taxis are very cheap and plentiful. Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel’s location actually benefited me as most taxi rides were all $5 – $10 USD.

My friend who was at a hotel in Palm Jumeirah was paying $15-$20 USD a taxi ride to most major tourist attractions because she was so far out of the way.

Also, if you are on a budget – there is a walkable grocery store just a few doors down from the Grand Cosmopolitan. This allowed me to buy things cheaply like sunscreen and snacks.

Rooms at The Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel

As I spend most of my time traveling in the USA or Europe, I am typically used to small hotel rooms where space is tight.

I had actually forgotten what it was like to have a massive luxurious hotel room until I walked into my Superior Room.

Immediately, I was shocked at how much room there was. I felt so spoiled!

When I walked into the room, it was clearly ready for me.. me specifically!

There was a lovely personalized greeting from the owner on the screen when I arrived. This was such a unique and warm welcome.

Honestly, the bathrooms deserve a blog post alone!

Fully set with a spacious bathtub, a separate shower (with 3 different sprayers and settings), soap essentials, and my favorite part – a robe! If you peek in the closet, there are even some bath slippers too.

Rooms also come with free coffee, tea, and water,

Rooftop Infinity Pool

The rooftop infinity pool is where I spent most of my time in Dubai – no joke! I went here every day.

This temperature-controlled pool had loads of loungers, a lifeguard, a restaurant, and even built-in slanted loungers into the pool (the perfect spot to read with a book).

Plus, a view of the famous Burj Al Arab.

Breakfast Buffet

A breakfast buffet is an optional add-on when booking your stay at the Grand Cosmopolitan. Trust me, DO IT!

This was the most elaborate buffet spread I’ve ever seen. The food was insanely delicious, and this was my favorite part of staying here.

Maybe it’s the foodie in me, but I still think about that fresh orange juice and waffles with maple syrup.

Another great thing about this buffet is they have buffet attendants to serve you to help with sanitation guidelines. Only employees are the ones touching the food, you just have to point and say what you want.

Other Bonuses at the Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel

I loved taking advantage of their workout center and sauna after eating that massive breakfast!

Order room service from one of their three on-site restaurants. Those macarons were some of the best I’ve ever had.

Additional bonuses the hotel offers are a complete on-site spa and an entire floor dedicated as a business center for working professionals on holiday. While I didn’t take advantage of these services, I’m sure they are spectacular.

Out of everything at the Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel, the staff was truly the most exceptional part.

Every staff member I spoke to went above and beyond in every corner of the hotel (especially the breakfast team!) I have never experienced such true hospitality as I did during my 5-day stay here.