Dubai is an international destination with something for everyone. You can experience natural wonders and man-made delights. With so many attractions, it’s hard to know what to prioritize. If you’re headed to Dubai, there are a few highlights that you need to include on your itinerary.
On your first day, be sure to start with the Big Bus hop-on, hop-off tour. It’s the perfect way to get a lay of the land and familiarize yourself with Dubai. Big Bus has two lines, the red route which takes you around the northern part of the city, and the blue route which takes you south to some of Dubai’s recent expansions. Both routes meet at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall stop, so you can start your day on one route and transfer after you’ve finished (each route is roughly 2-2.5 hours if you don’t get off). The Big Bus comes with headphones you plug in for a fascinating audio guide full of fun facts and rich history as you’re driven around. Big Bus offers three types of tickets: a Discover that lasts for 24 hours, an Essential ticket that lasts for 48 hours and includes an aquarium ticket, and an Explore ticket that lasts for 5 days and includes all sorts of extras. One benefit included in all tickets is a dhow cruise, a cruise on a traditional boat through the Dubai Creek in Old Dubai. It’s a delightful way to spend an hour.
If you make it to Abu Dhabi, Big Bus has an excellent tour there as well. The primary route around Abu Dhabi is the red route, which lasts around 2 hours and takes you around most of the city. Your Big Bus ticket includes a complimentary pass to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the green route is a shuttle that takes you straight there. Taking the Big Bus in Abu Dhabi is the best way to see UAE’s capital city. If you’re visiting both cities, the best value you can find is with the Abu Dhabi & Dubai tour package. With adult tickets starting at $149, you get to see all the top sights in both spectacular cities, and you even get a complimentary ticket on a Dubai to Abu Dhabi shuttle that leaves three days a week. The shuttle ticket alone is worth the price. For the best way to tour Dubai and Abu Dhabi, be sure to start your trip with the Big Bus.
One highlight of any Dubai tour is the Palm Jumeirah. This man-made island was created from scratch in the shape of a palm tree, and has become a destination of luxury. With hotels, mansions, and restaurants, there’s plenty to see on the Palm. But the best way to see the island is from The View at The Palm. Standing at 240 meters tall, The View takes you to the 52nd floor for a 360-degree panorama of The Palm, the Gulf, and the rest of the city. This elevated perspective is the only way to truly appreciate the magnificent achievement of the Palm Jumeirah, and the sights are breathtaking. If you time it correctly, you can enjoy a stunning sunset from one of the premier overlooks in the UAE. Make sure to get the Next Level + Fast Track ticket, which includes the superior open-air deck and a quick journey through the line. The best way to appreciate Dubai’s incredible Palm Jumeirah is from The View at The Palm.
For a dash of art and culture, take a journey at AYA Universe. AYA is tough to describe. They refer to themselves as “a hidden sanctuary inviting travelers to explore its vibrant worlds.” It’s essentially an interactive art exhibition with sensory experiences. Among the 12 unique zones, The Falls has real water falling from the sky, Float is an adult ball pit with a celestial theme, and Harmonia is a futuristic light show that can widen the mind. AYA Universe is a trip, and feels like a unique experience indicative of Dubai’s bold vision.
Dubai is a truly fascinating destination. When it comes to a travel destination, you can’t ask for much more. It’s a blend of cultures from all over the globe, and it all works seamlessly. Even if you’ve never considered visiting Dubai, think about giving it a second thought. Between the Big Bus, The View at The Palm, and AYA Universe, you’ll be completely captivated in Dubai.
