Dubai

Dubai is a city of extremes; while it’s modern in appearance. The city is proud of it’s culture and heritage. When police cars are Bugattis and Lamboghini’s, man-made beaches, the world’s tallest tower and also the world’s only 7-star hotel; you know the city doesn’t do things in small measures. It’s why Dubai has always been on my bucket list.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DUBAI

• Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world with a minimal crime rate.
• You can only buy drinks only at bars, restaurants and nightclubs that have a liquor license.
• Although Dubai is liberal compared to other Emirate cities and Middle Eastern countries, it’s best to dress modest to respect their culture.

We traveled to Dubai for one of my best friends Bachelorette Party. Dubai is a perfect location for a Bachelorette. It’s a good mix of partying, relaxing and site-seeing. This was my first time in Dubai and I’m already dying to go back.

THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI:

• Burj Khalifa (observation deck on 124th floor)
• Burj Al Arab
• The Dubai Mall
• The Dubai Fountain
• Dubai Marina
• Miracle Garden
• Jumeriah Beach
• Madinat Jumeriah
• Spice Souks
• Desert Safari
• Palm Jumeriah
• La Mer

Beach Clubs:

• Nikki Beach
• Azure
• Zero Gravity
• FIVE Palm Jumeriah
• DRIFT

Night Clubs:

• White Dubai
• Cirque Le Soir
• Boudoir
• Base Dubai
• 1 Oak

MADINAT JUMERIAH

One of our first things we did was tour Madinat Jumeriah (Little Venice). Explore the souks, ride an Abra (a traditional wooden boat) around the waterways of Madinat Jumeriah and get lost in the culture. Madinat Jumeriah is it’s own world.

From spices and slippers to locally made jewelry, the Souk Madinat Jumeriah is an Arabian Bazaar, full of incredible finds. Wander through the stands and stalls under ornate lanterns, immersing yourself in the shopping culture of this Middle Eastern marketplace.

If you visit Dubai, I highly recommend you spend a lot of your time here visiting Madinat Jumeriah. There’s so many places to eat, relax and shop. This was one of my favorite parts of Dubai, everything is right there on your doorstep.

BURJ KHALIFA

Burj Khalifa was one of my favorite icons to see. Having said that this is one of the tallest buildings in the world and it’s so iconic is damn well amazing to say that you have visited it and been to the top. To visit the Burj Khalifa, you need to go through the Dubai Mall. You can purchase tickets there in person or in advance. The elevator going up to the 124th floor is so fast, you will be up there within less than 60 seconds. Trust me, that’ll be the best elevator ride you’ve had.

BURJ AL ARAB

At the Burj Al Arab, we had a high tea service which was beyond incredible. Dubai, High tea with your two best friends is a great addition to highlight any trip. I highly recommend having high tea at Burj Al Arab. The staff here is so friendly. Mind you, the people in Dubai are all friendly and the tea service we experienced was exceptional.

 

The view from the top of the Burj Al Arab, Skyview Bar is so breathtaking. You can see the entire man made island with the skyline shadowing in the background. Whether you come here for high tea or just a drink- I recommend coming just for the view. Drinks here are a pretty penny and reservations are required but how often can you say that you’ve had drinks in the most expensive 7 star rated hotel in the world? Do it.

DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN

The Miracle Garden’s are a MUST. I absolutely love flowers. But this isn’t your average Botanic Gardens. These gardens are on a whole another level. I highly recommend visiting the gardens and booking your tickets in advance. You can purchase Miracle Garden Tickets  here.  I would suggest touring these gardens for about 2 hours. It’s huge and there is so much to see. Sure, you can spend more than 2 hours here but please don’t spend anything less than that.

The gardens have everything from Mickey and Minnie Mouse to a giant teddy bear to an Emirates plane all made out of flowers. No matter where you look, you’ll be in such awe. If I have to pick one spot in Dubai to visit again on an extremely short trip- it would be these gardens.

OLD DUBAI

I would definitely recommend adding Old Dubai to your itinerary. In Old Dubai, be sure to check out the spice souks, gold souks and Arabian Tea House. Arabian Tea House is such a cute little spot for lunch. Old Dubai has a lot of character and it reminds me of the Medinas in Marrakesh.

Desert Safari

Desert Safari is a must in Dubai. Whether you are here for a week or only for a few days, I would definitely recommend the desert safari. It’s in the evening hours of sunlight. You’re taken as a group on the tour bus where you then arrive into the desert about an hour after departure. Here you can experience a camel ride, climb and skid down the dunes in a buggie, have a photo session in the desert and watch an incredible show with fire, belly dancers and other entertainers.

The atmosphere at the show completes Dubai. It’s a perfect definition of Arabian nights. We booked our Safari excursion through Viator Book Here

ROOFTOP LOUNGES IN DUBAI

As you know, rooftop lounges and bars are always on my itineraries. Here are my top picks of rooftops in Dubai:

• Level 43 Sky Lounge
• Skyview Bar
• Shades at The Address Dubai Marina
• Atelier M (Pier 7)
• Treehouse
• Tamanya Terrace

Shades at The Address Marina and Atelier M (Pier 7) were two of my favorite rooftops in Dubai. It’s a chill out spot to relax with your girls and enjoy some cocktails. It’s perfect to wine down and admire the views of the Marina.

The Dubai Marina is so nice, I don’t know what I prefer more- The Dubai Mall neighborhood or the Dubai Marina? It’s hard to pick between the two. Well to help you decide, you can experience both at night and see for yourself- Dubai Fountains in the Dubai Mall neighborhood has a fantastic fountain show (similar to that in Las Vegas in front of the Bellagio). And in the Dubai Marina, well I highly recommend you to do a Dhow Dinner Cruise along the Marina with traditional food, drinks and fun.

You can book your Dhow Dinner Cruise here. I give this 4.5/5 stars. I would give it 5 stars, however- they don’t provide you clear directions on where to meet exactly to board this cruise. It was a nightmare trying to find the boarding dock with long gowns and heels. But now, that I think about it; it was so worth it. Just to see how much fun my best friend had was all that mattered to me.

CAFES IN DUBAI:

Ssshhh, Dubai has so many cafes and eateries that should be kept a secret. But, I can’t. These spots are so cute, girly and Instagram worthy-that I have to share. Whether you are going for a coffee or brunch; here are some of my top recommendations.

• Cocoa Room Dubai
• L’ETO Cafe
• Secret Garden by L’ETO
• Tania’s Teahouse
• HQ’s 459
• Arabian Tea House

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBAI:

• Palace Downtown – Located on the Old Town Island, Palace Downtown brings captivating Middle Eastern themes, with an array of food and beverage options from across the globe. The outside pool area overlooks the spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa with stunning landscape; making it more glamorous. ($$)
• One & Only Royal Mirage – Located along Jumeriah Beach, overlooking the landscape of The Palm Island. An oasis with lavish gardens tucked away and minutes away from the Dubai Marina. Recline into the intimate alcoves around the pool and enjoy drinks overlooking the iconic Esplanade. DRIFT is a popular Mediterranean-style beach club, with white sandy beaches and a striking infinity pool framed by stunning view of the New Dubai skyline. ($$)
• Madinat Jumeriah Collection – Resort district located in Madinat Jumeriah. There are few very top notch hotels here such as, Jumeriah Mina A’Salam; around Little Venice and all look equally breathtaking. It is in close proximity to the beach with the view of the the Burj Al Arab. Wake up to the picturesque waterways. This is an ideal location as it as an array of restaurants, lounges and cafes to indulge in. ($$$)

Whether you are stopping in Dubai for a layover for a day or spending a few days here- there is so much to do. Dubai is a great location for your next family holiday or a girls getaway. I hope the next time you or friend has a bachelorette party, you consider Dubai as the bachelorette destination. I’m glad I got to experience Dubai with my two best friends.