The Best of Dubai

Dubai is such an amazing city of tall skyscrapers, the tallest building in the world,  diverse culture, delicious food, and multiple world records. Dubai has so much to offer, and here are my top picks for the city!

Where to stay:

Dubai has no shortage of 5 star properties in the city. In fact, there are over 150 currently. During my week long visit I stayed with Sofitel Dubai the Palm located on the Palm Jumeirah. This Polynesian themed resort sits on the crescent of the palm with both sea and palm views. The hotel offers over 500 rooms, 12 restaurants and bars, room service, shopping, a business center, pools, a spa, access to the beach, and so much more.

I would recommend a junior suite facing the palm for the best views. You are even rewarded with an amazing sunrise each morning – which is beautiful even through the fog.
My favorite was breakfast on the balcony.

Read More on my stay at: Sofitel Dubai the Palm

 

What to do:

The city offers so much for everyone that it was hard for me to narrow down an itinerary.

Go to the top of the Burj Khalifa

It is the tallest building in the world and will reward you with magnificent views that don’t even seem real. Go all the way to the top. I went to both the 148th floor and the 125th – I found the 148th floor better. Go around 530-6pm to see the sun set over the city.

 

Visit the Dubai Aquarium

The second largest aquarium and underwater zoo in the world! Located inside Dubai Mall, you can’t miss it. The aquarium boasts an underwater zoo, cage snorkeling, stingray feeding, cage swimming with sharks, and even seeing a feeding of the king croc!
I did a stingray feeding while I was at the aquarium. I would highly recommend this experience. The rays aren’t dangerous and they suck when they eat, so they won’t bite you.

Take a tour of the city

I did a 48 hour ticket with Big Bus hop on hop off and this is one of my preferred ways to see a city. Over 60 stops on this tour! here are some of my favorite stops:

There is so much to see and do on this tour!

Read more about it here: Hop on hop off tour of Dubai

Take a tour with The Yellow Boats

The Yellow Boats offers a  thrilling boat ride outside of the marina around the Palm Jumeirah where you can see views of the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, the marina, and the tallest block.


 

Visit the Miracle Garden

The most beautiful and colorful place in all of Dubai. It’s a beautifully designed garden in middle of the desert – almost unbelievable.


 

Ride an Abra across the creek

this activity only costs 1 dirham and was a highlight during my trip. I rode the boat across the creek to see the souks as they are on both sides.

 

Ride the lazy river at Atlantis Aquaventure

I was only able to spend about 2 hours here but it was so much fun! Riding the lazy river you sit on a tube and can ride through rapids, drift, or even ride slides.

 

Where to eat!

Tea:

I love having afternoon tea when I travel. It’s a great way to relax and really enjoy what you are doing. I spent an afternoon at the Waldorf Dubai having their wonderful tea at Peacock Alley. The presentation of all the teas to try was my favorite part as I got to smell them all and then make a decision. The food was scrumptious! Don’t miss the lemon curd with the scones!

Dinner:

I am still talking about this meal and probably driving people crazy. Seafu, located in the Four Seasons is hands down the best meal I have ever had. Now that says a lot because I am 32 years old and love to eat.
I ordered the Robata Ribeye – which is waygu beef. It literally is so tender the knife slides through it like butter and melts in your mouth like cotton candy. If you are in Dubai – YOU MUST EAT HERE! You will not be disappointed.

For dessert I had an item called Caramel: Banana, cashew nuts, dacquoise sponge, salted caramel sauce, passion fruit mango sorbet, Sichuan pepper. It comes out in a round globe and then they drizzle sauce on it and it melts away! Very decadent and worth every bite.

 

Don’t forget to relax!

All that touring will burn you out fast – spend a day at the pool or beach and treat yourself to some drinks! You are on vacation. 🙂


 
All opinions are my own. Thank you to Sofitel, Dubai Aquarium, Four Seasons, The Yellow Boats, Hop on Hop Off, and Waldorf Astoria for having me as your guest.