TRAVEL : Top 8 Things to do in and around Dubai

So Far, Dubai has been our favourite Holiday Destination in the world for many many reasons. Apart from being the best,modern city, it is one of the safest place I have ever been.  DOn’t you want to know what are my  Top 8 Things to do in and around Dubai !

Visiting Dubai is an expensive affair in terms of tourism but its worth every penny. I am just listing my top 8 places to visit in and around Dubai for now but there are countless things to do. Right from visiting Malls with different themes, China Markets, Old Dubai { Deira }, Beaches, Warm Fountains, Gold Souk, some impossibly possible theme parks and over an unimaginable Food Paradise outlets.

We always love to tour and visit places just like locals, not like a tourist. You might find me a bit  weird saying that. But trust me, somethings are best enjoyed like a local resident doing things that are actually worth it , rather than visiting places that are built solely for tourists and we just did that!
With a very close Cousin family in Dubai, it was absolutely a pleasure trip who guided us throughout even better than an encyclopedia !! Can I ask for any more.

SHEIK ZAYED MOSQUE
This is a picture of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE and is considered to be the key site for worship in the country.?
?
The mosque is really artistic with a single large capet laid across the main hall and 7 chandeliers swarovski crystals cladded . It can accomodate atleast 40000 worshippers at the mosque. ?
There is a dress code for women and men, so please do look at their website.?
A beautiful divine place to visit !! A recommended place in my list of Top 8 Things to do in and around Dubai.

AL QUADRA LAKE
Al Qudra Lake is a man-made lake in the middle of the Saih Al Salam Desert in Dubai, UAE. Lake spreads over 10 hectares and is home to a lot of migrating exotic birds. ?
Perfect place for Camping, cycling enthusiasts and more. ?
It works as a Great Day Trip, located approximately 50km from Dubai if you want to do something other than the malls.

GLOBAL VILLAGE
Global Village is Dubai’s largest cultural and family entertainment arena housing to 30 pavilions around the world. Each of the pavilions showcase their culture, food, handicrafts and clothing from their country.
Its a Bloggers’s paradise to explore so many countries all under one roof. With a very nominal entry fee, this place has something to offer to everyone.
Usually open between November and early April every year.

DUBAI FOUNTAINS + LIGHT, SOUND & FIRE SHOW AT DUBAI’S FESTIVAL CITY
There are 2 locations that take this spot in my list. The Fountains outside Burj Khalifa are animated with performances set to sound and music. We hardly had any idea on what to expect. Trust me .. it was much more exciting than our expectation that we watched it twice.
The Dubai fountains runs every 30 minutes from 6pm to 10pm, with each show lasting for approximately 5-7 minutes.

Light, Sound and Fire Show at the Dubai’s Festive City was mind blowing. A multi-sensory show with light, water, fire and laser projected on the Intercontinental Hotel lasts for 7- 10 minutes. The visuals are totally an eye candy and a recommended must see in my list.
Best of all, the fountains and the multi sensory shows are free.

DUBAI MARINA CRUISES
Dubai Marina Cruises offers the most prominent sights of sky scrapers and surrounding residences around the Marina, this includes the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, the Dubai Marina Mall, Palm Islands, Palm Jumeirah, a conglomerate of five-star hotels, and other fascinating architectures. In my view the best time to get on board of a cruise is around 5 in the evening so you get an amazing view of day and night. The cruises approximately lasts for 1 – 11/2 hours depending on the package you choose.

BURJ KHALIFA
Drive from the airport and you will start spotting Burj Khalifa from anywhere. It is quite exciting 🙂
Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest tower in world is a mega skyscrapper in Dubai, UAE.
Its got 160 floors, of which public has got access to 124 and 148 floors only. To get up and down, it houses the fastest elevator in the world which only takes 60 seconds. Whether you go right up to the observatory, or observe from the ground, you will really not miss it.
The tickets to these different storeys varies between 125AED to 500AED. Its worth it to look for a non prime time and visit to get the perfect price if you are on budget.

DESSERT SAFARI
If you are visiting Dubai even for a short haul trip, Dessert Safari must not be missed. I am pretty sure it will fall in everybody’s Top 8 Things to do in and around Dubai list.There are ample tour operators all around the city, selling packages for Dessert Safari. What matters is having the right Cab driver who will drive you through the dunes giving you the perfect Dune Bashing experience. Do maximise the small pit stop for photo sessions as you will cherish them for life. Followed the Dune bashing, you are led to a campsite with ample activities – camel ride, henna, sheeshah and a buffet dinner. And how did I miss to mention about the famous Belly Dancing around the campsite after sunset.
Approximately costed us 350AED for 3 of us. Its worth every penny. We were picked up by 3pm in the afternoon and were dropped back by 9.30pm to our location.

DUBAI MALL
Home to the famous Dubai Festival, this mall is really huge – as large as 50 Football Fields. Its hosts the famous Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, An Indoor Theme Park, atleast 22 Cinema’s , Ski Ring, Kidzania , about 1200 shops and countless restaurants.

If you have every been to Dubai, do let me know what are your Top 8 Things to do in and around Dubai ?

Would you like to know about my travel stories to Spain – check out my post about Barcelona & Costa Brava