Dubai is by no means a huge city, especially when compared to other emirates in the UAE. But it can still be easy to get lost here, especially if it’s your first time here as a tourist.

Whether you decide to take public transportation, use a daily car rental service, or explore the city on foot, knowing some simple tips and hints will help you have a more enjoyable and memorable time here.

Below are some useful tips and ideas for places to go and things to do while enjoying your first holiday in Dubai:

1. Avoid scheduling your vacation during summer.

From June to September, temperatures in the UAE can reach up to 50°C. This means it will be too hot to spend hours (or even minutes) outdoors. Even if you plan on going to the beach, the sand will be blistering hot and the seawater can reach up to 37°C.

Although there are a lot of indoor activities to do in Dubai, if you want to explore the city without sweating profusely, avoid scheduling your trip during summer.

2. Spend some time looking for the best accommodation.

Hotels abound in Dubai and you will definitely find the right accommodation you are looking for. However, don’t limit your options to well-known hotels or international chains.

Aside from hotels, Dubai has a lot of accommodation choices for tourists including B&Bs, hostels, and holiday homes or rentals. 

Start your search for your accommodation before your trip (which you can easily do by going online) so that you can find one that’s within your budget and also meets your requirements.

3. Know your transportation options beforehand.

Before your flight, it’s best to know how you plan to go around Dubai. The city’s public transportation options, which include buses, trains, and taxis, are all efficient and safe.

In case you have an international driver’s license and have the necessary permit to drive in Dubai, you can also rent a vehicle from a local car rental service provider. This way, you’ll have the freedom to explore the city on wheels.

4. Prepare your itinerary.

There are numerous tourist attractions and other places of interest to see and fun things you can try in Dubai. Make sure you don’t miss out on the important ones by creating an itinerary. Your list of places to visit and things to do should include:

• Burj Khalifa

A visit to Dubai won’t be complete without going to the world’s tallest building and the city’s most iconic landmark. The best time to go to the Burj Khalifa is during sunset. You can book your ticket online so that you won’t have to wait in line to get in.

• Burj Al Arab

You don’t have to book a room at the Burj to see this world-famous building. You can go to Sunset Beach, a public beach that offers a great view of the Burj for that mandatory photo op.

• Wild Wadi Water Park

If you want to ride an aquatic roller coaster, experience surfing on machine-generated waves, and simply have fun while wet, then spend a day or more at the Wild Wadi Water Park.

• The Dubai Aquarium

Get up close with numerous underwater species from different parts of the world at the Dubai Aquarium. You can also go on a glass-bottom boat ride to observe the fish or encounter a shark.

• The Dubai Creek

Enjoy a cruise or an abra ride along Dubai’s most popular waterway. It’s a relaxing and fun way to see more of the sights the city has to offer.

• Ski Dubai

While visiting the Mall of the Emirates, head to Ski Dubai for some skating, skiing, and other snow-related activities. It’s a great way to escape the heat outdoors.

• The Desert Conservation Reserve

A visit to Dubai won’t be complete without going on a desert safari, seeing or riding a camel, observing the local wildlife, and marveling at the amazing dunes.

• Dubai Museum

Spend a few hours in this well-known museum to learn about the history and culture of Dubai.

• Jumeirah Mosque

Visit another one of Dubai’s most photographed buildings and marvel at one of the best examples of modern Islamic architecture in the world today.

• The Dancing Dubai Fountain Show

Aside from shopping at the Dubai Mall, watch the synchronized water fountain movements choreographed to a musical soundtrack. It’s definitely something worth watching.

5. Eat to your heart’s content.

Dubai has thousands of restaurants serving different types of cuisine: Japanese, Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Spanish, and traditional Emirati, among others.

Whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for, you will find it in this city. Some of the best dining establishments here are located at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and DIFC.

To make the most out of your stay in Dubai, plan and prepare well for your trip beforehand. 

You also won’t go wrong by doing some research about this city so you can have a fun and worry-free vacation.