The Most Essential Thing to Know Before Visiting Dubai

Dubai is the true definition of a traveller's paradise. Be it the skyscrapers that kiss the clouds, futuristic attractions, or malls bigger than some countries, everything about this destination screams "a trip of a lifetime". But let me give you a reality check: Dubai is not the friendliest destination if you don’t plan smartly. 

Recently, Parth was on a family trip to Dubai, and boy, what a time he and his parents had. The only problem he faced - well, that's what this blog is all about. Stay tuned and you will never face the only problem with a trip to Dubai.  

Pre-Booking Tickets is a Must in Dubai

Dubai is most certainly a traveller’s paradise but not for a spontaneous one. Walk-in tickets? Forget about it. Attractions here operate on strict time slots, and the best experiences sell out weeks in advance. Here’s why pre-booking is your best buddy...

• Time Slots Are Damn Strict: Burj Khalifa’s sunset slot? Gone in a flash. Miss your entry time? See you on your next trip.

• Avoid Insane Queues: Dubai attracts millions of tourists. Pre-booked tickets = VIP entry and no waiting in lines under the scorching sun.

• Dynamic Pricing Is Real: Ticket prices fluctuate. Booking early often means paying less.

• Some Attractions Sell Out Fast: The Museum of the Future? You might not get a spot if you don’t book weeks ahead.

• Combo Packages Save You Money: Many attractions offer bundled deals that are way cheaper than buying individual tickets.

Pro Tip: Always compare prices on different platforms like Klook, Tiqets, and the official attraction websites. Sometimes, discounts vary!

World Is Local’s Top Dubai Travel Tips

Here’s how to experience Dubai without blowing your budget or wasting time

Choose Your Stay Wisely

What is the #1 mistake that you can make? Booking cheap hotels far from the metro. What you save on accommodation, you’ll lose on taxi fares. So, what's the solution? Simple, stay near the Dubai Metro.

Best Areas to Stay:

• Downtown Dubai: Expensive but central, close to Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall

• Business Bay: Mid-range, well-connected by metro

• Deira / Al Rigga: Budget-friendly, old Dubai charm, easy metro access

• Marina / JBR: Best for beach lovers, but limited metro access

Pro Tip: Open Google Maps, search your hotel, and check the walking distance to the nearest metro station before booking.

Group Attractions by Area

Dubai is huge, and traffic is unpredictable. If you plan randomly, you will rather be watching attractions from the road than actually being there. Instead, plan and group the attractions in the same area.

Shhh! I am going to share with you the smartest way to explore Dubai

Downtown Dubai & Museum of the Future in a Day

Why? Because honestly, all of these attractions are within walking distance.

• Burj Khalifa: Book early morning or late-night slots to avoid crowds or go for a meal at the At.mosphere restaurant at Level 122 for free (the views from here are sort of similar).

• Dubai Mall & Aquarium: Being in the Dubai Mall and not checking out the Aquarium is like being in an ice cream shop and not buying one.

• Museum of the Future: Only the luckiest get into the Museum of the Future without pre-booking tickets. I would always pre-book though. 

• Dubai Fountain Show: When you get a show of a lifetime for free, you shouldn't miss it. The only catch is to arrive a little early to get the best views. 

Pro Tip: Get a Burj Khalifa + Aquarium combo ticket to save money & time.

Marina & JBR in an Evening

These areas are best enjoyed in the evening.

• Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye): The world’s tallest observation wheel.

• JBR Beach: Dubai is quite hot during the day, so the beach vibes are best soaked in during the evening.

• The Walk at JBR: A buzzing promenade for you to shop for souvenirs and try local delicacies.

• Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise: Go for the sunset, city lights experience and, of course, a hearty meal.

Pro Tip: Sunset cruises sell out first. Book a dinner cruise instead for an equally breathtaking experience.

Old Dubai & Culture in One Day

We all know that Dubai is so futuristic but do you know about the history? Now, you will! 

• Al Fahidi Historical District: Walk through Dubai’s past.

• Dubai Creek & Abra Ride: The cheapest and the most scenic way to explore.

• Gold & Spice Souks: No tickets, but your bargaining skills are needed.

Pro Tip: Visit early morning to beat the heat & experience souks at their liveliest.

Adventure & Theme Parks in a Day

Amidst all the luxury destinations, Dubai is also an adrenaline junkie’s paradise.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure: One of the world’s largest indoor theme parks.

• Dubai Parks & Resorts: Home to Motiongate, Legoland & Bollywood Parks.

• Ski Dubai: No, I have not lost it yet. Skiing in the desert is totally onn! It's located inside the Mall of the Emirates.

• Desert Safari & Dune Bashing: Do not leave Dubai without this experience. I repeat, DO NOT!

Pro Tip: Book safari tours that include quad biking, camel rides, and BBQ dinners for an other-worldly experience.

How to Get Around Dubai Without Overpaying

Dubai’s transport system is damn efficient, only if you know how to use them. So let me break it down for you.

• Dubai Metro: Best for Downtown & Old Dubai. Cheap but with limited reach. 

• Hala Taxi (Dubai’s official taxi service): The most affordable cab option. 

• E-Scooters & Bike Rentals: Great for short distances in Marina & Downtown. 

• Uber & Careem: More expensive than Hala Taxi, but good for convenience.

Pro Tip: Always use Hala Taxi for the cheapest fares. Uber & Careem add surge pricing.

Best Dubai Passes & Combos to Save Money

If you're visiting Dubai, I am pretty sure you would be visiting multiple attractions, so opt for combo passes and save up to 50% (No, this is not sponsored, we would love that though).

• Dubai Explorer Pass: Pick 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions as per your choice and you can save up to 40%. 

• City Sightseeing Bus + Attractions: Includes Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame & Atlantis. 

• Theme Park Combos: Visiting multiple parks? Get a Motiongate + Legoland combo ticket.

Pro Tip: Calculate if passes really save you money according to your itinerary. There are chances that buying an individual ticket will be cheaper for you.

Be it Dubai or any trip in general, it is meant to be enjoyed, not stressed over. Now that you’ve got this foolproof game plan, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and plan your Dubai adventure like a pro.

You can email us or DM us on Instagram. Parth and I would love to create the best itinerary for you and hear about or see pictures you took from your trip.

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