If you like to combine a bustling city break with plenty of visits to the beach, you can’t go wrong when you book flights to Dubai.
This Arab nation is situated on the coast, south of the Persian Gulf, and is well placed to cater to those who enjoy sunbathing, as well as tourists who want to be in the heart of a driving metropolis.
Located in the Arabian desert, Dubai is a hot city perfect for beach bums, but when you arrive, you’ll likely want to spend some of your time exploring the vibrant emirate.
After landing and completing your cheap flights to Dubai, settle into your accommodation and decide what you’d like to do. If you’re near the marina, you might enjoy a walk along this man-made harbor, with its many glittering skyscrapers, which is an especially attractive sight at night.
When you choose to visit some of the landmarks that Dubai has to offer, you may want to keep in mind that the city is divided into two sections: north and south of the creek. To get from one point to another, you will need to take a water taxi, which can be an enjoyable experience in itself.
There is much to see and do in the city, from visiting historical buildings and archaeological sites to dancing the night away in some of the popular clubs or enjoying some retail therapy in what has been dubbed the commercial capital of the Middle East.
Why not start your tour of the sights at the southern location of Bur Dubai? Here you will find the quaint old Bastakiya district with its narrow streets and tall wind towers that were once the only way to cool homes in the area before electricity became commonplace. Here you will also discover the imposing Fahidi Fort, built in 1799, alongside a large concentration of traditional courtyard houses.
If you want to learn more about your destination, venture inside the castle and you’ll find the Dubai Museum, which houses exhibits relating to life and commerce in the desert. See artifacts, musical instruments and weapons, among other items of interest, before heading to some architectural wonders.
One of those buildings is the Grand Mosque, which boasts the tallest minaret in the city, more than 50 domes, and beautiful stained glass windows. Also in the area is the museum of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, the grandfather of the current ruler. The house has been restored to its former glory and is now considered a fine example of regional architecture.
To see more impressive buildings, take a water taxi to the northern part of Dubai, Deira. Here you can see the Burj Nahar watchtower, built in 1870. The landmark is surrounded by exotic gardens and is a perfect place to enjoy the greenery amidst the vibrant city. Head next door to a pearl dealer’s house – Heritage House, built in ancient Bastakiya style with coral and plaster.
You can also visit the coastal residential area of Jumeirah, which is popular with tourists for various reasons. One of them is the beach, so it is ideal if you want to spend a few hours in the sun. Another attraction is the fact that one of the most important archaeological sites in the United Arab Emirates is located here.
Artifacts dating back to the 6th century were unearthed and historians have said the site may have been in use as early as the 3rd century.
If you’re interested in further exploring Dubai, get a taste of the local culture by visiting the markets, known as souks. In Deira’s covered souk you’ll find textiles, henna, spices and kitchen utensils, while Deira’s Spice Souk offers what its name suggests: all kinds of aromatic ingredients that fill the narrow streets where vendors sell their wares directly. of the sacks that chamber inside
Meanwhile, there is also a thriving gold market, where you can pick up beautiful pieces of jewelry at bargain prices, reflecting the booming market for the precious metal in Dubai, which is fast becoming a global business hub.
Signs of this economic growth can be seen throughout the city. For example, you might want to gaze out to sea at the World Islands, a set of man-made islands created for those with a lot of money to buy. Or look up to the sky to see the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa, which stands at 2,716 feet tall.
Don’t forget to check out some of the beaches before you think about catching your flight home, and if you haven’t managed to take in all the sights, you may want to look into cheaper flights for your return to the city.
