Dubai continues to spend big on developing the visitor experience with the goal of welcoming 20 million visitors by 2020.
Travelers don't have to wait until 2020, however. Plenty of options await right now.
If you are visiting the city for a stopover or just for a brief visit, you will not come up short on things to do.
What to Do
The Big Bus Tour is a hop-on, hop-off bus with three routes around the area. It's a great way to gain perspective on how vast and sprawling Dubai has become.
There are three routes that go through the old city, the beach and the marina district. Taking any one of these for a day gives visitors the chance to see some of the most important parts of Dubai.
My recommendation would be taking the route through the city and Old Dubai, first.
This takes visitors to the Dubai Museum, which is easy to explore in about two hours and gives visitors a peek into the history of the ancient city. Beautiful, well-curated exhibits give guests an idea of what it was like to live in Dubai when it was just a seaside trading hub and not the modern bastion of today. Admission is included in the price of the Big Bus ticket.
Other worthwhile stops on the tour include a number of the city's souks (i.e. marketplaces)-such as the gold souk and the spice souk. A dhow cruise is also included with the price of the ticket and takes guests along the main canal for a one-hour cruise with snacks and drinks available.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Dubai's Next Huge Tourist Project: Artificial Islands [/READMORE]
Where to Stay
With just three days in this hypothetical scenario, it's important to maximize your stay in the city. Fortunately, hotels are routinely connected to amusement parks and shopping malls in Dubai.
For example, if you are keen on spending your free time strolling through one of the world's largest malls, head on over to the Address Dubai Mall. The hotel property is directly connected to the shopping mall with its own private entrance.
Visitors can easily spend a day at the mall and not even get to the shopping. There is a movie theater, an ice-skating rink and a children's amusement park called Kidzania as well as plenty of dining options.
The Burj Khalifa is also within walking distance, and you can stay there at the Armani Hotel Dubai as well.
For families, a stay at Jumeirah Beach Hotel means that you are on the beach, while younger visitors are sure to be thrilled with the on-site Wild Wadi Waterpark, one of the best in Dubai.
[READMORE]READ MORE: What Would You Tell Trump About the Travel Industry? [/READMORE]
Dining Out
Dubai is overflowing with dining options and is a food lover's paradise, so you will want to devote some of your time to trying out the city's best restaurants.
Breakfast options abound with familiar names such as Clinton Street Baking Company and standouts such as Tom&Serg and Eggspectations. Tub of Butter is a must for anyone looking to score the signature Obama latte.
For those into craft burgers, beer and crazy milkshakes, dining at Black Tap will be a must. Imported straight from NYC, the restaurant serves up giant, American-style burgers and the most elaborate shakes-they're adorned with lollipops, cookies and even cotton candy. It's a winner for grown-ups and kids alike.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
