What to do & see in Dubai | Part 2

What to see and do in Dubai


Last week I shared a little bit about where we stayed, ate & a fun adventure to take if you make it to Dubai and today I wanted to share all about what to do & what to see! The hop on and off tours were high on that list because you get to see everything in a matter of days! We’ve done this in Paris & London and it’s our favorite way to see the whole city. We use them as our taxis, plot out the sites that we really want to see & then keep on going. We chose City Sightseeing Dubaiwhich gives you a discount if you fly with Emirates, which was great! There were 4 routes that we were really interested in and the best part is that buying a 2 day pass gives you a ton of other extras including free tickets to the Dubai Aquarium & underwater zoo as well as free entry into the Dubai Museum (lots more but we only took advantage of those). Let’s start with the good stuff – the shopping!


I knew the shopping in Dubai was going to be amazing, I just didn’t realize how many stores they pack into their malls and I didn’t expect my husband to spend as much time in the mall with me & NOT complain! 



Mall of the Emirates// 


This was the mall closest to our hotel and boasted over 700 stores and included Ski Dubai! You can tell while walking through it has a ton of Mediterranean elements and if you’ve ever been to Vegas and walked through the hotel malls…it reminds you of that. 

 This space reminded us of Musee D’Orsay in Paris


So many cute little pastry shops




Dubai Mall//


Probably the most notable mall of them all is Dubai Mall…this is a monster! 1,200 stores, an aquarium, an entire level dedicated to a souk, a full scale version of a dinosaur & musical fountains are just some of the attractions!! Even if you aren’t a big shopper, this has something for everyone and I think now you can see why Gary didn’t mind spending time here with me! 

 Now that the shopping is out of the way – let’s get into the sights!! For Dubai being such a “young” city – it really only started to expand once oil was found in about the 1950’s- they have built it up so much.

First stop was the Dubai museum, not too much history, but with a free ticket and 40 minutes to spare it’s well worth a visit! Even though the city itself is young, there is history to the people and how they lived pre-oil days!

It was and still is “hub” being a port with the creek & sea so these little boats were everywhere!

Next stop was the old souk. We did a lot of our shopping for gifts here and can I just tell you how easy it was to barter!! I don’t think Gary thought I had it in me, but I was firm with my prices and got what I wanted!!

The creek itself is really beautiful and actually looks like you’re along the Venice canals! All the fisherman still make their rounds on the boats & if you take a bus tour you can actually take a trip down the creek! Personal Tip: Unless you’re in the market for gold – you can go ahead and skip the Gold Souk. Not much to see here, it’s indoors and of course the staff here tend to be pushy because they want your business! 

Don’t miss out on these sights

Burj Khalifa

I’d say being on top of the world’s tallest building is a must do in Dubai! We didn’t order tickets ahead of time, but didn’t have any problems purchasing directly from the Burj Khalifa website. Personal Tip: If you want to go straight through, purchase an earlier in the day ticket (we went for 9:00 AM and were able to go up at 8:30 AM) – it wasn’t packed! If you want to go later in the day to see the fountains I’d suggest ordering a few days in advance. 

Burj Al Arab

Unless you’re staying at the actual hotel or have reservations at one of the restaurants, you sadly won’t be able to get any closer than the gates to take a picture in front of the Burj Al Arab so we opted for the beach right next door. 

If we had more time we absolutely would have spent some of it at the beach…the water was so warm and it would have been nice to relax a bit as well! Next time ๐Ÿ™‚

Dubai Marina

The marina really has it all – shopping, beach and amazing restaurants. If given the chance we’d probably hang out here a little more as well. This is also where we had dinner for Gary’s birthday, but during the day it’s so different and really family friendly. 

Final Thoughts…

As if this post isn’t long enough…I had to share my final thoughts on Dubai without dragging this out into three posts!

Dubai was incredible!! The people were friendly, there was so much to do and so much to see! It was almost over stimulation at times because of how epic everything really is! Would we go back? Absolutely!! Probably in 5 to 7 years when they expand even more we’d love to go back!

Thank you so much for reading along!! I hope you enjoyed these recaps! 

Linked up with Kerri, Emily & Kate for Wanderlust Wednesday


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90 Comments

  1. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    March 8, 2016 / 11:07 am

    Ok, those malls are insane. And I thought the Edmonton mall was huge! I can't get over how pretty the water is there. I love that they call that a creek. That's like a full on river haha! Glad you guys had so much fun! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  2. Christina @ Simple and Delish
    March 8, 2016 / 11:11 am

    There is no way I could make it up to the top of that building, I'm so afraid of heights! I chickened out in Paris and gave away my Eiffel Tower tickets! I've heard the shopping in Dubai is amazing.. So jealous you got to experience it first hand!

    Christina :: Simple and Delish

  3. Evelina
    March 8, 2016 / 11:16 am

    You guys did so much in Dubai!! I had heard about the Dubai mall and about the worlds tallest building. It really seems like such an amazing city! I would absolutely love to go there one day!!

  4. P!nky
    March 8, 2016 / 11:18 am

    Wow, y'all made the most of your trip for sure. All of your pictures are amazing, especially the mall, tallest building and the blue blue water. So glad you had such a great time!

  5. a little bit of emily
    March 8, 2016 / 11:19 am

    Amazing!! Seriously, no words!

  6. Andrea Nine
    March 8, 2016 / 11:20 am

    Wow!! The Burj Khalifa is amazing! Such gorgeous architecture! The malls, WOW! And I love that it was easy to barter. Just looks like such a beautiful area with much to do and see! Definitely the trip of a lifetime!! So glad you got to experience it!!!

  7. Unknown
    March 8, 2016 / 11:40 am

    Looks like so much fun!! Enjoy your trip! xo
    publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2016/03/wine-night-aka-every-night.html

  8. Jenn
    March 8, 2016 / 11:44 am

    It definitely looks like an epic trip! After seeing this post, and hearing from a friend this weekend who just got back a couple of weeks ago, too, I'm convinced I need to go (MG's already been and raves). Maybe one day! In the meantime, I'll live vicariously through your photos ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Ashley G
    March 8, 2016 / 12:19 pm

    Oh my gosh that mall is massive!! I want to checkout Ski Dubai too. Youโ€™re seriously giving me the travel itch to head to that part of the world!

  10. Caitlin Elizabeth
    March 8, 2016 / 12:23 pm

    Those malls are insane! Looks like such an amazing trip! And the beach looks perfect, how beautiful is that shade of blue!

  11. Whitney and Blaire
    March 8, 2016 / 12:25 pm

    I could stare at the picture of that beach all day long!!! The water is stunning! I'm so glad to hear that you would go back. what an adventure!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  12. Owen Davis @ Davis Duo
    March 8, 2016 / 12:38 pm

    That mall sounds amazingggg. I would be in heaven!! Definitely the trip of a lifetime… I hope I have the chance to go one day!

  13. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    March 8, 2016 / 12:46 pm

    I like hearing that you would go back again, that is always my final decision with how successful a place is. 1200 shops? I would be all of over! Was that snow I see on the inside of one of your pics?

  14. sara [at] journey of doing
    March 8, 2016 / 1:27 pm

    I love that you bartered!! I'm always so nervous to do that – I don't know why. Oh yes, western influence, lol!! It's amazing how fast Dubai has grown! I tried to convince my parents to let me study abroad there… but no dice, lol.

  15. kerri @ cheshire kat
    March 8, 2016 / 1:29 pm

    ah it looks amazing girl! the shopping is def unreal there. and the architecture – so cool! my friend lives there and i'm thinking i need an excuse to go visit! you got so much done in a short -ish amount of time. great tips!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  16. Leah Behr
    March 8, 2016 / 1:33 pm

    I'm so envious of your trip! Adding this to the bucket list!

    xx Leah / eatpraywearlove.com

  17. Kaitlyn Danielle
    March 8, 2016 / 1:36 pm

    1,200 stores?! Wow!! Sounds like an adventure. Iโ€™m glad Gary was a trooper. I was thinking the creek resembled the Venice canals also, how cool. The water is beautiful. For growing so much in such a short amount of time, Dubai is really detailed and beautiful from all the pictures I see. Canโ€™t wait to visit. Iโ€™ll be pinning this to my travel Pinterest board so I can refer back to your reviews in the future ๐Ÿ˜‰

  18. Traci Taylor Hart
    March 8, 2016 / 1:38 pm

    I would love to go someday! I've heard about the mall from my BIL who is in the Navy. His wife visited him over there and they had a blast!
    Traci
    waltzmetoheaven.com

  19. Caroline The Petite Fashionista
    March 8, 2016 / 1:46 pm

    That mall is insane!!!! It also does kind of remind me of Vegas haha. Your pictures are beautiful and I would definitely go there. Question, wasn't it really hot there? How were you guys able to walk around in pants and long sleeves?! So glad that you guys had a nice time and thank you for sharing your recaps!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  20. Chesson | Magnolia+Main
    March 8, 2016 / 2:01 pm

    I loved seeing all of your adventures in Dubai! It looks like such a cool city and I had no idea. That water? Gorgeous!

  21. Rebecca Jo
    March 8, 2016 / 2:08 pm

    I'd still be in that mall… that is CRAZY it has that many stores!!!!
    & girl – you are totally selling me on your shoes. They go with EVERY outfit you have on!

  22. Pink and Fabulous
    March 8, 2016 / 2:23 pm

    The malls look insane and all of the buildings are incredible! I love how you really packed so much in, because Dubai seems like it can be so overwhelming! You two look so happy in every picture ๐Ÿ™‚

  23. Shannon Jenkins
    March 8, 2016 / 2:33 pm

    I would never guess there were so many gorgeous sights in Dubai!! That mall looks insane and that water is so blue and pretty!!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  24. Christina Lea Loves
    March 8, 2016 / 2:42 pm

    700 stores! Thatโ€™s insane and amazing all at the same time! The tallest building looks amazing and all your photos are so pretty!

  25. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    March 8, 2016 / 2:44 pm

    I would LOVE to visit Dubai! It looks beautiful…and the malls, WOW! Glad you two enjoyed yourselves!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

  26. Leah McPherson
    March 8, 2016 / 2:56 pm

    I loved all your recaps! That water looks gorgeous and I bet the view from that building was amazing! So fun!
    -Leah
    Chasing Texas

  27. Rachel McCarthy
    March 8, 2016 / 3:04 pm

    Wow! So many amazing things to do. I would definitely have to make a stop at the mall haha! Whenever we are on vacation, I have to find a mall! And the world's tallest building — so cool! I'm sure the views were unbelievable!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  28. CubicleCouture
    March 8, 2016 / 3:06 pm

    Seriously…Gary didn't think you could haggle/negotiate?! You're the only other person (besides Mike) who I would want on my hagglin' side!! The malls. Seriously. Vegas on crack!! Make today work, Rachel -CubicleCouture

  29. awhite
    March 8, 2016 / 3:19 pm

    The shopping situation in Dubai is legit, to say the LEAST. Loving these shots- the tallest building in the world?! Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this, lady!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  30. Kate Steadman
    March 8, 2016 / 3:31 pm

    Wowwww!! This is gorgeous! Thanks for all of the insight.

    Xo
    Sara Kate Styling

  31. Shannon Rice
    March 8, 2016 / 3:32 pm

    Again, so jealous of this trip. Dubai is a major bucket list trip to me, seems like an absolutely amazing place to see…even if only once!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

  32. Gemma
    March 8, 2016 / 4:02 pm

    Stunning post! Dubai looks so good, especially the shopping!

    Gemma x
    jacquardflower.uk

  33. Kate at Green Fashionista
    March 8, 2016 / 4:07 pm

    I've been wanting to check out Dubai for so long just for the shopping and incredible beaches alone. Nevermind all the other amazing sites and hotels. The Burj Khalifa must have been a surreal experience, love it all! Come back and link up with us tomorrow ๐Ÿ˜‰
    Green Fashionista

  34. Sarah Blodgett
    March 8, 2016 / 4:13 pm

    The sights are so beautiful!!!
    Kisses,
    Sarah
    EverydayStarlet

  35. Pamela @ alittleglitter.com
    March 8, 2016 / 4:19 pm

    This is so cool! I had no idea Dubai had so many awesome things to visit! Those malls look amazing!

  36. Missy
    March 8, 2016 / 4:27 pm

    So beautiful. I cannot believe those malls. Dubai is starting to inch up my list now!

  37. Jalisa
    March 8, 2016 / 4:30 pm

    Ok, that's it, I'm packing up and moving to Dubai, lol! First off, those malls! 1,200 stores?! That's crazy, I would seriously be in all my glory walking around in there! I love all the photos you took and how you shared your experience and suggestions in both 1 & 2, very helpful! Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have the best day!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  38. Carly Messmer
    March 8, 2016 / 4:31 pm

    Those malls are crazy. I can't even wrap my head around how big they must have been. Everything looks so gorgeous!

  39. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    March 8, 2016 / 4:35 pm

    Wow! What an amazing trip!! These pictures are so great and that water. We have a campus in Qatar and I've always wanted to go visit with a layover in Dubai.

    Shelly
    The Queen in Between

  40. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    March 8, 2016 / 4:36 pm

    WOW! I really had no idea what Dubai was all about or had to offer, but it looks incredible! Thanks for sharing girl!

  41. Dana Ivy
    March 8, 2016 / 5:06 pm

    Ahhh I could probably live in that Dubai mall! Your photos are out of control! Loved seeing everything you did!!!

    Xox Dana Ivy // iadorewhatilove.com

  42. Karly @ What Karly Said
    March 8, 2016 / 5:32 pm

    These photos are amazing, you truly had such an awesome trip. I sure hope you took advantage of all that shopping!

  43. Lindsay's Sweet World
    March 8, 2016 / 5:37 pm

    Holy moly – 700 stores in the mall?! I can't even picture a mall that big! And girl – the malls in Vegas are my FAVES so that would be right up my alley. Hubs and I used to go to Vegas every year before we had kids and it's one of my favorite places!

  44. Unknown
    March 8, 2016 / 5:38 pm

    I just love looking at all of your gorgeous photos- what an incredible trip!

  45. Trendy Chickadee
    March 8, 2016 / 6:00 pm

    Amazing! I've always wanted to go to Dubai!

    XO
    Molly
    trendychickadee.com

  46. According to Kiki
    March 8, 2016 / 6:02 pm

    To be honest, I'll probably never have the opportunity to visit Dubai, but man oh man does it look out of this world. I mean, those malls?! Think of the damage of 700 stores. I'm drooling.

  47. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    March 8, 2016 / 6:39 pm

    wow, both malls are insane! that is awesome that Gary didn't complain, i reckon KC wouldn't last 5 minutes lol. but really, love all the info and everything, hope we get to go one day and see it, and hope you guys get to go back!

  48. Nina @ Flowers in my Hair
    March 8, 2016 / 6:40 pm

    This looks amazing!

  49. Ashley Lillis
    March 8, 2016 / 6:45 pm

    You know me, I always love vacation recaps! I can't believe how huge all of the malls were and that they have a full scale dinosaur and a ski slope in one! That's awesome that the tallest building wasn't crowded so you were able to go in whenever you wanted!

  50. Stephanie Chalk
    March 8, 2016 / 6:52 pm

    What an amazing trip, I am loving all your recaps! Shopping, Beach and Great Restaurants all in one sounds like my kind of place! Xo, Stephanie

  51. Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie
    March 8, 2016 / 6:57 pm

    wow! so many things to see!!! What an exhaustive, gorgeous guide. you dressed perfectly for it too!

  52. Cat Chat With Caren and Cody (Caren Gittleman)
    March 8, 2016 / 7:00 pm

    Absolutely SUPERB!! It wasn't too long to me at all!!! I could CONTINUE to read about it! Your photos are just fabulous (you and Gary are adorable!) and I felt as if I was right along with you. You write so beautifully, thank you for sharing your adventure with us! xoxo catchatwithcarenandcody

  53. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    March 8, 2016 / 7:37 pm

    Wow! Sounds like a trip of a lifetime and an incredible experience. Those malls sound insanely big but with so much to do. I didn't realize there were nice beaches over there too….That water looks amazing!

  54. Paige @ An Uncomplicated Life Blog
    March 8, 2016 / 7:50 pm

    This seriously looks like such a phenomenal trip! So amazing you got to experience all of that – I'm a little bit jealous!

  55. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    March 8, 2016 / 10:27 pm

    I would love to visit the malls there!!! I could spend days in a mall with 1200 stores!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  56. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    March 8, 2016 / 11:10 pm

    I could probably get the hubs to go for Ski Dubai alone. I'm glad you said you'd go back. That definitely means it was a great trip. And all those stores!I think I'd be overwhelmed.

  57. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    March 9, 2016 / 12:27 am

    Holy crap, those malls.

    I love hop on hop off when I have limited time in places.

  58. The Lilac Press
    March 9, 2016 / 12:42 am

    Wow Dubai looks incredible! I'm blown away by that mall – seems like such a fun trip!

  59. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee
    March 9, 2016 / 1:51 am

    That mall alone would've made the whole vacation for me, lol! 700 stores?! AHHHHHHHH!!! SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

  60. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    March 9, 2016 / 2:32 am

    I can't get over all of these amazing spots–seriously beautiful, you got so many great pictures! Thanks for sharing our travels with us!

  61. Kayla MKOY
    March 9, 2016 / 3:21 am

    1,200 stores?!!? Oh my gosh, how did you even choose?! So much fun! This trip looks amazing. I am also obsessing over your cat-eye sunglasses! Gorgeous pictures, friend!

  62. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    March 9, 2016 / 4:00 am

    Everything looks so amazing! The mall was incredible – I was loving all of your snaps while you were there and that beach!! I can't get over how blue the water is! An epic trip indeed!

  63. TRANGSCORNER
    March 9, 2016 / 4:09 am

    Beautiful pictures! Love DUBAI!!
    Xoxo,
    Love from trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

  64. Zelle B.
    March 9, 2016 / 1:03 pm

    That mall though – such great recaps and now I definitely want to go!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  65. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    March 9, 2016 / 1:19 pm

    It looks STUNNING there! That is my kind of mall! And the water is just gorgeous! What awesome memories!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  66. Anonymous
    March 9, 2016 / 1:34 pm

    Biana, it looks like you simply had an INCREDIBLE time! Thank you for the great and fun photos! You are lucky to have been!!! This is definitely on my list to visit someday!

    laurenfarrellny.com/blog

  67. Unknown
    March 9, 2016 / 1:57 pm

    That's the most gorgeous mall I've ever seen! I look reading about your trip to Dubai!

    thecourtneydiaries.com

  68. Marie
    March 9, 2016 / 2:16 pm

    Wow what a mall!! I have never really wanted to go to Dubai but now with all this shopping talk, I totally want to go! What a trip!! How was the heat?? haha I heard it is always super hot. The heat and I are not friends.

  69. Elle Sees
    March 9, 2016 / 2:23 pm

    yayyy! i was so excited to see this shopping recap up! and so many great tips, too. thanks girl!

  70. Darcy
    March 9, 2016 / 2:49 pm

    This looks amazing!! I would love to see that mall in person one day!
    amemoryofus.com

  71. Jasmin
    March 9, 2016 / 2:58 pm

    I've heard so much about Dubai and it would be awesome to get a chance to visit there some day:-)

    <3: Jasmin N | littlethingswithjassy.blogspot.fi

  72. Kaitlin {Little Goodies Blog}
    March 9, 2016 / 3:16 pm

    Wow, sooo cool. What an interesting city for sure!! Curious – what was the temp like there!? I always think of it as 150 degrees there, but you both are dressed like spring here so guessing it wasn't too hot?

  73. Nina Kobi
    March 9, 2016 / 3:32 pm

    Beautiful pictures. Sound like you had great time there. xx

    Nina
    ninasstyleblog.com

  74. Gold Coast Girl
    March 9, 2016 / 3:39 pm

    LOVE this post! So many amazing photos! I would love to travel to Dubai.
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  75. Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    March 9, 2016 / 4:04 pm

    I cannot believe you went to Dubai! How freakin' cool! Would love to get there with my hubby! Great post.

    ~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

  76. Elizabeth Daisy
    March 9, 2016 / 4:34 pm

    Looks like you had a fabulous time darling, I love Dubai – it's such a glamorous city and the shopping is amazing! Thanks for sharing lovely

    Elizabeth xo | Elizabeth-Daisy.com

  77. Julie @ Just the Joy's
    March 9, 2016 / 5:05 pm

    Seriously I don't know how you fit all that into your days! Lol. The on and off tour sounds like a really good way to make use of your time and to get around. The buildings, malls, and scenery is just stunning!

  78. The Lowcountry Mama
    March 9, 2016 / 5:21 pm

    I'm obsessed with city architecture and just know I would love it there!!

  79. Daily Style Finds
    March 9, 2016 / 5:30 pm

    What a great recap! I can't imagine 700 stores – where do you start!

    Lisa
    Daily Style Finds

  80. Unknown
    March 9, 2016 / 6:59 pm

    OMG that looks amazing!! You are so right, that shopping mall totally reminds me of Vegas.

    Erica
    pumpsandpushups.com

  81. Unknown
    March 9, 2016 / 7:19 pm

    Wow these photos are amazing, and the pastry shop is too cute.
    artadorned.com/

  82. Unknown
    March 9, 2016 / 7:42 pm

    Gorgeous photos and such amazing shopping!

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

  83. The Siberian American
    March 9, 2016 / 10:39 pm

    1,200 stories?! How amazing is that! So neat y'all went up to the world's tallest building! I bet the views were incredible!

  84. Unknown
    March 10, 2016 / 1:58 am

    Dubai looks incredible! The water looks so inviting. And the shopping! Did you say 1200 stores?? Great photos. I would love to go there one day!!

    Taffeta & Tulips

  85. Rachel ยฆยฆ A Nesting Nomad
    March 10, 2016 / 1:20 pm

    Love the casual dinosaur in the mall. I think I'd like the old souk, that looks like fun (but hot?). Actually, how hot was it? And how covered up did you have to be in public? Asking for a friend who may or may not freak out if they get too hot in long sleeves.

  86. Julia
    March 10, 2016 / 1:21 pm

    I am dreaming for years now to visit Dubai. Maybe when I will retire. Thank you for those gorgeous pictures.

  87. Anonymous
    March 15, 2016 / 12:54 pm

    Ciao Bebe, I am so glad that you loved Dubai. I told you The Dubai mall was insane; those 1200 stores made me dizzy, and it's so easy to get lost ! I am glad that you booked a desert safari and saw all of the main attractions ๐Ÿ™‚ Un bacio con amore Julia.

  88. Jaclyn Y
    March 16, 2016 / 5:13 pm

    I have so much blog reading to catch up on after being gone for so long – I was so looking forward to your India and Dubai posts so they're some of the first ones I went back and read! Your trip looked SO amazing, I know I just got done with a lot of traveling, but now I'm already wanting to plan a trip to Dubai! It's been on my list of places to visit soon, even more so now after seeing your pictures. And can I just tell you how gorgeous your sari was for your friend's wedding? I want to wear one!

  89. Paige @ Reasons to Come Home
    March 16, 2016 / 6:31 pm

    I can't believe just how big those malls are! A lady I work with has a sister that lives in Dubai and is always talking about the shopping there! But that water is gorgeous! Seems like a trip of a lifetime.