Do you want to take a short break from the crisp and cold weather of Europe in the autumn and winter months, but not travel halfway around the world and spend tens of thousands on airline tickets? Want to look out from the tallest building in the world and visit one of the largest mosques? Are you interested in modern architecture full of world records? Do you like shopping in fancy and huge shopping malls or do you love tasting delicacies and haggling prices with Arab merchants in traditional markets? Do you want to swim in the clear sea, sunbathe on a sunny beach one day and later go skiing or ice skating a little further? Then this destination is perfect for you. Discover this fabulously rich country where nothing is impossible...Welcome to the United Arab Emirates!!!
Welcome to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates!! You will immediately feel the economic level of this country at the airport. You have just landed at the new Terminal A, whose building in the shape of sand dunes is impressive even from the plane. The interior of the terminal is also very modern and clear, so you will have no problem getting around. After arrival and transfer to your accommodation, you can take advantage of its central location and take a walk around the city, visit the traditional souk or go to the famous Corniche promenade. And since a person gets hungry after a relatively long journey, visit some of the street bistros or restaurants and taste, for example, the Arabian classic - shawarma in all possible ways. There are countless offers all around.
After successfully passing through passport control, arrows will direct you to the exit and the bus stop. While still inside the terminal, before exiting to the bus stop, visit the Hafilat local travel card kiosk. English-speaking staff can also advise you on bus routes, timetables etc.
Until recently, tourists could get the so-called temporary use version of the Hafilat card valid for 28 days for free, however currently (February 2025) this option is not available due to a blackout and a permanent anonymous version must be purchased for AED 10. You can also top up your credit here - unlike at regular bus stops, you can pay by card here at the airport kiosk. About AED 20 credit should be enough to get around Abu Dhabi.
bus A2 - terminal A (arrival hall) → Zayed the first street stop (near LLH hospital)
frequency - once every 30 minutes
travel time - approx. 40 min (depending on traffic)
price - 4 AED
ticket - tap your Hafilat card when boarding and alighting (and at each transfer), the system will then calculate the final amount
web (timetables, lines and their routes) - https://admobility.gov.ae/en/pb-bus-service
!!ATTENTION!! - the website may only work in the UAE
bus A2 timetable - https://admobility.gov.ae/ckfinder/userfiles/files/BusServiceA2.pdf
Abu Dhabi public transport:
only buses, a dense network crisscrossing the entire city. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and cheap. It is relatively easy to get around (stops are marked and usually have indoor waiting rooms equipped with a map of lines and a machine for recharging credit, payment is cash only)
!!ATTENTION!! - traveling long distances is lengthy (traffic jams and a lot of stops on the routes), timetables are unreliable and buses are often waited for a long time
!!ATTENTION!! - the front of the bus is reserved for women and children, men sit in the back (tourists violate this and it is respected, however, locals follow this rule)
Alternative to public transport - TAXI - relatively cheap
- regular taxi (wave down anytime and anywhere, especially in tourist areas)
- alternative services with online apps - uber, careem (more expensive than regular taxi)
it pays off in more people for longer distances (you always pay an initial fee and then pay for the km traveled and the time spent at traffic lights or in traffic jams), they usually take cards (you can't rely on it)
After getting off the previous bus, return to the intersection and head right on Zayed the first street, where you will find the bus stop of the same name. Here you will transfer to another bus. Be sure to check out before getting off at the previous stop and check in again after getting on the next bus.
Buses for the next part of the journey: 7, 8, 23, 24 (towards Marina), 34 (towards Qasr al Watn)
Get off at the Al Hisn street stop (the next stop after the Cultural Foundation - could not be entered into the map)
You can warm up your body, chilled by the cold weather of winter Europe, with a walk along the beautiful promenade and the adjacent beach. You'll explore local life in the olden days before the forest of skyscrapers grew up. Experience the life of the rich at one of the world's most luxurious hotels with its own heliport, yacht harbour and beach. You'll also get a taste of what a "study" can look like in the opulent Presidential Palace. And how to end this busy day? How about a visit to one of the many local street eateries serving local delicacies?
From your accommodation, head directly towards the sea and arrive at the Corniche promenade.
The Corniche promenade consists of a landscaped pedestrian walkway lined with palm trees, beaches (some public and free, others for a fee), and rest areas (seating sometimes including a grill, wooden sunbeds). It is an ideal place for walks and sports (running, cycling). Take a walk along the promenade and when you get tired of walking, relax on one of the beaches.
The beaches are easily accessible, clean, and have facilities (showers, toilets, refreshments...). Some are subject to a fee, but most of the promenade has free access to the beaches. The promenade is almost 10 km long and stretches along the entire coast.
One of the many beaches along the Corniche promenade, accessible free of charge.
Continue along the promenade to its end and you will reach the Al Kasir peninsula in the Marina area, which you could observe on the other side of the bay while walking and viewing from the beaches on the Corniche promenade. The dominant feature is the tower at Marina Mall and the flag at Emirates Heritage Village - your next destination.
If you don't want to walk, there are several bus lines along the promenade that will take you directly to Marina Mall - 5, 11, 24, 26, 63.
A pleasant "open-air museum" where you can not only hide from the scorching sun (greenery and interior spaces), but also enjoy views of the center of Abu Dhabi and the city's symbol - the glass Etihad towers.
However, the main purpose of the visit is to look into the past and culture of this Arab country. This cultural heritage museum shows the life of the local people before the discovery of oil and the associated transformation of the country into its current form. You will find a stylized Arab village with traditional houses and crafts, which you can peek into. There are also camels and other live animals and a traditional souk where you can buy a souvenir.
Opening hours:
SAT - THU - 9:00 - 16:00
FRI - 7:30 - 12:00, 15:00 - 21:00
A leisurely walk along the sea towards the hotel, on the way you can admire the city's symbols - the impressive Etihad Towers.
If you don't feel like walking, take bus number 9 or 69 from Marina Mall, which will take you right in front of the hotel.
One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, where guests can arrive by helicopter (the hotel has several heliports) or by yacht (its own marina). Not one of the local wealthy clientele and not staying at the hotel? Never mind!! You can still enter the hotel and admire the luxuriously decorated interior full of golden elements, admire the view of the Etihad towers and the beautifully landscaped park from the staircase at the entrance to the hotel, but you can't enter it, as well as the adjacent private beach. Refreshments are available in some of the local cafes and restaurants, but be prepared to pay insane amounts for even the smallest items.
If you don't feel like walking, hop on bus number 9 or 69 in front of the hotel, which will take you to the tourist center that serves as the entrance to the presidential palace.
One of the many examples of the grandeur and luxury of the Emirates' buildings is this presidential palace, which serves only as an office (not a residence). This oriental building, completed only in 2017, is a meeting place for important local and world leaders. It is a truly beautiful palace, including the adjacent landscaped garden with pools. The visit takes about 2 hours.
Entrance is in the information center, where you buy a ticket and then board a shuttle bus that will take you to the main building.
ticket purchase online here
dress code - clothing should cover knees and shoulders
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 17:40
These city landmarks consist of 5 polished skyscrapers, gleaming under the onslaught of sunlight. The towers are impossible to miss and you will have them in sight for most of the day. Just as luxurious from the outside as they are inside - you will find, for example, a luxury hotel, offices, but also "ordinary" apartments.
Observation Deck at 300:
The observation deck on the 74th floor of the 2nd tower (Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers) is the highest point in the city you can reach, offering views of most of the city, led by the promenade and the Persian Gulf.
buy tickets online here
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 20:00
admission:
95 AED, 50 AED of the admission price serves as a voucher to the local café
Etihad towers → zastávka Qasr al Hisn (před cultural foundation) - bus 34
Today, despite differing faiths, you will see a magnificent mosque, whose size and interior make it the city's main landmark, and a must-see when visiting Abu Dhabi. You will see one of the few preserved historical monuments and visit a fortress where you can witness the transformation of a once ordinary bay inhabited by pearl divers into a super-luxury city where skyscrapers grow like mushrooms after rain. Cultural enthusiasts will surely have their hearts gladdened at the Louvre - not the Parisian one, but the local branch. And because Abu Dhabi is a coastal city, a walk along the coast is a must.
One of the few historical monuments in an otherwise modern metropolis. The fort houses a museum where you can trace the history of this desert emirate and travel back in time to when pearl hunters and desert nomads lived here, before the breakthrough of oil and gas discoveries and the transformation of the city into its present form.
You can enter the cultural foundation building and the craft house for free, while the fort itself requires a fee.
Opening hours:
SAT - THU - 9:00 - 20:00
FRI - 1400 - 20:00
Walk to the Emirates diplomatic academy bus stop on the main street in front of the fortress entrance.
At the Emirates diplomatic academy stop, take bus 5 or 65 and ride to the Ministry of economy stop. There, take bus 94. You will arrive on the beautiful Saadiyat Island, where you will get off at the bus terminus at the entrance to the hotel resorts, through which you will walk to the beach promenade.
The best way to find the bus route is to use Google Maps. Enter your current location to the destination you want to reach and click on the public transport icon.
Saadiyat Island is famous for its beaches, which are often rated as the most beautiful in the emirates. Unfortunately, they are currently all owned by the adjacent hotel resorts and charge a fee for non-resort visitors. Even the more distant beach, where the 120 bus stops and the stop and beach is called Public beach, is no longer free. However, it is worth taking a walk along the local promenade and enjoying the views of the beach and the beautiful sea.
If you'd like to pay for entry to the beach, entry to Seoul beach is over AED 120, and even AED 200 on weekends.
bus 94 - Mamsha al Saadiyat → Louvre
You can walk, but the walk is not very attractive due to ongoing construction work in the area.
You will surely notice this characteristic white dome building with a dome "floating on the water" from photos or views at the beginning of your stay. It is a branch of the famous Parisian museum and allegedly the largest museum complex in the world. You will find many permanent exhibitions of world artists and regularly changing temporary exhibitions. Furthermore, there is a children's museum dedicated to, for example, space. It is also an experience to walk along the piers between the individual pavilions and the views of the sea, where you can also spot sea turtles.
Opening hours:
daily except MON - 10:00 - 00:00
MON closed
Galleries and exhibitions:
TUE - THU - until 18:30
FRI - SUN - until 20:30
bus 94 - Louvre → Grand Mosque. Get off at the glass domes and take the escalators down to the underground shopping center, where you will also find the entrance to the mosque (clearly marked with arrows).
This magnificent mosque is one of the 10 largest in the world in terms of size, and it is one of the largest freely accessible mosques for non-Muslims. It is an absolute "must see" in Abu Dhabi. It is located in the suburbs, quite far from the center, roughly halfway to the airport. The journey there and back is quite lengthy, as is the registration, passage to the mosque, and the tour itself. Expect a total time of about 4 hours, but it is definitely worth it.
The mosque has a beautiful courtyard with marble columns, a total of 82 domes of various sizes, and 4 minarets. Inside, you can see beautiful decorative elements, including monumental chandeliers. The courtyard is also the resting place of the former president of the Emirates - Sheikh Zayed, after whom the mosque (like many other places throughout the Emirates) is named.
Registration for entry online here
Opening hours:
The mosque is open daily
FRI - 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
Rest of the week - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (last entry 11:30 AM), 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
Entry: FREE
Registration is required before entry (possible on-site, but I recommend online for a specific time)
During registration, you will fill out a short form (name, age, gender, contact...) and you will receive a QR code, which you will show upon entry.
!!ATTENTION!! you must adhere to the dress code (shoulders and ankles covered, hair covered for women) - see link https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/worshippers/en-v-mosque-manners-details
!!ATTENTION!! although entry to the mosque is free, baggage fees are high (30 AED for a regular backpack the size of an airplane carry-on). So travel light.
bus 94 - grand mosque → central bus station
central bus station, from where buses leave for Dubai.
ticket: first buy a Dubai transport card - NOL card (silver / silver) from the machine at the terminal.
price: the NOL card itself costs 6 AED, you need 25 AED for the trip to Dubai. Then you will take the metro, so charge 40 AED for today. You can also charge more money right away and not worry about it, but it is difficult to estimate and then you overpay unnecessarily.
bus E101 - Abu Dhabi central bus station → Dubai, Ibn Battuta bus station
Everything is clearly marked at the station, you can buy a silver NOL card in the vending machine and pay by card. You need bus E101, which will take you to the western part of Dubai near the Marina. The stop is on the red metro line at the Ibn Battuta stop. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and well-marked. WIFI is not available.
!!ATTENTION!! do not get on bus E100, which also goes to Dubai, but stops at the opposite end at the Al Ghubaiba station in old Dubai
bus price - 25 AED, loaded onto the NOL card, you beep after getting on the bus
frequency - depending on the time of day 20 - 30 min
travel time - approx. 100 min
web of Dubai buses (https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/promotion/intercity-e-ticketing?lang=en)
Public transport in Dubai: consists of 2 metro lines, 1 tram line and buses
Fares - depending on the distance travelled and the zones, the price of buses, trams and the metro ranges between 2 AED and 7.5 AED (this is the most expensive possible fare, so you should always keep at least this amount on your NOL card, otherwise the turnstile will not let you through)
one ride can last up to 180 minutes and you can freely transfer between vehicles, even combine (e.g. metro and bus) - always beep when getting on and off each vehicle, the system is smart and calculates everything.
Metro, red line, direction Centrepoint - Ibn Battuta → DMCC Station
After getting off the bus and tapping out, follow the arrows to the Ibn Battuta metro station, tap your NOL card at the turnstile.
The metro is very clearly marked, with route maps including stops available at the stations and in the cars.
Experience the luxury and megalomania that Dubai is famous for in style on your first day. Head to one of the most bizarre works of local designers - an artificial island, which you can reach by automatic monorail. Enjoy the view of this magnificent work from the famous viewpoint, and at the very end of the island, enjoy the local promenades. And since you are in a tropical seaside destination, visit a public beach where you can sunbathe and swim in the clear sea while admiring the surrounding skyscrapers. It is not for nothing that this part of Dubai is sometimes called the "Miami of the Middle East". And because Dubai comes alive mainly in the evening, take a walk along the artificial canal in Dubai Marina and enjoy the gleaming skyscrapers.
The district built around the artificial bay is one of the most luxurious residential areas. The skyscrapers here, in the immediate vicinity of the sea, are reminiscent of Miami, USA. The buildings are mainly residential - you will find hotels of well-known world chains, but also cheaper shared accommodation or private residences. One of the most interesting panoramic spots in all of Dubai, you can take beautiful photos from here at any time of the day.
In the center of Marina lies a cluster of the tallest purely residential buildings - The tallest block. These are: Marina 101 with a height of 427 meters, Princess Tower with 414 meters and 23 Marina with 393 meters.
A continuous pedestrian and cycle path runs around the bay, ideal for walks and views. You can "fly" over the bay on a ZIP line. However, take advantage of the warmest part of the day around noon to visit the local public beach.
A beautiful public beach surrounded by Miami-style skyscrapers. The beach is clean and beautifully maintained with a relatively steep entry into the water. Sunbeds are available for a fee. The beach has facilities in the form of toilets, showers (fee) and refreshments. You can ride a camel on the beach, which roam the beach along its entire length.
When you get tired of sunbathing and swimming, walk less than a kilometer to the tram stop.
Here, top up your NOL card according to the instructions on the machine (there is usually an English-speaking staff member available who will be happy to help you with everything).
Before boarding, remember to tap your NOL card, and do the same after getting off (terminals are similar to those in the metro, located on the platforms, not inside the tram). Be careful not to sit in the VIP Gold Class. The cars are usually marked.
The stop is one-way and is served by only 1 tram line, so hop on the first tram that arrives.
Take the tram to Palm Jumeirah station, where you will transfer to the monorail.
Get off, check out, and follow the arrows through the tunnel and underground garages to the monorail station.
The overhead monorail that "hugs" the track is a popular way to get around the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah. Here, the journey itself is the destination. It is a popular attraction where you can glimpse the resorts and beaches lining the individual "branches" of the palm tree that this island resembles. However, a proper view awaits a little further...
Monorail Timetable:
Daily except 9:00 AM (first train towards Atlantis) - 9:45 PM (last train towards Atlantis)
Price:
The best option is to buy an open return ticket for AED 35. With this, you can get on and off at any time during 1 day. Single tickets are also available, valid only to a specific stop
One of the most shining examples of what is possible in this country. The artificially built island in the shape of a palm tree is part of the giant project The Palm, which, in addition to the completed Palm Jumeirah, also includes another similar island, Jebel Ali, serving as the city's most luxurious district, and an archipelago that creates a map of the world and consists of individual countries. Most of the island consists of luxury residences of wealthy residents and hotel resorts. The beaches, of which there are tens of km, are mostly private property of the adjacent hotels and residences.
This observation deck on the 52nd floor of the most prominent skyscraper in the area offers a beautiful view of Palm Jumeirah Island, including the dominant Atlantis hotel, the adjacent water park, and the local endless beaches. The entrance is from the Nakheel Mall monorail station. Get off at the shopping center of the same name, and the signs and local staff will take care of the rest :)
Opening hours:
daily except 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
The island's iconic building is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It is located at the final station of the monorail on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The building resembles a magnificent castle and consists of two "towers" connected by a bridge.
Next to the Atlantis hotel lies one of the most famous and popular water parks in the entire region - Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. You can spend the whole day there enjoying adrenaline-pumping fun, such as riding the legendary The Leap of Faith slide, which, after passing through its almost 28 meters, shoots you into a transparent tunnel through a lagoon with sharks and rays.
water park opening hours:
daily 9:15 AM - 6:00 PM
entrance:
adults and youth over 1.2 m tall - 330 AED
youth up to 1.2 m tall - 280 AED
children under 2 years old - free
Enjoy the evening Marina with a stroll along the canal and take in the panoramic views of the beautifully lit skyscrapers, or take a ride on one of the many boats moored here that will take you along the canal to Dubai Creek in old Dubai.
Today, you have a unique opportunity that is unprecedented in the world - you can swap a sunny beach and swimming in the sea for skiing on a snowy slope in a single day (even within 1 hour). Doesn't that sound incredible? Anything is possible in this country, and the Mall of the Emirates, the huge shopping mall that houses this artificially snow-covered and cooled ski slope, is proof. If you like traditional souks, you can visit one in the mall's covered area. While shopping and swimming at the nearby beach, you'll be watched over by the iconic sailboat-shaped building that is the legendary Burj al Arab luxury hotel.
If you don't feel like walking, take a taxi (Uber, Careem)
On the main road in Dubai Marina, take bus no. 8 operated by RTA, tapping your NOL card again.
Beautiful large beach with clean white sand, clear sea with gently shelving beach and quality facilities (toilets, free showers, drinking water, restaurants and bars, outdoor gym...). There is a cycling and walking path around the beach. When staying on this beach you have a view of the nearby Burj al Arab hotel.
Stroll along the sandy beach or pedestrian promenade (with a short interruption due to the presence of the harbor) and you will reach another beach.
One of the best-rated beaches and also the place where most Instagram photos from Dubai beaches are taken. It is here that you can swim in the immediate vicinity of the legendary Burj al Arab hotel, which offers a beautiful view.
Even though you've observed the hotel from the beaches, its lower part has always been obscured by another luxury hotel. Therefore, continue along the coast to get closer, and you'll reach the entrance to the building. Although it's guarded by security, there's space for a view of the entire hotel and an ideal spot for photo documentation. However, unlike the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, you won't be allowed inside. You need to book and pay for admission. If you are interested in this option, check out the link below.
In any case, you are standing in front of one of Dubai's symbols and a legendary building located on an artificial island. It measures 321 meters and resembles a sailboat; it is sometimes called "Allah's finger." The hotel is truly luxurious, and you will notice it in the prices, which can be in the order of hundreds of thousands per night. Among other things, you will find a suspended heliport that has gone down in history with a legendary exhibition tennis match between Federer and Agassi.
You can buy tickets online here
Near the hotel is another famous water park - Wild Wadi Waterpark with lots of attractions and slides, the most interesting of which is the 33-meter-high Jumeirah Sceirah slide.
Wild Wadi Waterpark:
Opening hours:
Daily 10:00 - 18:00
Entrance:
199 AED (over 1.1 m)
Children under 3 years free
A very interesting stop is this complex of luxury hotel resorts and restaurants built in the style of old Arab dwellings, which is crossed by a water channel on which imitations of local legendary wooden boats (abra) pass.
For the uninitiated, however, the main attraction is the indoor souk, or traditional market, where you can pick up tadic items (clothing, spices, antiques, etc.)
Head back along the main road towards Wild Wadi Water Park and hop on bus 81 towards Emirates Mall.
bus 81 - Wild Wadi, or Burj al Arab → Mall of the Emirates
A huge shopping center that would be the absolute largest in most countries of the world, but here in Dubai it's a "small fry" compared to the even larger Dubai Mall. Nevertheless, you will find a huge number of shops of all possible brands here. However, the main attraction is the famous indoor ski slope Ski Dubai.
One of the most bizarre, even "craziest" proofs that anything is truly possible in this country is a ski slope in a land made up almost entirely of desert, where summer temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius. All it takes is to build a giant hall inside a shopping center and use cooling to maintain the temperature needed to keep the snow permanent. And perhaps the biggest local attraction in the world - hit the slopes!!! You can choose from several slopes of varying difficulty and a freestyle area suitable for snowboarders. A chairlift (very slow) supplemented by a T-bar lift takes you to the top. The main slope is approximately 400 m, which is not much, but you need to remember that we are in a shopping center in the middle of the desert :) You don't have to bring any equipment with you, everything can be rented as part of the ticket.
Opening hours:
MON - THU - 10:00 - 23:00
FRI - 10:00 - 00:00
SAT - SUN - 9:00 - 00:00
Last tickets can be purchased 1 - 1.5 hours before closing time
Metro, Red Line, direction Expo or UAE Exchange, stop at DMCC Station.
Today will be a day of bizarre buildings that might make your chin drop. You'll also be playing record hunter. You'll visit the world's tallest frame, the world's tallest building, the world's largest and most water-spewing dancing fountain, and one truly massive (though not the largest) shopping mall. It's going to be an interesting day!
metro, red line, direction Centrepoint, stop Max
This relatively new structure represents another of this country's many records - it is the largest picture frame in the world, with a height of 150 m and a width of 105 m. It serves visitors as a lookout tower and a museum. It is located near Jabeel Park (entrance 5 AED), roughly halfway between old Dubai and the new, modern downtown, and thus symbolizes a view into the future, but also inspiration from the past.
Opening hours:
daily 9:00 - 21:00
Metro, red line, direction UAE exchange or EXPO, stop Emirates towers
One of the newest buildings, opened only in February 2022, immediately became one of the city's main attractions due to its absolutely unmistakable appearance. The building's design is captivating even when passing by on the metro (the building is very close to the tracks and is actually best seen from the metro). In the lobby, where you buy a ticket (however, I recommend buying online due to the huge interest), you can have a robot make you coffee, which will also wave and dance for you, and a whale will fly around... The museum is divided into floors, each of which is dedicated to a different theme (e.g., space, technology, climate change, etc.).
Opening hours:
daily 9:30 - 21:00 (last ticket purchase 19:00)
Metro, red line, direction UAE exchange or EXPO, stop Burj Khalifa/Dubai mall
If we said that Mall of the Emirates was huge, then this shopping center is absolutely massive. It is a vast shopping area where you can find thousands of shops and restaurants, as well as an ice rink, an indoor amusement park, and a waterfall. Shopping enthusiasts can spend several days here. To help you navigate, use the interactive maps located throughout the center, where you can enter the name of the object you are looking for (e.g., the brand name of the store) and the system will show you the nearest route to it.
Mall of the Emirates has a ski slope, while Dubai Mall has an indoor ice rink the size of an Olympic hockey rink. Winter sports are simply not impossible even in desert countries.
Opening hours:
SUN - THU - 10:00 - 22:00
FRI + SAT - 10:00 - 00:00
Admission:
The price is very variable depending on the day of the week and time, so please check the website and find your preferred time.
You can buy tickets online here (https://www.dubaiicerink.com/visit/ticket-information/)
One of the department store's symbols is the Human Waterfall - a waterfall several tens of meters high with sculptures of jumping people. It can be observed from several floors or the ground floor, located near the exit of the department store towards the fountain.
The statue of a dinosaur found in the American state of Wyoming is a majestic symbol of this department store. It is the best-preserved dinosaur skeleton ever found, with up to 90% of the original bones.
This beautiful marine aquarium, home to over 30,000 different species of aquatic animals, is a very popular attraction and one of Dubai's highlights. You can admire the aquarium for free from the outside in the shopping center, but it is definitely worth buying an entrance ticket to go through the underwater tunnel, where sharks and rays will swim around your head.
Opening hours:
MON - FRI - 10:00 - 23:00 (last entry 22:15)
SAT + SUN - 10:00 - 00:00 (last entry 23:15)
Entrance:
You can buy tickets online here.
In addition to the basic entrance (tunnel, aquarium, penguins) for 199 AED, there are other options that include diving with sharks with an instructor, a boat ride with an underwater bottom, or a stay with penguins. See the website for prices and descriptions of the options.
!!TIP!! If you are also planning to visit the nearby Burj Khalifa, it is worth buying a combined ticket with the aquarium. The price for an adult is 309 AED, and for a child 275 AED.
The tallest building in the world (probably not for long, as the future new record holder is growing in neighboring Saudi Arabia - Jeddah Tower, which will be the first building to exceed a height of 1 km) with its height of 828 meters is a clear dominant of the city visible from almost all parts. Inside you will find, in addition to regular apartments, also a hotel and, among other things, the highest-located Atmosphere restaurant. Seeing the building is an experience even from the outside, especially in the evening, when every half hour, except on Mondays, from 7:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., there is a light show and the building plays with all colors. On Sundays, the show is only once per hour.
The reason for the visit of most tourists is, of course, the interior, specifically the highest-located observation deck. However, the author of the itinerary believes that the visit is not worth it. Leaving aside the high entrance fee, the long wait for the elevator up and down (even when booking a ticket for a specific time, you wait for the elevator for more than an hour), you don't see that much in the end, because there isn't much around the building. It's a matter of opinion. Most people take it that a visit is a must.
Tickets online here.
Opening hours:
At the top: daily 7:00 - 00:00 (last entry 23:00)
At the top + sky terrace: daily 10:00 - 22:00 (last entry 21:00)
The lounge: daily 9:00 - 23:00 (last entry 21:00)
Entrance:
At the top - takes you to the 124th and 125th floors at a height of 456 m to a covered glass platform with a terrace
15:00 - 19:00 - 165 AED, other times - 145 AED
At the top + sky terrace - in addition to the above, you continue to the 148th floor to a height of 556 m with an outdoor platform
12:00 - 20:00 - 553 AED, other times - 399 AED
The lounge - takes you to the 154th floor at a height of 585 meters, where you have refreshments in the lounge with an open terrace and glass floor in the form of tea, coffee and desserts, and drinks in the evening
all day - 769 AED
!!Attention!! Due to the huge interest of tourists, I recommend booking a ticket in advance for a specific time.
!!TIP!! If you also plan to visit the Aquarium and underwater ZOO in the mall, it is worth buying a combined ticket. The price for an adult is 309 AED, a child 275 AED.
The magnificent fountain on the vast lake in front of the Burj Khalifa is another record holder - it is the fountain with the largest choreography system. It is inspired by the famous fountain in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, but on a much larger scale. The fountain consists of 5 different circles connected by arches that spray water to the accompaniment of various music every 30 minutes in the evening between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The whole show is complemented by light effects taking place on the Burj Khalifa building. However, prepare for crowds of people and choose a spot ideally up to 20 minutes in advance.
metro, red line, direction Centrepoint, stop Burjuman
Here we will transfer to the green metro line.
metro, green line, direction Etisalat, stop Al Ghubaiba
If you're tired of luxury, monstrous buildings, shopping malls, and queues for the "most popular" attractions, today will be a great experience for you. Perhaps with all the luxury, shiny clean buildings, and centers with an army of marching tourists from all over the world, you've forgotten that you're in an Arab country. So it's time to experience a bit of the authentic atmosphere of these countries with all their pros and cons. Get carried away by the narrow streets lined with shops selling everything in the old quarters, where life continues in the old way even in the shadow of distant skyscrapers. Visit the local souks and let the local merchants invite you into their shops and bargain over prices, perhaps for the famous Dubai chocolate. Take away not only experiences from the true Arab atmosphere, but also some goodies, famous spices or traditional clothing, whether you are a woman (abaya) or a man (thawb). You simply must experience old Dubai.
And where better to taste some traditional delicacies than here in old Dubai? How about Arabic bread freshly pulled from the oven filled with cheese, egg or other ingredients? Or if you want something meatier, you will come across countless bistros in the local streets with traditional shawarma, kebab and other delicacies.
Metro, green line, towards Etisalat, al Ras station.
You may need to top up your NOL card, so top it up the same way as before with any amount, e.g. 20 AED.
Today's day will largely be about visiting the traditional souk markets that are renowned in Deira and Bur Dubai. The former will make your eyes glaze over, because as the name suggests, it contains mainly stalls selling gold, but also other precious jewellery (silver, diamonds). Dubai is famous for gold and the country is duly proud of it, so it also keeps an eye on quality and the goods on display should be of good quality and free of fakes. You can see the current prices of gold or silver on the light boards above some shops.
Just a few streets away from the Gold Souk towards Dubai Creek is the Spice Souk, which you can explore not only with your eyes, but especially with other senses (taste and smell). Arabs are famous for spices all over the world, so it is not surprising that the selection of spices is really very diverse here, and bags of spices of various colors, consistencies and tastes, and their aroma, waft through the streets, creating a very pleasant experience, not only for gourmets. You will definitely not disappoint your loved ones with a bag of spices or even a multipack with up to 20 kinds.
Busy waterfront with a harbour where, in addition to sightseeing cruises on Dubai Creek, there is also local transportation on wooden boats called abra. Hop on one of these and, for the symbolic price of AED 1, be transported across the river to another old quarter - Bur Dubai.
The pier on the other side of the creek is surrounded by other souks with all sorts of goods. Be sure to haggle over the prices of goods, as is customary here. Merchants are not afraid to ask for up to three times the real price. So never buy goods at the price quoted by the merchant - you would lose out. The final price can often be reduced by up to 80%, just be uncompromising and feel free to leave the store. Often the merchant will run after you and sell the goods for the price you offer (of course, if he has at least a small profit and you are not asking for a ridiculous price). In general, it is good to decide in advance how much you are willing to pay for the goods, listen to the merchant's price and then ask for a price even lower than you plan to pay. Then the merchant gradually discounts and often you then meet at a price acceptable to you. Once you say a price, it is difficult to get lower, so it is good to start as low as possible and rather increase than decrease. It also pays to buy more pieces at once - you will then get a quantity discount. For gastronomic goods (e.g. famous Dubai chocolate), merchants do not hesitate to offer a tasting, so before you buy, you will get a square of this delicacy so you know what you are buying and then you start bargaining - a very pleasant habit :)
One of the last authentic old quarters with narrow streets and corners, a beautiful mosque and several museums tracing the history of the city. This neighborhood can be reached from the wharf via the promenade around the creek, which offers beautiful views of the historic buildings and shipping in the area.
This fortress, which serves as the Dubai Museum, is one of the few real historical monuments in this otherwise modern city. If you want to learn about Arabian history and the traditional way of life, this museum is for you.
Unfortunately, the museum is currently undergoing renovation and is closed, so you can only see it from the outside.
Another of the many local souks, this time focused mainly on textiles. You can buy traditional clothing for men (thawb) and women (abaya) or scarves or other pieces of cashmere clothing. Beware of the prices, traders will ask AED 300 for an abaya, for example, but the final price can be up to AED 70.
The museum is located in the old quarter and contains 22 pavilions in 80 buildings, each dedicated to a different theme from the city's history - e.g. traditional jewellery, healing, crafts, poetry...
More detailed information and a plan of the extensive complex see brochure.
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 20:00 (last entry 19:00)
Today will be very variable and entirely at your discretion. It depends only on you which activity for spending the last day in this interesting country will be closest to you. Lovers of fun and unconventional experiences can visit one of the amusement parks, a global village full of shops from different parts of the world, or perhaps the largest flower garden in the world. Lovers of swimming and beach activities can spend the day on one of the many public beaches that lie along the Dubai coast. And because you are in a country made up mostly of desert, which is located just outside the city limits, you can use the services of one of the local travel agencies and go to the desert for the whole day, where you can ride a quad bike, go down the dunes and possibly have dinner with other Bedouins and tourists from different parts of the Earth.
One of the most interesting ways to spend a free day is a trip to the desert. In Dubai, you will find a wide range of options from various agencies. Offers include options from 2 hours to a full day, including a night spent in a desert camp. The offers vary and include, for example, pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, jeep transport to the desert, dune bashing by jeep or privately on quad bikes, sandboarding, falconry displays, traditional belly dancing, henna, some refreshments, or even dinner in the form of a barbecue and overnight stay in the desert.
In terms of the quality of the offer and the price/performance ratio, for example, this offer is good:
(ideally choose the 7-hour option)
Dubai: Red Dune Safari with BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike Ride
For other offers, it is good to check, for example, TripAdvisor
If you are interested in any of the options, book it on the website in advance - select the option, time and place of pick-up, and the travel agency will take care of the rest, sending you more detailed instructions.
If you prefer one last dose of sunshine for today, swimming in the sea, and relaxing before heading back to Europe, you can spend the day or part of it on one of the beaches. In addition to the ones visited earlier, La Mer is a nice beach, for example.
Enter the route from your location to La Mer Beach in Google Maps. There you will find bus routes. For example, like this.
Another of Dubai's record-breaking "notches" is the largest flower garden, Miracle Garden. The fact that there are over 200 million different plants and over 100 million flowers in the middle of the desert is truly a miracle. And as if that weren't enough, the plants form various objects, such as statues, a locomotive, or the symbol of the entire garden - a model of an Airbus aircraft. You will definitely not experience anything like this in Europe or elsewhere.
Opening hours:
MON - FRI - 9:00 - 21:00
SAT - SUN - 9:00 - 23:00
Enter the route from where you are to Miracle Garden Airplane Flowers on Google maps. There you will find the public transport route. For example, like this.
If you don't feel like taking public transport, you can use a taxi.
"The world in a nutshell" is how this very interesting and popular attraction on the outskirts of the city could be described. It is a large multicultural "fair" where you can explore the world in one small place through tastings of local foods and purchases of typical products from those countries. In the individual pavilions, you can buy, for example, a Persian carpet, matryoshka dolls, Turkish honey, cotton from China, etc.
The entire complex is complemented by various attractions including a circus and an artificial water canal.
Opening hours:
SUN - WED - 16:00 - 00:00
THU - SAT - 16:00 - 01:00
To get back to the hotel, you can either take a taxi or find a public transport route from your location to the accommodation again via Google Maps.
Your sunny vacation in the land of sand and skyscrapers is coming to an end, it's time to return to your home country. First, you will take a bus directly to the airport terminal, and then you will have a flight home.
You can get to the airport by taxi or again using Google Maps, where you can find the best public transport connection.
Remember to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. This airport is really big, so make sure you have enough time for everything. If you don't have any luggage to check, proceed through security check and immigration to your gate.
Your sunny vacation in the land of sand, futuristic skyscrapers, and fragrant souks is coming to an end, and it's time to look back a little. Few countries can offer so many architectural records and curiosities in such a small space. Over the past few days, you have had the opportunity to climb the tallest building in the world, see the most extensive choreography of playing and "dancing" fountains, see the largest flower garden and the tallest picture frame... You could swim in the sea, sunbathe on the beach, and then ski on the slopes or ice skate on the rink in one of the local luxury shopping centers in one day.
Despite the ubiquitous luxury and wealth, this country has also preserved some traditional parts with souks and narrow streets, which will remind you that you are still in Arabia. However, the country is developed, clean, safe, tolerant, and organized. In addition, even as a non-Muslim, you can visit some mosques and dress in a Western style, including women. If you add a pleasant climate in the winter months suitable for swimming and relative proximity, this destination comes out as an ideal option for individuals, couples, and families with children during the freezing European winters.
Do you want to take a short break from the crisp and cold weather of Europe in the autumn and winter months, but not travel halfway around the world and spend tens of thousands on airline tickets? Want to look out from the tallest building in the world and visit one of the largest mosques? Are you interested in modern architecture full of world records? Do you like shopping in fancy and huge shopping malls or do you love tasting delicacies and haggling prices with Arab merchants in traditional markets? Do you want to swim in the clear sea, sunbathe on a sunny beach one day and later go skiing or ice skating a little further? Then this destination is perfect for you. Discover this fabulously rich country where nothing is impossible...Welcome to the United Arab Emirates!!!
Welcome to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates!! You will immediately feel the economic level of this country at the airport. You have just landed at the new Terminal A, whose building in the shape of sand dunes is impressive even from the plane. The interior of the terminal is also very modern and clear, so you will have no problem getting around. After arrival and transfer to your accommodation, you can take advantage of its central location and take a walk around the city, visit the traditional souk or go to the famous Corniche promenade. And since a person gets hungry after a relatively long journey, visit some of the street bistros or restaurants and taste, for example, the Arabian classic - shawarma in all possible ways. There are countless offers all around.
After successfully passing through passport control, arrows will direct you to the exit and the bus stop. While still inside the terminal, before exiting to the bus stop, visit the Hafilat local travel card kiosk. English-speaking staff can also advise you on bus routes, timetables etc.
Until recently, tourists could get the so-called temporary use version of the Hafilat card valid for 28 days for free, however currently (February 2025) this option is not available due to a blackout and a permanent anonymous version must be purchased for AED 10. You can also top up your credit here - unlike at regular bus stops, you can pay by card here at the airport kiosk. About AED 20 credit should be enough to get around Abu Dhabi.
bus A2 - terminal A (arrival hall) → Zayed the first street stop (near LLH hospital)
frequency - once every 30 minutes
travel time - approx. 40 min (depending on traffic)
price - 4 AED
ticket - tap your Hafilat card when boarding and alighting (and at each transfer), the system will then calculate the final amount
web (timetables, lines and their routes) - https://admobility.gov.ae/en/pb-bus-service
!!ATTENTION!! - the website may only work in the UAE
bus A2 timetable - https://admobility.gov.ae/ckfinder/userfiles/files/BusServiceA2.pdf
Abu Dhabi public transport:
only buses, a dense network crisscrossing the entire city. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and cheap. It is relatively easy to get around (stops are marked and usually have indoor waiting rooms equipped with a map of lines and a machine for recharging credit, payment is cash only)
!!ATTENTION!! - traveling long distances is lengthy (traffic jams and a lot of stops on the routes), timetables are unreliable and buses are often waited for a long time
!!ATTENTION!! - the front of the bus is reserved for women and children, men sit in the back (tourists violate this and it is respected, however, locals follow this rule)
Alternative to public transport - TAXI - relatively cheap
- regular taxi (wave down anytime and anywhere, especially in tourist areas)
- alternative services with online apps - uber, careem (more expensive than regular taxi)
it pays off in more people for longer distances (you always pay an initial fee and then pay for the km traveled and the time spent at traffic lights or in traffic jams), they usually take cards (you can't rely on it)
After getting off the previous bus, return to the intersection and head right on Zayed the first street, where you will find the bus stop of the same name. Here you will transfer to another bus. Be sure to check out before getting off at the previous stop and check in again after getting on the next bus.
Buses for the next part of the journey: 7, 8, 23, 24 (towards Marina), 34 (towards Qasr al Watn)
Get off at the Al Hisn street stop (the next stop after the Cultural Foundation - could not be entered into the map)
You can warm up your body, chilled by the cold weather of winter Europe, with a walk along the beautiful promenade and the adjacent beach. You'll explore local life in the olden days before the forest of skyscrapers grew up. Experience the life of the rich at one of the world's most luxurious hotels with its own heliport, yacht harbour and beach. You'll also get a taste of what a "study" can look like in the opulent Presidential Palace. And how to end this busy day? How about a visit to one of the many local street eateries serving local delicacies?
From your accommodation, head directly towards the sea and arrive at the Corniche promenade.
The Corniche promenade consists of a landscaped pedestrian walkway lined with palm trees, beaches (some public and free, others for a fee), and rest areas (seating sometimes including a grill, wooden sunbeds). It is an ideal place for walks and sports (running, cycling). Take a walk along the promenade and when you get tired of walking, relax on one of the beaches.
The beaches are easily accessible, clean, and have facilities (showers, toilets, refreshments...). Some are subject to a fee, but most of the promenade has free access to the beaches. The promenade is almost 10 km long and stretches along the entire coast.
One of the many beaches along the Corniche promenade, accessible free of charge.
Continue along the promenade to its end and you will reach the Al Kasir peninsula in the Marina area, which you could observe on the other side of the bay while walking and viewing from the beaches on the Corniche promenade. The dominant feature is the tower at Marina Mall and the flag at Emirates Heritage Village - your next destination.
If you don't want to walk, there are several bus lines along the promenade that will take you directly to Marina Mall - 5, 11, 24, 26, 63.
A pleasant "open-air museum" where you can not only hide from the scorching sun (greenery and interior spaces), but also enjoy views of the center of Abu Dhabi and the city's symbol - the glass Etihad towers.
However, the main purpose of the visit is to look into the past and culture of this Arab country. This cultural heritage museum shows the life of the local people before the discovery of oil and the associated transformation of the country into its current form. You will find a stylized Arab village with traditional houses and crafts, which you can peek into. There are also camels and other live animals and a traditional souk where you can buy a souvenir.
Opening hours:
SAT - THU - 9:00 - 16:00
FRI - 7:30 - 12:00, 15:00 - 21:00
A leisurely walk along the sea towards the hotel, on the way you can admire the city's symbols - the impressive Etihad Towers.
If you don't feel like walking, take bus number 9 or 69 from Marina Mall, which will take you right in front of the hotel.
One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, where guests can arrive by helicopter (the hotel has several heliports) or by yacht (its own marina). Not one of the local wealthy clientele and not staying at the hotel? Never mind!! You can still enter the hotel and admire the luxuriously decorated interior full of golden elements, admire the view of the Etihad towers and the beautifully landscaped park from the staircase at the entrance to the hotel, but you can't enter it, as well as the adjacent private beach. Refreshments are available in some of the local cafes and restaurants, but be prepared to pay insane amounts for even the smallest items.
If you don't feel like walking, hop on bus number 9 or 69 in front of the hotel, which will take you to the tourist center that serves as the entrance to the presidential palace.
One of the many examples of the grandeur and luxury of the Emirates' buildings is this presidential palace, which serves only as an office (not a residence). This oriental building, completed only in 2017, is a meeting place for important local and world leaders. It is a truly beautiful palace, including the adjacent landscaped garden with pools. The visit takes about 2 hours.
Entrance is in the information center, where you buy a ticket and then board a shuttle bus that will take you to the main building.
ticket purchase online here
dress code - clothing should cover knees and shoulders
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 17:40
These city landmarks consist of 5 polished skyscrapers, gleaming under the onslaught of sunlight. The towers are impossible to miss and you will have them in sight for most of the day. Just as luxurious from the outside as they are inside - you will find, for example, a luxury hotel, offices, but also "ordinary" apartments.
Observation Deck at 300:
The observation deck on the 74th floor of the 2nd tower (Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers) is the highest point in the city you can reach, offering views of most of the city, led by the promenade and the Persian Gulf.
buy tickets online here
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 20:00
admission:
95 AED, 50 AED of the admission price serves as a voucher to the local café
Etihad towers → zastávka Qasr al Hisn (před cultural foundation) - bus 34
Today, despite differing faiths, you will see a magnificent mosque, whose size and interior make it the city's main landmark, and a must-see when visiting Abu Dhabi. You will see one of the few preserved historical monuments and visit a fortress where you can witness the transformation of a once ordinary bay inhabited by pearl divers into a super-luxury city where skyscrapers grow like mushrooms after rain. Cultural enthusiasts will surely have their hearts gladdened at the Louvre - not the Parisian one, but the local branch. And because Abu Dhabi is a coastal city, a walk along the coast is a must.
One of the few historical monuments in an otherwise modern metropolis. The fort houses a museum where you can trace the history of this desert emirate and travel back in time to when pearl hunters and desert nomads lived here, before the breakthrough of oil and gas discoveries and the transformation of the city into its present form.
You can enter the cultural foundation building and the craft house for free, while the fort itself requires a fee.
Opening hours:
SAT - THU - 9:00 - 20:00
FRI - 1400 - 20:00
Walk to the Emirates diplomatic academy bus stop on the main street in front of the fortress entrance.
At the Emirates diplomatic academy stop, take bus 5 or 65 and ride to the Ministry of economy stop. There, take bus 94. You will arrive on the beautiful Saadiyat Island, where you will get off at the bus terminus at the entrance to the hotel resorts, through which you will walk to the beach promenade.
The best way to find the bus route is to use Google Maps. Enter your current location to the destination you want to reach and click on the public transport icon.
Saadiyat Island is famous for its beaches, which are often rated as the most beautiful in the emirates. Unfortunately, they are currently all owned by the adjacent hotel resorts and charge a fee for non-resort visitors. Even the more distant beach, where the 120 bus stops and the stop and beach is called Public beach, is no longer free. However, it is worth taking a walk along the local promenade and enjoying the views of the beach and the beautiful sea.
If you'd like to pay for entry to the beach, entry to Seoul beach is over AED 120, and even AED 200 on weekends.
bus 94 - Mamsha al Saadiyat → Louvre
You can walk, but the walk is not very attractive due to ongoing construction work in the area.
You will surely notice this characteristic white dome building with a dome "floating on the water" from photos or views at the beginning of your stay. It is a branch of the famous Parisian museum and allegedly the largest museum complex in the world. You will find many permanent exhibitions of world artists and regularly changing temporary exhibitions. Furthermore, there is a children's museum dedicated to, for example, space. It is also an experience to walk along the piers between the individual pavilions and the views of the sea, where you can also spot sea turtles.
Opening hours:
daily except MON - 10:00 - 00:00
MON closed
Galleries and exhibitions:
TUE - THU - until 18:30
FRI - SUN - until 20:30
bus 94 - Louvre → Grand Mosque. Get off at the glass domes and take the escalators down to the underground shopping center, where you will also find the entrance to the mosque (clearly marked with arrows).
This magnificent mosque is one of the 10 largest in the world in terms of size, and it is one of the largest freely accessible mosques for non-Muslims. It is an absolute "must see" in Abu Dhabi. It is located in the suburbs, quite far from the center, roughly halfway to the airport. The journey there and back is quite lengthy, as is the registration, passage to the mosque, and the tour itself. Expect a total time of about 4 hours, but it is definitely worth it.
The mosque has a beautiful courtyard with marble columns, a total of 82 domes of various sizes, and 4 minarets. Inside, you can see beautiful decorative elements, including monumental chandeliers. The courtyard is also the resting place of the former president of the Emirates - Sheikh Zayed, after whom the mosque (like many other places throughout the Emirates) is named.
Registration for entry online here
Opening hours:
The mosque is open daily
FRI - 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
Rest of the week - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (last entry 11:30 AM), 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
Entry: FREE
Registration is required before entry (possible on-site, but I recommend online for a specific time)
During registration, you will fill out a short form (name, age, gender, contact...) and you will receive a QR code, which you will show upon entry.
!!ATTENTION!! you must adhere to the dress code (shoulders and ankles covered, hair covered for women) - see link https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/worshippers/en-v-mosque-manners-details
!!ATTENTION!! although entry to the mosque is free, baggage fees are high (30 AED for a regular backpack the size of an airplane carry-on). So travel light.
bus 94 - grand mosque → central bus station
central bus station, from where buses leave for Dubai.
ticket: first buy a Dubai transport card - NOL card (silver / silver) from the machine at the terminal.
price: the NOL card itself costs 6 AED, you need 25 AED for the trip to Dubai. Then you will take the metro, so charge 40 AED for today. You can also charge more money right away and not worry about it, but it is difficult to estimate and then you overpay unnecessarily.
bus E101 - Abu Dhabi central bus station → Dubai, Ibn Battuta bus station
Everything is clearly marked at the station, you can buy a silver NOL card in the vending machine and pay by card. You need bus E101, which will take you to the western part of Dubai near the Marina. The stop is on the red metro line at the Ibn Battuta stop. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and well-marked. WIFI is not available.
!!ATTENTION!! do not get on bus E100, which also goes to Dubai, but stops at the opposite end at the Al Ghubaiba station in old Dubai
bus price - 25 AED, loaded onto the NOL card, you beep after getting on the bus
frequency - depending on the time of day 20 - 30 min
travel time - approx. 100 min
web of Dubai buses (https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/promotion/intercity-e-ticketing?lang=en)
Public transport in Dubai: consists of 2 metro lines, 1 tram line and buses
Fares - depending on the distance travelled and the zones, the price of buses, trams and the metro ranges between 2 AED and 7.5 AED (this is the most expensive possible fare, so you should always keep at least this amount on your NOL card, otherwise the turnstile will not let you through)
one ride can last up to 180 minutes and you can freely transfer between vehicles, even combine (e.g. metro and bus) - always beep when getting on and off each vehicle, the system is smart and calculates everything.
Metro, red line, direction Centrepoint - Ibn Battuta → DMCC Station
After getting off the bus and tapping out, follow the arrows to the Ibn Battuta metro station, tap your NOL card at the turnstile.
The metro is very clearly marked, with route maps including stops available at the stations and in the cars.
Experience the luxury and megalomania that Dubai is famous for in style on your first day. Head to one of the most bizarre works of local designers - an artificial island, which you can reach by automatic monorail. Enjoy the view of this magnificent work from the famous viewpoint, and at the very end of the island, enjoy the local promenades. And since you are in a tropical seaside destination, visit a public beach where you can sunbathe and swim in the clear sea while admiring the surrounding skyscrapers. It is not for nothing that this part of Dubai is sometimes called the "Miami of the Middle East". And because Dubai comes alive mainly in the evening, take a walk along the artificial canal in Dubai Marina and enjoy the gleaming skyscrapers.
The district built around the artificial bay is one of the most luxurious residential areas. The skyscrapers here, in the immediate vicinity of the sea, are reminiscent of Miami, USA. The buildings are mainly residential - you will find hotels of well-known world chains, but also cheaper shared accommodation or private residences. One of the most interesting panoramic spots in all of Dubai, you can take beautiful photos from here at any time of the day.
In the center of Marina lies a cluster of the tallest purely residential buildings - The tallest block. These are: Marina 101 with a height of 427 meters, Princess Tower with 414 meters and 23 Marina with 393 meters.
A continuous pedestrian and cycle path runs around the bay, ideal for walks and views. You can "fly" over the bay on a ZIP line. However, take advantage of the warmest part of the day around noon to visit the local public beach.
A beautiful public beach surrounded by Miami-style skyscrapers. The beach is clean and beautifully maintained with a relatively steep entry into the water. Sunbeds are available for a fee. The beach has facilities in the form of toilets, showers (fee) and refreshments. You can ride a camel on the beach, which roam the beach along its entire length.
When you get tired of sunbathing and swimming, walk less than a kilometer to the tram stop.
Here, top up your NOL card according to the instructions on the machine (there is usually an English-speaking staff member available who will be happy to help you with everything).
Before boarding, remember to tap your NOL card, and do the same after getting off (terminals are similar to those in the metro, located on the platforms, not inside the tram). Be careful not to sit in the VIP Gold Class. The cars are usually marked.
The stop is one-way and is served by only 1 tram line, so hop on the first tram that arrives.
Take the tram to Palm Jumeirah station, where you will transfer to the monorail.
Get off, check out, and follow the arrows through the tunnel and underground garages to the monorail station.
The overhead monorail that "hugs" the track is a popular way to get around the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah. Here, the journey itself is the destination. It is a popular attraction where you can glimpse the resorts and beaches lining the individual "branches" of the palm tree that this island resembles. However, a proper view awaits a little further...
Monorail Timetable:
Daily except 9:00 AM (first train towards Atlantis) - 9:45 PM (last train towards Atlantis)
Price:
The best option is to buy an open return ticket for AED 35. With this, you can get on and off at any time during 1 day. Single tickets are also available, valid only to a specific stop
One of the most shining examples of what is possible in this country. The artificially built island in the shape of a palm tree is part of the giant project The Palm, which, in addition to the completed Palm Jumeirah, also includes another similar island, Jebel Ali, serving as the city's most luxurious district, and an archipelago that creates a map of the world and consists of individual countries. Most of the island consists of luxury residences of wealthy residents and hotel resorts. The beaches, of which there are tens of km, are mostly private property of the adjacent hotels and residences.
This observation deck on the 52nd floor of the most prominent skyscraper in the area offers a beautiful view of Palm Jumeirah Island, including the dominant Atlantis hotel, the adjacent water park, and the local endless beaches. The entrance is from the Nakheel Mall monorail station. Get off at the shopping center of the same name, and the signs and local staff will take care of the rest :)
Opening hours:
daily except 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
The island's iconic building is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It is located at the final station of the monorail on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The building resembles a magnificent castle and consists of two "towers" connected by a bridge.
Next to the Atlantis hotel lies one of the most famous and popular water parks in the entire region - Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. You can spend the whole day there enjoying adrenaline-pumping fun, such as riding the legendary The Leap of Faith slide, which, after passing through its almost 28 meters, shoots you into a transparent tunnel through a lagoon with sharks and rays.
water park opening hours:
daily 9:15 AM - 6:00 PM
entrance:
adults and youth over 1.2 m tall - 330 AED
youth up to 1.2 m tall - 280 AED
children under 2 years old - free
Enjoy the evening Marina with a stroll along the canal and take in the panoramic views of the beautifully lit skyscrapers, or take a ride on one of the many boats moored here that will take you along the canal to Dubai Creek in old Dubai.
Today, you have a unique opportunity that is unprecedented in the world - you can swap a sunny beach and swimming in the sea for skiing on a snowy slope in a single day (even within 1 hour). Doesn't that sound incredible? Anything is possible in this country, and the Mall of the Emirates, the huge shopping mall that houses this artificially snow-covered and cooled ski slope, is proof. If you like traditional souks, you can visit one in the mall's covered area. While shopping and swimming at the nearby beach, you'll be watched over by the iconic sailboat-shaped building that is the legendary Burj al Arab luxury hotel.
If you don't feel like walking, take a taxi (Uber, Careem)
On the main road in Dubai Marina, take bus no. 8 operated by RTA, tapping your NOL card again.
Beautiful large beach with clean white sand, clear sea with gently shelving beach and quality facilities (toilets, free showers, drinking water, restaurants and bars, outdoor gym...). There is a cycling and walking path around the beach. When staying on this beach you have a view of the nearby Burj al Arab hotel.
Stroll along the sandy beach or pedestrian promenade (with a short interruption due to the presence of the harbor) and you will reach another beach.
One of the best-rated beaches and also the place where most Instagram photos from Dubai beaches are taken. It is here that you can swim in the immediate vicinity of the legendary Burj al Arab hotel, which offers a beautiful view.
Even though you've observed the hotel from the beaches, its lower part has always been obscured by another luxury hotel. Therefore, continue along the coast to get closer, and you'll reach the entrance to the building. Although it's guarded by security, there's space for a view of the entire hotel and an ideal spot for photo documentation. However, unlike the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, you won't be allowed inside. You need to book and pay for admission. If you are interested in this option, check out the link below.
In any case, you are standing in front of one of Dubai's symbols and a legendary building located on an artificial island. It measures 321 meters and resembles a sailboat; it is sometimes called "Allah's finger." The hotel is truly luxurious, and you will notice it in the prices, which can be in the order of hundreds of thousands per night. Among other things, you will find a suspended heliport that has gone down in history with a legendary exhibition tennis match between Federer and Agassi.
You can buy tickets online here
Near the hotel is another famous water park - Wild Wadi Waterpark with lots of attractions and slides, the most interesting of which is the 33-meter-high Jumeirah Sceirah slide.
Wild Wadi Waterpark:
Opening hours:
Daily 10:00 - 18:00
Entrance:
199 AED (over 1.1 m)
Children under 3 years free
A very interesting stop is this complex of luxury hotel resorts and restaurants built in the style of old Arab dwellings, which is crossed by a water channel on which imitations of local legendary wooden boats (abra) pass.
For the uninitiated, however, the main attraction is the indoor souk, or traditional market, where you can pick up tadic items (clothing, spices, antiques, etc.)
Head back along the main road towards Wild Wadi Water Park and hop on bus 81 towards Emirates Mall.
bus 81 - Wild Wadi, or Burj al Arab → Mall of the Emirates
A huge shopping center that would be the absolute largest in most countries of the world, but here in Dubai it's a "small fry" compared to the even larger Dubai Mall. Nevertheless, you will find a huge number of shops of all possible brands here. However, the main attraction is the famous indoor ski slope Ski Dubai.
One of the most bizarre, even "craziest" proofs that anything is truly possible in this country is a ski slope in a land made up almost entirely of desert, where summer temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius. All it takes is to build a giant hall inside a shopping center and use cooling to maintain the temperature needed to keep the snow permanent. And perhaps the biggest local attraction in the world - hit the slopes!!! You can choose from several slopes of varying difficulty and a freestyle area suitable for snowboarders. A chairlift (very slow) supplemented by a T-bar lift takes you to the top. The main slope is approximately 400 m, which is not much, but you need to remember that we are in a shopping center in the middle of the desert :) You don't have to bring any equipment with you, everything can be rented as part of the ticket.
Opening hours:
MON - THU - 10:00 - 23:00
FRI - 10:00 - 00:00
SAT - SUN - 9:00 - 00:00
Last tickets can be purchased 1 - 1.5 hours before closing time
Metro, Red Line, direction Expo or UAE Exchange, stop at DMCC Station.
Today will be a day of bizarre buildings that might make your chin drop. You'll also be playing record hunter. You'll visit the world's tallest frame, the world's tallest building, the world's largest and most water-spewing dancing fountain, and one truly massive (though not the largest) shopping mall. It's going to be an interesting day!
metro, red line, direction Centrepoint, stop Max
This relatively new structure represents another of this country's many records - it is the largest picture frame in the world, with a height of 150 m and a width of 105 m. It serves visitors as a lookout tower and a museum. It is located near Jabeel Park (entrance 5 AED), roughly halfway between old Dubai and the new, modern downtown, and thus symbolizes a view into the future, but also inspiration from the past.
Opening hours:
daily 9:00 - 21:00
Metro, red line, direction UAE exchange or EXPO, stop Emirates towers
One of the newest buildings, opened only in February 2022, immediately became one of the city's main attractions due to its absolutely unmistakable appearance. The building's design is captivating even when passing by on the metro (the building is very close to the tracks and is actually best seen from the metro). In the lobby, where you buy a ticket (however, I recommend buying online due to the huge interest), you can have a robot make you coffee, which will also wave and dance for you, and a whale will fly around... The museum is divided into floors, each of which is dedicated to a different theme (e.g., space, technology, climate change, etc.).
Opening hours:
daily 9:30 - 21:00 (last ticket purchase 19:00)
Metro, red line, direction UAE exchange or EXPO, stop Burj Khalifa/Dubai mall
If we said that Mall of the Emirates was huge, then this shopping center is absolutely massive. It is a vast shopping area where you can find thousands of shops and restaurants, as well as an ice rink, an indoor amusement park, and a waterfall. Shopping enthusiasts can spend several days here. To help you navigate, use the interactive maps located throughout the center, where you can enter the name of the object you are looking for (e.g., the brand name of the store) and the system will show you the nearest route to it.
Mall of the Emirates has a ski slope, while Dubai Mall has an indoor ice rink the size of an Olympic hockey rink. Winter sports are simply not impossible even in desert countries.
Opening hours:
SUN - THU - 10:00 - 22:00
FRI + SAT - 10:00 - 00:00
Admission:
The price is very variable depending on the day of the week and time, so please check the website and find your preferred time.
You can buy tickets online here (https://www.dubaiicerink.com/visit/ticket-information/)
One of the department store's symbols is the Human Waterfall - a waterfall several tens of meters high with sculptures of jumping people. It can be observed from several floors or the ground floor, located near the exit of the department store towards the fountain.
The statue of a dinosaur found in the American state of Wyoming is a majestic symbol of this department store. It is the best-preserved dinosaur skeleton ever found, with up to 90% of the original bones.
This beautiful marine aquarium, home to over 30,000 different species of aquatic animals, is a very popular attraction and one of Dubai's highlights. You can admire the aquarium for free from the outside in the shopping center, but it is definitely worth buying an entrance ticket to go through the underwater tunnel, where sharks and rays will swim around your head.
Opening hours:
MON - FRI - 10:00 - 23:00 (last entry 22:15)
SAT + SUN - 10:00 - 00:00 (last entry 23:15)
Entrance:
You can buy tickets online here.
In addition to the basic entrance (tunnel, aquarium, penguins) for 199 AED, there are other options that include diving with sharks with an instructor, a boat ride with an underwater bottom, or a stay with penguins. See the website for prices and descriptions of the options.
!!TIP!! If you are also planning to visit the nearby Burj Khalifa, it is worth buying a combined ticket with the aquarium. The price for an adult is 309 AED, and for a child 275 AED.
The tallest building in the world (probably not for long, as the future new record holder is growing in neighboring Saudi Arabia - Jeddah Tower, which will be the first building to exceed a height of 1 km) with its height of 828 meters is a clear dominant of the city visible from almost all parts. Inside you will find, in addition to regular apartments, also a hotel and, among other things, the highest-located Atmosphere restaurant. Seeing the building is an experience even from the outside, especially in the evening, when every half hour, except on Mondays, from 7:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., there is a light show and the building plays with all colors. On Sundays, the show is only once per hour.
The reason for the visit of most tourists is, of course, the interior, specifically the highest-located observation deck. However, the author of the itinerary believes that the visit is not worth it. Leaving aside the high entrance fee, the long wait for the elevator up and down (even when booking a ticket for a specific time, you wait for the elevator for more than an hour), you don't see that much in the end, because there isn't much around the building. It's a matter of opinion. Most people take it that a visit is a must.
Tickets online here.
Opening hours:
At the top: daily 7:00 - 00:00 (last entry 23:00)
At the top + sky terrace: daily 10:00 - 22:00 (last entry 21:00)
The lounge: daily 9:00 - 23:00 (last entry 21:00)
Entrance:
At the top - takes you to the 124th and 125th floors at a height of 456 m to a covered glass platform with a terrace
15:00 - 19:00 - 165 AED, other times - 145 AED
At the top + sky terrace - in addition to the above, you continue to the 148th floor to a height of 556 m with an outdoor platform
12:00 - 20:00 - 553 AED, other times - 399 AED
The lounge - takes you to the 154th floor at a height of 585 meters, where you have refreshments in the lounge with an open terrace and glass floor in the form of tea, coffee and desserts, and drinks in the evening
all day - 769 AED
!!Attention!! Due to the huge interest of tourists, I recommend booking a ticket in advance for a specific time.
!!TIP!! If you also plan to visit the Aquarium and underwater ZOO in the mall, it is worth buying a combined ticket. The price for an adult is 309 AED, a child 275 AED.
The magnificent fountain on the vast lake in front of the Burj Khalifa is another record holder - it is the fountain with the largest choreography system. It is inspired by the famous fountain in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, but on a much larger scale. The fountain consists of 5 different circles connected by arches that spray water to the accompaniment of various music every 30 minutes in the evening between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The whole show is complemented by light effects taking place on the Burj Khalifa building. However, prepare for crowds of people and choose a spot ideally up to 20 minutes in advance.
metro, red line, direction Centrepoint, stop Burjuman
Here we will transfer to the green metro line.
metro, green line, direction Etisalat, stop Al Ghubaiba
If you're tired of luxury, monstrous buildings, shopping malls, and queues for the "most popular" attractions, today will be a great experience for you. Perhaps with all the luxury, shiny clean buildings, and centers with an army of marching tourists from all over the world, you've forgotten that you're in an Arab country. So it's time to experience a bit of the authentic atmosphere of these countries with all their pros and cons. Get carried away by the narrow streets lined with shops selling everything in the old quarters, where life continues in the old way even in the shadow of distant skyscrapers. Visit the local souks and let the local merchants invite you into their shops and bargain over prices, perhaps for the famous Dubai chocolate. Take away not only experiences from the true Arab atmosphere, but also some goodies, famous spices or traditional clothing, whether you are a woman (abaya) or a man (thawb). You simply must experience old Dubai.
And where better to taste some traditional delicacies than here in old Dubai? How about Arabic bread freshly pulled from the oven filled with cheese, egg or other ingredients? Or if you want something meatier, you will come across countless bistros in the local streets with traditional shawarma, kebab and other delicacies.
Metro, green line, towards Etisalat, al Ras station.
You may need to top up your NOL card, so top it up the same way as before with any amount, e.g. 20 AED.
Today's day will largely be about visiting the traditional souk markets that are renowned in Deira and Bur Dubai. The former will make your eyes glaze over, because as the name suggests, it contains mainly stalls selling gold, but also other precious jewellery (silver, diamonds). Dubai is famous for gold and the country is duly proud of it, so it also keeps an eye on quality and the goods on display should be of good quality and free of fakes. You can see the current prices of gold or silver on the light boards above some shops.
Just a few streets away from the Gold Souk towards Dubai Creek is the Spice Souk, which you can explore not only with your eyes, but especially with other senses (taste and smell). Arabs are famous for spices all over the world, so it is not surprising that the selection of spices is really very diverse here, and bags of spices of various colors, consistencies and tastes, and their aroma, waft through the streets, creating a very pleasant experience, not only for gourmets. You will definitely not disappoint your loved ones with a bag of spices or even a multipack with up to 20 kinds.
Busy waterfront with a harbour where, in addition to sightseeing cruises on Dubai Creek, there is also local transportation on wooden boats called abra. Hop on one of these and, for the symbolic price of AED 1, be transported across the river to another old quarter - Bur Dubai.
The pier on the other side of the creek is surrounded by other souks with all sorts of goods. Be sure to haggle over the prices of goods, as is customary here. Merchants are not afraid to ask for up to three times the real price. So never buy goods at the price quoted by the merchant - you would lose out. The final price can often be reduced by up to 80%, just be uncompromising and feel free to leave the store. Often the merchant will run after you and sell the goods for the price you offer (of course, if he has at least a small profit and you are not asking for a ridiculous price). In general, it is good to decide in advance how much you are willing to pay for the goods, listen to the merchant's price and then ask for a price even lower than you plan to pay. Then the merchant gradually discounts and often you then meet at a price acceptable to you. Once you say a price, it is difficult to get lower, so it is good to start as low as possible and rather increase than decrease. It also pays to buy more pieces at once - you will then get a quantity discount. For gastronomic goods (e.g. famous Dubai chocolate), merchants do not hesitate to offer a tasting, so before you buy, you will get a square of this delicacy so you know what you are buying and then you start bargaining - a very pleasant habit :)
One of the last authentic old quarters with narrow streets and corners, a beautiful mosque and several museums tracing the history of the city. This neighborhood can be reached from the wharf via the promenade around the creek, which offers beautiful views of the historic buildings and shipping in the area.
This fortress, which serves as the Dubai Museum, is one of the few real historical monuments in this otherwise modern city. If you want to learn about Arabian history and the traditional way of life, this museum is for you.
Unfortunately, the museum is currently undergoing renovation and is closed, so you can only see it from the outside.
Another of the many local souks, this time focused mainly on textiles. You can buy traditional clothing for men (thawb) and women (abaya) or scarves or other pieces of cashmere clothing. Beware of the prices, traders will ask AED 300 for an abaya, for example, but the final price can be up to AED 70.
The museum is located in the old quarter and contains 22 pavilions in 80 buildings, each dedicated to a different theme from the city's history - e.g. traditional jewellery, healing, crafts, poetry...
More detailed information and a plan of the extensive complex see brochure.
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 20:00 (last entry 19:00)
Today will be very variable and entirely at your discretion. It depends only on you which activity for spending the last day in this interesting country will be closest to you. Lovers of fun and unconventional experiences can visit one of the amusement parks, a global village full of shops from different parts of the world, or perhaps the largest flower garden in the world. Lovers of swimming and beach activities can spend the day on one of the many public beaches that lie along the Dubai coast. And because you are in a country made up mostly of desert, which is located just outside the city limits, you can use the services of one of the local travel agencies and go to the desert for the whole day, where you can ride a quad bike, go down the dunes and possibly have dinner with other Bedouins and tourists from different parts of the Earth.
One of the most interesting ways to spend a free day is a trip to the desert. In Dubai, you will find a wide range of options from various agencies. Offers include options from 2 hours to a full day, including a night spent in a desert camp. The offers vary and include, for example, pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, jeep transport to the desert, dune bashing by jeep or privately on quad bikes, sandboarding, falconry displays, traditional belly dancing, henna, some refreshments, or even dinner in the form of a barbecue and overnight stay in the desert.
In terms of the quality of the offer and the price/performance ratio, for example, this offer is good:
(ideally choose the 7-hour option)
Dubai: Red Dune Safari with BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike Ride
For other offers, it is good to check, for example, TripAdvisor
If you are interested in any of the options, book it on the website in advance - select the option, time and place of pick-up, and the travel agency will take care of the rest, sending you more detailed instructions.
If you prefer one last dose of sunshine for today, swimming in the sea, and relaxing before heading back to Europe, you can spend the day or part of it on one of the beaches. In addition to the ones visited earlier, La Mer is a nice beach, for example.
Enter the route from your location to La Mer Beach in Google Maps. There you will find bus routes. For example, like this.
Another of Dubai's record-breaking "notches" is the largest flower garden, Miracle Garden. The fact that there are over 200 million different plants and over 100 million flowers in the middle of the desert is truly a miracle. And as if that weren't enough, the plants form various objects, such as statues, a locomotive, or the symbol of the entire garden - a model of an Airbus aircraft. You will definitely not experience anything like this in Europe or elsewhere.
Opening hours:
MON - FRI - 9:00 - 21:00
SAT - SUN - 9:00 - 23:00
Enter the route from where you are to Miracle Garden Airplane Flowers on Google maps. There you will find the public transport route. For example, like this.
If you don't feel like taking public transport, you can use a taxi.
"The world in a nutshell" is how this very interesting and popular attraction on the outskirts of the city could be described. It is a large multicultural "fair" where you can explore the world in one small place through tastings of local foods and purchases of typical products from those countries. In the individual pavilions, you can buy, for example, a Persian carpet, matryoshka dolls, Turkish honey, cotton from China, etc.
The entire complex is complemented by various attractions including a circus and an artificial water canal.
Opening hours:
SUN - WED - 16:00 - 00:00
THU - SAT - 16:00 - 01:00
To get back to the hotel, you can either take a taxi or find a public transport route from your location to the accommodation again via Google Maps.
Your sunny vacation in the land of sand and skyscrapers is coming to an end, it's time to return to your home country. First, you will take a bus directly to the airport terminal, and then you will have a flight home.
You can get to the airport by taxi or again using Google Maps, where you can find the best public transport connection.
Remember to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. This airport is really big, so make sure you have enough time for everything. If you don't have any luggage to check, proceed through security check and immigration to your gate.
Your sunny vacation in the land of sand, futuristic skyscrapers, and fragrant souks is coming to an end, and it's time to look back a little. Few countries can offer so many architectural records and curiosities in such a small space. Over the past few days, you have had the opportunity to climb the tallest building in the world, see the most extensive choreography of playing and "dancing" fountains, see the largest flower garden and the tallest picture frame... You could swim in the sea, sunbathe on the beach, and then ski on the slopes or ice skate on the rink in one of the local luxury shopping centers in one day.
Despite the ubiquitous luxury and wealth, this country has also preserved some traditional parts with souks and narrow streets, which will remind you that you are still in Arabia. However, the country is developed, clean, safe, tolerant, and organized. In addition, even as a non-Muslim, you can visit some mosques and dress in a Western style, including women. If you add a pleasant climate in the winter months suitable for swimming and relative proximity, this destination comes out as an ideal option for individuals, couples, and families with children during the freezing European winters.
itinerary by Jakub
Do you want to take a short break from the crisp and cold weather of Europe in the autumn and winter months, but not travel halfway around the world and spend tens of thousands on airline tickets? Want to look out from the tallest building in the world and visit one of the largest mosques? Are you interested in modern architecture full of world records? Do you like shopping in fancy and huge shopping malls or do you love tasting delicacies and haggling prices with Arab merchants in traditional markets? Do you want to swim in the clear sea, sunbathe on a sunny beach one day and later go skiing or ice skating a little further? Then this destination is perfect for you. Discover this fabulously rich country where nothing is impossible...Welcome to the United Arab Emirates!!!
Welcome to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates!! You will immediately feel the economic level of this country at the airport. You have just landed at the new Terminal A, whose building in the shape of sand dunes is impressive even from the plane. The interior of the terminal is also very modern and clear, so you will have no problem getting around. After arrival and transfer to your accommodation, you can take advantage of its central location and take a walk around the city, visit the traditional souk or go to the famous Corniche promenade. And since a person gets hungry after a relatively long journey, visit some of the street bistros or restaurants and taste, for example, the Arabian classic - shawarma in all possible ways. There are countless offers all around.
After successfully passing through passport control, arrows will direct you to the exit and the bus stop. While still inside the terminal, before exiting to the bus stop, visit the Hafilat local travel card kiosk. English-speaking staff can also advise you on bus routes, timetables etc.
Until recently, tourists could get the so-called temporary use version of the Hafilat card valid for 28 days for free, however currently (February 2025) this option is not available due to a blackout and a permanent anonymous version must be purchased for AED 10. You can also top up your credit here - unlike at regular bus stops, you can pay by card here at the airport kiosk. About AED 20 credit should be enough to get around Abu Dhabi.
bus A2 - terminal A (arrival hall) → Zayed the first street stop (near LLH hospital)
frequency - once every 30 minutes
travel time - approx. 40 min (depending on traffic)
price - 4 AED
ticket - tap your Hafilat card when boarding and alighting (and at each transfer), the system will then calculate the final amount
web (timetables, lines and their routes) - https://admobility.gov.ae/en/pb-bus-service
!!ATTENTION!! - the website may only work in the UAE
bus A2 timetable - https://admobility.gov.ae/ckfinder/userfiles/files/BusServiceA2.pdf
Abu Dhabi public transport:
only buses, a dense network crisscrossing the entire city. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and cheap. It is relatively easy to get around (stops are marked and usually have indoor waiting rooms equipped with a map of lines and a machine for recharging credit, payment is cash only)
!!ATTENTION!! - traveling long distances is lengthy (traffic jams and a lot of stops on the routes), timetables are unreliable and buses are often waited for a long time
!!ATTENTION!! - the front of the bus is reserved for women and children, men sit in the back (tourists violate this and it is respected, however, locals follow this rule)
Alternative to public transport - TAXI - relatively cheap
- regular taxi (wave down anytime and anywhere, especially in tourist areas)
- alternative services with online apps - uber, careem (more expensive than regular taxi)
it pays off in more people for longer distances (you always pay an initial fee and then pay for the km traveled and the time spent at traffic lights or in traffic jams), they usually take cards (you can't rely on it)
After getting off the previous bus, return to the intersection and head right on Zayed the first street, where you will find the bus stop of the same name. Here you will transfer to another bus. Be sure to check out before getting off at the previous stop and check in again after getting on the next bus.
Buses for the next part of the journey: 7, 8, 23, 24 (towards Marina), 34 (towards Qasr al Watn)
Get off at the Al Hisn street stop (the next stop after the Cultural Foundation - could not be entered into the map)
You can warm up your body, chilled by the cold weather of winter Europe, with a walk along the beautiful promenade and the adjacent beach. You'll explore local life in the olden days before the forest of skyscrapers grew up. Experience the life of the rich at one of the world's most luxurious hotels with its own heliport, yacht harbour and beach. You'll also get a taste of what a "study" can look like in the opulent Presidential Palace. And how to end this busy day? How about a visit to one of the many local street eateries serving local delicacies?
From your accommodation, head directly towards the sea and arrive at the Corniche promenade.
The Corniche promenade consists of a landscaped pedestrian walkway lined with palm trees, beaches (some public and free, others for a fee), and rest areas (seating sometimes including a grill, wooden sunbeds). It is an ideal place for walks and sports (running, cycling). Take a walk along the promenade and when you get tired of walking, relax on one of the beaches.
The beaches are easily accessible, clean, and have facilities (showers, toilets, refreshments...). Some are subject to a fee, but most of the promenade has free access to the beaches. The promenade is almost 10 km long and stretches along the entire coast.
One of the many beaches along the Corniche promenade, accessible free of charge.
Continue along the promenade to its end and you will reach the Al Kasir peninsula in the Marina area, which you could observe on the other side of the bay while walking and viewing from the beaches on the Corniche promenade. The dominant feature is the tower at Marina Mall and the flag at Emirates Heritage Village - your next destination.
If you don't want to walk, there are several bus lines along the promenade that will take you directly to Marina Mall - 5, 11, 24, 26, 63.
A pleasant "open-air museum" where you can not only hide from the scorching sun (greenery and interior spaces), but also enjoy views of the center of Abu Dhabi and the city's symbol - the glass Etihad towers.
However, the main purpose of the visit is to look into the past and culture of this Arab country. This cultural heritage museum shows the life of the local people before the discovery of oil and the associated transformation of the country into its current form. You will find a stylized Arab village with traditional houses and crafts, which you can peek into. There are also camels and other live animals and a traditional souk where you can buy a souvenir.
Opening hours:
SAT - THU - 9:00 - 16:00
FRI - 7:30 - 12:00, 15:00 - 21:00
A leisurely walk along the sea towards the hotel, on the way you can admire the city's symbols - the impressive Etihad Towers.
If you don't feel like walking, take bus number 9 or 69 from Marina Mall, which will take you right in front of the hotel.
One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, where guests can arrive by helicopter (the hotel has several heliports) or by yacht (its own marina). Not one of the local wealthy clientele and not staying at the hotel? Never mind!! You can still enter the hotel and admire the luxuriously decorated interior full of golden elements, admire the view of the Etihad towers and the beautifully landscaped park from the staircase at the entrance to the hotel, but you can't enter it, as well as the adjacent private beach. Refreshments are available in some of the local cafes and restaurants, but be prepared to pay insane amounts for even the smallest items.
If you don't feel like walking, hop on bus number 9 or 69 in front of the hotel, which will take you to the tourist center that serves as the entrance to the presidential palace.
One of the many examples of the grandeur and luxury of the Emirates' buildings is this presidential palace, which serves only as an office (not a residence). This oriental building, completed only in 2017, is a meeting place for important local and world leaders. It is a truly beautiful palace, including the adjacent landscaped garden with pools. The visit takes about 2 hours.
Entrance is in the information center, where you buy a ticket and then board a shuttle bus that will take you to the main building.
ticket purchase online here
dress code - clothing should cover knees and shoulders
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 17:40
These city landmarks consist of 5 polished skyscrapers, gleaming under the onslaught of sunlight. The towers are impossible to miss and you will have them in sight for most of the day. Just as luxurious from the outside as they are inside - you will find, for example, a luxury hotel, offices, but also "ordinary" apartments.
Observation Deck at 300:
The observation deck on the 74th floor of the 2nd tower (Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers) is the highest point in the city you can reach, offering views of most of the city, led by the promenade and the Persian Gulf.
buy tickets online here
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 20:00
admission:
95 AED, 50 AED of the admission price serves as a voucher to the local café
Etihad towers → zastávka Qasr al Hisn (před cultural foundation) - bus 34
Today, despite differing faiths, you will see a magnificent mosque, whose size and interior make it the city's main landmark, and a must-see when visiting Abu Dhabi. You will see one of the few preserved historical monuments and visit a fortress where you can witness the transformation of a once ordinary bay inhabited by pearl divers into a super-luxury city where skyscrapers grow like mushrooms after rain. Cultural enthusiasts will surely have their hearts gladdened at the Louvre - not the Parisian one, but the local branch. And because Abu Dhabi is a coastal city, a walk along the coast is a must.
One of the few historical monuments in an otherwise modern metropolis. The fort houses a museum where you can trace the history of this desert emirate and travel back in time to when pearl hunters and desert nomads lived here, before the breakthrough of oil and gas discoveries and the transformation of the city into its present form.
You can enter the cultural foundation building and the craft house for free, while the fort itself requires a fee.
Opening hours:
SAT - THU - 9:00 - 20:00
FRI - 1400 - 20:00
Walk to the Emirates diplomatic academy bus stop on the main street in front of the fortress entrance.
At the Emirates diplomatic academy stop, take bus 5 or 65 and ride to the Ministry of economy stop. There, take bus 94. You will arrive on the beautiful Saadiyat Island, where you will get off at the bus terminus at the entrance to the hotel resorts, through which you will walk to the beach promenade.
The best way to find the bus route is to use Google Maps. Enter your current location to the destination you want to reach and click on the public transport icon.
Saadiyat Island is famous for its beaches, which are often rated as the most beautiful in the emirates. Unfortunately, they are currently all owned by the adjacent hotel resorts and charge a fee for non-resort visitors. Even the more distant beach, where the 120 bus stops and the stop and beach is called Public beach, is no longer free. However, it is worth taking a walk along the local promenade and enjoying the views of the beach and the beautiful sea.
If you'd like to pay for entry to the beach, entry to Seoul beach is over AED 120, and even AED 200 on weekends.
bus 94 - Mamsha al Saadiyat → Louvre
You can walk, but the walk is not very attractive due to ongoing construction work in the area.
You will surely notice this characteristic white dome building with a dome "floating on the water" from photos or views at the beginning of your stay. It is a branch of the famous Parisian museum and allegedly the largest museum complex in the world. You will find many permanent exhibitions of world artists and regularly changing temporary exhibitions. Furthermore, there is a children's museum dedicated to, for example, space. It is also an experience to walk along the piers between the individual pavilions and the views of the sea, where you can also spot sea turtles.
Opening hours:
daily except MON - 10:00 - 00:00
MON closed
Galleries and exhibitions:
TUE - THU - until 18:30
FRI - SUN - until 20:30
bus 94 - Louvre → Grand Mosque. Get off at the glass domes and take the escalators down to the underground shopping center, where you will also find the entrance to the mosque (clearly marked with arrows).
This magnificent mosque is one of the 10 largest in the world in terms of size, and it is one of the largest freely accessible mosques for non-Muslims. It is an absolute "must see" in Abu Dhabi. It is located in the suburbs, quite far from the center, roughly halfway to the airport. The journey there and back is quite lengthy, as is the registration, passage to the mosque, and the tour itself. Expect a total time of about 4 hours, but it is definitely worth it.
The mosque has a beautiful courtyard with marble columns, a total of 82 domes of various sizes, and 4 minarets. Inside, you can see beautiful decorative elements, including monumental chandeliers. The courtyard is also the resting place of the former president of the Emirates - Sheikh Zayed, after whom the mosque (like many other places throughout the Emirates) is named.
Registration for entry online here
Opening hours:
The mosque is open daily
FRI - 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
Rest of the week - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (last entry 11:30 AM), 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
Entry: FREE
Registration is required before entry (possible on-site, but I recommend online for a specific time)
During registration, you will fill out a short form (name, age, gender, contact...) and you will receive a QR code, which you will show upon entry.
!!ATTENTION!! you must adhere to the dress code (shoulders and ankles covered, hair covered for women) - see link https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/worshippers/en-v-mosque-manners-details
!!ATTENTION!! although entry to the mosque is free, baggage fees are high (30 AED for a regular backpack the size of an airplane carry-on). So travel light.
bus 94 - grand mosque → central bus station
central bus station, from where buses leave for Dubai.
ticket: first buy a Dubai transport card - NOL card (silver / silver) from the machine at the terminal.
price: the NOL card itself costs 6 AED, you need 25 AED for the trip to Dubai. Then you will take the metro, so charge 40 AED for today. You can also charge more money right away and not worry about it, but it is difficult to estimate and then you overpay unnecessarily.
bus E101 - Abu Dhabi central bus station → Dubai, Ibn Battuta bus station
Everything is clearly marked at the station, you can buy a silver NOL card in the vending machine and pay by card. You need bus E101, which will take you to the western part of Dubai near the Marina. The stop is on the red metro line at the Ibn Battuta stop. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and well-marked. WIFI is not available.
!!ATTENTION!! do not get on bus E100, which also goes to Dubai, but stops at the opposite end at the Al Ghubaiba station in old Dubai
bus price - 25 AED, loaded onto the NOL card, you beep after getting on the bus
frequency - depending on the time of day 20 - 30 min
travel time - approx. 100 min
web of Dubai buses (https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/promotion/intercity-e-ticketing?lang=en)
Public transport in Dubai: consists of 2 metro lines, 1 tram line and buses
Fares - depending on the distance travelled and the zones, the price of buses, trams and the metro ranges between 2 AED and 7.5 AED (this is the most expensive possible fare, so you should always keep at least this amount on your NOL card, otherwise the turnstile will not let you through)
one ride can last up to 180 minutes and you can freely transfer between vehicles, even combine (e.g. metro and bus) - always beep when getting on and off each vehicle, the system is smart and calculates everything.
Metro, red line, direction Centrepoint - Ibn Battuta → DMCC Station
After getting off the bus and tapping out, follow the arrows to the Ibn Battuta metro station, tap your NOL card at the turnstile.
The metro is very clearly marked, with route maps including stops available at the stations and in the cars.
Experience the luxury and megalomania that Dubai is famous for in style on your first day. Head to one of the most bizarre works of local designers - an artificial island, which you can reach by automatic monorail. Enjoy the view of this magnificent work from the famous viewpoint, and at the very end of the island, enjoy the local promenades. And since you are in a tropical seaside destination, visit a public beach where you can sunbathe and swim in the clear sea while admiring the surrounding skyscrapers. It is not for nothing that this part of Dubai is sometimes called the "Miami of the Middle East". And because Dubai comes alive mainly in the evening, take a walk along the artificial canal in Dubai Marina and enjoy the gleaming skyscrapers.
The district built around the artificial bay is one of the most luxurious residential areas. The skyscrapers here, in the immediate vicinity of the sea, are reminiscent of Miami, USA. The buildings are mainly residential - you will find hotels of well-known world chains, but also cheaper shared accommodation or private residences. One of the most interesting panoramic spots in all of Dubai, you can take beautiful photos from here at any time of the day.
In the center of Marina lies a cluster of the tallest purely residential buildings - The tallest block. These are: Marina 101 with a height of 427 meters, Princess Tower with 414 meters and 23 Marina with 393 meters.
A continuous pedestrian and cycle path runs around the bay, ideal for walks and views. You can "fly" over the bay on a ZIP line. However, take advantage of the warmest part of the day around noon to visit the local public beach.
A beautiful public beach surrounded by Miami-style skyscrapers. The beach is clean and beautifully maintained with a relatively steep entry into the water. Sunbeds are available for a fee. The beach has facilities in the form of toilets, showers (fee) and refreshments. You can ride a camel on the beach, which roam the beach along its entire length.
When you get tired of sunbathing and swimming, walk less than a kilometer to the tram stop.
Here, top up your NOL card according to the instructions on the machine (there is usually an English-speaking staff member available who will be happy to help you with everything).
Before boarding, remember to tap your NOL card, and do the same after getting off (terminals are similar to those in the metro, located on the platforms, not inside the tram). Be careful not to sit in the VIP Gold Class. The cars are usually marked.
The stop is one-way and is served by only 1 tram line, so hop on the first tram that arrives.
Take the tram to Palm Jumeirah station, where you will transfer to the monorail.
Get off, check out, and follow the arrows through the tunnel and underground garages to the monorail station.
The overhead monorail that "hugs" the track is a popular way to get around the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah. Here, the journey itself is the destination. It is a popular attraction where you can glimpse the resorts and beaches lining the individual "branches" of the palm tree that this island resembles. However, a proper view awaits a little further...
Monorail Timetable:
Daily except 9:00 AM (first train towards Atlantis) - 9:45 PM (last train towards Atlantis)
Price:
The best option is to buy an open return ticket for AED 35. With this, you can get on and off at any time during 1 day. Single tickets are also available, valid only to a specific stop
One of the most shining examples of what is possible in this country. The artificially built island in the shape of a palm tree is part of the giant project The Palm, which, in addition to the completed Palm Jumeirah, also includes another similar island, Jebel Ali, serving as the city's most luxurious district, and an archipelago that creates a map of the world and consists of individual countries. Most of the island consists of luxury residences of wealthy residents and hotel resorts. The beaches, of which there are tens of km, are mostly private property of the adjacent hotels and residences.
This observation deck on the 52nd floor of the most prominent skyscraper in the area offers a beautiful view of Palm Jumeirah Island, including the dominant Atlantis hotel, the adjacent water park, and the local endless beaches. The entrance is from the Nakheel Mall monorail station. Get off at the shopping center of the same name, and the signs and local staff will take care of the rest :)
Opening hours:
daily except 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
The island's iconic building is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It is located at the final station of the monorail on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The building resembles a magnificent castle and consists of two "towers" connected by a bridge.
Next to the Atlantis hotel lies one of the most famous and popular water parks in the entire region - Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. You can spend the whole day there enjoying adrenaline-pumping fun, such as riding the legendary The Leap of Faith slide, which, after passing through its almost 28 meters, shoots you into a transparent tunnel through a lagoon with sharks and rays.
water park opening hours:
daily 9:15 AM - 6:00 PM
entrance:
adults and youth over 1.2 m tall - 330 AED
youth up to 1.2 m tall - 280 AED
children under 2 years old - free
Enjoy the evening Marina with a stroll along the canal and take in the panoramic views of the beautifully lit skyscrapers, or take a ride on one of the many boats moored here that will take you along the canal to Dubai Creek in old Dubai.
Today, you have a unique opportunity that is unprecedented in the world - you can swap a sunny beach and swimming in the sea for skiing on a snowy slope in a single day (even within 1 hour). Doesn't that sound incredible? Anything is possible in this country, and the Mall of the Emirates, the huge shopping mall that houses this artificially snow-covered and cooled ski slope, is proof. If you like traditional souks, you can visit one in the mall's covered area. While shopping and swimming at the nearby beach, you'll be watched over by the iconic sailboat-shaped building that is the legendary Burj al Arab luxury hotel.
If you don't feel like walking, take a taxi (Uber, Careem)
On the main road in Dubai Marina, take bus no. 8 operated by RTA, tapping your NOL card again.
Beautiful large beach with clean white sand, clear sea with gently shelving beach and quality facilities (toilets, free showers, drinking water, restaurants and bars, outdoor gym...). There is a cycling and walking path around the beach. When staying on this beach you have a view of the nearby Burj al Arab hotel.
Stroll along the sandy beach or pedestrian promenade (with a short interruption due to the presence of the harbor) and you will reach another beach.
One of the best-rated beaches and also the place where most Instagram photos from Dubai beaches are taken. It is here that you can swim in the immediate vicinity of the legendary Burj al Arab hotel, which offers a beautiful view.
Even though you've observed the hotel from the beaches, its lower part has always been obscured by another luxury hotel. Therefore, continue along the coast to get closer, and you'll reach the entrance to the building. Although it's guarded by security, there's space for a view of the entire hotel and an ideal spot for photo documentation. However, unlike the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, you won't be allowed inside. You need to book and pay for admission. If you are interested in this option, check out the link below.
In any case, you are standing in front of one of Dubai's symbols and a legendary building located on an artificial island. It measures 321 meters and resembles a sailboat; it is sometimes called "Allah's finger." The hotel is truly luxurious, and you will notice it in the prices, which can be in the order of hundreds of thousands per night. Among other things, you will find a suspended heliport that has gone down in history with a legendary exhibition tennis match between Federer and Agassi.
You can buy tickets online here
Near the hotel is another famous water park - Wild Wadi Waterpark with lots of attractions and slides, the most interesting of which is the 33-meter-high Jumeirah Sceirah slide.
Wild Wadi Waterpark:
Opening hours:
Daily 10:00 - 18:00
Entrance:
199 AED (over 1.1 m)
Children under 3 years free
A very interesting stop is this complex of luxury hotel resorts and restaurants built in the style of old Arab dwellings, which is crossed by a water channel on which imitations of local legendary wooden boats (abra) pass.
For the uninitiated, however, the main attraction is the indoor souk, or traditional market, where you can pick up tadic items (clothing, spices, antiques, etc.)
Head back along the main road towards Wild Wadi Water Park and hop on bus 81 towards Emirates Mall.
bus 81 - Wild Wadi, or Burj al Arab → Mall of the Emirates
A huge shopping center that would be the absolute largest in most countries of the world, but here in Dubai it's a "small fry" compared to the even larger Dubai Mall. Nevertheless, you will find a huge number of shops of all possible brands here. However, the main attraction is the famous indoor ski slope Ski Dubai.
One of the most bizarre, even "craziest" proofs that anything is truly possible in this country is a ski slope in a land made up almost entirely of desert, where summer temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius. All it takes is to build a giant hall inside a shopping center and use cooling to maintain the temperature needed to keep the snow permanent. And perhaps the biggest local attraction in the world - hit the slopes!!! You can choose from several slopes of varying difficulty and a freestyle area suitable for snowboarders. A chairlift (very slow) supplemented by a T-bar lift takes you to the top. The main slope is approximately 400 m, which is not much, but you need to remember that we are in a shopping center in the middle of the desert :) You don't have to bring any equipment with you, everything can be rented as part of the ticket.
Opening hours:
MON - THU - 10:00 - 23:00
FRI - 10:00 - 00:00
SAT - SUN - 9:00 - 00:00
Last tickets can be purchased 1 - 1.5 hours before closing time
Metro, Red Line, direction Expo or UAE Exchange, stop at DMCC Station.
Today will be a day of bizarre buildings that might make your chin drop. You'll also be playing record hunter. You'll visit the world's tallest frame, the world's tallest building, the world's largest and most water-spewing dancing fountain, and one truly massive (though not the largest) shopping mall. It's going to be an interesting day!
metro, red line, direction Centrepoint, stop Max
This relatively new structure represents another of this country's many records - it is the largest picture frame in the world, with a height of 150 m and a width of 105 m. It serves visitors as a lookout tower and a museum. It is located near Jabeel Park (entrance 5 AED), roughly halfway between old Dubai and the new, modern downtown, and thus symbolizes a view into the future, but also inspiration from the past.
Opening hours:
daily 9:00 - 21:00
Metro, red line, direction UAE exchange or EXPO, stop Emirates towers
One of the newest buildings, opened only in February 2022, immediately became one of the city's main attractions due to its absolutely unmistakable appearance. The building's design is captivating even when passing by on the metro (the building is very close to the tracks and is actually best seen from the metro). In the lobby, where you buy a ticket (however, I recommend buying online due to the huge interest), you can have a robot make you coffee, which will also wave and dance for you, and a whale will fly around... The museum is divided into floors, each of which is dedicated to a different theme (e.g., space, technology, climate change, etc.).
Opening hours:
daily 9:30 - 21:00 (last ticket purchase 19:00)
Metro, red line, direction UAE exchange or EXPO, stop Burj Khalifa/Dubai mall
If we said that Mall of the Emirates was huge, then this shopping center is absolutely massive. It is a vast shopping area where you can find thousands of shops and restaurants, as well as an ice rink, an indoor amusement park, and a waterfall. Shopping enthusiasts can spend several days here. To help you navigate, use the interactive maps located throughout the center, where you can enter the name of the object you are looking for (e.g., the brand name of the store) and the system will show you the nearest route to it.
Mall of the Emirates has a ski slope, while Dubai Mall has an indoor ice rink the size of an Olympic hockey rink. Winter sports are simply not impossible even in desert countries.
Opening hours:
SUN - THU - 10:00 - 22:00
FRI + SAT - 10:00 - 00:00
Admission:
The price is very variable depending on the day of the week and time, so please check the website and find your preferred time.
You can buy tickets online here (https://www.dubaiicerink.com/visit/ticket-information/)
One of the department store's symbols is the Human Waterfall - a waterfall several tens of meters high with sculptures of jumping people. It can be observed from several floors or the ground floor, located near the exit of the department store towards the fountain.
The statue of a dinosaur found in the American state of Wyoming is a majestic symbol of this department store. It is the best-preserved dinosaur skeleton ever found, with up to 90% of the original bones.
This beautiful marine aquarium, home to over 30,000 different species of aquatic animals, is a very popular attraction and one of Dubai's highlights. You can admire the aquarium for free from the outside in the shopping center, but it is definitely worth buying an entrance ticket to go through the underwater tunnel, where sharks and rays will swim around your head.
Opening hours:
MON - FRI - 10:00 - 23:00 (last entry 22:15)
SAT + SUN - 10:00 - 00:00 (last entry 23:15)
Entrance:
You can buy tickets online here.
In addition to the basic entrance (tunnel, aquarium, penguins) for 199 AED, there are other options that include diving with sharks with an instructor, a boat ride with an underwater bottom, or a stay with penguins. See the website for prices and descriptions of the options.
!!TIP!! If you are also planning to visit the nearby Burj Khalifa, it is worth buying a combined ticket with the aquarium. The price for an adult is 309 AED, and for a child 275 AED.
The tallest building in the world (probably not for long, as the future new record holder is growing in neighboring Saudi Arabia - Jeddah Tower, which will be the first building to exceed a height of 1 km) with its height of 828 meters is a clear dominant of the city visible from almost all parts. Inside you will find, in addition to regular apartments, also a hotel and, among other things, the highest-located Atmosphere restaurant. Seeing the building is an experience even from the outside, especially in the evening, when every half hour, except on Mondays, from 7:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., there is a light show and the building plays with all colors. On Sundays, the show is only once per hour.
The reason for the visit of most tourists is, of course, the interior, specifically the highest-located observation deck. However, the author of the itinerary believes that the visit is not worth it. Leaving aside the high entrance fee, the long wait for the elevator up and down (even when booking a ticket for a specific time, you wait for the elevator for more than an hour), you don't see that much in the end, because there isn't much around the building. It's a matter of opinion. Most people take it that a visit is a must.
Tickets online here.
Opening hours:
At the top: daily 7:00 - 00:00 (last entry 23:00)
At the top + sky terrace: daily 10:00 - 22:00 (last entry 21:00)
The lounge: daily 9:00 - 23:00 (last entry 21:00)
Entrance:
At the top - takes you to the 124th and 125th floors at a height of 456 m to a covered glass platform with a terrace
15:00 - 19:00 - 165 AED, other times - 145 AED
At the top + sky terrace - in addition to the above, you continue to the 148th floor to a height of 556 m with an outdoor platform
12:00 - 20:00 - 553 AED, other times - 399 AED
The lounge - takes you to the 154th floor at a height of 585 meters, where you have refreshments in the lounge with an open terrace and glass floor in the form of tea, coffee and desserts, and drinks in the evening
all day - 769 AED
!!Attention!! Due to the huge interest of tourists, I recommend booking a ticket in advance for a specific time.
!!TIP!! If you also plan to visit the Aquarium and underwater ZOO in the mall, it is worth buying a combined ticket. The price for an adult is 309 AED, a child 275 AED.
The magnificent fountain on the vast lake in front of the Burj Khalifa is another record holder - it is the fountain with the largest choreography system. It is inspired by the famous fountain in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, but on a much larger scale. The fountain consists of 5 different circles connected by arches that spray water to the accompaniment of various music every 30 minutes in the evening between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The whole show is complemented by light effects taking place on the Burj Khalifa building. However, prepare for crowds of people and choose a spot ideally up to 20 minutes in advance.
metro, red line, direction Centrepoint, stop Burjuman
Here we will transfer to the green metro line.
metro, green line, direction Etisalat, stop Al Ghubaiba
If you're tired of luxury, monstrous buildings, shopping malls, and queues for the "most popular" attractions, today will be a great experience for you. Perhaps with all the luxury, shiny clean buildings, and centers with an army of marching tourists from all over the world, you've forgotten that you're in an Arab country. So it's time to experience a bit of the authentic atmosphere of these countries with all their pros and cons. Get carried away by the narrow streets lined with shops selling everything in the old quarters, where life continues in the old way even in the shadow of distant skyscrapers. Visit the local souks and let the local merchants invite you into their shops and bargain over prices, perhaps for the famous Dubai chocolate. Take away not only experiences from the true Arab atmosphere, but also some goodies, famous spices or traditional clothing, whether you are a woman (abaya) or a man (thawb). You simply must experience old Dubai.
And where better to taste some traditional delicacies than here in old Dubai? How about Arabic bread freshly pulled from the oven filled with cheese, egg or other ingredients? Or if you want something meatier, you will come across countless bistros in the local streets with traditional shawarma, kebab and other delicacies.
Metro, green line, towards Etisalat, al Ras station.
You may need to top up your NOL card, so top it up the same way as before with any amount, e.g. 20 AED.
Today's day will largely be about visiting the traditional souk markets that are renowned in Deira and Bur Dubai. The former will make your eyes glaze over, because as the name suggests, it contains mainly stalls selling gold, but also other precious jewellery (silver, diamonds). Dubai is famous for gold and the country is duly proud of it, so it also keeps an eye on quality and the goods on display should be of good quality and free of fakes. You can see the current prices of gold or silver on the light boards above some shops.
Just a few streets away from the Gold Souk towards Dubai Creek is the Spice Souk, which you can explore not only with your eyes, but especially with other senses (taste and smell). Arabs are famous for spices all over the world, so it is not surprising that the selection of spices is really very diverse here, and bags of spices of various colors, consistencies and tastes, and their aroma, waft through the streets, creating a very pleasant experience, not only for gourmets. You will definitely not disappoint your loved ones with a bag of spices or even a multipack with up to 20 kinds.
Busy waterfront with a harbour where, in addition to sightseeing cruises on Dubai Creek, there is also local transportation on wooden boats called abra. Hop on one of these and, for the symbolic price of AED 1, be transported across the river to another old quarter - Bur Dubai.
The pier on the other side of the creek is surrounded by other souks with all sorts of goods. Be sure to haggle over the prices of goods, as is customary here. Merchants are not afraid to ask for up to three times the real price. So never buy goods at the price quoted by the merchant - you would lose out. The final price can often be reduced by up to 80%, just be uncompromising and feel free to leave the store. Often the merchant will run after you and sell the goods for the price you offer (of course, if he has at least a small profit and you are not asking for a ridiculous price). In general, it is good to decide in advance how much you are willing to pay for the goods, listen to the merchant's price and then ask for a price even lower than you plan to pay. Then the merchant gradually discounts and often you then meet at a price acceptable to you. Once you say a price, it is difficult to get lower, so it is good to start as low as possible and rather increase than decrease. It also pays to buy more pieces at once - you will then get a quantity discount. For gastronomic goods (e.g. famous Dubai chocolate), merchants do not hesitate to offer a tasting, so before you buy, you will get a square of this delicacy so you know what you are buying and then you start bargaining - a very pleasant habit :)
One of the last authentic old quarters with narrow streets and corners, a beautiful mosque and several museums tracing the history of the city. This neighborhood can be reached from the wharf via the promenade around the creek, which offers beautiful views of the historic buildings and shipping in the area.
This fortress, which serves as the Dubai Museum, is one of the few real historical monuments in this otherwise modern city. If you want to learn about Arabian history and the traditional way of life, this museum is for you.
Unfortunately, the museum is currently undergoing renovation and is closed, so you can only see it from the outside.
Another of the many local souks, this time focused mainly on textiles. You can buy traditional clothing for men (thawb) and women (abaya) or scarves or other pieces of cashmere clothing. Beware of the prices, traders will ask AED 300 for an abaya, for example, but the final price can be up to AED 70.
The museum is located in the old quarter and contains 22 pavilions in 80 buildings, each dedicated to a different theme from the city's history - e.g. traditional jewellery, healing, crafts, poetry...
More detailed information and a plan of the extensive complex see brochure.
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 20:00 (last entry 19:00)
Today will be very variable and entirely at your discretion. It depends only on you which activity for spending the last day in this interesting country will be closest to you. Lovers of fun and unconventional experiences can visit one of the amusement parks, a global village full of shops from different parts of the world, or perhaps the largest flower garden in the world. Lovers of swimming and beach activities can spend the day on one of the many public beaches that lie along the Dubai coast. And because you are in a country made up mostly of desert, which is located just outside the city limits, you can use the services of one of the local travel agencies and go to the desert for the whole day, where you can ride a quad bike, go down the dunes and possibly have dinner with other Bedouins and tourists from different parts of the Earth.
One of the most interesting ways to spend a free day is a trip to the desert. In Dubai, you will find a wide range of options from various agencies. Offers include options from 2 hours to a full day, including a night spent in a desert camp. The offers vary and include, for example, pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, jeep transport to the desert, dune bashing by jeep or privately on quad bikes, sandboarding, falconry displays, traditional belly dancing, henna, some refreshments, or even dinner in the form of a barbecue and overnight stay in the desert.
In terms of the quality of the offer and the price/performance ratio, for example, this offer is good:
(ideally choose the 7-hour option)
Dubai: Red Dune Safari with BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike Ride
For other offers, it is good to check, for example, TripAdvisor
If you are interested in any of the options, book it on the website in advance - select the option, time and place of pick-up, and the travel agency will take care of the rest, sending you more detailed instructions.
If you prefer one last dose of sunshine for today, swimming in the sea, and relaxing before heading back to Europe, you can spend the day or part of it on one of the beaches. In addition to the ones visited earlier, La Mer is a nice beach, for example.
Enter the route from your location to La Mer Beach in Google Maps. There you will find bus routes. For example, like this.
Another of Dubai's record-breaking "notches" is the largest flower garden, Miracle Garden. The fact that there are over 200 million different plants and over 100 million flowers in the middle of the desert is truly a miracle. And as if that weren't enough, the plants form various objects, such as statues, a locomotive, or the symbol of the entire garden - a model of an Airbus aircraft. You will definitely not experience anything like this in Europe or elsewhere.
Opening hours:
MON - FRI - 9:00 - 21:00
SAT - SUN - 9:00 - 23:00
Enter the route from where you are to Miracle Garden Airplane Flowers on Google maps. There you will find the public transport route. For example, like this.
If you don't feel like taking public transport, you can use a taxi.
"The world in a nutshell" is how this very interesting and popular attraction on the outskirts of the city could be described. It is a large multicultural "fair" where you can explore the world in one small place through tastings of local foods and purchases of typical products from those countries. In the individual pavilions, you can buy, for example, a Persian carpet, matryoshka dolls, Turkish honey, cotton from China, etc.
The entire complex is complemented by various attractions including a circus and an artificial water canal.
Opening hours:
SUN - WED - 16:00 - 00:00
THU - SAT - 16:00 - 01:00
To get back to the hotel, you can either take a taxi or find a public transport route from your location to the accommodation again via Google Maps.
Your sunny vacation in the land of sand and skyscrapers is coming to an end, it's time to return to your home country. First, you will take a bus directly to the airport terminal, and then you will have a flight home.
You can get to the airport by taxi or again using Google Maps, where you can find the best public transport connection.
Remember to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. This airport is really big, so make sure you have enough time for everything. If you don't have any luggage to check, proceed through security check and immigration to your gate.
Your sunny vacation in the land of sand, futuristic skyscrapers, and fragrant souks is coming to an end, and it's time to look back a little. Few countries can offer so many architectural records and curiosities in such a small space. Over the past few days, you have had the opportunity to climb the tallest building in the world, see the most extensive choreography of playing and "dancing" fountains, see the largest flower garden and the tallest picture frame... You could swim in the sea, sunbathe on the beach, and then ski on the slopes or ice skate on the rink in one of the local luxury shopping centers in one day.
Despite the ubiquitous luxury and wealth, this country has also preserved some traditional parts with souks and narrow streets, which will remind you that you are still in Arabia. However, the country is developed, clean, safe, tolerant, and organized. In addition, even as a non-Muslim, you can visit some mosques and dress in a Western style, including women. If you add a pleasant climate in the winter months suitable for swimming and relative proximity, this destination comes out as an ideal option for individuals, couples, and families with children during the freezing European winters.
Do you want to take a short break from the crisp and cold weather of Europe in the autumn and winter months, but not travel halfway around the world and spend tens of thousands on airline tickets? Want to look out from the tallest building in the world and visit one of the largest mosques? Are you interested in modern architecture full of world records? Do you like shopping in fancy and huge shopping malls or do you love tasting delicacies and haggling prices with Arab merchants in traditional markets? Do you want to swim in the clear sea, sunbathe on a sunny beach one day and later go skiing or ice skating a little further? Then this destination is perfect for you. Discover this fabulously rich country where nothing is impossible...Welcome to the United Arab Emirates!!!
Welcome to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates!! You will immediately feel the economic level of this country at the airport. You have just landed at the new Terminal A, whose building in the shape of sand dunes is impressive even from the plane. The interior of the terminal is also very modern and clear, so you will have no problem getting around. After arrival and transfer to your accommodation, you can take advantage of its central location and take a walk around the city, visit the traditional souk or go to the famous Corniche promenade. And since a person gets hungry after a relatively long journey, visit some of the street bistros or restaurants and taste, for example, the Arabian classic - shawarma in all possible ways. There are countless offers all around.
After successfully passing through passport control, arrows will direct you to the exit and the bus stop. While still inside the terminal, before exiting to the bus stop, visit the Hafilat local travel card kiosk. English-speaking staff can also advise you on bus routes, timetables etc.
Until recently, tourists could get the so-called temporary use version of the Hafilat card valid for 28 days for free, however currently (February 2025) this option is not available due to a blackout and a permanent anonymous version must be purchased for AED 10. You can also top up your credit here - unlike at regular bus stops, you can pay by card here at the airport kiosk. About AED 20 credit should be enough to get around Abu Dhabi.
bus A2 - terminal A (arrival hall) → Zayed the first street stop (near LLH hospital)
frequency - once every 30 minutes
travel time - approx. 40 min (depending on traffic)
price - 4 AED
ticket - tap your Hafilat card when boarding and alighting (and at each transfer), the system will then calculate the final amount
web (timetables, lines and their routes) - https://admobility.gov.ae/en/pb-bus-service
!!ATTENTION!! - the website may only work in the UAE
bus A2 timetable - https://admobility.gov.ae/ckfinder/userfiles/files/BusServiceA2.pdf
Abu Dhabi public transport:
only buses, a dense network crisscrossing the entire city. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and cheap. It is relatively easy to get around (stops are marked and usually have indoor waiting rooms equipped with a map of lines and a machine for recharging credit, payment is cash only)
!!ATTENTION!! - traveling long distances is lengthy (traffic jams and a lot of stops on the routes), timetables are unreliable and buses are often waited for a long time
!!ATTENTION!! - the front of the bus is reserved for women and children, men sit in the back (tourists violate this and it is respected, however, locals follow this rule)
Alternative to public transport - TAXI - relatively cheap
- regular taxi (wave down anytime and anywhere, especially in tourist areas)
- alternative services with online apps - uber, careem (more expensive than regular taxi)
it pays off in more people for longer distances (you always pay an initial fee and then pay for the km traveled and the time spent at traffic lights or in traffic jams), they usually take cards (you can't rely on it)
After getting off the previous bus, return to the intersection and head right on Zayed the first street, where you will find the bus stop of the same name. Here you will transfer to another bus. Be sure to check out before getting off at the previous stop and check in again after getting on the next bus.
Buses for the next part of the journey: 7, 8, 23, 24 (towards Marina), 34 (towards Qasr al Watn)
Get off at the Al Hisn street stop (the next stop after the Cultural Foundation - could not be entered into the map)
You can warm up your body, chilled by the cold weather of winter Europe, with a walk along the beautiful promenade and the adjacent beach. You'll explore local life in the olden days before the forest of skyscrapers grew up. Experience the life of the rich at one of the world's most luxurious hotels with its own heliport, yacht harbour and beach. You'll also get a taste of what a "study" can look like in the opulent Presidential Palace. And how to end this busy day? How about a visit to one of the many local street eateries serving local delicacies?
From your accommodation, head directly towards the sea and arrive at the Corniche promenade.
The Corniche promenade consists of a landscaped pedestrian walkway lined with palm trees, beaches (some public and free, others for a fee), and rest areas (seating sometimes including a grill, wooden sunbeds). It is an ideal place for walks and sports (running, cycling). Take a walk along the promenade and when you get tired of walking, relax on one of the beaches.
The beaches are easily accessible, clean, and have facilities (showers, toilets, refreshments...). Some are subject to a fee, but most of the promenade has free access to the beaches. The promenade is almost 10 km long and stretches along the entire coast.
One of the many beaches along the Corniche promenade, accessible free of charge.
Continue along the promenade to its end and you will reach the Al Kasir peninsula in the Marina area, which you could observe on the other side of the bay while walking and viewing from the beaches on the Corniche promenade. The dominant feature is the tower at Marina Mall and the flag at Emirates Heritage Village - your next destination.
If you don't want to walk, there are several bus lines along the promenade that will take you directly to Marina Mall - 5, 11, 24, 26, 63.
A pleasant "open-air museum" where you can not only hide from the scorching sun (greenery and interior spaces), but also enjoy views of the center of Abu Dhabi and the city's symbol - the glass Etihad towers.
However, the main purpose of the visit is to look into the past and culture of this Arab country. This cultural heritage museum shows the life of the local people before the discovery of oil and the associated transformation of the country into its current form. You will find a stylized Arab village with traditional houses and crafts, which you can peek into. There are also camels and other live animals and a traditional souk where you can buy a souvenir.
Opening hours:
SAT - THU - 9:00 - 16:00
FRI - 7:30 - 12:00, 15:00 - 21:00
A leisurely walk along the sea towards the hotel, on the way you can admire the city's symbols - the impressive Etihad Towers.
If you don't feel like walking, take bus number 9 or 69 from Marina Mall, which will take you right in front of the hotel.
One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, where guests can arrive by helicopter (the hotel has several heliports) or by yacht (its own marina). Not one of the local wealthy clientele and not staying at the hotel? Never mind!! You can still enter the hotel and admire the luxuriously decorated interior full of golden elements, admire the view of the Etihad towers and the beautifully landscaped park from the staircase at the entrance to the hotel, but you can't enter it, as well as the adjacent private beach. Refreshments are available in some of the local cafes and restaurants, but be prepared to pay insane amounts for even the smallest items.
If you don't feel like walking, hop on bus number 9 or 69 in front of the hotel, which will take you to the tourist center that serves as the entrance to the presidential palace.
One of the many examples of the grandeur and luxury of the Emirates' buildings is this presidential palace, which serves only as an office (not a residence). This oriental building, completed only in 2017, is a meeting place for important local and world leaders. It is a truly beautiful palace, including the adjacent landscaped garden with pools. The visit takes about 2 hours.
Entrance is in the information center, where you buy a ticket and then board a shuttle bus that will take you to the main building.
ticket purchase online here
dress code - clothing should cover knees and shoulders
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 17:40
These city landmarks consist of 5 polished skyscrapers, gleaming under the onslaught of sunlight. The towers are impossible to miss and you will have them in sight for most of the day. Just as luxurious from the outside as they are inside - you will find, for example, a luxury hotel, offices, but also "ordinary" apartments.
Observation Deck at 300:
The observation deck on the 74th floor of the 2nd tower (Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers) is the highest point in the city you can reach, offering views of most of the city, led by the promenade and the Persian Gulf.
buy tickets online here
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 20:00
admission:
95 AED, 50 AED of the admission price serves as a voucher to the local café
Etihad towers → zastávka Qasr al Hisn (před cultural foundation) - bus 34
Today, despite differing faiths, you will see a magnificent mosque, whose size and interior make it the city's main landmark, and a must-see when visiting Abu Dhabi. You will see one of the few preserved historical monuments and visit a fortress where you can witness the transformation of a once ordinary bay inhabited by pearl divers into a super-luxury city where skyscrapers grow like mushrooms after rain. Cultural enthusiasts will surely have their hearts gladdened at the Louvre - not the Parisian one, but the local branch. And because Abu Dhabi is a coastal city, a walk along the coast is a must.
One of the few historical monuments in an otherwise modern metropolis. The fort houses a museum where you can trace the history of this desert emirate and travel back in time to when pearl hunters and desert nomads lived here, before the breakthrough of oil and gas discoveries and the transformation of the city into its present form.
You can enter the cultural foundation building and the craft house for free, while the fort itself requires a fee.
Opening hours:
SAT - THU - 9:00 - 20:00
FRI - 1400 - 20:00
Walk to the Emirates diplomatic academy bus stop on the main street in front of the fortress entrance.
At the Emirates diplomatic academy stop, take bus 5 or 65 and ride to the Ministry of economy stop. There, take bus 94. You will arrive on the beautiful Saadiyat Island, where you will get off at the bus terminus at the entrance to the hotel resorts, through which you will walk to the beach promenade.
The best way to find the bus route is to use Google Maps. Enter your current location to the destination you want to reach and click on the public transport icon.
Saadiyat Island is famous for its beaches, which are often rated as the most beautiful in the emirates. Unfortunately, they are currently all owned by the adjacent hotel resorts and charge a fee for non-resort visitors. Even the more distant beach, where the 120 bus stops and the stop and beach is called Public beach, is no longer free. However, it is worth taking a walk along the local promenade and enjoying the views of the beach and the beautiful sea.
If you'd like to pay for entry to the beach, entry to Seoul beach is over AED 120, and even AED 200 on weekends.
bus 94 - Mamsha al Saadiyat → Louvre
You can walk, but the walk is not very attractive due to ongoing construction work in the area.
You will surely notice this characteristic white dome building with a dome "floating on the water" from photos or views at the beginning of your stay. It is a branch of the famous Parisian museum and allegedly the largest museum complex in the world. You will find many permanent exhibitions of world artists and regularly changing temporary exhibitions. Furthermore, there is a children's museum dedicated to, for example, space. It is also an experience to walk along the piers between the individual pavilions and the views of the sea, where you can also spot sea turtles.
Opening hours:
daily except MON - 10:00 - 00:00
MON closed
Galleries and exhibitions:
TUE - THU - until 18:30
FRI - SUN - until 20:30
bus 94 - Louvre → Grand Mosque. Get off at the glass domes and take the escalators down to the underground shopping center, where you will also find the entrance to the mosque (clearly marked with arrows).
This magnificent mosque is one of the 10 largest in the world in terms of size, and it is one of the largest freely accessible mosques for non-Muslims. It is an absolute "must see" in Abu Dhabi. It is located in the suburbs, quite far from the center, roughly halfway to the airport. The journey there and back is quite lengthy, as is the registration, passage to the mosque, and the tour itself. Expect a total time of about 4 hours, but it is definitely worth it.
The mosque has a beautiful courtyard with marble columns, a total of 82 domes of various sizes, and 4 minarets. Inside, you can see beautiful decorative elements, including monumental chandeliers. The courtyard is also the resting place of the former president of the Emirates - Sheikh Zayed, after whom the mosque (like many other places throughout the Emirates) is named.
Registration for entry online here
Opening hours:
The mosque is open daily
FRI - 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
Rest of the week - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (last entry 11:30 AM), 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
Entry: FREE
Registration is required before entry (possible on-site, but I recommend online for a specific time)
During registration, you will fill out a short form (name, age, gender, contact...) and you will receive a QR code, which you will show upon entry.
!!ATTENTION!! you must adhere to the dress code (shoulders and ankles covered, hair covered for women) - see link https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/worshippers/en-v-mosque-manners-details
!!ATTENTION!! although entry to the mosque is free, baggage fees are high (30 AED for a regular backpack the size of an airplane carry-on). So travel light.
bus 94 - grand mosque → central bus station
central bus station, from where buses leave for Dubai.
ticket: first buy a Dubai transport card - NOL card (silver / silver) from the machine at the terminal.
price: the NOL card itself costs 6 AED, you need 25 AED for the trip to Dubai. Then you will take the metro, so charge 40 AED for today. You can also charge more money right away and not worry about it, but it is difficult to estimate and then you overpay unnecessarily.
bus E101 - Abu Dhabi central bus station → Dubai, Ibn Battuta bus station
Everything is clearly marked at the station, you can buy a silver NOL card in the vending machine and pay by card. You need bus E101, which will take you to the western part of Dubai near the Marina. The stop is on the red metro line at the Ibn Battuta stop. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and well-marked. WIFI is not available.
!!ATTENTION!! do not get on bus E100, which also goes to Dubai, but stops at the opposite end at the Al Ghubaiba station in old Dubai
bus price - 25 AED, loaded onto the NOL card, you beep after getting on the bus
frequency - depending on the time of day 20 - 30 min
travel time - approx. 100 min
web of Dubai buses (https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/promotion/intercity-e-ticketing?lang=en)
Public transport in Dubai: consists of 2 metro lines, 1 tram line and buses
Fares - depending on the distance travelled and the zones, the price of buses, trams and the metro ranges between 2 AED and 7.5 AED (this is the most expensive possible fare, so you should always keep at least this amount on your NOL card, otherwise the turnstile will not let you through)
one ride can last up to 180 minutes and you can freely transfer between vehicles, even combine (e.g. metro and bus) - always beep when getting on and off each vehicle, the system is smart and calculates everything.
Metro, red line, direction Centrepoint - Ibn Battuta → DMCC Station
After getting off the bus and tapping out, follow the arrows to the Ibn Battuta metro station, tap your NOL card at the turnstile.
The metro is very clearly marked, with route maps including stops available at the stations and in the cars.
Experience the luxury and megalomania that Dubai is famous for in style on your first day. Head to one of the most bizarre works of local designers - an artificial island, which you can reach by automatic monorail. Enjoy the view of this magnificent work from the famous viewpoint, and at the very end of the island, enjoy the local promenades. And since you are in a tropical seaside destination, visit a public beach where you can sunbathe and swim in the clear sea while admiring the surrounding skyscrapers. It is not for nothing that this part of Dubai is sometimes called the "Miami of the Middle East". And because Dubai comes alive mainly in the evening, take a walk along the artificial canal in Dubai Marina and enjoy the gleaming skyscrapers.
The district built around the artificial bay is one of the most luxurious residential areas. The skyscrapers here, in the immediate vicinity of the sea, are reminiscent of Miami, USA. The buildings are mainly residential - you will find hotels of well-known world chains, but also cheaper shared accommodation or private residences. One of the most interesting panoramic spots in all of Dubai, you can take beautiful photos from here at any time of the day.
In the center of Marina lies a cluster of the tallest purely residential buildings - The tallest block. These are: Marina 101 with a height of 427 meters, Princess Tower with 414 meters and 23 Marina with 393 meters.
A continuous pedestrian and cycle path runs around the bay, ideal for walks and views. You can "fly" over the bay on a ZIP line. However, take advantage of the warmest part of the day around noon to visit the local public beach.
A beautiful public beach surrounded by Miami-style skyscrapers. The beach is clean and beautifully maintained with a relatively steep entry into the water. Sunbeds are available for a fee. The beach has facilities in the form of toilets, showers (fee) and refreshments. You can ride a camel on the beach, which roam the beach along its entire length.
When you get tired of sunbathing and swimming, walk less than a kilometer to the tram stop.
Here, top up your NOL card according to the instructions on the machine (there is usually an English-speaking staff member available who will be happy to help you with everything).
Before boarding, remember to tap your NOL card, and do the same after getting off (terminals are similar to those in the metro, located on the platforms, not inside the tram). Be careful not to sit in the VIP Gold Class. The cars are usually marked.
The stop is one-way and is served by only 1 tram line, so hop on the first tram that arrives.
Take the tram to Palm Jumeirah station, where you will transfer to the monorail.
Get off, check out, and follow the arrows through the tunnel and underground garages to the monorail station.
The overhead monorail that "hugs" the track is a popular way to get around the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah. Here, the journey itself is the destination. It is a popular attraction where you can glimpse the resorts and beaches lining the individual "branches" of the palm tree that this island resembles. However, a proper view awaits a little further...
Monorail Timetable:
Daily except 9:00 AM (first train towards Atlantis) - 9:45 PM (last train towards Atlantis)
Price:
The best option is to buy an open return ticket for AED 35. With this, you can get on and off at any time during 1 day. Single tickets are also available, valid only to a specific stop
One of the most shining examples of what is possible in this country. The artificially built island in the shape of a palm tree is part of the giant project The Palm, which, in addition to the completed Palm Jumeirah, also includes another similar island, Jebel Ali, serving as the city's most luxurious district, and an archipelago that creates a map of the world and consists of individual countries. Most of the island consists of luxury residences of wealthy residents and hotel resorts. The beaches, of which there are tens of km, are mostly private property of the adjacent hotels and residences.
This observation deck on the 52nd floor of the most prominent skyscraper in the area offers a beautiful view of Palm Jumeirah Island, including the dominant Atlantis hotel, the adjacent water park, and the local endless beaches. The entrance is from the Nakheel Mall monorail station. Get off at the shopping center of the same name, and the signs and local staff will take care of the rest :)
Opening hours:
daily except 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
The island's iconic building is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It is located at the final station of the monorail on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The building resembles a magnificent castle and consists of two "towers" connected by a bridge.
Next to the Atlantis hotel lies one of the most famous and popular water parks in the entire region - Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. You can spend the whole day there enjoying adrenaline-pumping fun, such as riding the legendary The Leap of Faith slide, which, after passing through its almost 28 meters, shoots you into a transparent tunnel through a lagoon with sharks and rays.
water park opening hours:
daily 9:15 AM - 6:00 PM
entrance:
adults and youth over 1.2 m tall - 330 AED
youth up to 1.2 m tall - 280 AED
children under 2 years old - free
Enjoy the evening Marina with a stroll along the canal and take in the panoramic views of the beautifully lit skyscrapers, or take a ride on one of the many boats moored here that will take you along the canal to Dubai Creek in old Dubai.
Today, you have a unique opportunity that is unprecedented in the world - you can swap a sunny beach and swimming in the sea for skiing on a snowy slope in a single day (even within 1 hour). Doesn't that sound incredible? Anything is possible in this country, and the Mall of the Emirates, the huge shopping mall that houses this artificially snow-covered and cooled ski slope, is proof. If you like traditional souks, you can visit one in the mall's covered area. While shopping and swimming at the nearby beach, you'll be watched over by the iconic sailboat-shaped building that is the legendary Burj al Arab luxury hotel.
If you don't feel like walking, take a taxi (Uber, Careem)
On the main road in Dubai Marina, take bus no. 8 operated by RTA, tapping your NOL card again.
Beautiful large beach with clean white sand, clear sea with gently shelving beach and quality facilities (toilets, free showers, drinking water, restaurants and bars, outdoor gym...). There is a cycling and walking path around the beach. When staying on this beach you have a view of the nearby Burj al Arab hotel.
Stroll along the sandy beach or pedestrian promenade (with a short interruption due to the presence of the harbor) and you will reach another beach.
One of the best-rated beaches and also the place where most Instagram photos from Dubai beaches are taken. It is here that you can swim in the immediate vicinity of the legendary Burj al Arab hotel, which offers a beautiful view.
Even though you've observed the hotel from the beaches, its lower part has always been obscured by another luxury hotel. Therefore, continue along the coast to get closer, and you'll reach the entrance to the building. Although it's guarded by security, there's space for a view of the entire hotel and an ideal spot for photo documentation. However, unlike the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, you won't be allowed inside. You need to book and pay for admission. If you are interested in this option, check out the link below.
In any case, you are standing in front of one of Dubai's symbols and a legendary building located on an artificial island. It measures 321 meters and resembles a sailboat; it is sometimes called "Allah's finger." The hotel is truly luxurious, and you will notice it in the prices, which can be in the order of hundreds of thousands per night. Among other things, you will find a suspended heliport that has gone down in history with a legendary exhibition tennis match between Federer and Agassi.
You can buy tickets online here
Near the hotel is another famous water park - Wild Wadi Waterpark with lots of attractions and slides, the most interesting of which is the 33-meter-high Jumeirah Sceirah slide.
Wild Wadi Waterpark:
Opening hours:
Daily 10:00 - 18:00
Entrance:
199 AED (over 1.1 m)
Children under 3 years free
A very interesting stop is this complex of luxury hotel resorts and restaurants built in the style of old Arab dwellings, which is crossed by a water channel on which imitations of local legendary wooden boats (abra) pass.
For the uninitiated, however, the main attraction is the indoor souk, or traditional market, where you can pick up tadic items (clothing, spices, antiques, etc.)
Head back along the main road towards Wild Wadi Water Park and hop on bus 81 towards Emirates Mall.
bus 81 - Wild Wadi, or Burj al Arab → Mall of the Emirates
A huge shopping center that would be the absolute largest in most countries of the world, but here in Dubai it's a "small fry" compared to the even larger Dubai Mall. Nevertheless, you will find a huge number of shops of all possible brands here. However, the main attraction is the famous indoor ski slope Ski Dubai.
One of the most bizarre, even "craziest" proofs that anything is truly possible in this country is a ski slope in a land made up almost entirely of desert, where summer temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius. All it takes is to build a giant hall inside a shopping center and use cooling to maintain the temperature needed to keep the snow permanent. And perhaps the biggest local attraction in the world - hit the slopes!!! You can choose from several slopes of varying difficulty and a freestyle area suitable for snowboarders. A chairlift (very slow) supplemented by a T-bar lift takes you to the top. The main slope is approximately 400 m, which is not much, but you need to remember that we are in a shopping center in the middle of the desert :) You don't have to bring any equipment with you, everything can be rented as part of the ticket.
Opening hours:
MON - THU - 10:00 - 23:00
FRI - 10:00 - 00:00
SAT - SUN - 9:00 - 00:00
Last tickets can be purchased 1 - 1.5 hours before closing time
Metro, Red Line, direction Expo or UAE Exchange, stop at DMCC Station.
Today will be a day of bizarre buildings that might make your chin drop. You'll also be playing record hunter. You'll visit the world's tallest frame, the world's tallest building, the world's largest and most water-spewing dancing fountain, and one truly massive (though not the largest) shopping mall. It's going to be an interesting day!
metro, red line, direction Centrepoint, stop Max
This relatively new structure represents another of this country's many records - it is the largest picture frame in the world, with a height of 150 m and a width of 105 m. It serves visitors as a lookout tower and a museum. It is located near Jabeel Park (entrance 5 AED), roughly halfway between old Dubai and the new, modern downtown, and thus symbolizes a view into the future, but also inspiration from the past.
Opening hours:
daily 9:00 - 21:00
Metro, red line, direction UAE exchange or EXPO, stop Emirates towers
One of the newest buildings, opened only in February 2022, immediately became one of the city's main attractions due to its absolutely unmistakable appearance. The building's design is captivating even when passing by on the metro (the building is very close to the tracks and is actually best seen from the metro). In the lobby, where you buy a ticket (however, I recommend buying online due to the huge interest), you can have a robot make you coffee, which will also wave and dance for you, and a whale will fly around... The museum is divided into floors, each of which is dedicated to a different theme (e.g., space, technology, climate change, etc.).
Opening hours:
daily 9:30 - 21:00 (last ticket purchase 19:00)
Metro, red line, direction UAE exchange or EXPO, stop Burj Khalifa/Dubai mall
If we said that Mall of the Emirates was huge, then this shopping center is absolutely massive. It is a vast shopping area where you can find thousands of shops and restaurants, as well as an ice rink, an indoor amusement park, and a waterfall. Shopping enthusiasts can spend several days here. To help you navigate, use the interactive maps located throughout the center, where you can enter the name of the object you are looking for (e.g., the brand name of the store) and the system will show you the nearest route to it.
Mall of the Emirates has a ski slope, while Dubai Mall has an indoor ice rink the size of an Olympic hockey rink. Winter sports are simply not impossible even in desert countries.
Opening hours:
SUN - THU - 10:00 - 22:00
FRI + SAT - 10:00 - 00:00
Admission:
The price is very variable depending on the day of the week and time, so please check the website and find your preferred time.
You can buy tickets online here (https://www.dubaiicerink.com/visit/ticket-information/)
One of the department store's symbols is the Human Waterfall - a waterfall several tens of meters high with sculptures of jumping people. It can be observed from several floors or the ground floor, located near the exit of the department store towards the fountain.
The statue of a dinosaur found in the American state of Wyoming is a majestic symbol of this department store. It is the best-preserved dinosaur skeleton ever found, with up to 90% of the original bones.
This beautiful marine aquarium, home to over 30,000 different species of aquatic animals, is a very popular attraction and one of Dubai's highlights. You can admire the aquarium for free from the outside in the shopping center, but it is definitely worth buying an entrance ticket to go through the underwater tunnel, where sharks and rays will swim around your head.
Opening hours:
MON - FRI - 10:00 - 23:00 (last entry 22:15)
SAT + SUN - 10:00 - 00:00 (last entry 23:15)
Entrance:
You can buy tickets online here.
In addition to the basic entrance (tunnel, aquarium, penguins) for 199 AED, there are other options that include diving with sharks with an instructor, a boat ride with an underwater bottom, or a stay with penguins. See the website for prices and descriptions of the options.
!!TIP!! If you are also planning to visit the nearby Burj Khalifa, it is worth buying a combined ticket with the aquarium. The price for an adult is 309 AED, and for a child 275 AED.
The tallest building in the world (probably not for long, as the future new record holder is growing in neighboring Saudi Arabia - Jeddah Tower, which will be the first building to exceed a height of 1 km) with its height of 828 meters is a clear dominant of the city visible from almost all parts. Inside you will find, in addition to regular apartments, also a hotel and, among other things, the highest-located Atmosphere restaurant. Seeing the building is an experience even from the outside, especially in the evening, when every half hour, except on Mondays, from 7:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., there is a light show and the building plays with all colors. On Sundays, the show is only once per hour.
The reason for the visit of most tourists is, of course, the interior, specifically the highest-located observation deck. However, the author of the itinerary believes that the visit is not worth it. Leaving aside the high entrance fee, the long wait for the elevator up and down (even when booking a ticket for a specific time, you wait for the elevator for more than an hour), you don't see that much in the end, because there isn't much around the building. It's a matter of opinion. Most people take it that a visit is a must.
Tickets online here.
Opening hours:
At the top: daily 7:00 - 00:00 (last entry 23:00)
At the top + sky terrace: daily 10:00 - 22:00 (last entry 21:00)
The lounge: daily 9:00 - 23:00 (last entry 21:00)
Entrance:
At the top - takes you to the 124th and 125th floors at a height of 456 m to a covered glass platform with a terrace
15:00 - 19:00 - 165 AED, other times - 145 AED
At the top + sky terrace - in addition to the above, you continue to the 148th floor to a height of 556 m with an outdoor platform
12:00 - 20:00 - 553 AED, other times - 399 AED
The lounge - takes you to the 154th floor at a height of 585 meters, where you have refreshments in the lounge with an open terrace and glass floor in the form of tea, coffee and desserts, and drinks in the evening
all day - 769 AED
!!Attention!! Due to the huge interest of tourists, I recommend booking a ticket in advance for a specific time.
!!TIP!! If you also plan to visit the Aquarium and underwater ZOO in the mall, it is worth buying a combined ticket. The price for an adult is 309 AED, a child 275 AED.
The magnificent fountain on the vast lake in front of the Burj Khalifa is another record holder - it is the fountain with the largest choreography system. It is inspired by the famous fountain in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, but on a much larger scale. The fountain consists of 5 different circles connected by arches that spray water to the accompaniment of various music every 30 minutes in the evening between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The whole show is complemented by light effects taking place on the Burj Khalifa building. However, prepare for crowds of people and choose a spot ideally up to 20 minutes in advance.
metro, red line, direction Centrepoint, stop Burjuman
Here we will transfer to the green metro line.
metro, green line, direction Etisalat, stop Al Ghubaiba
If you're tired of luxury, monstrous buildings, shopping malls, and queues for the "most popular" attractions, today will be a great experience for you. Perhaps with all the luxury, shiny clean buildings, and centers with an army of marching tourists from all over the world, you've forgotten that you're in an Arab country. So it's time to experience a bit of the authentic atmosphere of these countries with all their pros and cons. Get carried away by the narrow streets lined with shops selling everything in the old quarters, where life continues in the old way even in the shadow of distant skyscrapers. Visit the local souks and let the local merchants invite you into their shops and bargain over prices, perhaps for the famous Dubai chocolate. Take away not only experiences from the true Arab atmosphere, but also some goodies, famous spices or traditional clothing, whether you are a woman (abaya) or a man (thawb). You simply must experience old Dubai.
And where better to taste some traditional delicacies than here in old Dubai? How about Arabic bread freshly pulled from the oven filled with cheese, egg or other ingredients? Or if you want something meatier, you will come across countless bistros in the local streets with traditional shawarma, kebab and other delicacies.
Metro, green line, towards Etisalat, al Ras station.
You may need to top up your NOL card, so top it up the same way as before with any amount, e.g. 20 AED.
Today's day will largely be about visiting the traditional souk markets that are renowned in Deira and Bur Dubai. The former will make your eyes glaze over, because as the name suggests, it contains mainly stalls selling gold, but also other precious jewellery (silver, diamonds). Dubai is famous for gold and the country is duly proud of it, so it also keeps an eye on quality and the goods on display should be of good quality and free of fakes. You can see the current prices of gold or silver on the light boards above some shops.
Just a few streets away from the Gold Souk towards Dubai Creek is the Spice Souk, which you can explore not only with your eyes, but especially with other senses (taste and smell). Arabs are famous for spices all over the world, so it is not surprising that the selection of spices is really very diverse here, and bags of spices of various colors, consistencies and tastes, and their aroma, waft through the streets, creating a very pleasant experience, not only for gourmets. You will definitely not disappoint your loved ones with a bag of spices or even a multipack with up to 20 kinds.
Busy waterfront with a harbour where, in addition to sightseeing cruises on Dubai Creek, there is also local transportation on wooden boats called abra. Hop on one of these and, for the symbolic price of AED 1, be transported across the river to another old quarter - Bur Dubai.
The pier on the other side of the creek is surrounded by other souks with all sorts of goods. Be sure to haggle over the prices of goods, as is customary here. Merchants are not afraid to ask for up to three times the real price. So never buy goods at the price quoted by the merchant - you would lose out. The final price can often be reduced by up to 80%, just be uncompromising and feel free to leave the store. Often the merchant will run after you and sell the goods for the price you offer (of course, if he has at least a small profit and you are not asking for a ridiculous price). In general, it is good to decide in advance how much you are willing to pay for the goods, listen to the merchant's price and then ask for a price even lower than you plan to pay. Then the merchant gradually discounts and often you then meet at a price acceptable to you. Once you say a price, it is difficult to get lower, so it is good to start as low as possible and rather increase than decrease. It also pays to buy more pieces at once - you will then get a quantity discount. For gastronomic goods (e.g. famous Dubai chocolate), merchants do not hesitate to offer a tasting, so before you buy, you will get a square of this delicacy so you know what you are buying and then you start bargaining - a very pleasant habit :)
One of the last authentic old quarters with narrow streets and corners, a beautiful mosque and several museums tracing the history of the city. This neighborhood can be reached from the wharf via the promenade around the creek, which offers beautiful views of the historic buildings and shipping in the area.
This fortress, which serves as the Dubai Museum, is one of the few real historical monuments in this otherwise modern city. If you want to learn about Arabian history and the traditional way of life, this museum is for you.
Unfortunately, the museum is currently undergoing renovation and is closed, so you can only see it from the outside.
Another of the many local souks, this time focused mainly on textiles. You can buy traditional clothing for men (thawb) and women (abaya) or scarves or other pieces of cashmere clothing. Beware of the prices, traders will ask AED 300 for an abaya, for example, but the final price can be up to AED 70.
The museum is located in the old quarter and contains 22 pavilions in 80 buildings, each dedicated to a different theme from the city's history - e.g. traditional jewellery, healing, crafts, poetry...
More detailed information and a plan of the extensive complex see brochure.
opening hours:
daily 10:00 - 20:00 (last entry 19:00)
Today will be very variable and entirely at your discretion. It depends only on you which activity for spending the last day in this interesting country will be closest to you. Lovers of fun and unconventional experiences can visit one of the amusement parks, a global village full of shops from different parts of the world, or perhaps the largest flower garden in the world. Lovers of swimming and beach activities can spend the day on one of the many public beaches that lie along the Dubai coast. And because you are in a country made up mostly of desert, which is located just outside the city limits, you can use the services of one of the local travel agencies and go to the desert for the whole day, where you can ride a quad bike, go down the dunes and possibly have dinner with other Bedouins and tourists from different parts of the Earth.
One of the most interesting ways to spend a free day is a trip to the desert. In Dubai, you will find a wide range of options from various agencies. Offers include options from 2 hours to a full day, including a night spent in a desert camp. The offers vary and include, for example, pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, jeep transport to the desert, dune bashing by jeep or privately on quad bikes, sandboarding, falconry displays, traditional belly dancing, henna, some refreshments, or even dinner in the form of a barbecue and overnight stay in the desert.
In terms of the quality of the offer and the price/performance ratio, for example, this offer is good:
(ideally choose the 7-hour option)
Dubai: Red Dune Safari with BBQ Dinner & Quad Bike Ride
For other offers, it is good to check, for example, TripAdvisor
If you are interested in any of the options, book it on the website in advance - select the option, time and place of pick-up, and the travel agency will take care of the rest, sending you more detailed instructions.
If you prefer one last dose of sunshine for today, swimming in the sea, and relaxing before heading back to Europe, you can spend the day or part of it on one of the beaches. In addition to the ones visited earlier, La Mer is a nice beach, for example.
Enter the route from your location to La Mer Beach in Google Maps. There you will find bus routes. For example, like this.
Another of Dubai's record-breaking "notches" is the largest flower garden, Miracle Garden. The fact that there are over 200 million different plants and over 100 million flowers in the middle of the desert is truly a miracle. And as if that weren't enough, the plants form various objects, such as statues, a locomotive, or the symbol of the entire garden - a model of an Airbus aircraft. You will definitely not experience anything like this in Europe or elsewhere.
Opening hours:
MON - FRI - 9:00 - 21:00
SAT - SUN - 9:00 - 23:00
Enter the route from where you are to Miracle Garden Airplane Flowers on Google maps. There you will find the public transport route. For example, like this.
If you don't feel like taking public transport, you can use a taxi.
"The world in a nutshell" is how this very interesting and popular attraction on the outskirts of the city could be described. It is a large multicultural "fair" where you can explore the world in one small place through tastings of local foods and purchases of typical products from those countries. In the individual pavilions, you can buy, for example, a Persian carpet, matryoshka dolls, Turkish honey, cotton from China, etc.
The entire complex is complemented by various attractions including a circus and an artificial water canal.
Opening hours:
SUN - WED - 16:00 - 00:00
THU - SAT - 16:00 - 01:00
To get back to the hotel, you can either take a taxi or find a public transport route from your location to the accommodation again via Google Maps.
Your sunny vacation in the land of sand and skyscrapers is coming to an end, it's time to return to your home country. First, you will take a bus directly to the airport terminal, and then you will have a flight home.
You can get to the airport by taxi or again using Google Maps, where you can find the best public transport connection.
Remember to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. This airport is really big, so make sure you have enough time for everything. If you don't have any luggage to check, proceed through security check and immigration to your gate.
Your sunny vacation in the land of sand, futuristic skyscrapers, and fragrant souks is coming to an end, and it's time to look back a little. Few countries can offer so many architectural records and curiosities in such a small space. Over the past few days, you have had the opportunity to climb the tallest building in the world, see the most extensive choreography of playing and "dancing" fountains, see the largest flower garden and the tallest picture frame... You could swim in the sea, sunbathe on the beach, and then ski on the slopes or ice skate on the rink in one of the local luxury shopping centers in one day.
Despite the ubiquitous luxury and wealth, this country has also preserved some traditional parts with souks and narrow streets, which will remind you that you are still in Arabia. However, the country is developed, clean, safe, tolerant, and organized. In addition, even as a non-Muslim, you can visit some mosques and dress in a Western style, including women. If you add a pleasant climate in the winter months suitable for swimming and relative proximity, this destination comes out as an ideal option for individuals, couples, and families with children during the freezing European winters.
