Dubai Travel Guide: plan your trip offline

Your offline companion to the City of Gold.

Dubai packs two very different cities into one long strip along the Gulf. Around the Creek, old Dubai still trades in gold, spices and textiles, and wooden abras carry passengers across the water for a single dirham. Further south, the skyline of Downtown, the Marina and the Palm shows how fast the city has grown, from the Burj Khalifa to beach clubs and giant malls.

This guide helps you see both sides without wasting time in traffic: which sights are worth booking ahead, when to go out to beat the heat, how the metro and taxis work, the local rules visitors should know, and day plans that keep travel between areas short.

Get the Dubai guide on Google Play

Quick facts

When to visit

November to March is the best time to visit, with warm days around 24–30 °C and comfortable evenings for the beach, desert and outdoor markets. From June to September daytime temperatures often pass 40 °C with high humidity, so most people move between air-conditioned places and save outdoor plans for early morning or evening. Ramadan is expected to start around 8 February 2027 (dates depend on the moon); the city stays open, but daytime life is quieter and evenings are lively.

Top places

• Burj Khalifa: At the TopThe world's tallest building, with observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148.
• The Dubai FountainA free water, music and light show on the lake below the Burj Khalifa.
• The Dubai MallA huge mall with an aquarium, ice rink and souk, connected to the Burj Khalifa.
• Al Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodRestored wind-tower houses, art galleries and small museums in old Bur Dubai.
• Abra ride across Dubai CreekCross the Creek on a traditional wooden boat for one dirham.
• Gold Souk & Spice SoukLanes of gold jewellery shops and sacks of spices, frankincense and dried fruit.
• Jumeirah MosqueA beautiful white stone mosque open to non-Muslims on guided cultural tours.
• Dubai FrameA 150-metre picture frame with a glass-floor bridge linking old and new Dubai views.
• JBR Beach & The WalkA wide free public beach in front of the Marina towers, with cafés along The Walk.
• Dubai Marina WalkA canal-side promenade among skyscrapers, best in the evening.

Day plans

• Dubai in One DayOld Dubai in the morning, the skyline at sunset

Practical tips

• Getting aroundMetro, tram, taxis and Nol cards
• AirportDXB to the city
• Money & tippingCards, VAT and service
• Rules & lawsWhat visitors must know
• Scams to avoidRare, but worth knowing
• Local etiquetteDress, greetings and respect
• Heat & safetyStay cool and safe
• RamadanVisiting during the holy month
• Eating outWhat and where to eat