How to explore Dubai like a local – A mass of unique experiences
With high rises, shopping malls, cultural attractions, and theme parks, the glamorous city of Dubai exceed all expectations. From beach time to sampling local food to shopping, Dubai offers everything. The city holds a wealth of world-famous tourist attractions that you must visit, but if you want to feel like a local and get a glimpse of local life, here are activities you should indulge in during your time in Dubai.
Visit the markets
Dubai is packed with glitzy shopping malls selling all kinds of international and local brands. While visiting at least one or two of these shopping malls is a must, you must also visit the local markets; that’s what a local would do. The souks offer a unique experience to tourists; the chatter of locals and the fragrance of incense and all kinds of spices will take you on a journey into the old world.
You’ll also find that visiting these souks only takes a short journey. Most hotel suites in Dubai are located close to Dubai’s traditional markets. For instance, popular properties such as Oaks Liwa Heights is only half an hour away from Bur Dubai Souk Market.
Take a ferry ride
Ferry rides in Dubai | Image via Unsplash
To get a feel of the old Dubai, you should visit Dubai’s historic areas on a wooden ferry. You’ll be travelling across Dubai Creek, which has always been the cornerstone of commercial activities. And the cost will be less than a dollar.
Experience Dubai’s culture
To have a complete cultural experience within a short period of time, visit the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre. Here, you’ll be able to interact with locals and talk to them about local culture and history. To avoid any delays, you should book your visit in advance.
Use public transport
Ditch the taxis and take Dubai Metro to wherever it is that you want to go. Dubai Metro is a very efficient transport network that will take you to your destination in no time. You’ll be travelling above ground and underground through viaducts, which makes it an experience in itself.
Hit the local food stores
Dubai is home to many chain restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines. You can, of course, dine at these restaurants, but if you want to feel like a local, you should go to small local restaurants that serve traditional Emirati cuisine. There are fancy restaurants, but you can also find small local eateries inside traditional markets.
Visit historical sites
Dubai is undeniably modern. But the city still has its traditional side, which you’ll see if you visit the historical sites. So, take some time to explore the historical veneer of Dubai. You can sign up for one of the guided tours that offer visits to historical sites.
Visit the beaches
The city features a stunning white-sandy shoreline, which makes it an excellent beach destination, although it isn’t known as such. Some of the beaches have private owners and are associated with resorts and hotels, but there are many public beaches you can visit.
Some of the must-visit beaches are JBR Open Beach, La Mer, Umm Suqeim Beach, Kite Beach, The Palm Jumeirah, Marina Beach, and Jebel Ali Beach.
All these beaches are extremely clean and well-maintained. And don’t worry about your safety; there are lifeguards stationed on the beaches.
Do some sightseeing
Dubai has spectacular scenery. At night, with all the flickering lights, Dubai transcends into something beyond description. For the best sightseeing experience, you should visit Burj Khalifa, which, as it happens, is the tallest building in the world.
Get to the 124th floor for sweeping panoramas of Dubai; there’s an observation deck that will bring you multimedia presentations on the city as well as the building.
