I’ve just returned from five days in Dubai – a trip I have been planning for years. In fact, I was set to go when COVID hit. Since then I got pregnant, had a baby and needless to say the trip kept getting delayed and delayed. Now, with my husband and 14 month old son I finally made it and it was a beyond incredible experience.
It’s still the low season – though we’re about to head into the Dubai high season – meaning prices are a lot lower now till about November. In my opinion the low season is great because you can save money on things like hotels and you’ll have an easier time getting prime dinner reservations and enjoy shorter lines for the popular attractions.
Yes, it’s very, very hot and humid (I’m talking your glasses and cellphone screen fogging up), but you really don’t spend much time outside. It’s not a walking city, you get around by taxi and they’re easy to find just about anywhere on the street or via the app Careem (like Uber).
Click through the slideshow below for a look at the best spots while in Dubai.
The Glam Guide To Dubai
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Where To Stay: Andaz Dubai The Palm
Andaz Dubai The Palm is located, as its name indicates, on the luxe tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah island. Known for glitzy hotels, luxury tower apartment buildings and hot spot restaurants, this is one of the best areas to stay. The Andaz is a standout option because of its spacious rooms, lavish breakfast (literally everything from pancakes to dumplings are served), incredible gym and spa and top notch service. They also have a beach and pool area.
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Where To Stay: Andaz Dubai The Palm
While the hotel is very child-friendly - they even offer babysitter services - they're a hot spot for jet-setting internationals and you'll find peace in the 14th floor pool cabana area where no children are allowed. This is a great hotel to stay year-round. Those on a budget should look into booking now as the rates are lower than they will be in a few months and, because of its central location, the heat won't get in the way of much, if any, fun.
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Where To Dine: SEVA
You don't need to be vegan or even vegetarian to add SEVA to your "must" list when visiting Dubai. It's the city's first plant-based cafe as well as a yoga, meditation and holistic wellness center. The food was incredible. The nachos were unforgettable (truly! I'm dreaming of them...). Coming from NYC where there are so many plant-based restaurants I can honestly say I have never experienced plant-based food this incredibly well prepared.
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Where To Dine: SEVA
Besides the nachos, the wraps, cookies and cakes are also not to be missed at SEVA, which will delight even die-hard meat lovers.
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Where To Dine: Fi'lia
For the best Italian food in Dubai beeline for the stunning Fi'lia, a Michelin Bib restaurant. Located on the 70th floor of the trendy SLS Hotel, Fi'lia is a gorgeous and sprawling Italian eatery with impeccable service to match their food.
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Where To Dine: Fi'lia
The hot spot restaurant also has a fantastic dessert menu, which includes an ice cream cart (it's meant for four, but we were two and I'm not embarrassed to say...we polished it off).
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Where To Dine: Carna
Also at the SLS Hotel is Carna, the hotel's steakhouse. It's another stunning restaurant - seriously everyone has their camera out to Instagram the displays and every dish is photo-worthy.
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Where To Dine: Carna
While steak is clearly the star at Carna, the menu is actually very extensive so you'll find plenty to eat even if you're looking for fish or something vegetarian (I highly recommend the artichoke tarts and burrata starters).
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Where To Dine: Bread Street Kitchen
Bread Street Kitchen comes our way from famed chef Gordon Ramsey. It's located in the Atlantis and a great spot to go post aquarium or shopping. They're very family-friendly, but that doesn't mean they sacrifice quality. Everything from the salads to their ice cream sundaes hit all the right marks.
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Where To Dine: Tandoor Tina
Get your cameras ready because there's a lot to photograph at Tandoor Tina. Better yet, the food is as good as the decor. It's located in the 25Hour Hotel which is the best spot to stay if you're on a budget. It's an affordable hotel, but doesn't look one bit like it.
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Where To Dine: Tandoor Tina
Trust me... order the chips! They're warm and delicious and come with some Indian dip.
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Where To Visit: Lost Chambers Aquarium
The Lost Chambers Aquarium at The Atlantis is a great spot whether or not you're traveling with family. The dimly-lid Atlantis themed destination spot has underwater halls and tunnels housing marine life, plus feeding sessions.
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Where To Visit: Platinum Heritage Dubai Safari
If there's one must it's this tour. We booked an afternoon to night option, but they also have morning tours and overnight options. Platinum Heritage Dubai Safari will pick you up from wherever you are staying and whisk you away in comfort and style to the desert - and given the temperatures, that's saying a lot! Experiences come complete with shows, entertainment and amazing multi-course feasts.
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Where To Visit: Platinum Heritage Dubai Safari
When you book a Platinum Heritage Dubai Safari you dine Emirati-style in cozy and comfy tents .
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Where To Visit: The Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future is housed in a stunning building. While I can't really say what the exhibit was looking to convey, I can say I was captivated as I meandered through the building. The bottom floor is wonderful for kids (and they sell some delicious healthy snacks).
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Where To Visit: Ski Dubai
Yes, you can ski in Dubai! Like literally ski... you can also see penguins and enjoy some hot cacao in the indoor skiing wonderland that is Ski Dubai.
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Where To Visit: 3D World Dubai
3D World Dubai has over 200 works of art in front of which to take a "selfie." This was one of the most unique museums I've ever been to and is a wonderful place to go for people of all ages.
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Where To Visit: 3D World Dubai
How convincing are these images? Truly a one-of-a-kind experience going to 3D World Dubai.
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Where To Visit: Dubai Butterfly Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden was unfortunately not yet open when I visited Dubai, so I visited the next best thing, the Dubai Butterfly Garden. The beautiful indoor space has butterflies in all shades flying around.
