Dubai and Abu Dhabi: The Over-the-Top Trip That Is Actually Worth It
We were skeptical about Dubai until a $10 abra ride across the Creek showed us the real city behind the skyscrapers.
In This Post
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi: The Over-the-Top Trip That Is Actually Worth It
- Dubai: Beyond the Skyscrapers
- Old Dubai: Al Fahidi and the Souks
- Abu Dhabi: One Day, Three Highlights
- Desert Safari
- Food
- Gear and Guides We Recommend
- Book Tours and Activities
- Find Flights to Dubai
- Related Reading
- Keep Reading
- Plan Your Trip
- Frequently Asked Questions
We were skeptical about Dubai. Everything we had heard made it sound like a theme park for billionaires — artificial islands, indoor ski slopes, the world’s tallest building. And honestly, all of that is accurate. But what surprised us is that beyond the spectacle, there is interesting food, culture, and desert landscape that most visitors miss because they never leave the Marina.
Dubai: Beyond the Skyscrapers
The Burj Khalifa observation deck is worth doing once. Book the At the Top ticket (not the premium SKY level — the regular 124th floor is the same view for half the price). Go at sunset for the best light. The ticket includes timed entry, so you skip the line if you book online.
The Dubai Mall is absurd — over 1,200 stores, an aquarium, an ice rink, and a waterfall. We spent about two hours walking through it and that was plenty. The real draw is the Dubai Fountain show outside, which happens every 30 minutes after 6 PM. Free to watch from the promenade, and it is spectacular — 500 feet of choreographed water and light set to Arabic and Western music.
Old Dubai: Al Fahidi and the Souks
This is where Dubai gets interesting. The Al Fahidi Historical District is the oldest part of the city — narrow lanes, wind-tower architecture, and small galleries and cafes tucked into restored merchant houses. The Dubai Museum inside Al Fahidi Fort costs almost nothing and gives context for how this city went from a fishing village to a global hub in 50 years.
The Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira are a sensory overload. The Gold Souk has more gold per square meter than anywhere else on earth. Prices are based on the daily gold rate plus a making charge — negotiating the making charge is expected. The Spice Souk next door sells saffron, frankincense, and oud at prices that would be five times higher in the West.
Abu Dhabi: One Day, Three Highlights
Abu Dhabi is 90 minutes from Dubai by car and worth a day trip for three things. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the most beautiful mosque we have ever seen — 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. It is free to enter and open to all visitors. Dress modestly or borrow an abaya at the entrance.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a masterpiece of architecture by Jean Nouvel. The dome creates a “rain of light” effect that changes throughout the day. The collection spans all civilizations and time periods. Budget two to three hours minimum.
Yas Island has Ferrari World (the world’s fastest roller coaster) and the Yas Marina Circuit where the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held. Even outside race season, you can drive the circuit in a passenger experience.
Desert Safari
Do this. A sunset desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, and a BBQ dinner under the stars is one of the most fun evenings we have had on any trip. Book through your hotel or a reputable operator — the cheap ones on the street cut corners on vehicle maintenance. The overnight options that include sleeping in a desert camp are even better if you have the time.
Food
Book hotels: Search Booking.com hotels
Al Ustad Special Kabab in Bur Dubai has been open since 1978 and serves Iranian kebabs that are worth crossing the city for. Ravi Restaurant in Satwa is a no-frills Pakistani spot where a massive meal costs under $10. For fine dining, Zuma in DIFC serves Japanese izakaya-style food that is consistently rated among the best restaurants in the Middle East.
Gear and Guides We Recommend
These are things we actually use and recommend. Some links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Osprey Farpoint 40L Travel Backpack — the only bag you need for two weeks anywhere
- Anker Nano Power Bank — saved us dozens of times when phones died mid-navigation
- eSIM International Data — skip the SIM card hunt at the airport
- Peak Design Packing Cubes — actually worth the hype for organizing
Book Tours and Activities
Find Flights to Dubai
Cheapest Flights to Dubai
| Departure at | Return at | Stops | Airline | Find tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 April 2026 | 28 April 2026 | Direct |  |
Tickets from 591 |
Related Reading
Compare flights on Skyscanner — and grab an Airalo eSIM before you land so you have data the moment you arrive.
Keep Reading
Plan Your Trip
- Flights: Search flights on Aviasales
- Hotels: Compare hotels on Hotellook
- eSIM: Airalo eSIM — skip the SIM card hunt at the airport
- Tours: Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide
Keep Reading
What a Week in Dubai Actually Costs in 2026 — detailed budget breakdown at three price levels
Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: Which One to Visit — comparison with F1 Abu Dhabi GP tie-in
Dubai Food Guide: From $2 Shawarma to Michelin Stars — where to eat at every price point
What I’d Do Differently: Gulf Trip Planning — lessons from our mistakes
Tours: Abu Dhabi tours on Viator
Activities: Japan on Klook
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubai worth visiting?
Yes, but the real Dubai is not the skyscrapers. Take a $10 abra ride across the Creek, explore the Al Fahidi historic district, and visit the souks. Abu Dhabi is worth a day trip for the Sheikh Zayed Mosque alone.
How many days do you need in Dubai?
Three days for Dubai itself, plus one day for Abu Dhabi. That covers the old town, modern side, a desert safari, and the mosque.
What should you skip in Dubai?
Skip the indoor ski slope (gimmick), the Atlantis waterpark (overpriced), and any restaurant in the Dubai Mall. Eat in the old town or Deira instead.
Travel Insurance: We use SafetyWing for travel insurance on every international trip. It covers medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and lost luggage starting at $45/month with no fixed end date — perfect for multi-country itineraries.
Rental Cars: Compare rental car prices across all major agencies with RentCars — we use them to find the cheapest rates for road trips.
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Written by Jenna Fattah
I have visited 25+ countries across 6 continents, attended 7 Formula 1 races, and spent 4 years writing about what actually works and what I would do differently. Every recommendation on this site comes from trips I planned and paid for myself. Read more about me