Dubai travel tips on surviving, saving money, and traveling smart

Now that you’ve seen 87 TikToks with the Burj Khalifa as a background, you’re finally ready for a holiday in Dubai! Good call. The city is a ridiculous mix of futuristic skyscrapers, desert adventures, and shopping malls that feel like entire countries. But if you don’t plan right, you’ll either fry under the sun, go broke in 48 hours, or end up in a very awkward situation, to put it mildly (trust me, Dubai has rules).

Here are some sane travel tips to help you not just survive, but actually enjoy Dubai.

Best time to visit Dubai

Dubai has two seasons: pleasant and Satan’s sauna.

Go between November and March. Any other time, and you’ll spend your trip sweating through your clothes while questioning your life choices.

Visa & travel documents

Dubai’s immigration doesn’t play. Before you pack:

• Check if you need a visa. Many passport holders get visa on arrival (UK, EU, US, Australia), but some need one before flying.

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months. If it’s close to expiring, don’t risk it. Make sure you’ve got the right info on passport validity. 

• Always have a copy of your passport and visa with you.

Budget vs. baller: how much does Dubai really cost?

Like most other places in the world, you can spend $100 or $1000 a day; the choice is yours (your wallet’s, more accurately). Dubai can be a luxury playground or surprisingly affordable—if you’re smart.

Money-saving hacks

• Use public transport. The Dubai Metro is cheap, clean, and fast.

• Eat like a local. Skip hotel buffets and hit Old Dubai’s food spots.

• Pre-book attractions to dodge overpriced last-minute tickets.

• Look for free stuff. Dubai Fountain, beaches, and souks are all free.

• Shop at night markets like Ripe Market instead of expensive malls.

• Use discount apps like The Entertainer for 2-for-1 deals at restaurants and attractions.

• Stay in Airbnb or budget hotels instead of flashy resorts.

• Get an eSim and avoid a massive data roaming bill post-vacation. Here's how they work.

Getting around: transport that won’t rip you off

Dubai is massive, but you don’t need to take a Rolls-Royce taxi (not sure if these actually exist?) everywhere.

Pro tip: Get a Nol Card to pay for metro, buses, and trams. Avoid renting a car unless you enjoy battling aggressive Lamborghini drivers.

Must-visit attractions (without wasting your time)

Not everything in Dubai is worth the hype. But these? Absolutely.

• Burj Khalifa. Because tallest building in the world. Obviously.

• Dubai Mall. Where capitalism goes to show off. Bonus: you’ll also be able to hit that target of 10k steps, easy.

• Desert safari. Dune bashing, camel riding, and Bedouin-style dinners.

• Dubai Marina. Boats, skyline views, and fancy restaurants.

• Old Dubai & Dubai Creek. The real, historic Dubai most tourists skip.

Hidden gems in Dubai

Beyond the usual tourist spots, these underrated places deserve a visit:

• Alserkal Avenue. Dubai’s artsy, hipster district with indie galleries, cafes, and performances.

• Dubai Coffee Museum. A hidden gem in Al Fahidi for coffee lovers.

• The Love Lake. A heart-shaped lake in the desert, perfect for a peaceful escape or a romantic getaway (cheesy, I know, but who knows? You may just be in the mood).

• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. A nature reserve with flamingos right next to the city skyline.

• The Boardwalk at Palm Jumeirah. A quiet alternative to the crowded beaches with amazing views.

• XVA Art Hotel & Café. A boutique hotel with an art gallery and an amazing vegetarian menu.

• Last Exit Mad X. A post-apocalyptic themed food truck park serving great street food.

Must-try local foods

Dubai is a melting pot of cuisines, but here are the must-eat local dishes:

• Shawarma. The Middle East’s answer to fast food. Get it from a street vendor for the best experience.

• Al Harees. A slow-cooked Emirati dish made from wheat and meat, usually served during Ramadan.

• Luqaimat. Think of these as Arabic doughnut holes, served with date syrup.

• Mandi. Fragrant rice and slow-cooked meat, originally from Yemen but wildly popular in Dubai.

• Karak Chai. Dubai’s version of spiced tea, available at every roadside tea shop.

• Camel Burger. Yes, you read that right. It’s surprisingly tasty and worth trying.

Best day trips from Dubai

Skyscrapers are cool and all, but sometimes you need a change of scene. Try these quick escapes:

• Abu Dhabi (1.5-hour drive) – Visit the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Ferrari World.

• Hatta (1.5-hour drive) – A mountain escape with hiking, kayaking, and a stunning heritage village.

• Sharjah (30-minute drive) – A more traditional Emirati city with amazing museums and markets.

• Fujairah (2-hour drive) – Known for its beaches and snorkelling spots along the Gulf of Oman.

• Musandam, Oman (3-hour drive) – A spectacular fjord-like landscape, great for a dhow cruise.

• Al Ain (2-hour drive) – Known as the “Garden City,” with lush oases and a historic fort.

Rules you don’t want to break

Dubai is modern, but it ain’t Vegas. Some things can get you fined, arrested, or just seriously side-eyed.

Dubai isn’t the place to “wing it” on rules. Know them and you’re golden.

5 embarrassing tourist mistakes you should avoid

Don’t be that person.

• Ignoring cultural etiquette. This isn’t Ibiza.

• Thinking taxis are the only transport. You’ll go broke fast.

• Visiting only modern Dubai. Old Dubai has all the charm.

• Forgetting sunscreen. Dubai sun doesn’t care about your SPF 15.

• Not checking travel insurance. Because medical bills here are brutal.

Top FAQs for Dubai travel tips

What is the best time of year to visit Dubai?

November to March is ideal: cooler weather, outdoor activities, and no risk of melting into the pavement.

Do I need a visa to travel to Dubai?

It depends on your passport. Many nationalities (UK, US, EU, Australia) get visa on arrival, while others must apply in advance.

How much should I budget for a trip to Dubai?

Anywhere from $65 to $650+ per day, depending on how fancy you want to get. Budget travellers can survive on public transport and street food, while high-rollers will find plenty of ways to burn cash.

What should I wear as a tourist in Dubai?

Keep it modest in public. That means no super short shorts, crop tops, or see-through clothing outside beaches and pools. In tourist zones, casual wear is fine.

Is Dubai safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Just use common sense, watch your belongings and respect local laws. Don’t fall for all those TikToks where people leave their Birkins on the pavement for a day and come back to find them untouched.

What are the must-visit attractions in Dubai?

Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Old Dubai, Dubai Marina, and the desert safari are non-negotiables.

Can I drink alcohol in Dubai as a tourist?

Yes, but only in licensed hotels, bars, and clubs. Drinking in public is a hard no.

What is the best way to get around Dubai?

The Dubai Metro is cheap and efficient. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) work well. Rent a car only if you enjoy chaotic driving.

Are there any cultural rules tourists should follow in Dubai?

Yes. Dress modestly, respect Ramadan rules, avoid PDA, and don’t swear in public. Dubai is modern but still conservative in many ways.

How can I save money while travelling in Dubai?

• Use public transport instead of taxis.

• Eat at local restaurants instead of fancy hotels.

• Visit free attractions like Dubai Fountain and beaches.

• Book attractions online to avoid tourist markups.

• Buy an eSIM with UAE coverage. 

To sum it up: should you book that flight already?

Yes!

Dubai is flashy, weird, and ridiculously fun. It’s also easy to mess up if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Go in the right season, stick to a budget that won’t ruin your bank account, and don’t do anything dumb that’ll land you in trouble.

Follow these Dubai travel tips and you’ll actually have a trip worth bragging about.