Dubai is always a great idea!
Weekend Staycation Itinerary
Are you a resident of the United Arab Emirates?
Maybe you have a relative or friend living in the United Arab Emirates. Perhaps you thinking of visiting the UAE and would like to see why Dubai has become a famous city.
Dubai will leave you wanting more and more. Spending a day in Dubai does not seem like enough. There is so much sightseeing, it can become a bit overwhelming if you have limited time.
Last year I met a tourist in Kenya who was planning to spend 24 hours in Dubai on route home. His question like most was “What can I do in 24 hours? “
Dubai is a scattered city, with a lot to do everywhere.
You need to plan your time in Dubai if you want to experience what the city has to offer. A weekend might seem short but with the right company, itinerary and shoes you guaranteed to have an exciting vacation.
Dubai has beaches, souqs (markets), malls, clubs, fantastic transport systems, theme parks, water parks, and recreational parks, etc.
Why not be adventurous and do it all?
That is what my friend and I did on our staycation!! We managed to rest and enjoy our fabulous hotel while exploring places we wanted to see in Dubai.
It doesn’t matter how long you have lived in the UAE, you can still be a tourist. There are so many new developments around the city and I am still having my first experiences.
Photo Credits: Tasneem Kaloo
A fabulous weekend in Dubai!
Where to stay?
Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
Location: Dubai Creek, Al Seef Street, Dubai, AE
The hotel is fun, colorful and quirky. I love staying at hotels that give off a playful atmosphere. If you love posting on social media then you would enjoy the many photo opportunities in the hotel.
The hotel is perfectly located in a quiet area, but still close to the Marina which is lined with numerous restaurants and cafes. The hotel offers complimentary bicycles for guests to use. A walk along the Creek is a great way to stay active and enjoy the sights and browse the retail shops selling authentic and traditional jewelry, bags, souvenirs, and clothes.
What to eat?
Dukkan Burger
Location: Near the British Consulate, Al Seef Street
There are so many eating options but I recommend Dukkan Burger. The restaurant serves burgers, salads, sides, delicious milkshakes and more! The burgers are a twist of Arabian and American flavors packed into a delicious bun served with a mouthwatering side. The weather is wonderful to sit outside and enjoys the views of the boats passing by or you can sit inside and enjoy the colorful décor.
What to do In Dubai?
My Three Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at the hotel. Check-in and unwind for a while. The Hampton by Hilton Al Seef has a lovely pool, gym, and private ladies and men’s steam and sauna.
Where to eat Dinner?
Al Ustad Special Persian kebab
Location: Near Al Fahidi Metro Station – Al Mussallah Rd – Dubai
A very old and memorable restaurant that serves kebabs and other Persian favorites. There are numerous pictures of famous people and customers all over the walls. Décor is very simple and basic. This is a family-friendly restaurant with options for people who also want to dine alone. The prices are reasonable and the food is satisfying.
Tip– Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum has been said to eat at Ustad with his son. You can see many pictures of the Royals on display.
After dinner, walk around the busy area and enjoy a dessert or coffee from the many inexpensive cafes.
The Hamriya Area is perfect for walking and enjoying the old historical part of Dubai.
Travelling Tip– Taking an Abra (traditional small boat ) across to the other side of the Creek only costs 1 Dirham.
Day 2: Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the hotel’s quirky restaurant before starting your day.
Walk along the Al Seef Area towards the old Creek where you can take an Abra.
Visit Al Fahidi District
Dubai is well known for famous landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the Atlantis Palm to name a couple, but beyond the glitz and glamour of tall and unusual architectural wonders lies the old district of Al Fahidi. Dubai has managed to merge the old and new so that tourists, locals, and ex-pats can enjoy both worlds.
Traveling Tip– Wear comfortable shoes. You will spend a lot of time walking as there is a lot to see.
Places to visit in Al Fahidi District
- The Dubai Museum – Opposite the Grand Mosque
Entry Fee: 3 Dirhams
Timings: 08:30 am to 08:30 pm | 02:30 pm to 08:30 pm (Friday)
- Coffee Museum – Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bastakiya – Bur Dubai
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Closed on Friday)
- Coins Museum -Al Shindagha area – Bur Dubai
Entry Fee- Free of charge
Timings: 08:00 am to 02:00 pm (Closed on Friday and Saturday)
- Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding -House 26, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Musallah Street
Timings: 08:00 am to 04:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday) | 09:00 am to 01:00 pm (Saturday)
- Dubai Heritage Village –https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx
- Visit Dubai Glow Garden
Location: Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B – Dubai
Timings: 4 pm to 11 pm
Entrance Fee – Combo tickets -120 Dirhams (Includes Dinsosour park and Art Park)
Tip: www.cobone.com has good promotions for the Glow garden.
Day 3: Enjoy the last day at the hotel. There is a late check out if you want to enjoy a dip in the pool, a gym session or some quiet time in the steam room. I did all of it and enjoyed a nap before my next adventure.
- The Selfie Kingdom –https://theselfiekingdom.com/
Location: Close to the Expo 2020 site
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm (Sunday – Saturday)
Entry Fee: 65 Dirhams for adults 55 Dirhams for kids
Duration: 1 hour
If you love fun taking fun pics of yourself, then spending an hour exploring the 15 rooms in the Selfie Museum will excite you.
Tip: There is a changing room, so take a couple of different outfits to get the most of your experience. There are props to use in every room if you not in the mood for an outfit change.
- La Mer by Meraas
Location: 45 2 A St after Etihad Museum, Dubai United Arab Emirates
Entry Fee- Free of charge
End the day with a visit to one of Dubai’s most popular beach destinations. A perfect location to enjoy great food, shopping and much needed time on the beach.
- Laguna Waterpark
Timings:10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily.
Do you love waterparks? Why not take the family and spend the day at Laguna Waterpark.
Tip: La Mer has over 1,100 parking spaces including underground parking that offers 4-hr free for Laguna Waterpark visitors.
If you spend more than 100 Dirhams at any of the outlets, you will get the 3 hours of free parking. Make sure to keep your receipts.
Sometimes the best vacations are close to home……
Be a tourist in your city!
Superlady!
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