Planning a visit to Dubai? Here are a few tips regarding getting around Dubai. Well, the city boasts a cityscape that is straight out of a dream. The Gulf Emirate seems to make a habit of challenging engineering frontiers and today, from the tallest buildings to man-made islands, Dubai is a uniquely memorable experience for any visitor.
If you are planning to visit Dubai, getting around the place is something you need to spend some time researching. There are plenty of options and it is recommended that you are aware of each. Let’s find out how you can explore the City of Gold.
Places To Visit In Dubai
Dubai’s landmarks are sprinkled generously across the vast landscape so let us first brush over the different areas you may have to travel to. We have to begin with the Creek, loaded with some of the most luxurious dining and shopping establishments along with the many marine-based attractions.
In Dubai’s Deira area you can get a taste of the old-world Arab charm in its souks while also engage in some lavish fun at the Dubai Festival Centre or the Deira City Mall.
Local history buffs will want to head over to Bur Dubai, where the Dubai Museum is located while the grand architecture on display at Sheikh Zayed Road will blow your mind away. This is where you will find the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
Jumeirah is another district that is popular with tourists – famous for its cafes, malls, and a scenic cycle path. Golf fans may like to venture into New Dubai to explore the greens set impressively in the middle of the desert landscape.
Getting Around Dubai – 6 Transport Tips
1. Rent A Car
Car rentals are a convenient way to move around the city. You will need an international driver’s license along with a few other basic documents. With a rental, you can head out to the outskirts as well as drive around some of the most iconic freeways of the city.
In the city, you also have the option of getting behind the wheel of a supercar – from Bentley to Bugatti, the options will surprise you.
2. Travel By Metro, Tram, And Monorail
Dubai Metro is one of the best metro systems in the world, an experience in itself. The metro rides are filled with views that are straight out of a sci-fi city landscape, especially in the evenings. Metro tickets come in the form of a Nol card.
Apart from the regular metro, you can also step into the Dubai tram that runs to the happening Jumeirah beach from Al Sufouh. The tram line is also connected to the Palm monorail which takes you to the artificial Palm islands.
3. Hop Into A Bus
The city has close to 1500 buses plying on its roads all day so you are never ever far from one. Buses are a good budget option. They are impeccably maintained and air-conditioned so you can escape the heat just by hopping into one.
You also have the option of HoHo (Hop On Hop Off) buses that are meant for tourists and include all the major landmarks on the route. The Nol card is your bus ticket – choose from different packages.
4. Pedal Around Dubai (And Beyond) On A Cycle
Did you know you can travel around the city in the cleanest manner possible? Cycle trips here are fun and safe because there are designated routes. There are many inner-city paths including the famous one in Jumeirah.
You can also head over to Al Qudra and cycle through the mesmerizing desert terrain. The mountains of Hatta also offer cycle rides to those looking for some extra adventure.
5. Catch A Cab
Taxi is another important travel option for Dubai residents and visitors. You can hail them anywhere at any time of the day and you can also schedule your rides. Just remember that you may have to pay different rates depending on the time or the tolls on the route.
Uber is also available in Dubai and Careem is another popular taxi service. We simply cannot end this list without mentioning the Uber chopper service – in case you want to take your Dubai expedition to the skies and enjoy some spectacular, panoramic views.
6. Explore Dubai On Its Waterways
Dubai’s waterways are continuously expanding and your trip here would be incomplete without a dhow trip. These are the traditionally-styled boats that meander on the coast, giving you a different visual perspective of the city.
The smaller traditional boats are called abras and make for efficient shuttles around the Creek and Jumeirah areas. The Dubai Ferry and water taxies are popular options and if you want to take it a notch higher and have a special evening, consider a yacht rental.
Getting Around Dubai – Things To Keep in Mind
Now that you know your options, here are some more tips for getting around Dubai. Rush hour can get crazy in Dubai – so try to avoid traveling between 7 and 10 in the morning and between 5 and 8 in the evening.
Friday afternoons and Saturdays are the busiest times of the week. Dubai is not very pedestrian friendly, so restrict your strolls to parks and closed areas.
Dubai’s transport systems are fully integrated and the Nol (the Arabic word for ‘fare’) cards are easy to purchase. It is also one of the safest cities in the world and city-based information is available at every corner of this tourist-friendly destination. With a simple Nol card, you can see a large chunk of this dynamic city.
Plan your Dubai trip keeping in mind the transport options, your budget the experiences you look forward to. We recommend you do a bit of everything – after all, exploring Dubai and enjoying the enroute surprises is also as fun as reaching the destination.
