{"id":24692,"date":"2013-07-15T10:36:44","date_gmt":"2013-07-15T00:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=24692"},"modified":"2015-03-12T13:03:19","modified_gmt":"2015-03-12T03:03:19","slug":"top-5-things-to-do-in-dubai-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/top-5-things-to-do-in-dubai-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 things to do in Dubai this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Pull on your excited pants and tick off Dubai\u2019s must do hit-list this summer.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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1. Rise to dizzy heights at Burj Khalifa<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll spot Burj Khalifa through the window of your descending plane before you\u2019ve even touched down in Dubai. As the tallest building IN THE WORLD its size is truly impressive.
\nOur top tips:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Book in advance<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 This is one of Dubai\u2019s most popular attractions and tickets get snapped up quick-smart so be organised and plan ahead.
\n\u2022 Bring your own guidebook \/ smart-phone<\/strong> – At the time of writing there\u2019s limited info about what attractions and sites you\u2019re staring down at from 829.8m.
\n\u2022 Book a table at Atmosphere<\/a><\/strong> – If you\u2019re after a luxe dining experience with an unparalleled view, bag a table at Atmosphere restaurant. Again advance bookings are a must.
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2. Step back in time to Traditional Dubai<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Standing amidst the glittering skyscrapers that grace Dubai\u2019s skyline you\u2019d be forgiven for forgetting that Dubai used to be a quiet fishing village. But the waterside district of Dubai Creek is a must-visit to get an appreciation of the city\u2019s history and culture.<\/p>\n

Things to do:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Get lost in the Arabian souks<\/strong> \u2013 The traditional souks that dot either side of Dubai\u2019s Creek are a must-visit for an almost Aladdin like marketplace experience. The textile, gold and spice souks are the best. Make sure you schedule your visit during the cooler periods of the day and dress appropriately to the culture.
\n\u2022 Learn about the city\u2019s history at the Dubai Museum<\/a> <\/strong>\u2013 Escape the heat and admire recreated scenes of bustling old street markets and pearl diving in the city\u2019s oldest building \u2013 Al Fahidi Fort.
\n\u2022 Enjoy a refreshing drink at the Arabian Tea House<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 This leafy traditional courtyard caf\u00e9 is located in the labyrinthine laneways of the atmospheric Bastakia Quarter. The Tea House serves a delicious lime and mint juice – the perfect antidote to a busy day of site seeing.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

3. Shop \u2018til you drop at one of Dubai\u2019s mega-malls<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dubai has a mere 69 shopping malls (!) for you to get your retail therapy on. The malls have a mix of European High Street brands, US favourites and high-end luxury. From L. K. Bennett to Chanel and Topshop to Michael Kors all your shopping desires will be fulfilled.<\/p>\n

Top shopping centre picks include:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Dubai Mall <\/strong>\u2013 The world\u2019s largest shopping mall with 1,200 stores and even a world-class aquarium to appease shop-a-phobes.
\n\u2022 Souk Madinat Jumeirah<\/strong> \u2013 If you want to add a touch of Arabian glamour to your shopping trip a visit to Madinat inside the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel is definitely on the cards. Weave round small trinket stores, meandering laneways and waterways graced by restaurants and bars.
\n\u2022 Mall of Arabia<\/strong> \u2013 Scheduled to open later in 2013 in Dubailand this 50 million square-foot mall is set to surpass all shopping centres. This mega mall is definitely one to watch.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n\"<\/a>\n

4. Play big kid at Dubai\u2019s theme parks<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Only in Dubai can you slalom in the morning, frolic in a sunny waterpark in the afternoon and dine underwater at night. Dubai is a playground for adults and kids alike.<\/p>\n

Choose your own adventure from:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Snorkel at Atlantis The Palm<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 There are more than 65,000 marine animals at the Ambassador Lagoon and you don\u2019t need to be a hotel resident to get in on the action. Or if you\u2019re feeling brave take the \u2018Leap of Faith\u2019 water-slide ride at the hotel\u2019s Aquaventure park where you shoot through a clear tube surrounded by sharks! Yikes.
\n\u2022 Carve up some powder at Ski Dubai<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 This indoor ski resort is a whopping 22,500 square metres complete with five slopes, a snow park play area and penguin encounters.
\n\u2022 Splash and surf at Wild Wadi<\/strong> \u2013 Who doesn\u2019t love a waterpark that\u2019s open until 10pm every Friday? The 560ft Rushdown Ravine downhill slide will surely add some hair-raising excitement to your holiday adventures.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of http:\/\/www.atlantisthepalm.com<\/p><\/div>\n

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Image courtesy of http:\/\/www.atlantisthepalm.com<\/p><\/div>\n\"<\/a>\n

5. Brunch in luxurious surroundings <\/strong><\/h3>\n

If your holiday in Dubai includes a Friday (the first day of Dubai\u2019s weekend) you can experience one of the city\u2019s legendary brunches, a popular past time of tourists and ex-pats alike.
\nHosted in Dubai\u2019s swanky hotel restaurants a buffet feast awaits that runs for the best part of a day and sometimes into some suspect dancing and raucous entertainment. Outside of the summer religious festivals (Ramadan and Eid) you can pimp your brunch to a champagne-fueled one \u2013 ooer.<\/p>\n

Our favourites include:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah<\/strong> \u2013 Probably Dubai\u2019s largest brunch spot offering European, Arabic and a vast selection of Asian cuisines. The fussiest of eaters will be catered for here.
\n\u2022 Saffron, Atlantis The Palm<\/strong> \u2013 If a party atmosphere is what you\u2019re after, Saffron has regular entertainment that keeps the crowd lively including a magician and a pop-spinning DJ.
\n\u2022 Imperium, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray<\/strong> \u2013A classier affair with grand fittings and features and a more European selection of food including roasts and brasserie-style fare.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

Do you have a must-do in Dubai? Share your thoughts below.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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