Discussion
Gulliver911 said:
The desert is an amazing place if you have never been there.
Lots of sand, I hear
Charlie, they MUST do the Gold Souk(sp?) and the Spice Souk. Facinating, and in the case of the Gold Souk, and yer dad is feeling generous, some awesome bargains to be had. But they MUST haggle
The shopping malls are worth going to. Huge places. Seem to recall an enermous one has or is about to open with themed areas.
Easy to get around the city as taxis are very cheap but the drivers are bonkers
Not sure how young at heart they are, but in the evening they could head for the Irish Village. Some decent restaurants and a couple of pubs, if the sand in your dad's throat can only be quenched by a nice cold beer
Ibn Battuta and Mall of the Emirates are the latest huge shopping malls to open, for good restuarants/bars/clubs the Madinat Jumeirah is pretty good. Otherwise all the hotels have good bars and restuarants (just about the only places alowed to serve alcohol), and the Burj al Arab hotel has a bar in the wing near the top, but remember to go during the day (there is a way and means of getting in, cannot remember exactly how) as there is not much of a view at night! Other good bar is Vu's at the top of Emirates tower hotel, spectacular views of the city, and a restuarant on the floor below.
Desert is a must, head out to 'Big Red' named as its bloody great red dune favored by all where you can hire quad bikes etc. And don't forget the beach, public beach parks are good, and the public beach next to the Jumeriah beach hotel, all clean and pretty quiet.
If your parents are not easily shocked I'd say tell them to go to 'Cyclone', probably best not too, as the girls are very friendly
Desert is a must, head out to 'Big Red' named as its bloody great red dune favored by all where you can hire quad bikes etc. And don't forget the beach, public beach parks are good, and the public beach next to the Jumeriah beach hotel, all clean and pretty quiet.
If your parents are not easily shocked I'd say tell them to go to 'Cyclone', probably best not too, as the girls are very friendly
Went last year and had an excellent time.
The dune safari in 4x4s is a must quite a thrill ride and can see wild camels and stuff. Sailing is not bad from Jumeriha Beach. Spice souk was a bit crappy imho but the Mrs enjoyed the gold. Good restaurant is Fata feet (or something similar) which is on Dubai creek, a traditional Arabic place v.cheap and ace food only problem is not beer.
Did a walking tour round the city as suggested in the lonely book, tip is not to do it at midday as we did, tends to get a bit warm.
Not bad bargains to be had at the shops as well, some malls having classier shops than others (Wafi city being a good one with some false pyramids outside)
Ben
The dune safari in 4x4s is a must quite a thrill ride and can see wild camels and stuff. Sailing is not bad from Jumeriha Beach. Spice souk was a bit crappy imho but the Mrs enjoyed the gold. Good restaurant is Fata feet (or something similar) which is on Dubai creek, a traditional Arabic place v.cheap and ace food only problem is not beer.
Did a walking tour round the city as suggested in the lonely book, tip is not to do it at midday as we did, tends to get a bit warm.
Not bad bargains to be had at the shops as well, some malls having classier shops than others (Wafi city being a good one with some false pyramids outside)
Ben
njw 77 said:
The desert is an amazing place if you have never been there.
Lots of sand, I hear
Charlie, they MUST do the Gold Souk(sp?) and the Spice Souk. Facinating, and in the case of the Gold Souk, and yer dad is feeling generous, some awesome bargains to be had. But they MUST haggle
The shopping malls are worth going to. Huge places. Seem to recall an enermous one has or is about to open with themed areas.
Easy to get around the city as taxis are very cheap but the drivers are bonkers
Not sure how young at heart they are, but in the evening they could head for the Irish Village. Some decent restaurants and a couple of pubs, if the sand in your dad's throat can only be quenched by a nice cold beer
Says it all really. There's plenty to do there and it's pretty much like Las Vegas but without the casinos.
I really enjoyed my stay there even though I was working hard for most of my trip.
Hi
Just to add a few thoughts to the above - alas, Fatafeet, which was fab, has gone, but for really good similar food, try any of the "Automatic' chain of restaurants.
Burj Al Arab is impressive, but Mina A'Salam next door is prettier, and Al Qasr (next door again) is just brilliant. Saw 32 Cayennes parked in the drive one morning...
Souk Madinat is a perfect tourist trap, but you can't haggle - go instead to the Blue Souk in Sharjah and bargain HARD. Likewise the Gold Souk, well worth a wander, but if you actually want to buy something the Gold and Diamond Park is much better value.
Definitely do the desert, and if you can, go up to Hatta village in the mountains.
And the one thing you absolutley must do is go for a ride on an Abra. These cross the Creek from the textile souk in Bur Dubai to the Dhow wharfage on Deira side, and they give you a unique view of the city. It's the best dirham you'll spend (1 Dirham = 16p)
Jon
Just to add a few thoughts to the above - alas, Fatafeet, which was fab, has gone, but for really good similar food, try any of the "Automatic' chain of restaurants.
Burj Al Arab is impressive, but Mina A'Salam next door is prettier, and Al Qasr (next door again) is just brilliant. Saw 32 Cayennes parked in the drive one morning...
Souk Madinat is a perfect tourist trap, but you can't haggle - go instead to the Blue Souk in Sharjah and bargain HARD. Likewise the Gold Souk, well worth a wander, but if you actually want to buy something the Gold and Diamond Park is much better value.
Definitely do the desert, and if you can, go up to Hatta village in the mountains.
And the one thing you absolutley must do is go for a ride on an Abra. These cross the Creek from the textile souk in Bur Dubai to the Dhow wharfage on Deira side, and they give you a unique view of the city. It's the best dirham you'll spend (1 Dirham = 16p)
Jon
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