Explora Journeys in Dubai

Dubai is the engineered superlative of the Gulf: the world's tallest building, vast malls, man-made islands. But the day that holds up best balances that against Old Dubai, the wind-tower lanes of Al Fahidi and the creek where wooden dhows still load cargo by hand. One port day forces a choice between the record-breaking new city and the trading-post original, and both are reachable.

What to do on a day in Dubai

• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Bastakiya), the preserved early-1900s quarter of sand-colored wind-tower houses, courtyards and narrow lanes
• Abra ride across Dubai Creek, the traditional wooden ferry between Bur Dubai and Deira for a token fare, the most authentic few minutes in the city
• Gold Souk in Deira, shop windows stacked floor to ceiling with bangles and bridal sets, and the adjacent Spice Souk heaped with saffron, cardamom and dried roses
• Burj Khalifa and the At The Top observation decks, the tallest building on earth at the heart of Downtown Dubai
• Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain at its base, with timed water-and-light shows on the lake below the Burj Khalifa

Getting ashore

Cruise ships use Mina Rashid (Port Rashid) and its Hamdan bin Mohammed terminal, with newer Dubai Harbour also in service; neither is walkable to attractions. Old Dubai's creek is roughly 9 km away and Downtown around 20 km, so plan on a taxi, Metro or tour. One day is enough for either Old Dubai or Downtown, not a thorough pass at both.

When to book the ship's excursion vs your own →

Weather and when to visit

• November to December (early season). Typical daytime highs in the low 30s Celsius in November easing to high 20s by December, warm sun and cooler evenings, the start of the comfortable season.
• January to February (peak winter). The coolest and most pleasant window, typical highs around 27 to 28 Celsius with mild nights. The brief winter rains, when they come, are short downpours.
• March (late season). Warming back toward the low 30s Celsius and more humid, comfortable in the morning but hot by afternoon.