Dubai
Kickstart your trip to Dubai
City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours
5.0
(5)
Kickstart your trip to Dubai
The perfect 3-hour experience for your first day in Dubai. Get oriented and gain tips from your host to make the most of the rest of your visit.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Maximize your time in Dubai and experience the city like a local by starting your trip with an insider's perspective.
- Let a local host guide you through Dubai and discover what lies beyond the iconic skyscrapers and luxury malls.
- Receive insider recommendations on the best places to dine and unwind, from traditional Emirati restaurants to trendy rooftop bars and hidden cafes.
- Get tips on how to navigate the city like a true local and avoid tourist traps.
- Learn to immerse yourself in Dubai's dynamic energy, rich culture, and diverse neighborhoods.
- Select an area of interest and spend 3 hours exploring hidden gems or must-see attractions customized to your preferences.
- This is the ultimate way to kickstart your visit to Dubai, as a local insider will unlock the city in a way that no guidebook can.
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
3 hours with a host
Walking-focused experience but taxis or public transport will be used for non-walkable distances at your own expense
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
What’s not included
Tickets to any attractions
Food and drink
Transport
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
Make the most of your visit to Dubai by letting your friendly and knowledgeable host unlock the real Dubai for you on your first or second day. Say goodbye to your guidebook and hello to an authentic local experience.
During your 3-hours together, your host will show you how to navigate the city like a true Dubai local and avoid tourist traps. Whether you prefer uncovering hidden gems or visiting must-see landmarks, your host will tailor the experience to your interests.
After your experience, you'll be ready to indulge in mouth-watering Arabic cuisine at traditional restaurants, sip cocktails with a panoramic view of the city at trendy rooftop bars, and discover hidden cafes tucked away in charming alleyways using the valuable insider tips your host shared during your time together.
This is the best way to kickstart your visit to Dubai and ensure you don't waste any time figuring out what to do. Let your local host show you the way to the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and lively energy!
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
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What travelers think of this experience
Gene,
Jan 2025
My food tour with Sheikh was awesome. He provided I nice mix of Dubai history, along with a description of the food history, along with a nice combination of tastings of the food that is a complex mix of influences from multiple Middle Eastern Countries, as well as influences from Inda and Pakistan. I thoroughly enjoyed my tour and ate way too much food!
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Jamie,
Mar 2024
Guide was great, and very flexible. Good opportunity to see things other than the obvious in Dubai.
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Tim,
Jun 2023
Just generally a a good tour
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Stephen,
Jun 2023
This was an amazing tour that was personalized to my interest. I chose the perfect half day in Dubai tour. City Unscripted held true when they matched me with the perfect tour guide. This was a private tour and Charlie Miiro my guide had great suggestions and took me to places that I hadn’t thought about. I appreciated Miiro’s flexibility, knowledge of Dubai amongst other things. In addition we had a lot of engaging conversation along the way. I was celebrating my 35th birthday this trip and Miiro surprised me with a little gift which just shows how thoughtful he is and the type of host City Unscripted employs. Thanks again to the team of City Unscripted and most of all Miiro for a wonderful experience.
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Stephen,
Jun 2023
This was an amazing tour that was personalized to my interest. I chose the perfect half day in Dubai tour. City Unscripted held true when they matched me with the perfect tour guide. This was a private tour and Charlie Miiro my guide had great suggestions and took me to places that I hadn’t thought about. I appreciated Miiro’s flexibility, knowledge of Dubai amongst other things. In addition we had a lot of engaging conversation along the way. I was celebrating my 35th birthday this trip and Miiro surprised me with a little gift which just shows how thoughtful he is and the type of host City Unscripted employs. Thanks again to the team of City Unscripted and most of all Miiro for a wonderful experience. City Unscripted hosts tours all over the world and I will be sure to use them again for my future destinations.
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