Dubai and other well-known vacation spots have earned their reputation for some reasons. They deliver on culture, scenery, cuisine, or flair. Sadly, due to their reputations, Dubai has drawn so many tourists that it has become overrated.
It turns out that Dubai is not the only destination where one can enjoy luxurious travel experiences or the best vacation opportunities. Even if you try to go in 2023, there might be challenges, like price increases and potential tourist traps.
You just need to know where to go. Travelling to less popular and more reasonably priced destinations around the world can be just as rewarding as visiting cities like Dubai or those that are more well-known.
Although some of these Dubai alternative destinations may not have the same reputation for swanky things, they still have the same tourist attractions as any opulent destination.
These Dubai alternative destinations present you with an opportunity to explore places with fewer crowds, lower costs. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover a place that feels like it’s all yours. Even though these destinations may not be as popular as Dubai, you will still adore them just as much—possibly even more—since you won’t be fighting for a piece of paradise.
If you’re planning a vacation for the new year, why not try out a lesser-known but equally beautiful alternatives to Dubai?
- Doha in Qatar is just as charming as Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the UAE, with exquisite attractions, seaside promenade, and luxury mall offerings too.
- You could spend some time blitzing through Istanbul for less compared to Dubai. See the Blue Mosque, a beautiful and iconic building with blue tiles and six minarets.
- Singapore is also a great alternative if you’re looking for cities with modern skyscrapers for stunning 360-degree views and luxury shopping experiences.
Thus, this new year, go here and not Dubai! Check out our Dubai alternative destinations that offer memorable experiences without breaking the bank.
1. Doha, Qatar
When it comes to luxurious things, from attractions to shopping, Dubai always gets the love. Doha, on the other hand, brilliantly offers the same swanky things and more, from opulent hotels to upscale shopping and tourist destinations.
The city is home to a number of luxury hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton Doha, and St. Regis Doha. These hotels are a popular option for travelers seeking a luxurious stay because they provide top-notch amenities and services.
When it comes to high-end shopping, you will find it here. There are a lot of upscale shopping malls in Doha, like the Villaggio Mall and the Lagoona Mall. These shopping centres draw a lot of customers because they have high-end retailers and designer brands.
The culinary scene in the city is also thriving, with many fine dining establishments serving cuisines from around the world and employing chefs with Michelin stars.
The Souq Waqif, the Katara Cultural Village, and the Museum of Islamic Art are just a few of the cultural landmarks in Doha. These sights provide a window into Qatari culture and history.
Are you looking for luxury wellness retreats? There are lots of them here. There are many options in Doha for tourists looking to relax and recharge while there. Doha is one of the worthy Dubai alternative destinations!
2. Cairo, Egypt
Egypt’s capital city, Cairo, may not be well known as a luxury travel destination, but it does provide some opulent options for tourists. Cairo is a good Dubai alternative destination, thanks to its year-round beautiful weather, amazing old and new architecture, incredible shopping, and ancient souks.
The city is home to many luxurious hotels, including the Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza, the InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, and the Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah. These hotels are a popular option for travellers seeking a luxurious stay because they provide top-notch amenities and services.
The Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar are just a few of Cairo’s cultural landmarks. These sights provide a window into Egypt’s history and culture.
Cairo is home to a large number of upscale shopping centers, such as the Citystars Mall and the Nile City Towers, for those who enjoy shopping. These shopping centers are popular among consumers because they offer designer shops and high-end brands.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
Although Istanbul might not be located in the Middle East, it is considered a transcontinental city because it spans across two continents: Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Strait, which separates Istanbul into its European and Asian halves, is where Istanbul is situated.
While the European side is believed to be a part of Europe, the Asian side is believed to be a part of the Middle East. Despite this, Istanbul is frequently regarded as being in the Middle East because of its location and history as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, a Muslim empire that ruled over much of the region.
Istanbul is a city with a rich history and culture, and it offers many luxurious options for travelers, from luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus, the Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, and the Shangri-La Bosphorus to high-end shopping experiences.
READ ALSO: Tired of Dubai? Try These 10 Alternative Destinations Instead
4. Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya’s capital, Nairobi is another alternative city to Dubai for holidays. The city is renowned for its stunning wildlife parks, historical sites, and exciting nightlife.
Just a few kilometres from the city centre, the Nairobi National Park is home to a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, and giraffes.
The city is also known for its rich cultural history. The Karen Blixen Museum, the Nairobi National Museum, and the Nairobi Gallery are just some of the places that show this.
Nairobi, like Dubai, has a selection of upscale eateries, hotels, and shopping malls, making it a desirable location for luxury travel.
Similarly, the capital city is a starting point for many other exciting places in Kenya, like the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Mount Kenya, and the beautiful city of Mombasa on the coast.
5. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a beautiful coastal city that offers a diverse range of experiences to visitors. It has stunning beaches, towering mountains, a thriving nightlife, and a rich cultural history.
Cape Town, which boasts a number of upscale resorts, shopping malls, and restaurants, shares Dubai’s reputation for luxury travel.
Along with that, it is home to a number of well-known landmarks, including Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape of Good Hope.
The city offers something for everyone, from indulging in fine dining to unwinding at the spa. Taking a helicopter tour is one of the most well-liked activities in Cape Town. Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and the nearby coastline are all beautifully visible from this scenic flight over the city.
Take a private wine tour in the Cape Winelands for another opulent experience. You can enjoy some of the finest wines in the world here while admiring the breathtaking vineyard scenery.
Consider spending the day being pampered at one of the city’s many luxurious spas for a more unwinding experience. With so many things to do, Cape Town is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway.
READ ALSO: Amazing Reasons To Visit Cape Town at least for once in the lifetime
6. Marrakech, Morroco
Marrakech is a bustling city in Morocco that has been attracting tourists for decades.
The Morroccan city has a rich cultural heritage, similar to Dubai, with stunning Islamic architecture, lovely mosques, and vibrant markets. It is a favorite destination for high-end tourists because it also has many opulent resorts and hotels.
Marrakech provides a wide range of activities to indulge in for those looking for a truly opulent experience. The options are endless, ranging from taking in a traditional Moroccan spa treatment to exploring the magnificent architecture of the city’s palaces and gardens.
Staying in a typical Moroccan riad is among the most opulent activities you can engage in while in Marrakech. These magnificent homes provide a tranquil oasis away from the bustle of the city and are typically found within the busy medina. After a long day of exploring, many riads offer opulent amenities like rooftop terraces, private pools, and spa services, making them the ideal place to unwind.
A traditional Moroccan spa treatment is a must for those who want to really relax. Hammams are traditional bathhouses in Morocco that offer a variety of treatments, such as scrubs that remove dead skin, massages, and steam baths. After a long day of exploring, these treatments are a great way to unwind and relax. They are meant to clean and refresh the body.
The cuisine in Marrakech is a feast for the senses, with everything from traditional tagines to fresh seafood. Visit one of the city’s rooftop restaurants for the most opulent dining experience possible. Here, you can enjoy delectable cuisine and breathtaking city views at the same time.
7. Paris, France
Paris is the epitome of luxury travel, with its beautiful buildings, world-class museums, high-end shops, and restaurants with Michelin stars.
With its posh theaters, bars, and clubs, Paris is renowned for its glitzy nightlife. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum are just a few of the city’s famous landmarks.
Paris, the City of Light, has no shortage of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. History and cultlovers can explore its many museums and art galleries, such as the famous Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see landmark, and its observation deck has some of the best views of the city. For a more relaxed experience, stroll through the picturesque Jardin des Tuileries or enjoy a picnic along the Seine River.
Foodies will love the city’s famous cuisine, which includes croissants, macarons, gourmet bistros, and restaurants with Michelin stars. Shopaholics can explore the designer stores on the Champs-Élysées or search the renowned Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market for vintage finds.
Whatever your interests, there are several activities in Paris that will make you fall in love with its elegance and beauty. Paris is also one of the worthy Dubai alternative destinations you will love.
8. London, United Kingdom
London is a global city that attracts millions of visitors each year. With top-notch theaters, galleries, and museums, it is renowned for its thriving cultural scene.
The city, which has a number of upscale boutiques and department stores, has a reputation for luxury shopping similar to that of Dubai.
London offers it all, from upscale shopping to luxurious spa services. Start by booking a room at one of the city’s top-rated luxury hotels, like the Savoy or the Mandarin Oriental, for a truly opulent experience.
You can then eat at some of the best restaurants in the city, like The Ritz or Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, which both have Michelin stars. You can attend a performance at the Royal Opera House or the London Coliseum for a more cultural experience.
If shopping is more your thing, you can head to Bond Street or Harrods for some high-end retail therapy. And if you need to unwind after a long day, you can book a luxurious spa treatment at the Bulgari Hotel or the Four Seasons.
The possibilities for luxurious things to do in London are endless, so why not treat yourself to a truly luxury experience?
READ ALSO: Reasons Why London Is Painfully Overrated
9. Windhoek, Namibia
The capital of Namibia is Windhoek, which is quickly becoming a popular place to visit.
Similar to Dubai, Windhoek has a selection of opulent hotels and resorts, as well as upscale eateries and shopping areas.
It also has a number of well-known landmarks, including the National Museum of Namibia, Heroes’ Acre, and Christ Church.
One of the most luxurious things to do in Windhoek is visit the famous Hotel Heinitzburg. This classic hotel is a great mix of new and old architecture, and it has a fancy restaurant with a great view of the city.
A spa treatment at one of the city’s high-end spas, like the Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge Spa, is also luxurious thing to do. These spas offer a wide range of services, from massages to body wraps, in a calm, peaceful setting.
Lastly, a ride in a hot air balloon is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Windhoek’s beautiful scenery from above. These are just a few of the many luxurious activities in Windhoek that will pamper and revitalise you.
READ ALSO: 14 Reasons Everyone Should Visit Windhoek at Least Once
10. Muscat, Oman
The capital city of Oman, Muscat is famous for its beautiful Islamic architecture, clean beaches, and high-end resorts.
Muscat has a selection of upscale restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels, similar to Dubai.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House Muscat, and the Bait Al Zubair Museum are just a few of the notable cultural attractions there.
There are many luxurious things to do in the city that will leave visitors in awe. Muscat has everything you could want, from spa treatments to seeing the beauty of nature.
Muscat’s best attraction is a private boat trip of the Gulf of Oman’s pristine seas. Al Bustan Palace and the Chedi Muscat are among the city’s most luxurious hotels, where tourists may unwind and recharge.
The city offers thrilling adventures like hot air balloon rides over the magnificent Hajar Mountains or paragliding for thrill-seekers. The Royal Opera House, which offers visitors top-notch performances in a luxurious setting, is another must-see location in Muscat.
Muscat has something for everyone who wants a luxurious experience. Whether you want to eat at a fancy restaurant or shop for traditional Omani goods in the souks, the city has it all.
There are many Dubai alternative destinations that provide one-of-a-kind experiences and sights. Despite the fact that Dubai is well-known for its contemporary architecture, opulent shopping, and luxurious attractions,
These Dubai alternative destinations are unique in their charm, personality, and attractions, making them exciting places for tourists looking for new experiences and diverse cultures.
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